JanvsLM Studio
Two run ai locally tools, the same questions. Every answer comes from the official pages, with the date we checked. Nothing here is ranked.
last check 2026-10-11
Jan
by Menlo Research
Open-source desktop chat app that runs local models, including Jan's own, and can also connect to cloud providers with your API key.
All Jan factsLM Studio
by Element Labs, Inc.
Desktop app for finding, downloading and chatting with open models on your computer, which can also serve them through an OpenAI-compatible local API.
All LM Studio factsWhere they differ
- AI modelsJan: Jan-v1, Llama, Gemma, Qwen, GPT-ossLM Studio: Qwen, Mistral, Gemma, gpt-oss, Llama, DeepSeek
- Open sourceJan: SupportedLM Studio: Not supported
- HardwareJan: Macs need Apple silicon; Intel-based Macs are not supported. Windows: 8 GB memory minimum (16 GB recommended); NVIDIA, AMD or Intel Arc graphics need at least 6 GB of video memory.LM Studio: Macs need an Apple silicon chip (M1 to M4) and macOS 14 or newer; 16 GB of memory or more is recommended. Windows on x64 (with AVX2) or ARM; 16 GB of memory and 4 GB of dedicated graphics memory recommended.
Confirmed for only one of the two so far: use at work. The table below shows which.
Same answer for both: free plan, operating systems, chat window, local API, works offline.
Plans and prices
As listed on each official pricing page, in the currency we were shown. No conversion, no rounding.
Full comparison with sources
| Run AI locally | ||
| What it is for | ||
| What it is for | Open-source desktop chat app that runs local models, including Jan's own, and can also connect to cloud providers with your API key. | Desktop app for finding, downloading and chatting with open models on your computer, which can also serve them through an OpenAI-compatible local API. |
| Good for | ||
| Editor's suggestion | No editor suggestion yet | No editor suggestion yet |
| Cost | ||
| Free planA free plan that is not time-limited. Trials are listed separately. |
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| Plans and pricesOriginal currency and billing period. No conversion. |
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| AI models | ||
| AI modelsThe AI models the official pages name for this product. Line-ups change often, so check the date. |
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| Input and output | ||
| Chat windowComes with a desktop chat window, not only a command line. |
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| Workflow | ||
| Local APIServes models through an API on your computer that other apps can use. |
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| Requirements | ||
| Operating systemsmacOS, Windows or Linux, as officially supported. |
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| Open sourceThe tool's own code is published under an open-source licence. |
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| Works offlineRuns without an internet connection once a model is downloaded. |
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| HardwareWhat computer it needs or supports, such as memory or graphics cards, as officially stated. |
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| Sources and confidence | ||
| Confidence | Last checked 2026-10-11 Not yet confirmed: Use at work | Last checked 2026-10-11 All compared fields have a confirmed value. |
What it is for
What it is for
Jan:
Open-source desktop chat app that runs local models, including Jan's own, and can also connect to cloud providers with your API key.
LM Studio:
Desktop app for finding, downloading and chatting with open models on your computer, which can also serve them through an OpenAI-compatible local API.
Editor's suggestion
Jan:
No editor suggestion yetLM Studio:
No editor suggestion yetCost
Free plan
A free plan that is not time-limited. Trials are listed separately.
Jan:
- Supportedjan.aichecked 2026-10-11
Free plan
LM Studio:
- Supportedlmstudio.aichecked 2026-10-11
Free plan
Plans and prices
Jan:
- Free (Free plan)$0.00 / month
- All plan details and sources
LM Studio:
- Free (Free plan)$0.00 / month
- All plan details and sources
AI models
AI models
The AI models the official pages name for this product. Line-ups change often, so check the date.
Jan:
- Jan-v1, Llama, Gemma, Qwen, GPT-ossjan.ai +1checked 2026-10-11
LM Studio:
- Qwen, Mistral, Gemma, gpt-oss, Llama, DeepSeeklmstudio.ai +1checked 2026-10-11
Input and output
Chat window
Comes with a desktop chat window, not only a command line.
Jan:
- Supportedjan.aichecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
LM Studio:
- Supportedlmstudio.aichecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
Workflow
Local API
Serves models through an API on your computer that other apps can use.
Jan:
- Supportedjan.aichecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
LM Studio:
- Supportedlmstudio.aichecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
Requirements
Operating systems
macOS, Windows or Linux, as officially supported.
Jan:
- macOS, Windows, Linuxjan.aichecked 2026-10-11
LM Studio:
- macOS, Windows, Linuxlmstudio.aichecked 2026-10-11
Open source
The tool's own code is published under an open-source licence.
Jan:
- Supportedgithub.comchecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
LM Studio:
- Not supportedlmstudio.aichecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
Works offline
Runs without an internet connection once a model is downloaded.
Jan:
- Supportedjan.aichecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
LM Studio:
- Supportedlmstudio.aichecked 2026-10-11
Plan not specified
Hardware
What computer it needs or supports, such as memory or graphics cards, as officially stated.
Jan:
- Macs need Apple silicon; Intel-based Macs are not supported. Windows: 8 GB memory minimum (16 GB recommended); NVIDIA, AMD or Intel Arc graphics need at least 6 GB of video memory.jan.ai +1checked 2026-10-11
LM Studio:
- Macs need an Apple silicon chip (M1 to M4) and macOS 14 or newer; 16 GB of memory or more is recommended. Windows on x64 (with AVX2) or ARM; 16 GB of memory and 4 GB of dedicated graphics memory recommended.lmstudio.aichecked 2026-10-11
Sources and confidence
Confidence
Jan:
Last checked 2026-10-11
Not yet confirmed: Use at work
LM Studio:
Last checked 2026-10-11
All compared fields have a confirmed value.