Standalone vs. Client Comparison
Compare Standalone and Client/Server modes to determine the best setup for your needs.
AniStream offers two distinct operational modes: Standalone (fully self-contained local desktop application) and Client/Server (centralized server with lightweight desktop clients).
Both modes share the same ad-free streaming interface and provider support, but they differ in how data, watch progress, and background tasks are managed.
Comparison Matrix
| Standalone Mode | Client & Server Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | ||
| Windows | ||
| Linux | ||
| macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon) | ||
| Android | (planned) | |
| iOS | (planned) | |
| Requirements | ||
| Storage Quota | min. 1.5GB each installation | min. 1.5GB on the server |
| App Requirements |
| |
| Setup time | Under 1 minute | 5–10 minutes |
| Setup difficult | Easy | Easy - Moderate |
| Other Requirements | Linux Server with Docker or CapRover | |
| Data | ||
| Storage engine | SQLite (local) | SQLite |
| Data location | Your computer only | Centralized on your server |
| Multi-device sync | ||
| Watch history survives reinstall | ||
| Accounts | ||
| User profiles | Multiple (local-only) | Multiple (shared) |
| Catalog & Background Work | ||
| Catalog scraping | Only while app is open | 24/7 background worker |
| Web dashboard | ||
| Maintenance | ||
| Updates | In-app, one click | Server + desktop app, separately |
| You maintain infrastructure | ||
| Best For | ||
| Ideal use case | Personal use on a single PC | Households, multi-PC setups, home servers |