Sign in Submit site

Jan

github.com/menloresearch/jan Linux & Mac Apps Open-source project

Jan provides an open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs offline on a computer.

Visit Jan 24 alternatives
github.com/menloresearch/jan
Jan homepage screenshot

About Jan

Jan is a desktop application that lets users download and run open-source large language models (LLMs) on their own computer. The homepage describes it as an open source alternative to ChatGPT that runs offline. It also includes optional connections to cloud model providers, so it can be used with hosted models as well as local ones.

The application includes local model management, custom assistants, a local OpenAI-compatible API server, and Model Context Protocol support. Installers are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Hardware needs depend on model size: the homepage gives memory guidance of 8GB RAM for 3B models, 16GB for 7B, and 32GB for 13B on macOS. Building from source on Windows requires several separate tools and Git Bash. Pricing is not stated in the source.

Key features

  • Downloads and runs local LLMs such as Llama, Gemma, and Qwen from Hugging Face
  • Connects to cloud models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, Groq, and other providers
  • Creates custom AI assistants for specific tasks
  • Provides a local OpenAI-compatible API server at localhost:1337
  • Supports Model Context Protocol integration for agentic capabilities
  • Builds from source using make targets for development, build, test, and clean
Best for: Users who want to run open-source language models locally on their own computer and have hardware that meets the stated memory guidance.
Good for
  • Runs locally when the user chooses, according to the homepage's privacy statement
  • Offers installers for Windows, macOS, and Linux, including deb and AppImage packages
  • Exposes a local API that other applications can use
Watch out for
  • Local models need substantial RAM, with stated minimums of 8GB for 3B models and 32GB for 13B models on macOS
  • Cloud integrations connect to external providers, so those requests leave the local machine
  • Building from source on Windows requires Visual Studio Build Tools, LLVM, Ninja, CMake, and Git Bash

Jan at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Open source
Not stated
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026
linuxpythonself hosted

Jan alternatives

Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.

All 24 alternatives

Popular in Linux & Mac Apps

Well-known listings from the same topic.

All 196
Browshbrow.shcalcursecalcurse.orgBibDeskbibdesk.sourceforge.ioCommandlineFUcommandlinefu.comBashlybashly.devzshzsh.org
Related topicsLinux AppsSystem UtilitiesMedia Players & ServersBrowser ExtensionsFile UtilitiesDesktop CustomizationText EditorsMac Apps

Jan FAQ

What hardware does Jan require?
The homepage lists macOS 13.6 or later, Windows 10 or later with GPU support for NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel Arc, and most Linux distributions with optional GPU acceleration. Memory guidance on macOS is 8GB for 3B models, 16GB for 7B, and 32GB for 13B.
Does Jan need an internet connection?
The homepage describes Jan as running 100% offline on your computer. Connecting to cloud providers such as OpenAI or Anthropic requires an internet connection and sends requests to those services.
Where can users get help?
The homepage links to troubleshooting docs and a Discord help channel named #jan-help. It suggests copying error logs and system specs when asking for help.
Is something wrong or out of date?

Tell us and an editor will check it.

Own this website?

Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.

Claim this listing

Listing maintained by Chris McClure and the WebIndexly editors · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · How we rank