JanOpen-source, offline ChatGPT alternative that runs AI models locally on your machine.

4.5 (4)

Reviewed by Daniel Nikulshyn·Updated July 2026

Open Source Local AI Privacy Desktop App LLM Developer Tools Cross-Platform Self-Hosted

Overview

Jan is an open-source desktop application that lets you run large language models directly on your own computer, offering a private alternative to cloud-based chatbots. It supports a range of open models and can also connect to remote APIs when needed, giving users flexibility without locking them into a single provider. Built with privacy in mind, Jan keeps conversations and data on-device by default. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and includes a local API server so developers can integrate models into their own workflows or apps. The project is community-driven and fully open source, making it a practical option for users who want transparency, customization, and control over how their AI assistant behaves.

Key features

On-device LLM inference
Model library with one-click downloads
OpenAI-compatible local API
Chat interface with conversation history
Extensions and customization support
Windows, macOS, and Linux builds

Pricing

Model: Freemium
Category: Large Language Models (LLMs)
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (4)

Use cases

Private offline AI chat

Chat with large language models entirely on your own machine, keeping sensitive conversations and data off the cloud.

Local API for app development

Use Jan's OpenAI-compatible local API server to integrate on-device LLMs into custom apps, scripts, or internal workflows.

Experiment with open models

Download and switch between multiple open-source models via the built-in library to compare performance and capabilities.

Flexible hybrid AI workflows

Run models locally by default and optionally connect to remote APIs, avoiding lock-in to a single AI provider.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Fully local execution keeps data private
Free and open source
Cross-platform desktop app
Supports multiple open models and remote APIs
Built-in local API server for developers

Cons

Performance depends on local hardware
Setup can be technical for non-developers
Smaller model ecosystem than proprietary tools

Reviews

4.5

Average from 4 ratings.

Victor Nguyen

May 23, 2026

Compared a few options

Evaluated this against two competitors. Where it wins: windows, macOS, and Linux builds and cross-platform desktop app. Where it lags: smaller model ecosystem than proprietary tools. On balance the feature set — especially chat interface with conversation history — justifies the 4 stars for our use case.

Mei-Ling Wong

Jan 1, 2026

Years in this space

I've evaluated a lot of these over the years. What stands out here is on-device LLM inference — handled better than most — and built-in local API server for developers. Performance depends on local hardware is my one real gripe. Worth the time if this is your use case.

Leila Hassan

Nov 3, 2025

Does the job

Pretty happy overall. Chat interface with conversation history just works and fully local execution keeps data private. but no dealbreakers — I'd recommend it to a friend without hesitating.

Wei Chen

Jul 16, 2025

Does the job

Pretty happy overall. Extensions and customization support just works and supports multiple open models and remote APIs. but no dealbreakers — I'd recommend it to a friend without hesitating.