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Open WebUI & Msty

Last updated: May 2026

Msty has built a refined desktop experience for people who want one place to use both local and cloud-based models. The split-chat feature for running multiple models side-by-side to compare responses is genuinely useful, and the overall design feels thoughtful.

Proprietary · Free tier available

What Msty Does Well​

  • Split chat for running multiple models side-by-side to compare responses in real time
  • Unified hub for local models (via Ollama, llama.cpp, MLX) and cloud APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google)
  • Knowledge Stacks for uploading documents and chatting with them using built-in RAG
  • Offline mode for fully air-gapped use with local models
  • Batch prompting for sending the same prompt to multiple models simultaneously
  • Hardware optimization with good performance across NVIDIA, AMD, and Apple Silicon
  • Persona & Prompt Studios for creating reusable personas and prompt templates
  • Conversation export in multiple formats for archiving and sharing
  • Web search integration with real-time web search during conversations
  • Thoughtful experience that feels refined and considered
  • Free tier with core features available at no cost

What Open WebUI Does Well​

  • Full agentic platform with builtin tools the model calls itself, MCP servers, sub-agents, timers and automations for delegated and scheduled work
  • Customise practically everything, from per-model prompts, tools, knowledge and parameters to filters, pipes, actions and event functions that change behaviour anywhere in the pipeline, plus theming, banners and per-group permissions
  • Web-based platform with multi-user access from any browser
  • Any model, any provider connecting to any OpenAI-compatible API, Ollama, or cloud provider
  • Deep RAG & Knowledge with 13 vector databases, 8 extraction engines, and hybrid search with reranking
  • Team features including Channels, Notes, Automations, RBAC, SSO/OIDC/LDAP, and SCIM 2.0
  • Open Terminal providing a full computing environment for code execution
  • Source available so you can read, audit, and modify the source code

At a Glance​

Open WebUIMsty
ApproachSelf-hosted web platformDesktop app
Multi-model comparisonMulti-model chatsSplit chat with side-by-side responses
Multi-providerAny OpenAI-compatible API + OllamaLocal models + cloud APIs
Knowledge & RAG13 vector DBs, 8 extraction engines, hybrid searchKnowledge Stacks with document chat
ExtensibilityPython tools, MCP, OpenAPI, pipelinesPersona & Prompt Studios
Multi-userSSO, RBAC, SCIM, teamsTeams plan available
Source availabilitySource availableProprietary
PricingFree community edition; Enterprise plans availableFree tier, Aurum, and Teams plans

When to Use Each​

Choose Msty if you want a polished desktop app for personal use, especially if you compare models frequently. The split-chat feature and batch prompting make it easy to evaluate different models side by side.

Choose Open WebUI if you need a web-based platform, team access, deeper knowledge management, Python extensibility, or enterprise features. Open WebUI runs as a server that your whole team can reach from any browser.

Different form factors. Msty excels as a desktop app for individual power users. Open WebUI works well as a team platform accessible from anywhere.

Msty brings polish to desktop AI. Open WebUI takes a web-based, team-oriented approach. Different tools, same goal of making AI more useful.

Ready to try Open WebUI? Get started →

Frequently Asked Questions​

How do Msty and Open WebUI compare? Msty has a polished desktop experience with a great split-chat feature for comparing models. Open WebUI takes a web-based approach with multi-user support, knowledge bases, and extensibility. Different tools for different preferences.

Is Msty free? Msty has a free tier. Premium features require a paid Aurum plan. Teams pricing is also available.

Is Msty open source? No. Msty is proprietary software with a free tier.

Related: Open WebUI & LM Studio · Open WebUI & LibreChat · Open WebUI & Jan

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or contractual commitment. Open WebUI is provided "as is." See your license for applicable terms.