Artificial intelligence used to feel remote, expensive and locked behind cloud-APIs. Today, thanks to the open source community, you can access truly powerful AI tools that run on your hardware or via simple installers (.exe, .dmg, AppImage). No complex build steps. No tangled dependencies. In many cases you just download and launch.
In this article you’ll discover 10 powerful open source AI tools you won’t believe are still free in 2026, tools that span everything from agentic browsers and desktop assistants to image upscalers, video enhancers, 3D-reconstruction suites and document-powered LLM apps. Whether you’re a creator, developer or tech-enthusiast, you’ll find something here that can seriously upgrade your workflow & because they’re open source, you’re in control of your data and your runtime.
Almost all of them are "install and go" simplicity to deep customization for advanced users, each of the tools below supports Windows, macOS or Linux (often all three) with ready-made installers or easy packages. Scroll on to explore the list, find the repo link, download path, supported platforms and what makes each one stand out. Your next favourite AI tool might just be a click away.
1. BrowserOS
BrowserOS is a reinvented browser built for the AI era. Imagine a browser that doesn’t merely let you browse but acts on your commands—fills forms, summarises pages, automates your workflow. It is a full-blown Chromium fork that brings agents into the browser window, giving you powerful automation tools while keeping your data local and private. You can choose to run cloud-based models or hook it to local LLMs. For anyone who has ever felt their browser was just a container for tabs and distractions, BrowserOS turns it into a productivity engine and personal assistant.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (AppImage, Debian package)
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/browseros-ai/BrowserOS
Github Stars (approx): ~6.9k
2. Everywhere AI Assistant
Everywhere AI Assistant is built to sit quietly in the corner of your screen and spring into action the moment you need it. Instead of switching apps or copying text, you simply invoke the assistant and it understands your context—what’s on your screen, what you’re trying to do—and offers help. Whether you’re drafting emails, summarising documents, or automating repeated tasks, this tool brings the power of an AI assistant directly into your workflow. With a sleek interface and cross-platform support, it bridges productivity gaps for both developers and creators.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/DearVa/Everywhere
Download & Install Everywhere AI
3. Jan AI
Jan AI brings open-source large language models to your desktop in a plug-and-play fashion. You can download models like LLaMA, Mistral or run them locally; you can also connect to cloud models. Jan is built for privacy-first usage while giving you the same ease of use you expect from commercial tools. With installers for Windows (.exe), macOS (.dmg) and Linux (AppImage or .deb), you’re not stuck compiling from source. It bridges the gap between raw open-source model therapy and polished UI—giving you local assistants, custom agents, and the freedom to choose how your AI runs.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/janhq/jan
4. Upscayl
Upscayl is pure creative power in your hands. It’s an open-source AI image-upscaler that turns fuzzy low-resolution images into sharp and print-ready visuals. From designers and digital artists to content creators and photographers, this tool offers batch upscaling, sharpness enhancing and one-click processing. And importantly, it runs locally—no cloud uploads, no privacy trade-offs. The installers for Windows, macOS and Linux mean you can be up and running quickly, without complex dependencies.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/upscayl/upscayl
5. Stable Diffusion WebUI
Stable Diffusion WebUI is the open-source powerhouse for generative art. With it you can load multiple models, adjust prompts, use extensions and run everything locally or via preferred cloud endpoints. Whether you want artistic renderings, photorealistic imagery or custom model blending, this tool gives creators complete control. Because it is open-source, you’re not bound to locked APIs or subscriptions—you can tailor it to your workflow, plug in your hardware and get creative freedom.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/AUTOMATIC1111/stable-diffusion-webui
Download & Install StableDiffusionWebUI
6. Video2X
Video2X is the go-to open-source solution for upscaling video frames and performing frame interpolation using advanced AI algorithms. If you’re working with legacy footage, animation or low-res capture, this tool can translate that into higher resolution, smoother playback, and better visual fidelity. It supports Windows and Linux and the developer has rebuilt it for performance, offering GUI installers and cross-platform support. It’s perfect for creators, animators and anyone serious about image quality.
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Supported Platforms:** Windows, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/k4yt3x/video2x
7. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a professional open source video editor designed for creators who need both power & precision. It brings advanced non linear editing features together with smart AI tools that simplify complex tasks. One of its standout features is AI powered motion tracking, which lets you follow moving subjects in a clip and attach text, graphics or blur effects that stay perfectly aligned with the motion. The result is cleaner storytelling & dynamic visuals without the need for manual keyframes. Kdenlive supports a wide range of formats, real time previews, transitions, color grading & full audio mixing. Its responsive timeline & modular layout make editing fluid whether you are producing YouTube videos or working on a full film project.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/KDE/kdenlive
8. Meshroom
Meshroom transforms ordinary photographs into detailed 3D models using the power of artificial intelligence. It is built on the AliceVision framework and applies advanced computer vision algorithms to analyze images, detect camera positions & generate precise 3D meshes automatically. What makes Meshroom special is its visual workflow — instead of coding or command line steps, you build projects through a clean node based interface where every stage of reconstruction can be customized. The software now runs smoothly even on systems without NVIDIA GPUs, making professional level photogrammetry more accessible to creators, researchers & digital artists. Whether you want to turn real world objects into game assets or explore 3D scanning for cultural preservation, Meshroom delivers results that rival expensive commercial tools.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/alicevision/meshroom
9. AnythingLLM
AnythingLLM is a true full-stack desktop AI application for anyone who wants to chat with documents, run agents and deploy retrieval-augmented generation workflows—all without complex setup. You can point it at your documents, pick your LLM (local or cloud), and start interacting in minutes. Designed to democratise AI workflows for creators, developers or teams, it expects little to no code and offers deep customisation when you want it.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Mintplex-Labs/anything-llm
Download & Install AnythingLLM
10. WinSTT
WinSTT is a portable, fast and accurate offline speech-to-text tool for Windows powered by open models (like Whisper). It lets you dictate text, transcribe audio and integrate voice input directly into your workflow—all without sending anything to the cloud. If you’re a developer, creator or just someone who types too much, this tool offers a way to speak and let the machine do the typing. Simple setup, no complex build chain, ready to go.
Supported Platforms: Windows
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/dahshury/WinSTT
Github Stars (approx): 17
Final Thoughts
The world of open source AI has moved far beyond small code experiments, it’s now packed with full-scale tools that rival premium commercial software. Whether you’re generating images, editing videos, reconstructing 3D models, automating browser tasks or chatting with local language models, these projects show how powerful community innovation can be.
What makes this list special is accessibility. Each tool here offers simple installers for Windows, macOS & Linux, which means you don’t need to be a developer to use them. You can download, install & start creating, all while keeping your data private & your workflow local.
The future of AI belongs to the builders, the dreamers & the open communities that keep pushing technology forward. So explore, experiment & make something remarkable!
Related Links
10 Best Open-Source Alternatives to Adobe Products for Creators
Top 15 Powerful Offline AI Tools You Can Install Directly on Your System
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