Local AI · 2026 · Privacy-first
LM Studio vs Ollama
Download and run AI models locally on your own computer — with real logos, direct links, and clear steps for both tools.
✦ Best for beginners
LM Studio – graphical app, built-in model browser
LM Studio – graphical app, built-in model browser
✦ Best for developers
Ollama – terminal workflow, script-friendly
Ollama – terminal workflow, script-friendly
✦ Both free & offline
Run models privately without cloud
Run models privately without cloud
LM Studio
LM Studio Download LM Studio →
Desktop app for discovering, downloading, and running local LLMs. Includes a chat interface and built-in model downloader. [web:16][web:17]
- Visual, beginner-friendly way to work with local models.
- Built-in Discover tab to browse and download models.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
1. Download from lmstudio.ai/download
2. Install and launch
3. Go to Discover tab → search for a model (e.g. "llama", "qwen")
4. Click download, then Chat → load model → start chatting
2. Install and launch
3. Go to Discover tab → search for a model (e.g. "llama", "qwen")
4. Click download, then Chat → load model → start chatting
Ollama
Ollama Download Ollama →
Local AI tool that runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Lets you start models from the terminal with simple commands. [web:22]
- Strong choice for command-line workflows and app integration.
- Models download automatically when you run them.
- Ideal for automation, scripts, and developer tools.
1. Download from ollama.com/download
2. Install
3. Open Terminal and run: ollama to see help
4. Run a model: ollama run gemma4 (or any model from ollama.com/search)
2. Install
3. Open Terminal and run: ollama to see help
4. Run a model: ollama run gemma4 (or any model from ollama.com/search)
Quick comparison
| Feature | LM Studio | Ollama |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Graphical desktop app | Terminal / command-line |
| Best for | Beginners, casual users | Developers, automation |
| Model download | Search & download inside app | Auto-download on ollama run |
| Offline usage | ✅ Full offline after download | ✅ Full offline after download |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| API for devs | ✅ Local API available | ✅ Built-in API |
How to download models (quick recap)
LM Studio
Open the Discover tab → search by name or Hugging Face URL → click download. Then load in Chat. [web:18][web:19]
Search examples:
llama, gemma, qwen/qwen2.5-coder
llama, gemma, qwen/qwen2.5-coder
Ollama
Run ollama run <model-name> and it downloads automatically. Browse models at ollama.com/search. [web:22]
Example:
ollama run gemma4
ollama run gemma4