Jan vs OGAD
Local AI desktop assistants compared
jan and OGAD are desktop applications for running AI models locally, and both offer an OpenAI-compatible local API. jan also connects to cloud providers, while OGAD covers a broader set of local text, vision, image, and speech workflows, with some optional Pro features.
Jan: Run Local AI on Your Desktop with llama.cpp
Jan is a Tauri desktop app built on llama.cpp that brings open-source AI into an offline ChatGPT-style interface. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with options to use local models or connect to cloud AI services.
OGAD: Run Private AI Models on Your Desktop
OGAD is a local-first desktop studio and OpenAI-compatible gateway for running text, vision, image, and voice models on your own hardware. It suits people who want private AI workflows and local integrations without cloud inference or an account.
| Jan | OGAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Rust | TypeScript |
| License | — | AGPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 45k | 125 |
| Forks | 3.1k | 25 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 18, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 |
Key differences
- jan can connect to providers including OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, Groq, and MiniMax; OGAD focuses on local inference and offers optional Pro features.
- OGAD includes document projects with cited sources, media features, and sandboxed artifact previews; jan emphasizes local and hosted model access, custom assistants, and MCP integration.
- jan is written in Rust and OGAD in TypeScript.
- jan lists its license as NOASSERTION; OGAD's open core is licensed under AGPL-3.0, with separate license-gated Pro software.
- OGAD can run its gateway headlessly; jan is described as a desktop application with a local API.
- jan has 44.8k stars and 3.1k forks, while OGAD has 118 stars and 25 forks.
Choose Jan if you…
- want a desktop app that combines local models with connections to several cloud providers.
- need custom assistants or an OpenAI-compatible local API at localhost:1337.
- prefer a Rust-based project with Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop support.
Choose OGAD if you…
- need local workflows for documents, images, transcription, or speech synthesis.
- want to run an OpenAI-compatible gateway headlessly or connect MCP tools during chats.
- want optional on-device memory and activity-capture features, and are comfortable with their permissions and Pro licensing.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.