Pi vs Jan: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pi and Jan 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:
Pi
Personal AI assistant by Inflection
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • Personal AI companion for natural conversations
- • Remembers context and learns your preferences over time
Jan
Run LLMs locally with beautiful interface
Best for you if:
- • 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
| At a Glance |  Jan | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | AI Assistants | AI Assistants |
Rating | 85/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Pi | Jan |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AI AssistantsChatbots | AI AssistantsChatbots |
Understanding the Differences
Both Pi and Jan solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Pi positions itself as "personal ai assistant by inflection" while Janfocuses on "run llms locally with beautiful interface". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Pi
Pi makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Jan
Jan is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Pi lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Pi
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Pi handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Pi
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: Pi
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Pi 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 Pi higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Jan more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Pi Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Jan 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 Pi (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Pi scores higher in our analysis, but Jan 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 Pi or Jan better?
Based on our analysis, Pi scores higher with 85/100. Pi isfree while Jan 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 Pi to Jan 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 Pi and Jan offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Pi is completely free.Jan is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.