BotTools / Productivity
Jan
Free, open-source (Apache 2.0) desktop chat app that runs open models offline on your computer or connects to cloud models.
Free tierFree and open sourceProductivity
Jan at a glance
| Category | Productivity |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Free and open source |
| Free tier | Yes |
| Pricing checked | 2026-10-28 |
| Official site | jan.ai |
Good for
What Jan is used for
- Offline ChatGPT-style chat with open models running on your own computer.
- Plug in cloud models (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini and others) in the same app when you want them.
- Run a local API server so other apps can use your local models; MCP and web search are also supported.
Jan pricing and key facts
- Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license, made by Menlo Research.
- On a Mac, local models need Apple silicon (Intel Macs can't load local models) and macOS 13.6 or newer, plus at least 10GB of free storage.
- Jan's rough guide: 8GB of RAM runs about 3B-parameter models, 16GB about 7B and 32GB about 13B.
- Chats and settings are stored locally on your Mac, in ~/Library/Application Support/Jan/data.
From the official site, checked 2026-10-28: jan.ai, jan.ai/docs/desktop/install/mac, github.com/janhq/jan.
Jan FAQ
Is Jan free?
Yes. Jan is free and open source (Apache 2.0).
Does Jan work offline?
Yes, with open models downloaded to your computer. You can also connect online models if you choose.
How much RAM do I need for Jan on a Mac?
Jan's guide says about 8GB for 3B models, 16GB for 7B models and 32GB for 13B models, on an Apple silicon Mac.
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Pricing changes often; confirm on the official site before buying.