ChatGPT vs Jan
ChatGPT: OpenAI's all-round assistant for writing, analysis, images and voice. Jan: An open-source desktop app for running AI chat models fully offline on your computer. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.
Quick verdict
ChatGPT
Best for: Anyone who wants one assistant for everyday writing, research and brainstorming.
Stands out for: Handles a very wide range of tasks; Apps on most devices.
Jan
Best for: People who want a private, offline ChatGPT-style app.
Stands out for: Free and open source; Keeps data on your device.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit jan.ai (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | OpenAI's all-round assistant for writing, analysis, images and voice. | An open-source desktop app for running AI chat models fully offline on your computer. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Open source |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Chatbots & Assistants | AI Chatbots & Assistants |
| Editor rank | #1 in category | #15 in category |
| Made by | OpenAI | Menlo Research |
| Best for | Anyone who wants one assistant for everyday writing, research and brainstorming. | People who want a private, offline ChatGPT-style app. |
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ChatGPT vs Jan: questions
Is ChatGPT better than Jan?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank ChatGPT slightly higher overall in AI Chatbots & Assistants, but Jan can be the better fit: People who want a private, offline ChatGPT-style app.
Which is free, ChatGPT or Jan?
Both can be used without paying: ChatGPT is free + paid and Jan is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use ChatGPT and Jan together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example draft emails, essays and reports from a short brief with ChatGPT, and chat with a model without an internet connection with Jan.