Overview

A free, open-source desktop app for research over your own documents

SurfSense is a desktop app for Windows, macOS (Apple Silicon) and Linux. Add your documents, ask questions across them and get answers that cite where each point came from, then turn the same documents into slides, reports, study material and podcasts.

On your computer. Your documents are read, indexed and stored on your disk. There is no account.
Your choice of model. Run a model on your own computer, connect any OpenAI-compatible API, or use your ChatGPT or Claude plan.
Off until you say yes. Model downloads, remote providers, update checks and usage statistics stay off until you allow them.
Works offline. With a local model, SurfSense works with the network off.

Coming from 0.0.41?

SurfSense 2.0 is a rebuild, not an upgrade. The self-hosted web app, its connectors and messaging channels are documented under SurfSense Legacy. Use the version dropdown at the top of the sidebar to switch between them.

Install

Download SurfSense for Windows, macOS or Linux

Quick start

Pick a model, add sources and ask your first question

Models

Local models, OpenAI-compatible APIs, and ChatGPT or Claude plans

Plugins

Give the agent tools such as web search and site readers

Docker

Run the same app as one container on a server

Privacy

What leaves your computer, and how to switch it off

Last updated on November 2, 2026

On your computer. Your documents are read, indexed and stored on your disk. There is no account.
Your choice of model. Run a model on your own computer, connect any OpenAI-compatible API, or use your ChatGPT or Claude plan.
Off until you say yes. Model downloads, remote providers, update checks and usage statistics stay off until you allow them.
Works offline. With a local model, SurfSense works with the network off.