Compare software

Elk vs Fedistar: catalog facts
Elk	Fedistar
Free Free to use and open source.	Free Free software with no advertising, supported by donations through GitHub Sponsors.
Web	macOS
Nothing to install, runs in any modern browser Works with an account on an existing Mastodon server	Multi-column layout for following several timelines Works with Mastodon, Pleroma, Friendica, Firefish, GoToSocial and Pixelfed
Mastodon focused rather than covering every fediverse platform Requires a Mastodon account	Desktop only, with no mobile app Multi-column layout needs a wide screen to be useful
Web application	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.