Franz

Is Franz really free?

Yes. Franz is free with up to 3 services, 1 workspace, and Basic AI that runs on your device. Free users may experience a brief loading pause once per hour. Pro removes this and unlocks unlimited services, workspaces, and full-speed AI.

Is my data safe?

Your messages stay on your device. Privacy Shield blocks trackers across all services. If you use Cloud AI, processing happens in the EU with zero data retention — nothing is stored, nothing is used for training.

Does the free version include AI?

Yes. All AI features are included for free — summaries, smart replies, voice transcription, the assistant, everything. Basic AI runs directly on your device, so it's fully private. Pro gives you faster, more powerful AI via Franz Cloud or your own API key.

What happens when my trial ends?

You keep using Franz for free with up to 3 services, 1 workspace, and Basic AI. Pro features like unlimited workspaces, app lock, and Franz Cloud AI deactivate, but all your data stays on your device. Nothing gets deleted.

What's the difference between Pro and Pro Cloud?

Pro lets you connect any model — OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama, local, or self-hosted — you pay your provider directly, no Franz Credits needed. Pro Cloud includes our managed AI service (5M tokens/month) processed in the EU with zero data retention. Both give you unlimited services and all Pro features.

Does Franz support WhatsApp and Signal?

Yes. WhatsApp runs as a webview with full functionality. Signal is built in as a native sub-app — not a web wrapper, but a proper desktop client. Both get full AI features: conversation summaries, voice message transcription, action items, group intelligence, and smart replies.

Can I use Franz on multiple computers?

Yes. Franz is available for Mac (Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows, and you can use it on multiple computers even on the free plan. Your services, workspace, and settings sync across your desktops when you sign in.

Why Franz? Who is Franz?

Because if you want to run an empire, you should probably get your communication under control first. We like to think we are giving Emperor Franz Joseph a second chance. Also, Franz was my grandfather's name, which felt like a much warmer legacy to build on.