Jan

What Jan helps you do

Jan is an open-source desktop assistant that can run downloaded models locally or connect to online providers. It suits people who want local text conversations with explicit control over model choice.

Best for: Offline desktop conversations with local models.

A small task to try

1. Install a supported desktop release from the official project
2. Download a compatible local model
3. Summarize a fictional note in three bullets
4. Repeat without a network connection and verify no remote provider is selected

Illustrative input: Summarize: the team approved the green logo; the font is undecided; review is Thursday.

Illustrative expected result: Logo approved, font undecided, review Thursday; no invented decision about typography. This is an editorial example, not a recorded vendor test. Check it against your original material before using it.

Access and buying guidance

The desktop application is free and open source. Paid provider API calls and computer hardware are separate. Features labelled coming soon on the website are not included here.

Offline quality and speed depend on the model and hardware. Start with the smallest useful task; keep the original input and compare the result before committing to a larger workflow.

Alternatives for a different workflow

HuggingChat: avoid downloading models. Mistral Vibe: use a repository-oriented coding agent.

Sources and review

Reviewed 9 October 2026 against official product documentation and official pricing / access terms. Feature access and prices can change; the linked provider terms govern your account.