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Qwen Chat vs Jan

Qwen Chat: Alibaba's free assistant for chat, coding, image creation and document questions. 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

Qwen Chat

Best for: Anyone who wants a capable free chatbot with a choice of models.

Stands out for: Generous free use; Strong at coding and maths.

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

Comparison of Qwen Chat, Jan
Visit chat.qwen.ai (opens in a new tab)Visit jan.ai (opens in a new tab)
What it isAlibaba's free assistant for chat, coding, image creation and document questions.An open-source desktop app for running AI chat models fully offline on your computer.
Pricing
Free
Open source
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Chatbots & AssistantsAI Chatbots & Assistants
Editor rank#12 in category#15 in category
Made byAlibaba CloudMenlo Research
Best forAnyone who wants a capable free chatbot with a choice of models.People who want a private, offline ChatGPT-style app.
Key features
  • Choice of several Qwen models
  • File and image understanding
  • Thinking mode for harder problems
  • Web search inside the chat
  • Runs open models offline
  • Optional cloud model connections
  • Local API server for other apps
Pros
  • Generous free use
  • Strong at coding and maths
  • Free and open source
  • Keeps data on your device
Cons
  • Feature set changes often as new models ship
  • Speed depends on your computer's hardware
Use it to
  • Summarise a long PDF in a few bullet points
  • Get help fixing a bug in a script
  • Brainstorm names for a new product
  • Chat with a model without an internet connection
  • Test different open models side by side
  • Serve a local model to your own scripts
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac
Linux

Qwen Chat vs Jan: questions

Is Qwen Chat better than Jan?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Qwen Chat 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, Qwen Chat or Jan?

Both can be used without paying: Qwen Chat is free and Jan is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Qwen Chat and Jan together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example summarise a long PDF in a few bullet points with Qwen Chat, and chat with a model without an internet connection with Jan.

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