Ollama

Run open LLMs locally from one command
Run LLMs locallyLocal runtime (CLI)MITRuns locallyGoBeginner
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🐳 Docker pulls 📦 PyPI downloads / month 📦 npm downloads / month 🚀 Latest release ·
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What is Ollama?

Ollama is a lightweight local runtime that downloads and runs open-weight models with a single command and exposes an OpenAI-compatible REST API on your machine.

Why people choose Ollama

Ollama at a glance

CategoryRun LLMs locally
TypeLocal runtime (CLI)
LicenseMIT
Runs locallyYes
Built withGo
Skill levelBeginner
Best fordevelopers who want a scriptable local model API

Open-source alternatives to Ollama

Other open-source run llms locally tools worth comparing:

LM StudioBrowse, download and chat with local modelsJanOpen-source, offline ChatGPT-style desktop appGPT4AllPrivate local AI that runs on CPUllama.cppThe C/C++ engine powering local inferenceLocalAIA drop-in OpenAI API you self-hostText Generation WebUIFeature-rich web UI for local modelsKoboldCppSingle-file local model runnerMLC LLMRun LLMs on any device, even phonesllamafileOne executable file = model + runtimeexoRun big models across your everyday devicesCortexOllama-style runtime from the Jan teamNexa SDKRun any model on any device — CPU, GPU, NPURamaLamaRun models as OCI containersGPUStackManage GPU clusters for running models

Ollama head-to-head

Ollama vs LM StudioOllama vs JanOllama vs GPT4AllOllama vs llama.cppOllama vs LocalAIOllama vs Text Generation WebUIOllama vs KoboldCppOllama vs MLC LLMOllama vs llamafileOllama vs exoOllama vs CortexOllama vs Nexa SDKOllama vs RamaLamaOllama vs GPUStack

FAQ

Is Ollama free?

Ollama is free and open-source (MIT license), so you can use, self-host and modify it at no cost.

Can I run Ollama locally?

Yes. Ollama is designed to run on your own machine or server, keeping your data private.

What is the best alternative to Ollama?

Popular open-source alternatives include LM Studio, Jan, GPT4All. See the comparisons above to choose.

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