Jan is an open source alternative to ChatGPT that runs entirely on your machine. It lets you run AI models locally (Llama 3, Gemma 3, Mistral…) without sending your data to remote servers. Jan includes an OpenAI-compatible API server, MCP integration for agentic capabilities, and its own models like Jan-v2 (multimodal). Available on Windows, Mac and Linux, Jan is the ideal solution for those who prioritize data privacy and sovereignty.
What is Jan?
The essentials
Jan is an open source desktop application that lets you run language models directly on your machine. It relies on open source models like Llama 3, Gemma 3, Mistral, and others in GGUF format. Jan also includes its own models like Jan-v2 (multimodal with vision) and Jan-v1 (with web search). The application is available free on GitHub.
Key features
Jan offers a set of features designed for privacy and flexibility. The chat interface is intuitive and resembles ChatGPT’s. A VS Code-style extension system allows you to add features. The local OpenAI-compatible API server lets you integrate Jan with other tools. Support for NVIDIA GPUs and Apple M-series processors accelerates local model inference. MCP integration adds advanced agentic capabilities.
Use cases
Jan is ideal for professionals handling sensitive data: lawyers, doctors, consultants, researchers. It’s also great for developers wanting a local AI server for their projects, enterprises with strict compliance constraints, and enthusiasts wanting to experiment with open source models without relying on a subscription.
Advantages
Jan’s main advantage is absolute privacy guarantee: no data leaves your machine. The absence of subscription eliminates recurring costs. OpenAI API compatibility simplifies integration into existing ecosystems. GPU support optimizes performance for users with the right hardware.
Pricing
Jan is completely free and open source. No paid plan is required to access core features. An optional 100% offline voice dictation feature is available for $24 as a one-time payment on Mac. Open source models are downloadable for free.
Conclusion
Jan is the reference solution for users who want the power of generative AI without compromising on privacy. Its open source and 100% local approach makes it a unique and valuable tool in the AI assistant ecosystem.