YakGPT
YakGPT is a user interface (UI) for ChatGPT that runs locally on a browser without requiring any installation. It allows users to interact ...
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What is YakGPT?
YakGPT is an open-source, browser-based ChatGPT user interface designed for fast, locally-executed interactions with OpenAI's GPT models. It runs entirely in the browser—either via the hosted version at https://yakgpt.vercel.app or a self-hosted instance—using the OpenAI API directly for text generation. This ensures that all processing happens client-side, with no backend server storing user data.
The tool emphasizes performance and privacy: conversations are generated faster than with the official ChatGPT UI since YakGPT connects directly to the OpenAI API without intermediate servers. User data remains private by default, as all state is stored in localStorage and no analytics or external tracking calls are made. Users supply their own OpenAI API key, meaning they retain full control over billing and access.
YakGPT is targeted at users who want a responsive, no-frills ChatGPT experience without installing applications. It supports both GPT-3.5-Turbo and (optionally) GPT-4, assuming the user has access to the GPT-4 API. The interface includes voice-based interaction: speech-to-text and text-to-speech via Azure, OpenAI Whisper, and Eleven Labs, enabling hands-free chatting. It is especially useful for developers, tinkerers, privacy-conscious users, and anyone who wants a lightweight, configurable ChatGPT frontend.
Key features include local execution, direct API integration, microphone support, voice input/output, model selection, and self-managed API keys. The project is fully open source, hosted on GitHub, and can be run locally using Node.js tooling or Docker. It is marketed as a faster, more private, and more customizable alternative to ChatGPT's official web interface.
YakGPT pricing
Pricing model: Free
YakGPT itself is free and open source. There are no paid plans for YakGPT; the hosted version at https://yakgpt.vercel.app can be used without charge. Users must obtain their own OpenAI API key, and usage of GPT-3.5 or GPT-4 is billed according to OpenAI's pricing. Some voice features (Azure speech services, Eleven Labs) may have their own usage-based costs depending on the provider's plans.
YakGPT pros
- Runs entirely in the browser with no backend
- Direct OpenAI API connection for faster responses
- All state stored locally in localStorage
- No analytics or external service calls
- User supplies their own OpenAI API key
- Open-source and self-hostable
- Supports GPT-3.5 and (optionally) GPT-4
- Speech-to-text via Azure and OpenAI Whisper
- Text-to-speech via Azure and Eleven Labs
- Built-in microphone integration for voice input
- No application installation required
- Transparent data privacy model
- Lightweight and fast UI
- Docker image available for easy deployment
- Environment variable support for local API keys
YakGPT cons
- Requires an OpenAI API key to function
- GPT-4 usage needs GPT-4 API access
- Voice features depend on third-party services
- Some queries can cause high CPU usage or hangs
- No built-in account or conversation sync
- Localstorage-based state is not cloud-backed up
- Setup locally requires Node.js tooling
- Docker image currently only for amd64
Frequently asked questions about YakGPT
What is YakGPT?
YakGPT is a simple, locally running ChatGPT UI that connects directly to the OpenAI API. It runs in the browser with no backend, offering faster text generation and a minimalist interface for using GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models.
Do I need to install anything to use YakGPT?
No. You can use YakGPT directly via https://yakgpt.vercel.app in any modern browser. If you want to run it locally, you can clone the GitHub repository and use Node.js tooling or Docker, but installation is not required for the hosted version.
What OpenAI models does YakGPT support?
YakGPT supports GPT-3.5-Turbo (including specific variants like gpt-3.5-turbo-0301) and, when the user has access, GPT-4 via the OpenAI API. Model selection is available in the interface.
Do I need an OpenAI API key?
Yes. YakGPT requires an OpenAI API key to interact with GPT models. You enter this key in the app, and it is used directly by your browser to call the OpenAI API. You can also configure it via environment variables for local deployments.
Is my data stored by YakGPT?
No. YakGPT has no backend server and does not store your conversations. All state is kept locally in your browser's localStorage. The OpenAI API data policy applies to your interactions with OpenAI, but YakGPT itself keeps no records.
Can I use YakGPT without an account?
Yes. You do not need a YakGPT account. You only need an OpenAI account to generate an API key. Once you enter the key into YakGPT, you can start using it immediately.
How does voice input work in YakGPT?
YakGPT supports speech-to-text via Azure and OpenAI Whisper. You can enable your microphone in the browser, and your spoken words are converted to text and sent as prompts. This provides hands-free chatting without typing.
Does YakGPT support text-to-speech?
Yes. YakGPT can convert AI responses into speech using Azure and Eleven Labs. This allows you to listen to the model's output instead of reading it, complementing the speech-to-text functionality.
Can I self-host YakGPT?
Yes. YakGPT is fully open source and can be run locally by cloning its GitHub repository. You need Git, a Node.js package manager (yarn, npm, or pnpm), and a modern browser. Alternatively, you can use the provided Docker image (amd64 only) to run it in a container.
Is YakGPT free to use?
The YakGPT application itself is free and open source, including the hosted version at https://yakgpt.vercel.app. However, you must pay for your own OpenAI API usage according to OpenAI's pricing, and some voice features may incur additional costs via third-party providers.