Jan vs Text Generation WebUI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Jan and Text Generation WebUI comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Jan
Run LLMs locally with beautiful interface
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • Jan is an open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs AI models locally and offline
- • It provides a desktop app for running LLMs privately on your own computer
Text Generation WebUI
The definitive Web UI for local AI, with powerful features and easy setup.
Best for you if:
- • Web UI for running Large Language Models (LLMs) locally.
- • Supports multiple backends, multimodal models, and image generation.
| At a Glance |  Jan |  Text Generation WebUI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | AI Assistants | AI Assistants |
Rating | 78/100 | 77/100 |
| Feature | Jan | Text Generation WebUI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 77 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI AssistantsChatbots | AI AssistantsAI Agents |
Understanding the Differences
Both Jan and Text Generation WebUI solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Jan positions itself as "run llms locally with beautiful interface" while Text Generation WebUIfocuses on "the definitive web ui for local ai, with powerful features and easy setup.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Jan
Jan makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 78/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Text Generation WebUI
Text Generation WebUI is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Jan lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Jan
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Jan handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Jan
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Jan
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Jan is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Jan higher (78/100). But the community has upvoted Text Generation WebUI more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Jan Does Better
- Higher overall score (78/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Text Generation WebUI If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Jan (78/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Jan scores higher in our analysis, but Text Generation WebUI might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jan or Text Generation WebUI better?
Based on our analysis, Jan scores higher with 78/100. Jan isfree while Text Generation WebUI is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Jan to Text Generation WebUI easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Jan and Text Generation WebUI offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Jan is completely free.Text Generation WebUI is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.