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ChatGPT vs Open WebUI

ChatGPT: OpenAI's all-round assistant for writing, analysis, images and voice. Open WebUI: A self-hosted, open-source chat interface for local and cloud AI models. 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.

Open WebUI

Best for: Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.

Stands out for: Free and open source; Highly customisable.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of ChatGPT, Open WebUI
ChatGPT
Visit chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab)
Open WebUI
Visit openwebui.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isOpenAI's all-round assistant for writing, analysis, images and voice.A self-hosted, open-source chat interface for local and cloud AI models.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Open source
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Chatbots & AssistantsAI Chatbots & Assistants
Editor rank#1 in category#13 in category
Made byOpenAI—
Best forAnyone who wants one assistant for everyday writing, research and brainstorming.Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.
Key features
  • Chat, voice and image generation in one app
  • Reads uploaded files, PDFs and spreadsheets
  • Custom GPTs and project folders for repeat work
  • Works with local and API models
  • Document upload and retrieval
  • Multi-user accounts and roles
  • Plugin and tool support
Pros
  • Handles a very wide range of tasks
  • Apps on most devices
  • Generous free tier
  • Free and open source
  • Highly customisable
Cons
  • Can state wrong facts confidently
  • Best models and higher limits need a paid plan
  • Needs some technical setup to host
Use it to
  • Draft emails, essays and reports from a short brief
  • Analyse an uploaded spreadsheet or PDF
  • Talk through a problem using voice mode
  • Give your team a private chat app on your own server
  • Chat with internal documents
  • Switch between several models in one place
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac
Linux
API

ChatGPT vs Open WebUI: questions

Is ChatGPT better than Open WebUI?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank ChatGPT slightly higher overall in AI Chatbots & Assistants, but Open WebUI can be the better fit: Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal.

Which is free, ChatGPT or Open WebUI?

Both can be used without paying: ChatGPT is free + paid and Open WebUI is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use ChatGPT and Open WebUI together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example draft emails, essays and reports from a short brief with ChatGPT, and give your team a private chat app on your own server with Open WebUI.

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