Poe vs Open WebUI
Poe: One app to chat with many AI models side by side. 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
Poe
Best for: Curious users who want to try different AI models without separate accounts.
Stands out for: Many models in one place; Apps on desktop and mobile.
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
| Visit poe.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit openwebui.com (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | One app to chat with many AI models side by side. | A self-hosted, open-source chat interface for local and cloud AI models. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Open source |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Chatbots & Assistants | AI Chatbots & Assistants |
| Editor rank | #10 in category | #13 in category |
| Made by | Quora | — |
| Best for | Curious users who want to try different AI models without separate accounts. | Technical teams who want their own private chatbot portal. |
| Key features |
|
|
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Use it to |
|
|
| Web app | ||
| iPhone & iPad | ||
| Android | ||
| Windows | ||
| Mac | ||
| Linux |
Poe vs Open WebUI: questions
Is Poe better than Open WebUI?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Poe 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, Poe or Open WebUI?
Both can be used without paying: Poe is free + paid and Open WebUI is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use Poe and Open WebUI together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example compare answers from different AI models with Poe, and give your team a private chat app on your own server with Open WebUI.