Jan vs Pinokio
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Jan starts at Free and Pinokio 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
- One-click install of AI apps
- Community app directory
- In-app updates
- Runs models locally
- Script publishing for developers
| Feature | Jan | Pinokio |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline | One-click installer and launcher for open-source AI apps |
| 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 | cocktailpeanut |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Jan starts at Free and Pinokio 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
Pinokio
- Free to use
- No command line needed
- Large catalogue of local AI tools
- Community scripts vary in quality
- Needs a capable GPU for many apps
- Local installs use a lot of disk space
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 Pinokio if you want:
- Free to use
- No command line needed
- Large catalogue of local AI tools
Watch out: community scripts vary in quality.
Jan vs Pinokio FAQ
What is the difference between Jan and Pinokio?
Jan: Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline. Pinokio: One-click installer and launcher for open-source AI apps. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Jan or Pinokio cheaper?
Jan starts at Free and Pinokio starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Jan and Pinokio have free plans?
Jan: Yes, fully free. Pinokio: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Jan?
Jan is made by Menlo Research.
Who makes Pinokio?
Pinokio is made by cocktailpeanut.
Which should I choose, Jan or Pinokio?
Choose Jan if you value fully offline and private and free and open source. Choose Pinokio if you value free to use and no command line needed.