# Show HN: Histiq – Local semantic search for the browser history and PDFs

> Source: <https://histiq.com/>
> Published: 2026-08-23 12:30:21+00:00

[100% local · no cloud · no tracking · PDF search →](#how)

#
You've read thousands of pages.

Now you can ask them.

**Histiq** is an **AI browser history search** extension for
**Chrome and Edge** — it indexes the
**web pages and PDFs** you read and lets you find them by meaning, not keywords.
**100% local on your device. No cloud, no account, no tracking.**

## Browser history is broken — and it costs you every day.

You already read it. You already spent the time. **Histiq makes sure that work never gets lost.**

## Browser history search, finally done right.

### Exact words, or just the meaning

Remember the exact phrase? You get an instant match. Don't? Histiq searches by meaning instead — *"article about startup fundraising from YC"* finds it even when you can't recall the title, the URL, or the exact words on the page.

### Fully local & private

Your history never leaves your device. Embeddings and search run entirely in-browser — verified in DevTools.

### Indexes the whole page

Histiq silently indexes the full text of every page you visit — even collapsed FAQs, tabs, and "read more" sections most tools skip. No manual work, it just runs in the background.

### Lightning-fast results

Search through thousands of pages in under 50ms. Local vector index, zero network round-trips.

### Chrome & Edge

Works on both, from a single install. Your full reading history in one searchable place.

### PDF text-layer indexing

Open any PDF in the browser — Histiq extracts and indexes its text layer automatically. Search research papers, contracts, and reports by meaning, not filename.

### Privacy controls you actually own

Exclude domains, mask sensitive URLs, set retention windows. Everything stays on your device — auditable in DevTools anytime.

## vs. the alternatives.

| Histiq | Chrome history | Rewind.ai | Browser bookmarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Search by meaning | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Sub-50ms search latency | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| 100% local, no cloud | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
Indexes page content, not just titles |
✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Works across browsers | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Indexes PDF content | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Encrypted local backup / restore | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Records your screen 24/7 | — No | — No | Yes | — No |
| Price | From $4.17/mo |
Free | $19/mo | Free |

## How browser history search works in 3 steps.

### Install the extension

One click from the Chrome Web Store — also installs in Edge. No account needed.

### Browse normally

Histiq runs silently. Every page you visit is indexed locally on your device.

### Search and ask

Click the Histiq icon, or hit `Ctrl`+` Shift`+` H` anytime to search by meaning.

## Your data never leaves your device.

Not even for billing.

- ✓ All embeddings and search run locally
- ✓ History and PDF index stored in your browser's IndexedDB
- ✓ No account, no login, no email required
- ✓ Open to audit — extension code is inspectable
- ✓ Export your full index as an AES-256 encrypted vault anytime
- ✓ Payments via secure third-party processor — we never see your card

"The only browser history tool I trust — because it technically— HN user, Show HN threadcan'tsend my data anywhere."

## Free for 14 days.

Starts when you install.

The trial runs inside the extension — no signup, no card needed.

Use Histiq fully for 14 days, then pick a plan if you want to keep it.

- ✓ Unlimited semantic search
- ✓ Unlimited indexed pages
- ✓ Sub-50ms search latency
- ✓ Chrome & Edge
- ✓ Custom domain & URL filters
- ✓ PDF text-layer indexing
- ✓ 100% local · no cloud

[Subscribe now](https://buy.polar.sh/polar_cl_qeG7qJYexBGYhAgOHNcMbGyMgBz79zIs3m2gq09ebVX)

[Or start free 14-day trial](#install)

- ✓ Everything in Monthly
- ✓ Unlimited semantic search
- ✓ Unlimited indexed pages
- ✓ PDF text-layer indexing
- ✓ Priority support
- ✓ Save 40% vs monthly

[Subscribe now](https://buy.polar.sh/polar_cl_6Gpu7I2pwYDKgz6qHgO4R5H2IGJxW9fp8fEG32BwOOM)

[Or start free 14-day trial](#install)

Most users save 40% with the annual plan.

- ✓ Everything in Annual
- ✓ PDF text-layer indexing
- ✓
**Lifetime updates** included - ✓ No recurring billing — ever
- ✓ Transferable across browsers
- ✓ Priority support

[Get lifetime access](https://buy.polar.sh/polar_cl_3Olw1H03Kl2QijsqDsRYnji1xcVrh1B6WeUwS2zZPEn)

[Or start free 14-day trial](#install)

Best value for power users. 30-day money-back guarantee.

After trial: history is **frozen, not deleted**. Pay to unfreeze instantly. Data preserved for 30 days.