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Is Jan Worth It in 2026? Our Honest Verdict
Recommended
Jan: The best open-source local AI client.
Rating★ 0.0/5
Starting priceFree
Best forPrivacy-conscious users and developers w
CategoryDeveloper Tools
Who Jan Is Worth It For
- ✓Privacy-conscious users and developers wanting to run LLMs locally with zero cloud dependency.
- ✓100% offline, no cloud
- ✓Supports Llama/Mistral/Phi
- ✓Open source AGPL
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- ✕Not ideal for users without a capable gpu or those who need cloud-scale inference.
- ✕Requires capable hardware
- ✕Slower than cloud APIs
- ✕Smaller model selection than cloud
How Jan Compares
| Jan | Dify | AssemblyAI | Clerk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $59/mo | $0.37/hour | $25/mo |
| Rating | ★ 0.0 | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.9 | ★ 4.9 |
| Verdict | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
AICores Verdict on Jan
The best open-source local AI client. Download, run models, stay offline. Perfect for anyone who wants ChatGPT-quality without sending data to the cloud.
AICores Editorial Review
Reviewed by AICores Editorial Team
Last updated: May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jan worth the money?▼
The best open-source local AI client. Download, run models, stay offline. Perfect for anyone who wants ChatGPT-quality without sending data to the cloud.
Is there a free version of Jan?▼
No, Jan does not have a free version. The lowest plan starts at contact for pricing. Some alternatives in this category offer free tiers.
What are the best alternatives to Jan?▼
Dify, AssemblyAI, Clerk are the top alternatives. Dify is best for teams building llm-powered applications who want a visual development platform and has a 4.9 star rating.
Who should NOT use Jan?▼
Jan is not ideal for users without a capable gpu or those who need cloud-scale inference.. Common drawbacks include: Requires capable hardware. Slower than cloud APIs.