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Shinkai App vs Shinkai Web: The Complete Breakdown

Shinkai App vs Shinkai Web: The Complete Breakdown

(2025 Guide to Local AI, Browser AI & Decentralized Agents)

Shinkai now lives in two places — on your desktop and in your browser. They may look similar at first glance, but Shinkai App and Shinkai Web serve very different purposes inside the Local AI ecosystem. If you’re exploring Local AI agents, decentralized AI, or simply choosing the best platform for your workflow, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Shinkai.

What is Shinkai?

Shinkai is a Local AI ecosystem designed to give users full ownership over their intelligence. It combines two complementary platforms — Shinkai App and Shinkai Web — allowing people to build, run, and interact with AI agents in the way that best fits their workflow. Instead of relying on cloud-based AI, Shinkai enables individuals and organizations to: Create custom AI agents Run decentralized agents they fully control Use multiple AI models Keep their data private and autonomous Choose between local performance (App) or instant browser access (Web) Shinkai is not just an application — it’s an AI operating system that spans devices, browsers, and decentralized infrastructure.

What is the Shinkai App (Desktop)?

The Shinkai App is the full-power desktop version — designed for users who want privacy, control, and advanced capabilities when working with Shinkai Desktop. This version is ideal for those prioritizing a robust local AI experience.

Key Features (Shinkai Desktop App)

🔒 100% local privacy — your data never leaves your device.

🤖 Local & decentralized agents — including community-published agents.

🧠 Multiple AI models — local or remote, customizable.

💸 x402 payments — needed for decentralized agents officially published by the community.

Best For:

Power users, developers, analysts, researchers, and anyone building private AI workflows with Shinkai Desktop.

What is Shinkai Web?

Shinkai Web is the browser-native version — fast, accessible, and built for instant creation of AI agents. This platform offers a seamless way to interact with Shinkai from anywhere.

Key Features (Shinkai Web Platform)

🌐 Runs online — no downloads, instantly accessible.

🕸️ Cloud + decentralized agents — flexibility from anywhere.

⚡ Preconfigured AI models — no setup required.

💰 x402 payments for decentralized agents + extra AI credits beyond the free tier.

Best For:

Anyone wanting to create, explore, and share AI agents quickly, with zero installation, using Shinkai Web.

Local AI Agents: How They Work in Web vs App

Shinkai lets you build and run Local AI agents — but the experience differs depending on the platform. Whether you're using Shinkai App or Shinkai Web, the core functionality of local AI agents remains central.

On Shinkai App (Desktop)

Local AI agents run fully on-device, with zero cloud dependency. You get maximum privacy, speed, and access to decentralized agents published by the community, making Shinkai Desktop a powerhouse for local AI.

On Shinkai Web (Browser)

You can create agents instantly and interact with them from anywhere. Shinkai Web is built for creativity, rapid prototyping, and sharing — while still supporting decentralized agents through x402, offering a flexible approach to local AI agents.

In Short:

  • App = local power + full autonomy
  • Web = browser creativity + anywhere access

Which version should you use?

Use Shinkai App if you want:

  • Full privacy with Shinkai Desktop
  • Local-only processing for AI agents
  • Multiple model configurations
  • Developer-level workflows
  • Offline or autonomous environments

Use Shinkai Web if you want:

  • Instant creation of agents via Shinkai Web
  • Sharing + collaboration
  • Zero installation
  • Flexibility from any device
  • Quick experiments, prototyping, or lightweight workflows

Most users will eventually use both Shinkai App and Shinkai Web, depending on the moment.

Two Tools, One Mission

Both Shinkai App and Shinkai Web have one shared goal: put intelligence back in the hands of the user. The App gives you power, privacy, and local autonomy, while the Web gives you speed, creativity, and universal access. Together, they form the foundation of the Local AI ecosystem, empowering users with Shinkai.

🐙 Your AI. Your Rules.

👉 Try Shinkai Web: https://web.shinkai.com

👉 Download Shinkai App: https://shinkai.com

Consu Valdivia

Consu Valdivia

Marketing & Communications at @shinkai_network by @dcspark_io — building the bridge between AI, people, and open-source growth.