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

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