The research shortlist
Page updated
JanTop pick
Open-source desktop AI with local and cloud models
Metadata checked Aug 18, 2026
Best overall fit for BoltAI: strong model choice, custom assistants, local privacy, and active releases in a free Apache-2.0 app; Apple Silicon-only support is the main limitation.
A polished desktop client that runs downloaded models locally or connects to providers such as OpenAI and Anthropic, with custom assistants, MCP, and a local API.
- 01Run local LLMs with Apple Silicon Metal acceleration
- 02Connect to OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, Groq, and other providers
- 03Create custom assistants and connect MCP tools
- 04Expose an OpenAI-compatible local API
- Requires macOS 13.6 or newer and Apple Silicon; Intel Macs are not supported.
- Cloud providers may charge for API usage, while local models require adequate memory and storage.
Evidence sources (13)
- Jan official GitHub repositorySource available ·
- Jan LICENSE: Apache License 2.0License ·
- Jan 0.8.4 release with macOS universal DMGRelease ·
- Jan official homepage: free and open sourceWebsite ↗ ·
- Jan macOS installation and compatibility guideDocumented macOS path ·
- Jan official logoScreenshots ·
- Jan app interface screenshotScreenshots ·
- GitHub REST repository APISource available ·
- Latest macOS release assetFree at review time ·
- Project homepageWebsite ↗ ·
- Jan commit historySource available ·
- Latest stable release v0.8.4Release ·
- Jan macOS universal downloadFree at review time ·
Chatbox
Free multi-provider AI desktop client
Metadata checked Aug 18, 2026
Closest drop-in for BoltAI's provider switching and prompt-driven workflow: it supports both Mac architectures and many providers, though its free app is separate from the vendor's paid hosted AI service.
Full review — capabilities, 2 caveats, evidence
A cross-platform desktop chat client for OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Ollama, and other providers, with prompts, shortcuts, streaming, and document conversations.
- 01Connect multiple hosted and local LLM providers
- 02Use keyboard shortcuts, streaming replies, Markdown, and code highlighting
- 03Keep conversations locally and chat with files
- 04Download native Intel and Apple Silicon Mac builds
- The open repository is the GPLv3 Community Edition; the vendor also sells a separate hosted AI service.
- Using remote providers requires an API key or paid provider usage; local Ollama use avoids that external cost.
Evidence sources (8)
- Chatbox official GitHub Community Edition repositorySource available ·
- Chatbox LICENSE: GNU GPL version 3License ·
- Chatbox 1.22.3 release with Intel and Apple Silicon DMGsRelease ·
- Chatbox official site: free desktop applicationWebsite ↗ ·
- Chatbox project iconScreenshots ·
- GitHub REST repository APISource available ·
- GitHub license metadataLicense ·
- Project homepageWebsite ↗ ·
AnythingLLM
Local-first AI workspace for chats, documents, and agents
Metadata checked Aug 18, 2026
Best for document-heavy work and agents: current releases, MIT licensing, no-account local setup, and broad Mac support make it credible, but its workspace is less lightweight than BoltAI.
Full review — capabilities, 2 caveats, evidence
A desktop workspace for chatting with documents, routing among local or cloud models, and building agents, tools, and automations without requiring an account for local use.
- 01Run local models without an account or API key
- 02Create document knowledge bases and retrieval workflows
- 03Build agents with tools, MCP, web search, and background tasks
- 04Install native macOS Intel or Apple Silicon builds
- The desktop core is free, but cloud model providers can incur separate usage charges.
- Its primary workflow is a document and agent workspace rather than a minimal system-wide context-menu assistant.
Evidence sources (11)
- AnythingLLM official GitHub repositorySource available ·
- AnythingLLM LICENSE: MIT LicenseLicense ·
- AnythingLLM 1.16.0 releaseRelease ·
- AnythingLLM official homepage: MIT licensed and open sourceWebsite ↗ ·
- AnythingLLM free desktop download for macOSFree at review time ·
- AnythingLLM macOS installation guideDocumented macOS path ·
- AnythingLLM model-selection screenshotScreenshots ·
- AnythingLLM chat-interface screenshotScreenshots ·
- GitHub REST repository APISource available ·
- GitHub license metadataLicense ·
- Latest macOS release assetFree at review time ·
Specifications, side by side
| Attribute | 1 · Jan | 2 · Chatbox | 3 · AnythingLLM |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | GPL-3.0-only | MIT |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Status | Checked | Checked | Checked |
| Version | v0.8.4 | v1.22.3 | v1.16.0 |
| Stars | 44.0k | 41.5k | 64.9k |
| Last push | |||
| Caveats | 2 | 2 | 2 |
About BoltAI
BoltAI — Work with AI tools on Mac. Generate text, code, and learn faster using the power of AI.
Setapp listing: Write, code, learn with AI
