Our verdict: Chatbox is a tidy, easy client for chatting with many AI models from one window. The app itself is free if you bring your own API keys or a local model. The built-in Chatbox AI service is convenient, but its free tier is small and the better models sit behind a subscription.
About Chatbox
Chatbox is a cross-platform AI chat client from Mediocre, LLC. You can add API keys from providers such as OpenAI, Google Gemini, Anthropic, DeepSeek or OpenRouter, or connect a local model server, and switch between them in the same interface. Conversation history and settings are stored on your device.
The developer also runs Chatbox AI, a hosted model service. Its free tier gives a daily allowance of compute points, while Lite, Pro and Pro+ subscriptions add more usage, advanced models, document chat and integrated MCP. When you use the hosted models, your messages and files are sent to Chatbox AI to generate answers.
What it does well
- Bring your own key. Uses your own API keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek and other providers.
- Document and image chat. Understands files, images and code you attach to a conversation.
- Knowledge base. The desktop app can build a private knowledge base from local documents.
- Agent mode. Runs code, skills and MCP servers as part of an answer.
- Markdown and LaTeX. Renders formatted answers, code blocks and math formulas.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want one clean chat window for several AI providers using their own API keys.
Look elsewhere
Users who want a fully open-source app or free access to top models without paying a provider.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free app with no account needed for your own keys
- Many cloud providers in one interface
- Local storage of chat history
- Apps for desktop and mobile
Cons
- Hosted free tier is small; advanced models need Pro or Pro+
- The current desktop app is not open source
- No built-in local model runner
How to install Chatbox
Run the Windows 64-bit installer from chatboxai.app. On first start choose between the Chatbox AI hosted service, which needs an account, and your own API key or local model, which does not. API usage with your own key is billed by that provider.
Questions about Chatbox
Is Chatbox free?
Yes. The Chatbox apps are free and work with your own API keys. Chatbox AI hosted models have a small free daily allowance; paid plans start at USD 3.99 per month.
Does Chatbox send my chats to its servers?
Only when you use Chatbox AI hosted models. With your own API key, messages go to the provider you chose, and history is stored on your device.
