By the TraceMind team
TraceMind vs SurfMind
AI history manager using embeddings and FAISS for semantic search; currently free/experimental.
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/surfmind-ai-powered-brows/ladckalplikfcplbihpgfnlkonnpehkj
Verdict: choose TraceMind if you want on-device core indexing and search with screenshot recall and analytics; choose SurfMind if you want to experiment with an early FAISS-based tool and accept possible server processing.
Best for
- →Local core processing and offline core search: TraceMind
- →Trying an experimental FAISS-based approach: SurfMind
- →Visual recall via screenshots and analytics: TraceMind
TL;DR
SurfMind experiments with FAISS-based search but can rely on server processing. Core capture, indexing, storage, search, screenshots, and analytics run locally on your device. Optional Pro Chat sends your question, prior turns in the current chat, and selected matching excerpts, titles, and URLs directly to the AI provider you choose with your own API key. TraceMind does not proxy or store those requests. TraceMind also provides richer filters and analytics.
What is SurfMind?
SurfMind is an AI history extension that uses embeddings/FAISS to search browsing sessions.
It is early-stage and may send queries to servers for processing; feature set is still evolving.
What is TraceMind?
TraceMind indexes supported pages it can access and capture. Excluded domains, unsupported browser pages, private browsing, and failed captures are not guaranteed.
Core capture, indexing, storage, search, screenshots, and analytics run locally on your device. Optional Pro Chat sends your question, prior turns in the current chat, and selected matching excerpts, titles, and URLs directly to the AI provider you choose with your own API key. TraceMind does not proxy or store those requests.
Privacy & Data Storage
| Aspect | TraceMind | Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where your data lives | Core history search stays on your device; optional Pro Chat uses your chosen AI provider. | May call servers for search | TraceMind |
| Encryption | Optional Pro passphrase (AES-256-GCM) at rest | Not disclosed | TraceMind |
| Offline | Yes | Limited | TraceMind |
| Account | No | Varies | TraceMind |
Search Capabilities
| Aspect | TraceMind | Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search type | AI semantic + keyword | AI embeddings | Tie |
| Visual recall | Screenshots | None | TraceMind |
| Filters | Date, domain, exclusions, similarity | Basic | TraceMind |
| Analytics | Dashboard | None | TraceMind |
Features & Controls
| Aspect | TraceMind | Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free + $5/mo Pro | Free (beta) | TraceMind |
| Reliability | Offline-safe, local | Dependent on servers | TraceMind |
| Screenshots | Yes | No | TraceMind |
| Similarity control | Slider + exclusions | Not available | TraceMind |
Pricing
| Plan | TraceMind | SurfMind |
|---|---|---|
| Free | No TraceMind page cap; captured history defaults to keep forever and can be shortened. Browser and device storage capacity still applies. | Free beta |
| Paid | $5/mo or $50/yr | N/A |
Integrations
SurfMind focuses on search; no major integrations. TraceMind similarly focuses on browsing recall but adds screenshots and analytics.
Ease of Use
Both are simple to install; TraceMind offers clearer privacy controls and stable offline behavior.
Which should you choose?
Choose TraceMind if you…
- ✓You want local core indexing and search
- ✓You rely on visual recall and analytics
- ✓You need exclusion controls and retention settings
Choose SurfMind if you…
- •You want to try an experimental FAISS-based tool
- •You are comfortable with potential server processing
Verdict
TraceMind is the safer pick for privacy and reliability. SurfMind is interesting for experimentation but lacks screenshots and analytics today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SurfMind run locally?
It uses FAISS but may call servers for queries. Core capture, indexing, storage, search, screenshots, and analytics run locally on your device. Optional Pro Chat sends your question, prior turns in the current chat, and selected matching excerpts, titles, and URLs directly to the AI provider you choose with your own API key. TraceMind does not proxy or store those requests.
Which is better offline?
TraceMind. It is built to work offline; SurfMind can depend on connectivity.
Do either support screenshots?
TraceMind automatically saves page screenshots; SurfMind does not.
Explore other comparisons
🎯 Direct browser history/memory tool
🖥️ OS-level recall tool
📚 Adjacent (bookmarking/PKM)
Try the option that stays on your device
Free includes core AI search. No TraceMind page cap; browser and device storage capacity still applies. No account is needed for Free.
Install TraceMind free