Compare software

Elk vs Whalebird: catalog facts
Elk	Whalebird
Free Free to use and open source.	Free Free software with no advertising, supported by GitHub Sponsors donations.
Web	Windows, macOS, Linux
Nothing to install, runs in any modern browser Works with an account on an existing Mastodon server	Works with Mastodon, Pleroma, Friendica, Firefish, GoToSocial and Pixelfed Multiple accounts with streaming timelines
Mastodon focused rather than covering every fediverse platform Requires a Mastodon account	Single-column layout only; multi-column needs the separate Fedistar app Desktop only, with no mobile version
Web application	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Needs internet	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

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