Our verdict: LobeHub turns the popular LobeChat interface into an agent workspace with a native desktop app. It looks polished and offers many models, agents and skills. Since version 2 the desktop app requires signing in to LobeHub Cloud or your own server, and the free cloud plan is small.
About LobeHub
LobeHub, previously known as LobeChat, is an AI chat and agent platform from LobeHub LLC. The code is published under the LobeHub Community License, which is based on Apache 2.0 but requires a commercial license for distributing derivative works. The Windows desktop app is built with Electron and works with agents, files, a knowledge base and web search.
Since version 2 the desktop app no longer has a local-only database mode: you sign in to LobeHub Cloud or connect a self-hosted LobeHub server, and chats sync through it. The cloud Free plan includes 500,000 credits per month and 15 MB of file storage; Starter, Premium and Ultimate subscriptions add more credits and storage.
What it does well
- Many models. Gives access to models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, DeepSeek and others.
- Agents and skills. Lets you build and use agents from a shared agent market.
- Files and knowledge base. Uses uploaded files and a knowledge base in conversations.
- Self-hosting. The desktop app can connect to your own LobeHub server.
- Cloud sync. Keeps chats in sync between desktop, web and mobile.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want a polished AI agent workspace that syncs across devices, or who self-host LobeHub.
Look elsewhere
Users who want an offline chat app that keeps everything on the PC without an account.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Polished interface
- Many models and agents in one place
- Can be self-hosted
- Syncs across devices
Cons
- Account or self-hosted server required
- Free cloud plan has few credits and 15 MB storage
- No local-only offline mode since version 2
How to install LobeHub
Run the Windows setup file from lobehub.com/downloads. On first start sign in to LobeHub Cloud or enter the address of a self-hosted LobeHub server; a local-only mode is no longer available. Prompts and files go to the cloud service or your server and on to the chosen model provider.
Questions about LobeHub
Is LobeHub free?
The desktop app is free to download and the code is published under the LobeHub Community License. LobeHub Cloud has a Free plan with 500,000 credits per month; paid plans start at USD 12.90 per month.
Can LobeHub work without an account?
Not the current desktop app. Since version 2 it needs a LobeHub Cloud account or a connection to a self-hosted LobeHub server.
