Jan is a clean, offline-first desktop AI assistant focused on running local models with a minimal interface. Askimo is a full AI studio that supports both local and cloud providers. Both are open source and privacy-respecting: the difference is in scope, capability, and flexibility for users who need both local and cloud AI.
Jan is deliberately minimal. Its goal is to make running local models as simple as possible: download a model from the built-in library, start a conversation, stay completely offline. It is an excellent starting point for anyone new to local AI who wants to avoid the complexity of the command line. The Assistants feature lets you define reusable system prompts for different personas or tasks.
Askimo starts where Jan stops. You bring your own API keys for cloud providers (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Grok) or point Askimo at your local Ollama server: no server infrastructure required, just the app and your keys. On top of that basic access, Askimo adds the productivity layer Jan does not provide: RAG with local document indexing using Apache Lucene, MCP tools that connect AI to your file system and git, Skills that run real agent runtimes (Gemini CLI, Claude Code, Codex CLI) on your project directories, and AI Plans for multi-step automated workflows.
For teams, Askimo Team Edition goes further still: a self-hosted server manages API keys centrally so team members do not need to distribute individual keys. Jan has no equivalent team offering. Once you need cloud providers, RAG, or agent workflows, Askimo becomes the clear upgrade path - a single tool that handles every AI use case so there is no reason to juggle multiple clients.
An honest look at what each tool does well. The right choice depends on your workflow.
Open-source, offline-first desktop AI assistant for local models
Desktop AI studio for local and cloud models
A clear decision guide based on your actual workflow needs.
Switching from Jan?
Moving from Jan to Askimo is straightforward. Both connect to Ollama: add your Ollama server URL in Askimo Settings and your models are ready immediately. For cloud providers, add your API keys directly in Askimo with no server required. Jan conversation history is not imported but all your models carry over instantly.
Understand the cost model before committing to either tool.
Free and open source. Personal Edition is free for individual use with bring-your-own API keys. Askimo Team available for teams with server-managed keys.
Free and open source. No paid tiers.
Side-by-side breakdown. Based on publicly documented features as of 2026.
| Feature | 🤖 Askimo Desktop AI Studio | 🌸 Jan Competitor |
|---|---|---|
| Local model support (Ollama compatible) | ||
| Cloud provider support (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini) | OpenAI API compatible only | |
| Bring your own cloud API keys | OpenAI-compatible only | |
| Team server with managed API keys | Team Edition | |
| RAG over your own documents | ||
| MCP tools (file, git, web, APIs) | ||
| AI agent runtime (Skills) | ||
| AI Plans (multi-step workflows) | ||
| Built-in model downloader | ||
| Local conversation history & search | Limited search | |
| Native desktop app | ||
| Offline-first design | ||
| CLI interface | ||
| Free & open source |
Based on publicly documented features as of 2026. Capabilities evolve, check each project's docs for the latest.
Free, open source, and runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Connect Ollama, OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, and more in a single desktop app with RAG, MCP tools, Skills, and AI Plans.
Index your docs and query them in any conversation.
Connect AI to your file system, git, and APIs.
Run AI agents on your local project files.
Chain prompts into multi-step automated workflows.
Ollama, OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Grok in one app.
All conversations stored locally. Searchable, exportable.
Free and open source · No account required · macOS, Windows, Linux
Common questions when evaluating Askimo and Jan.
Jan has a more minimal interface and is arguably easier for first-time local AI users. Askimo has more features which means a slightly deeper settings surface, but the core chat experience is equally straightforward. If you only need local model chat with no extras, Jan is excellent. If you need cloud providers (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini), RAG, MCP tools, or multi-provider support, Askimo is the better fit.
No. Askimo connects to your existing Ollama, LM Studio, or LocalAI installation. You manage model downloads through those tools. This keeps Askimo focused on the conversation and workflow layer rather than model management.
You can - both connect to the same local Ollama server without conflict. That said, Askimo fully covers what Jan does for local models and adds cloud providers, RAG, agents, and workflow automation on top. For most developers, Askimo becomes the single tool they need.
Askimo supports OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Ollama, LM Studio, LocalAI, and Docker AI. You simply add your API keys in Settings: no server or proxy required. Jan primarily supports OpenAI-compatible APIs, which means local models and OpenAI: not native Claude or Gemini support.
Askimo RAG supports plain text, Markdown, PDF, and common Office formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). You can index individual files, whole folders, or web URLs and attach them to any conversation through the Projects feature.
Both are free and open source with no paid tiers for the core product. Askimo offers Askimo Team as a paid option for teams needing a shared server with centrally managed API keys. Jan has no paid tiers and no team offering.
Provider pages, more comparisons, and Askimo features.
