Jan
Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs 100% offline on your computer
Founded
2023
Starting Price
\u00240
Category
AI Chatbots & Agents
Last updated March 8, 2026
About Jan
Jan is a free, open-source AI chat application that lets you run large language models locally on your desktop. It supports offline AI conversations with complete data privacy, while also offering cloud model integrations with GPT-4, Claude, and other providers through a single unified interface.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Complete data privacy with fully offline local AI processing
- Free and open source under AGPLv3 license with no API costs for local models
- Polished and intuitive UI accessible to non-technical users
- Seamlessly switch between local and cloud models in one interface
- OpenAI-compatible local API server for developer integrations
Key Features
100% Offline AI Chat
Run LLMs entirely on your local machine with no internet required after model download
Multi-Model Support
Download and run models like Llama 3, Qwen 3, Mistral, and more from HuggingFace
Cloud Model Integration
Connect to OpenAI GPT-4, Anthropic Claude, Groq, and other cloud AI providers
OpenAI-Compatible Local API
One-click local API server compatible with OpenAI's API format for developer integrations
Cross-Platform Desktop App
Native applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux with polished, intuitive UI
Extension System
VSCode-like extension architecture for adding custom functionality and integrations
Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Support for agentic capabilities through Model Context Protocol integration
Pricing
Free
\u00240
- Local AI models
- Offline chat
- OpenAI-compatible API
- Community support
- All desktop platforms
Best For
Private AI Conversations
Use AI chat without sending any data to external servers, ideal for handling sensitive business or personal information
Local AI Development
Set up a local OpenAI-compatible API server for testing and developing AI-powered applications without cloud costs
Offline AI Access
Run AI assistants in air-gapped environments or locations without reliable internet connectivity
Enterprise Private AI
Deploy private AI infrastructure on-premise using Jan Server for organization-wide secure AI access
