What is Jan?
An open-source, offline ChatGPT alternative that runs AI models locally on your computer. Jan is a friendly desktop app (Windows, Mac, Linux) that downloads open models and keeps every conversation 100% private — no account, no cloud.
Jan sits in the code category and is listed in the AIverse AI tools directory, where it holds an editorial rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on its capabilities, usability, value for money and reliability. It is developed by Menlo Research, founded in 2023.
Jan features and use cases
People typically use Jan for Private offline AI chat, ChatGPT alternative, Local model experimentation and Sensitive/confidential work.
It is often associated with Open Source, Local LLM, Privacy and Desktop. Developers can integrate Jan into their own products through its API.
Jan pricing
Jan is completely free (Free / Open Source). You can use it without a subscription.
As with any AI tool, the right plan depends on how heavily you use it. We recommend trying Jan before committing to a paid plan.
Is Jan worth it? Our bottom line
Overall, Jan is a strong choice in the code category for 2026. Its standout strengths include Offline, 100% private AI chat and Friendly desktop app (no CLI). Bear in mind Needs decent hardware for big models and Fewer features than cloud ChatGPT. If it matches your workflow, Jan is well worth a try — especially since you can start for free.