Which self-hosted AI app should we use?
Answer 5 quick questions (team size, use case, documents, GPU, license) and get 1–2 self-hosted AI apps from our catalog of 40, with the reasons taken from each app's license, hardware and activity data.
Our recommendation
LobeHub (LobeChat)
Polished multi-model chat and agent workspace with plugins and knowledge bases.
- Fits "A private ChatGPT for staff": listed under Private ChatGPT-style chat.
- Listed as a self-hosted alternative to ChatGPT.
- Handles document Q&A (knowledge-base app or chat with document upload).
- No GPU needed: Official requirements list CPU and RAM only.
- License: LobeHub Community License (Apache-2.0 with conditions) (Custom / conditional).
- Hardware: minimum 2 vCPU · 4 GB RAM · 20 GB disk (recommended 4 vCPU · 8 GB RAM · 50 GB disk). Server cost: from €19.99/mo.
- 83.4k GitHub stars, last commit Oct 22, 2026.
LibreChat
Multi-provider ChatGPT-style interface with agents, file search and user management.
- Fits "A private ChatGPT for staff": listed under Private ChatGPT-style chat.
- Listed as a self-hosted alternative to ChatGPT and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
- Handles document Q&A (knowledge-base app or chat with document upload).
- No GPU needed: Docs: no GPU needed.
- License: MIT (Permissive).
- Hardware: minimum 1 vCPU · 1 GB RAM (recommended 2 GB RAM). Server cost: from €6.49/mo.
- 46.1k GitHub stars, last commit Oct 22, 2026.
FAQ
Which self-hosted AI app is best for a small business?
For a typical 11–50 person team that wants a private ChatGPT with document Q&A, no GPU and any license, the wizard recommends LobeHub (LobeChat) and LibreChat. The best choice changes with your answers. Run the wizard for your case.
How does the wizard choose?
It filters our catalog by use case (app category), removes apps that need a GPU if you have none, apps whose license family you excluded, archived repositories and desktop-only apps for teams over 50, then ranks the rest by fit with document Q&A, GPU-free operation, server cost and GitHub activity. Every reason shown comes from the app's data page.
What does "No GPL/AGPL" exclude?
Apps under copyleft licenses (GPL) and network copyleft (AGPL). These are usually fine for internal use, but some companies avoid them as a policy. Custom licenses with extra conditions (branding, multi-tenant or resale limits) are still shown, with the conditions listed as cautions.
Is the recommendation sponsored?
No. Rankings use only catalog data; no project pays for placement. See the About page for our independence policy.
Recommendations are generated from the same verified data as each app page. Want a comparison instead? Compare apps side by side or calculate the cost.