Jan
Open-source ChatGPT-style app that runs models locally on your device.
Quick facts
- Price model
- Open source
- Starting price
- Free
- Best for
- Private chat UI · Local model management · Open-source AI desktop
- Replaces
- ChatGPT Plus, Poe subscription
- Platforms
- MacWindowsLinux
- Last verified
- 2026-06-22
Why it's listed
Looks like the chat apps you're used to, without uploading every prompt to someone else's server.
Jan provides a familiar chat interface while keeping conversations on your machine. It supports multiple local backends and extensions for a privacy-first alternative to cloud AI subscriptions.
The catch
Jump to setup guide ↓Still hardware-limited; extension ecosystem is younger than cloud platforms.
How to set up Jan
ChatGPT-like desktop app that keeps conversations on your machine. Open source and familiar UI.
- Time
- 20–35 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Verified
- 2026-06-22
Before you start
- Mac, Windows, or Linux
- 16GB RAM recommended for local models
- Optional: Ollama or LM Studio already running for backends
Install Jan
Download from jan.ai. Install and launch, create a local profile; cloud signup is optional.
Choose a model backend
Settings → Model Providers: Jan's bundled local runner, or connect Ollama at localhost:11434 if installed.
Download a model in Jan
Hub → pick a small chat model → download. Wait for completion before first chat.
Run a real conversation
New thread → test summarization and rewriting. Compare speed vs cloud, adjust model size.
Optional, extensions
Browse Jan extensions for extras. Disable what you don't use, keep the stack simple month one.
Troubleshooting
- Cannot connect to Ollama
- Ensure ollama serve running and URL is http://127.0.0.1:11434.
- App hangs on generate
- Model too large, switch to 3B class model.
- Want team browser UI
- Open WebUI on a home server (see our Open WebUI guide).
Keep it working
- Update Jan periodically
- Export important threads if experimenting often
- Pair with BYOK for occasional cloud tasks
Official docs: jan.ai/docs
Good fit for
- Privacy advocates
- Students
- Off-grid workers
Not ideal for
- Teams needing shared cloud threads
Alternatives
LM Studio
Run local LLMs on your Mac or PC with a friendly desktop app. No API subscription required.
Replaces: ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro…
Open WebUI
Self-hosted web interface for chatting with local or BYOK-connected models.
Replaces: ChatGPT Team, Custom GPT enterprise tiers
Ollama
CLI and API for running open models locally with simple pull-and-run commands.
Replaces: OpenAI API for local tasks, Hosted LLM sandboxes
TypingMind
Premium front-end for your own API keys, better UX without another model subscription.
Replaces: ChatGPT Plus for power users, Poe