PrivateGPT
Open-source API layer that turns local models into private AI applications, with RAG, tools, skills, MCP and text-to-SQL on any OpenAI-compatible server.
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About PrivateGPT
PrivateGPT is listed in our frameworks category and is aimed at builders. Open-source API layer that turns local models into private AI applications, with RAG, tools, skills, MCP and text-to-SQL on any OpenAI-compatible server. Pricing, as the maker states it: Open source. Maturity: Mature. We last checked the official link on 2026-10-18.
What is PrivateGPT?
PrivateGPT is an open-source API layer that turns local models into AI applications. It follows the Claude API model and provides the backend building blocks (messages, ingestion, retrieval and tools) so you can build private AI products without depending on cloud APIs.
It does not run models itself: it connects to any OpenAI-compatible inference server. It ships a workbench UI at /ui for testing, and it powers Zylon, an on-premise AI platform for enterprises.
Sources: the official README and our directory listing, checked 2026-10-18. Official site: zylon.ai/private-gpt.
Who is PrivateGPT for?
Developers and companies building private or on-premise AI apps on local models who need RAG, tools and ingestion without rebuilding a backend.
PrivateGPT at a glance
- Open source: Yes (Apache License 2.0)
- GitHub: zylon-ai/private-gpt · 57,600 stars (as of Oct 21, 2026)
Key features
- Messages API with streaming, async and token counting
- File and artifact ingestion
- Retrieval with citations and agentic RAG
- Built-in tools (web search, web fetch, code execution), custom tools and MCP connectors
- Structured access to databases and CSVs
- Works with any OpenAI-compatible inference server
PrivateGPT FAQ
What is PrivateGPT?
PrivateGPT is an open-source API layer that turns local models into AI applications. It follows the Claude API model and provides the backend building blocks (messages, ingestion, retrieval and tools) so you can build private AI products without depending on cloud APIs.
Who is PrivateGPT for?
Developers and companies building private or on-premise AI apps on local models who need RAG, tools and ingestion without rebuilding a backend.
Is PrivateGPT free?
PrivateGPT's pricing, as the maker states it: Open source. Open-source tools are free to use, though you may still pay for model API usage or a hosted plan. Check the official site for current plans.
Is PrivateGPT open source?
Yes. PrivateGPT is released under the Apache License 2.0, according to its GitHub repository.
What are alternatives to PrivateGPT?
Similar tools include Haystack, TrueForge, DeepSeek Harness, Agent-Native (Builder.io), IBM CUGA and Langchain.rb.
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🏆 Ranked in: LlamaIndex alternatives · Best AI Agent Frameworks
🔁 Listed in: LlamaIndex alternatives
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💲 Estimate API cost: compare per-request and monthly costs for GPT, Claude, Gemini and Grok models.
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