kitio.aiJan vs KoboldCpp
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Jan starts at Free and KoboldCpp starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Offline model runs
- Local API server
- MCP tools
- Cloud API connections
- No account needed
- Single executable
- Story and chat modes
- World info and memory
- Image and speech features
- Compatible APIs
| Feature | Jan | KoboldCpp |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline | Single-file local LLM runner with a storytelling web interface |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Menlo Research | LostRuins |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Jan starts at Free and KoboldCpp starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Jan
- Fully offline and private
- Free and open source
- Clean interface
- Fewer features than LM Studio
- Updates can change settings
- Needs decent hardware
KoboldCpp
- No install needed
- Great for creative writing
- Works with SillyTavern
- Dated interface
- Fewer production features
- Mostly community support
Which one should you choose?
Choose Jan if you want:
- Fully offline and private
- Free and open source
- Clean interface
Watch out: fewer features than lm studio.
Choose KoboldCpp if you want:
- No install needed
- Great for creative writing
- Works with SillyTavern
Watch out: dated interface.
Jan vs KoboldCpp FAQ
What is the difference between Jan and KoboldCpp?
Jan: Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline. KoboldCpp: Single-file local LLM runner with a storytelling web interface. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Jan or KoboldCpp cheaper?
Jan starts at Free and KoboldCpp starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Jan and KoboldCpp have free plans?
Jan: Yes, fully free. KoboldCpp: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Jan?
Jan is made by Menlo Research.
Who makes KoboldCpp?
KoboldCpp is made by LostRuins.
Which should I choose, Jan or KoboldCpp?
Choose Jan if you value fully offline and private and free and open source. Choose KoboldCpp if you value no install needed and great for creative writing.