Head to head
Ollama vs LM Studio
Both run open AI models on your own computer on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and both expose a local server. Ollama is driven from the command line. LM Studio is a desktop app with a model browser and a chat window.
Ollama
Run open models locally with one command
Choose Ollama if you are comfortable in a terminal and want to script against a local API.
LM Studio
Desktop app to run local LLMs
Choose LM Studio if you would rather click through a desktop app to download a model and chat with it.
| Ollama | LM Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free for personal use |
| Free option | Yes | Yes |
| Toolora score | 96/100 | 91/100 |
| Known for | One-line model pulls · Local REST API · macOS, Windows, Linux · Modelfile customisation | Local model browser and downloads · Chat UI on your machine · OpenAI-compatible local server · Windows, macOS, and Linux apps |
Neither fits?
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