What is HuggingChat?
HuggingChat is Hugging Face's chat app for open-source AI models. It is built by Hugging Face, the main hub for open models and datasets, and currently lists about 137 models, including recent releases such as DeepSeek V4.1 Flash. An Omni router can pick the model it judges best for each request, or you can choose one yourself.
The difference from ChatGPT or Gemini is openness: every model in HuggingChat is an open-weight model you could also download and run on your own hardware, and the app's code is open source. That makes it useful for comparing open models side by side, testing a model before self-hosting it, and everyday chat, coding and writing help without being tied to one vendor. Usage runs on Hugging Face inference credits, and PRO accounts get far more.
Main Features
- Lists 130+ open-weight models from labs such as DeepSeek, Qwen, Meta and Mistral.
- Routes each request automatically with the Omni model picker.
- Lets you switch models mid-conversation to compare answers.
- Supports custom system prompts and settings per model.
- Adds new open models soon after they are released on the Hugging Face Hub.
- Includes ML Intern, a helper for papers, training, datasets and Hub resources.
- Runs on open-source code that teams can self-host.
How to Get Started with HuggingChat
- Open huggingface.co/chat in your browser.
- Sign in or create a free Hugging Face account.
- Leave Omni on or pick a specific model from the model list.
- Type your question, and upgrade to PRO if you hit the free inference limit.
HuggingChat Pricing
HuggingChat is free to start, using the limited inference credits that come with a free Hugging Face account. A Hugging Face PRO subscription costs $9 per month and includes 20 times more inference credits, which raises your HuggingChat limits.
Who Should Use It?
- Developers comparing open models before self-hosting one.
- AI researchers testing new open-weight releases.
- Privacy-minded users who prefer open models.
- Students who want a free general chat assistant.
- Teams evaluating alternatives to closed AI vendors.
HuggingChat Alternatives
- ChatGPT: closed models with more built-in tools and polish
- Le Chat by Mistral: European assistant built on Mistral's own models
- T3 Chat: one cheap subscription for many closed and open models
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HuggingChat free?
Yes, HuggingChat is free to start with a Hugging Face account. Free usage is limited by inference credits, and Hugging Face PRO at $9 per month raises those limits.
What models does HuggingChat use?
HuggingChat uses open-weight models, around 137 of them, from labs like DeepSeek, Qwen, Meta and Mistral. The Omni router can choose one for you on each request.
HuggingChat vs ChatGPT: which is better?
ChatGPT is more polished and has more built-in tools, while HuggingChat is better if you want open models and the freedom to compare them. HuggingChat is also cheaper for heavy users at $9 per month for PRO.
Is HuggingChat private?
HuggingChat is run by Hugging Face, and its code is open source so you can self-host it for full control. On the hosted version, check Hugging Face's privacy policy for how conversations are stored.