Jan vs Private LLM
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Jan is completely free, while Private LLM is paid.
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
- 140+ local models
- Fully offline
- No login or tracking
- Per-device model recommendations
- Shortcuts support
- Family Sharing
| Feature | Jan | Private LLM |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline | Run open AI models offline on iPhone, iPad and Mac |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | No |
| Made by | Menlo Research | Private LLM |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Jan is completely free, while Private LLM is paid.
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
Private LLM
- Works fully offline
- One purchase, no subscription
- Covers iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Apple devices only
- Model size limited by device memory
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 Private LLM if you want:
- Works fully offline
- One purchase, no subscription
- Covers iPhone, iPad and Mac
Watch out: apple devices only.
Jan vs Private LLM FAQ
What is the difference between Jan and Private LLM?
Jan: Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline. Private LLM: Run open AI models offline on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Both are models & apis tools.
Is Jan or Private LLM cheaper?
Jan is completely free, while Private LLM is paid.
Do Jan and Private LLM have free plans?
Jan: Yes, fully free. Private LLM: No.
Who makes Jan?
Jan is made by Menlo Research.
Who makes Private LLM?
Private LLM is made by Private LLM.
Which should I choose, Jan or Private LLM?
Choose Jan if you value fully offline and private and free and open source. Choose Private LLM if you value works fully offline and one purchase, no subscription.