Finding Open Source Alternatives
Open source AI tools offer control, privacy, and cost savings. Learn how to find them in the Hokai directory.
Filtering for Open Source
In the Model Directory, use the Capabilities or Architecture filter. Look for "Open Source" or "Self-hosted." Results show tools you can run yourself or with a hosted provider.
What Open Source Means Here
- Open weights — Model weights are publicly available (e.g., Llama, Mistral)
- Open source code — The tool's codebase is on GitHub or similar
- Self-hosted — You run it on your infrastructure
Some tools are fully open; others offer open-source components with proprietary add-ons.
Trade-offs
Pros — No vendor lock-in, data stays on your side, often lower long-term cost.
Cons — You manage infrastructure, updates, and support. May need more technical expertise.
When to Choose Open Source
- Privacy or compliance requirements
- High volume or predictable usage
- Technical team to run and maintain
- Budget constraints over the long term