Jan: Complete Guide 2026
Everything about Jan - the open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs 100% offline. Features, extensions, and comparison with LM Studio.
Jan
Beautiful, open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs 100% offline on your computer.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free |
| License | AGPLv3 |
| Best For | Privacy, beautiful UI |
| Platform | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Backend | llama.cpp |
| Founded | 2023 |
What is Jan?
Jan is an open-source desktop application that provides a ChatGPT-like experience with local models. It emphasizes privacy—nothing leaves your computer—while delivering a polished, modern interface.
What sets Jan apart is its design and extensibility. The interface feels native and modern, with conversation management, model switching, and customization options. The extension system allows adding features without modifying the core.
Key Features
- Offline First - Everything runs locally, no internet needed
- Beautiful UI - Modern, native desktop experience
- OpenAI-Compatible - API server for app integration
- Model Hub - Download models directly in-app
- Extensions - Extend functionality with plugins
- Multi-Platform - Mac, Windows, Linux
- Conversation Management - Organize and search chats
- Custom Assistants - Create specialized personas
Installation
- Download from jan.ai
- Install and launch
- Download a model from the Hub
- Start chatting
Supported Models
Jan supports any GGUF model, including:
- Llama 4 variants
- Mistral models
- Qwen 3
- DeepSeek
- Gemma 3
- Custom fine-tunes
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Beautiful, polished UI
- Completely open-source
- Strong privacy focus
- Extension ecosystem
- Active development
Cons:
- AGPLv3 license (restrictions for commercial use)
- Smaller model library than Ollama
- Extensions still maturing
- Larger app size
Alternatives
FAQ
Is Jan free? Yes, Jan is free and open-source under AGPLv3.
Jan vs LM Studio? Both are GUI apps for local LLMs. Jan is open-source with extensions; LM Studio is proprietary but more established.
Can I use Jan offline? Yes, after downloading models, Jan works completely offline.
What about cloud models? Jan can also connect to cloud APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic) if you provide keys, but local is the focus.
Last verified: 2026-03-04