Side by side
Cinestar vs DISKO
Both stand on ai video search tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2
Cinestar pairs local multimodal media search with an open-source core and an API for custom plugins. Using its AI services requires Ollama and downloading the listed models.
Visit Cinestar Free plan MacWeb
DISKO combines local footage organization with optional cloud syncing and review tools. Its Mac hardware requirement and the listed privacy exceptions are worth considering before choosing a workflow.
Visit DISKOThe facts
| Cinestar | DISKO | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Mac, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | DISKO Cloud Pro: $12 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cinestar.sourceforge.io | disko.media |
| On ai video search tools | #1 of 24 | #5 of 24 |
Cinestar: what it does well
- Natural-language searches return timecodes and thumbnails
- AI processing runs locally, according to the maker
- Open-source core is listed as free
- An open API supports custom plugins
What to know first
- Local AI services require Ollama
- Listed model downloads total about 2–4 GB
- Available for Linux and macOS
DISKO: what it does well
- AI tagging and transcription run on the Mac.
- Exports XML for Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
- Can index Google Drive clips without downloading originals.
- Cloud review includes timestamped comments and frame drawing.
- Free Cloud includes 2 GB.
What to know first
- Desktop app requires an Apple Silicon Mac with M1 or later.
- Cloud Free is limited to 2 GB.
- Future major versions of DISKO Local are paid upgrades.
- Some functions send data online or to a selected AI provider.
Alternatives to Cinestar Alternatives to DISKO The whole list

