Ollama vs Jan: which should you use on Windows?
Both are free and run AI models on your own PC, so your prompts stay private. Ollama is aimed at people who use a terminal or connect other programs, and Jan is a ready-made chat app.
Short answer
If you want a chat window that works like an online AI assistant, choose Jan. If you are a developer, or want other apps to use a local model through an API, choose Ollama. Your hardware matters more than the app you choose.
Side by side
| Ollama | Jan | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Ollama | Menlo Research |
| Licence | Free | Free |
| Latest version we list | 0.40.14 | 0.8.8 |
| Last updated | 5 Nov 2026 | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Download size | 700 MB | — |
| Windows versions | Windows 11, Windows 10 | Windows 11, Windows 10 |
| Recommended for | Developers | Researchers & Data Analysts |
| Install with winget | Ollama.Ollama | Jan.Jan |
| Official site | ollama.com | jan.ai |
Choose Ollama if
- You are comfortable with commands in Terminal
- You want other programs to use the model through a local API
- You want to script or automate your AI use
Choose Jan if
- You want a familiar chat window with no command line
- You want to try different models from inside the app
- You are new to running AI locally
Strengths and weaknesses
Ollama
Pros
- Runs offline
- Easy model downloads
Cons
- Needs a strong PC
Jan
Pros
- Runs AI models offline
- Simple chat interface
- One-click model downloads
Cons
- Needs a strong PC for larger models