Ollama downloads and runs open models with one command and exposes a local API that many apps support.
Keep in mind: Command-line first, though desktop apps and UIs exist.
Guide · Updated
The best tools to run AI models locally
Running AI locally keeps your data on your machine and avoids per-use costs. Modern laptops can run smaller open models well; larger ones need more memory or a GPU.
Quick picks
| Tool | Best for | Pricing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ollama | Simple command-line and API use | Free | Visit |
| LM Studio | A friendly desktop app | Free | Visit |
| Hugging Face | Finding models and datasets | Freemium | Visit |
How we pick: tools are chosen for fit to the task, based on each tool's official documentation and features — not on payment. Pricing labels are a guide; check official sites for current plans.
The picks, in detail
LM Studio lets you search, download and chat with local models in a desktop app, with a local server for developers.
Keep in mind: Performance depends on your hardware.
Hugging Face hosts a huge catalog of open models, datasets and demos, and is where most local models come from.
Keep in mind: A platform, not a one-click runner; pair it with Ollama or LM Studio.
How to choose
- Check your RAM or GPU memory against the model size.
- Start with a small model and scale up.
- Read each model's license before commercial use.
- Local models are private but may be less capable than top cloud models.
FAQ
Can I run ChatGPT-like AI on my own computer?
Yes. Tools like Ollama and LM Studio run open models locally; quality depends on the model size your hardware can handle.
Is running AI locally free?
The tools listed are free; you only pay for your own hardware and electricity.
Is local AI more private?
Yes: prompts and files stay on your machine when you run models locally, unlike cloud services.
