Thinking about ditching APIs and running your own language model offline? Here are 5 tools I’ve tested for deploying local LLMs — from beginner-friendly to full-on tinkerer setups.
1. Ollama
CLI-based, cross-platform, zero-config LLM runner.
- Simple:
ollama run llama3and you’re good to go - Great on MacBooks (M1/M2/M3)
- Clean integration with other frontends
Downsides: No GUI unless paired with another app like Open WebUI.
2. LM Studio
GUI app with built-in chat, embeddings, and offline document Q&A.
- Drag & drop model interface
- Good performance with quantized models
- Beginner-friendly, works offline
Tip: Best for casual use or local note-taking/chat.
3. KoboldAI
Geared toward writers and roleplayers.
- Multiple model backends supported
- Memory features and creative prompting
- Hugely popular for storytelling
Downsides: Less ideal for Q&A or productivity.
4. oobabooga / Text Generation Web UI
Highly modular and extensible local chat platform.
- Supports LoRAs, long context, voice, tools
- Huge model compatibility (GGUF, GPTQ, exllama, etc.)
- Many plugins and community forks
Great for devs who want full control and don’t mind getting hands-on.
5. Text Generation Web UI (base layer)
Same engine as oobabooga, but closer to the metal.
- Lightweight, direct access to backends
- Good for experiments, prompt engineering
- Fastest with GPU (especially ExLlamaV2)
Not beginner-friendly — but powerful once configured.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Interface | Ease | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ollama | CLI | ✅✅✅ | 🟡 | Fast setup, devs |
| LM Studio | GUI | ✅✅ | 🟡 | Everyday use |
| KoboldAI | Web | 🟡 | ✅ | Storytelling |
| oobabooga | Web | 🟡 | ✅✅ | Advanced customization |
| Text Gen UI | Web | 🟡 | ✅✅✅ | Speed & fine control |
I now run most of my AI chats locally — especially using Ollama + LM Studio. It’s fast, private, and honestly… fun. Cloud still has its place, but owning the stack feels different.
Try what fits your workflow. Just make sure you’ve got the RAM for it.