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LM Studio

A desktop app for downloading and running open AI models locally, free for home and work.

Free plan + paidAI chatbots and assistants
Visit LM StudioSee 6 alternatives
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About LM Studio

LM Studio is a desktop app for running large language models on your own computer. It lets you search and download open models, chat with them in a clean interface and serve them to other apps through a local API, using llama.cpp and Apple's MLX under the hood. It has become one of the most popular ways for non-specialists to try local AI because it handles model formats and hardware settings for you. The newer Bionic agent adds document editing, coding and automation on top of local models, with optional US-hosted cloud models for heavier work. LM Studio is free for home and work use, and a Bionic+ subscription adds cloud inference. The app itself is not open source, and local models need a reasonably powerful machine: Apple Silicon Macs, or Windows and Linux PCs with plenty of RAM, ideally with a GPU. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux.

Best for: Anyone who wants to run open models privately on their own computer without the terminal.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Easy model search, download and chat
  • Free for both personal and work use
  • Local API server for other apps

Why people leave

  • The app itself is closed source
  • Intel Macs are not supported
  • Local models need lots of RAM to run well

Top LM Studio alternatives

See all 6
  1. 1Ollama logo
    Ollama

    Open-source local runner with a CLI and huge integration support.

    66.5
  2. 2Jan logo
    Jan

    Open-source desktop app with a similar local-first approach.

    62.6
  3. 3Msty logo
    Msty

    Mixes local and cloud models in one desktop workspace.

    59.6
  4. 4AnythingLLM logo
    AnythingLLM

    Open-source desktop app with stronger document chat and agents.

    57.2
  5. 5Open WebUI logo
    Open WebUI

    Self-hosted web interface for local models, good for sharing with a team.

    55.3

Why people left LM Studio

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from LM Studio, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

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LM Studio: common questions

Is LM Studio free?

LM Studio has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Yes, run local models (checked on LM Studio's own site).

Is LM Studio open source?

No, LM Studio is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Ollama, Jan and AnythingLLM.

What platforms does LM Studio run on?

LM Studio is available for macOS, Windows and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to LM Studio?

The highest-ranked LM Studio alternatives right now are Ollama, Jan and Msty. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 LM Studio alternatives