Ollama
An open-source tool for running AI models locally, with a desktop app and optional cloud models.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Ollama
Ollama is one of the most widely used ways to run open AI models on your own computer. It started as a command-line tool and local server that downloads a model with one command and exposes it through an API, and it now includes a desktop chat app and a large model library. Because so many apps, coding agents and frameworks support it, Ollama often acts as the engine behind other interfaces such as Open WebUI. Recent versions add cloud models for those without a powerful machine, billed through usage credits or Pro and Max subscriptions, and it can expose OpenAI- and Anthropic-compatible APIs. Running models locally is free. The chat app is simpler than dedicated interfaces such as LM Studio or Open WebUI, and getting the most from it still means some comfort with the terminal. The core project is open source under the MIT licence. It runs on macOS, Windows and Linux.
Best for: Developers and tinkerers who want a local model engine that every other tool supports.
Pros and cons
What works
- One-command model downloads and a local API
- Supported by a huge range of apps and agents
- Free and open source for local use
Why people leave
- Basic chat app compared with dedicated interfaces
- Best used with some terminal comfort
- Cloud models need credits or a subscription
Top Ollama alternatives
See all 5- 1
LM Studio66.5Friendlier graphical app for finding and running local models.
- 2
Jan62.6Open-source desktop chat app with built-in local model support.
- 3
Open WebUI59.6Full web interface on top of Ollama, with users, RAG and tools.
- 4
AnythingLLM57.2Desktop app that pairs local models with document chat and agents.
- 5
ChatGPT55.3No local hardware needed, if cloud processing is acceptable.
Why people left Ollama
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 Ollama, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers
Write a review of Ollama
Ollama: common questions
Is Ollama free?
Yes. Ollama is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.
Is Ollama open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at ollama/ollama. You can also run it on your own server.
What platforms does Ollama run on?
Ollama is available for macOS, Windows, Linux and Self-hosted.
What are the best alternatives to Ollama?
The highest-ranked Ollama alternatives right now are LM Studio, Jan and Open WebUI. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.