kitio.aiLM Studio vs Jan
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Jan is completely free, while LM Studio is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Model search and download
- Local chat
- OpenAI-compatible server
- MLX support
- MCP tools
- Offline model runs
- Local API server
- MCP tools
- Cloud API connections
- No account needed
| Feature | LM Studio | Jan |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Desktop app for finding, downloading and running local models | Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline |
| Category | Models & APIs | Models & APIs |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $20/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Element Labs | Menlo Research |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: MCP tools.
Pricing compared
Jan is completely free, while LM Studio is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- Run local LLMs via llama.cpp and MLX
- Offline voice transcription
- LM Link for up to 5 devices
- Limited web search
Bionic+
$20/mo
- US-hosted open source models
- Discounted bulk tokens
- Web search and page extraction
Pro
$100/mo
- 5x Bionic+ usage limits
- Early access to new features
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
LM Studio
- No terminal needed
- Free for work use
- Strong Apple Silicon support
- Desktop app is closed source
- Heavy on RAM
- Fewer server features than vLLM
Jan
- Fully offline and private
- Free and open source
- Clean interface
- Fewer features than LM Studio
- Updates can change settings
- Needs decent hardware
Which one should you choose?
Choose LM Studio if you want:
- No terminal needed
- Free for work use
- Strong Apple Silicon support
Watch out: desktop app is closed source.
Choose Jan if you want:
- Fully offline and private
- Free and open source
- Clean interface
Watch out: fewer features than lm studio.
LM Studio vs Jan FAQ
What is the difference between LM Studio and Jan?
LM Studio: Desktop app for finding, downloading and running local models. Jan: Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs models fully offline. Both are models & apis tools.
Is LM Studio or Jan cheaper?
Jan is completely free, while LM Studio is freemium.
Do LM Studio and Jan have free plans?
LM Studio: Yes. Jan: Yes, fully free.
Who makes LM Studio?
LM Studio is made by Element Labs, based in United States.
Who makes Jan?
Jan is made by Menlo Research.
Which should I choose, LM Studio or Jan?
Choose LM Studio if you value no terminal needed and free for work use. Choose Jan if you value fully offline and private and free and open source.