- LibreChat stands out as a universal hub that allows you to connect multiple AI models in an interface identical to that of ChatGPT.
- Open WebUI is the preferred option for those who use Ollama and are looking for a native and simple integration with local models.
- Onyx positions itself as the ultimate solution for companies that require advanced RAG and permission management on corporate data.
You've probably already noticed that ChatGPT's interface has become a benchmark for artificial intelligence applications. The conversation layout, code rendering, file uploading, and model switching are features many users expect to find in any modern assistant.
However, This type of experience is no longer exclusive to OpenAIProjects like LibreChat, Open WebUI, and Onyx allow you to install an AI platform on your own infrastructure, connect local or commercial models, and better control where conversations are stored.
If you're looking for an AI interface to host on your server, you've probably come across these three names. Although they share some features, They are not designed for exactly the same type of userLibreChat stands out as a multi-vendor client, Open WebUI is especially prepared to combine models, knowledge and tools, while Onyx is geared towards the search and management of business knowledge.
LibreChat: an operations center for different models
LibreChat is a self-hosted AI-powered chat platform that brings together models from different providers within a single interface. It can connect with services such as OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, AWS Bedrock and Ollamain addition to supporting compatible custom endpoints.
Its design is reminiscent of ChatGPT, making the learning curve minimal. From within a single conversation, you can switch between chat models, attach files, search for previous messages, use tools, and save settings, eliminating the need to create each chat from scratch.
One of its most striking features is ArtifactsIt allows you to generate and preview React components, HTML pages, and Mermaid diagrams within the conversation. It also includes configurable agents, MCP support, and a code interpreter capable of running different languages in an isolated environment.
LibreChat allows you to create wizards with your own instructions, files, tools, and actions. It also includes a library of prompts and presets for saving combinations of models, parameters, and instructions.
In terms of administration, the current versions incorporate users, groups, custom roles, and access control listsAdministrators can decide who uses specific agents, MCP servers, or platform features. Authentication options are also available using OAuth, SAML, LDAP, and other systems, although some configurations require considerable technical expertise.
Installation using Docker Compose is the simplest way to get started, but a full deployment uses additional components such as MongoDB, MeiliSearch, and RAG-related services. Therefore, it should not be confused with a small, standalone desktop application.
LibreChat is especially well-suited to those who want work with numerous suppliers and compare models without abandoning an interface similar to that of ChatGPT.
Open WebUI: much more than an interface for Ollama
Open WebUI was born closely linked to Ollama, to the point of initially being called Ollama WebUI. This integration continues to be one of its strengths, as it allows you to connect to an Ollama server and use its local models from an interface accessible through a web browser.
However, currently Open WebUI is not limited to OllamaIt can also connect with OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, and other providers that offer compatible APIs. This allows you to combine local and remote models within the same installation.
One of its most comprehensive sections is the system of Knowledge and RAGYou can upload documents, create knowledge bases, and retrieve the most relevant snippets before generating a response. The platform supports vector search, hybrid search, reranking, and various extraction engines, although their availability depends on the installed components.
Open WebUI can also be extended using Python tools, pipelines, OpenAPI servers, and MCP connections. Pipelines allow you to filter, transform, or redirect requests, while tools give models the ability to query services or execute actions.
In addition, features such as custom agents, memory, web search, image generation, code execution, notes, collaborative channels, and automations are included. Some of these require models capable of using tools correctly or external services configured by the administrator.
Shared facilities include users, groups, role-based permissions, SSO, and various administrative controlsIt can also be deployed using Docker, Python, or Kubernetes and scaled to serve more users, although an enterprise installation requires configuring databases, storage, and other additional services.
It's not accurate to claim that your Docker image is only 200 MB. The size varies depending on the version and variant used, and some images include dependencies or auxiliary models. Smaller versions exist that download certain components the first time they are used.
Open WebUI is a particularly comprehensive alternative for those who want Combine Ollama with documents, agents, tools, and multiple users.but it also functions as a multi-vendor platform.
Onyx: Business search and knowledge management
Onyx plays in a somewhat different category. Although it has a chat interface, its focus is on connect the models with an organization's internal knowledgeIt can index information from services such as Slack, Confluence, Jira, Google Drive, Gmail, GitHub, Box, Salesforce, and SharePoint, among others.
The connectors periodically synchronize documents and metadata so that responses are based on up-to-date information. It's also possible to upload files directly or import content via their API.
One of its most important functions is the permissions synchronizationWhen using a compatible connector and this option is correctly configured, Onyx can preserve the restrictions of the source service. Therefore, an employee should not receive information from a document they also do not have access to in Confluence, Google Drive, or SharePoint.
This capability is not automatically applied to all connectors and is part of the Cloud and Enterprise editions. In a basic installation, a connector can also be configured as public, private, or restricted to specific users and groups, so the administrator should carefully review access before indexing sensitive information.
Onyx also incorporates Internal search, agents, actions, code execution, and deep researchThis last function allows for several cycles of reasoning, searching, and consulting sources to develop more complete answers, although it consumes more time and tokens than a normal conversation.
Regarding regulatory compliance, Onyx Cloud advertises itself as GDPR compliant and certified under SOC 2 Type IIThis does not mean that any server on which you install the self-hosted version will automatically obtain that certification: the security and compliance of a self-installation also depend on its infrastructure and management.
Onyx can function in environments isolated from the internet, provided that the model and the other necessary components are also hosted locally. This is a more logical choice than the previous options when the main objective is to build a governed search and knowledge layer for an organization.
Comparison of LibreChat, Open WebUI and Onyx
| Platform | Main focus | Best option for |
|---|---|---|
| LibreChat | Multi-provider chat similar to ChatGPT | Use and compare numerous models, agents, and tools |
| Open WebUI | Scalable AI platform with RAG and tools | Combine Ollama, documents, agents, and multiple users |
| Onyx | Business research and knowledge | Access internal information while maintaining access controls |
LibreChat is probably the best option if you're looking for a ChatGPT-like experience and want to easily switch between different providers. Open WebUI is more interesting if you work with Ollama or need a highly extensible platform with RAG, tools, and collaboration features. Onyx makes sense when the main requirement is connecting dozens of enterprise feeds and maintaining a consistent permissions structure.
The choice also depends on the license, infrastructure requirements, and features reserved for enterprise editions. Before implementing any of them in an organization, it's advisable to review their documentation and check which features are included in the chosen version.
Costs and privacy: hosting the interface is not always enough
A self-hosted platform can use local models or connect to commercial APIs. In the latter case, costing is typically handled through a system of payment for use, calculated according to the tokens processed and the selected model.
For occasional use, paying only for consultations can be more economical than maintaining a monthly subscription. However, long conversations, document analysis, code generation, and agents that perform multiple steps can quickly increase resource consumption. Free trial rates and individual provider pricing change frequently, so they should be checked before making a comparison.
Nor should you equate self-hosting with absolute privacy. Even though the browsing history is stored on your server, Prompts and documents can be sent to the model provider. When you use an API from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, or another company. They can also leave your infrastructure through external search, embedding, OCR, or code execution services.
To keep processing within your network, you need to use local models, local embeddings, and tools that don't rely on cloud services. Additionally, you must secure the server, encrypt connections, update containers, and properly manage accounts and permissions.
In short, LibreChat is an excellent gateway to different providers, Open WebUI offers a particularly flexible platform for local AI, and Onyx takes knowledge management to a more enterprise level. All three allow you to regain a significant degree of control, but Ultimate privacy depends on the entire architecturenot only from the installed interface.
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