Kagi Assistant

Active

Country: United States (US)
Founded: 2018
Developer: Kagi Inc.
Pricing: Paid subscription (Ultimate tier required)
Open source: No
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

Indexes

AI Assistants

Overview

Kagi Assistant is an AI chat interface integrated into the Kagi search engine, providing access to multiple large language models from providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, Google, Mistral, Amazon, Alibaba, and DeepSeek. Users can enable optional Kagi Search results for web-grounded responses, create custom assistants with specific instructions and tools, and manage conversations with features like file uploads and thread saving. It targets users seeking privacy-focused AI assistance for research, coding, and creative tasks without ads or data tracking.

Key Features

Multiple LLMs - Access and switch between models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, and others mid-conversation.
Kagi Search Integration - Optional web access powered by Kagi Search, including Lenses and personalized results.
Custom Assistants - Create assistants with custom instructions, model selection, and tools like search.
File Uploads - Upload documents, images, spreadsheets, or audio for analysis and context.
Thread Management - Save, edit, branch, export to markdown, and share conversations.
Voice Input - Use microphone for voice prompts with code syntax highlighting in responses.
Bangs Access - Quick access via bangs like !code for coding assistant or !ki for specialized profiles.
Mid-Thread Changes - Alter model, web access, or configuration during a conversation.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Starter	$5/month	Basic search features; no Assistant access.
Professional	$10/month	Advanced search; no Assistant access.
Ultimate	$25/month	Full access to Kagi Assistant, all LLMs, custom assistants, and search integration.
Family (Ultimate)	$40/month	Ultimate features for multiple users.

Platforms & Requirements

Kagi Assistant is primarily web-based, accessible via kagi.com on desktop and mobile browsers. Native apps for iOS and Android provide search with Assistant integration through the apps menu or bangs. No standalone desktop apps; requires active Kagi subscription.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Kagi Search (web results and Lenses)
OpenAI models
Anthropic models
Google models
Mistral models
File upload (documents, images, audio)
Markdown export
Shareable thread links

Alternatives

App	Difference
ChatGPT	Relies on OpenAI models only; includes ads and tracking, lacks integrated ad-free search.
Claude.ai	Anthropic-exclusive models; no built-in search or multi-LLM switching.
Perplexity AI	Search-focused AI with citations; limited model choice and no custom assistant creation.
Google Gemini	Google ecosystem integration; tracks user data unlike Kagi's privacy focus.

Reputation

Kagi Assistant is praised for its privacy emphasis, ad-free experience, and high-quality search integration, appealing to users frustrated with mainstream AI tools. It receives positive feedback on Hacker News for model variety and customization. Criticisms include its restriction to the pricier Ultimate tier, limiting accessibility compared to free alternatives.

Sources (9)