The verdict
Backyard AI (formerly Faraday) runs uncensored character chat entirely on your own computer, so nothing leaves your PC. It's the top pick for privacy, limited only by your hardware.
Best for private, offline roleplay. For maximum flexibility, SillyTavern; for cloud convenience, Chub.
Pros
- Runs fully offline and private
- Uncensored, no data leaves your PC
- Free to use locally
Cons
- Needs a capable PC
- Setup and model downloads
- Optional cloud costs extra
Backyard AI FAQ
Is Backyard AI private? Yes, local chats run entirely on your own machine with no data leaving your PC.
Is Backyard AI free? Yes, local use is free; an optional cloud plan (from around $10/mo) runs larger models.
Scored on the public six-point method, assessed from hands-on use where possible plus documented pricing, features and user reports · last updated July 2026.