Best AI to run locally (2026)
Quick answer
Best AI to run locally: Ollama as the model runner, because it is open source (MIT) and runs open models on macOS, Windows and Linux. Add Open WebUI for a chat interface, LM Studio if you prefer a desktop app, ComfyUI for local images and Aider for local coding.
Updated Oct 25, 2026 · Based on official pricing and product pages · Test depth: Researched (not hands-on yet) · Sources
Local AI keeps data on your machine. You need a capable GPU or Apple Silicon for larger models. Start with a model runner, add a chat UI, then plug a coding agent into it.
Recommended AI stack to run locally
- Model runner
Open-source (MIT); run open models on macOS, Windows, Linux.
Pricing: Local use free and open-source (MIT); cloud plans: Free $0, paid tiers with monthly usage credits, team tier $500/mo. Details → - Desktop app
Free desktop app for local models; Bionic agent tiers from $20/mo.
Pricing: Free $0; Bionic+ $20/mo; Pro $100/mo. Details → - Chat UI
Self-hosted chat UI that supports Ollama and OpenAI-compatible APIs.
Pricing: Free to self-host (source on GitHub; GitHub reports a custom license). Details → - Local images & video
Node-based diffusion workflows on your GPU.
Pricing: Free, open-source (GPL-3.0). Details → - Local coding agent
Open-source terminal pair programmer; works with your chosen model.
Pricing: Free, open-source; you pay your chosen LLM provider. Details →
Best AI to run locally: comparison table
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid from | Open source | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ollama | Model runner | Yes | Free / usage-based | Yes (MIT) | 82 |
 LM Studio | Desktop app | Yes | $20/mo | No | 68 |
 Open WebUI | Chat UI | Yes | Free / usage-based | No | 62 |
 ComfyUI | Local images & video | Yes | Free / usage-based | Yes (GPL-3.0) | 82 |
| AAider | Local coding agent | Yes | Free / usage-based | Yes (Apache-2.0) | 82 |
Prices as listed on official pages on Oct 25, 2026; check the official site before buying. Scores follow our methodology.
Free AI stack to run locally
All five are free to use locally.
FAQ: best local AI tools
What is the best way to run AI locally?
Start with Ollama (open source, MIT) to download and run open models, then add a chat UI such as Open WebUI, or use the LM Studio desktop app.
Is running AI locally free?
Yes. Ollama, LM Studio, Open WebUI, ComfyUI and Aider are all free to use locally; you only need capable hardware.
What hardware do I need for local AI?
A capable GPU or Apple Silicon for larger models. Smaller models run on ordinary laptops but are less capable.
Can I use a local model for coding?
Yes. Aider is an open-source terminal pair programmer that works with the model you choose, including local ones.
Related scenarios
Best AI for images and game art
Concept art, typography-heavy images and quick designs, hosted or local.
Best AI for vibe coding
Ship apps by describing them: an agent editor, a terminal agent, and prompt-to-app builders.
Best AI tools for game development
Prototype a game, generate 2D/3D assets, voices and music with AI.
Best AI agents for automation
Automate workflows and run AI agents: no-code platforms plus open-source frameworks.
Sources and last update
- Ollama: Official pricing / plans page — checked Oct 25, 2026
- Ollama: GitHub repository (license, stars, last push via GitHub API) — checked Oct 25, 2026
- LM Studio: Official pricing / plans page — checked Oct 25, 2026
- Open WebUI: GitHub repository (license, stars, last push via GitHub API) — checked Oct 25, 2026
- ComfyUI: GitHub repository (license, stars, last push via GitHub API) — checked Oct 25, 2026
- Aider: Official pricing / plans page — checked Oct 25, 2026
- Aider: GitHub repository (license, stars, last push via GitHub API) — checked Oct 25, 2026
Last updated Oct 25, 2026. Order reflects the role in the workflow, not a ranking. Sponsorship never affects inclusion or order.