JanvsLiteLLM

Full side-by-side comparison — features, pricing, platforms, and which one wins in 2026.

Jan

Chat Interfaces

Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs locally

LiteLLM

LLM APIs & Inference

Unified API proxy for 100+ LLM providers — one interface, any model

FeatureJanLiteLLM
CategoryChat InterfacesLLM APIs & Inference
PricingFree (open-source)Free (open-source), hosted proxy available
GitHub Stars
More stars
25k
16k
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, WindowsLinux, macOS, Docker
Key Features
  • Local inference
  • Model library
  • Extensions
  • Privacy-first
  • Offline mode
  • Unified API for 100+ LLM providers
  • Load balancing across multiple API keys/providers
  • Automatic fallbacks when providers fail
  • Spend tracking and budget alerts per team/project
  • Rate limiting and retry logic built-in
  • OpenAI SDK compatible — zero code changes
  • Self-hostable proxy server
  • Supports streaming, function calling, vision
Pros
  • + Beautiful desktop app
  • + 100% offline capability
  • + Clean model management
  • + Extensions system
  • + Privacy-first design
  • + One API for 100+ providers
  • + Built-in load balancing and fallbacks
  • + Spend tracking and rate limiting
  • + OpenAI SDK compatible
Cons
  • Limited model selection vs Ollama
  • Newer, less mature
  • Some features still in development
  • Can be slow on older hardware
  • Adds a proxy layer (slight latency)
  • Complex config for advanced features
Tags
localprivacychatopen-source
api-gatewaymulti-providerproxyopen-source

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