LobeChat

Open SourceOtherSelf-hostable

The modern open-source AI chat framework — multiple providers, knowledge bases, multi-modal input and one-click plugins, deployable free in minutes. A flexible alternative to hosted assistants.

Open source alternative to

Claude

ChatGPT

Visit LobeChat View source

About LobeChat

LobeChat is the design-forward take on self-hosted AI chat: a gorgeous interface backed by a real framework — dozens of model providers, a plugin/agent marketplace, knowledge bases with file upload, and multi-modal chat with vision, voice and image generation.

Its agent marketplace is the standout: hundreds of ready-made assistants and one-click plugins (search, crawlers, generators) that extend chats without configuration. Branching conversations and artifacts support serious workflows.

Apache-2.0 licensed and deployable free on Vercel or with Docker in minutes, LobeChat is the most polished way to run your own multi-provider AI assistant.

Key features

Agent & plugin market — Hundreds of prebuilt assistants and one-click plugins — search, crawl, generate and more.
Every major provider — OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Ollama and dozens more behind one interface.
Multi-modal chat — Vision, voice (TTS/STT), image generation and file-based knowledge bases.
Deploy free in minutes — One-click Vercel deploy or Docker; your keys and data stay yours.

The honest read

What we like

Beautiful, modern chat experience
Huge agent and plugin marketplace
Multi-provider — zero lock-in
Knowledge bases and multi-modal built in
Apache-2.0, easy free deployment

Worth knowing

You manage provider keys and costs
Server features need a database setup
Fast development can outpace docs
Heavier than a minimal chat UI

FAQ

Is LobeChat free?

Yes — open source under Apache-2.0. Deploy it free on Vercel or Docker; you only pay for the model APIs you use, or nothing with local models.

Which AI providers does it support?

Dozens — OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini, Ollama local models, DeepSeek, Qwen and many more, all switchable per conversation.

What makes it different from Open WebUI?

Both are excellent; LobeChat leans design-polish and a rich agent/plugin marketplace, while Open WebUI leans local-first depth and admin controls. Many people run both.

Does it support knowledge bases?

Yes — upload files and chat over them with retrieval, alongside vision and voice input.

How do I deploy it?

One-click Vercel deployment for a personal copy, or Docker Compose with Postgres for the full server version.