#1
Ollama
Ollama · USA
Best for: Running models with one command
Install, then ollama run qwen3 or ollama run deepseek-r1 . Works with many apps.
Desktop
Best Tools to Run AI Locally (Open Source) (2026)
Running AI on your own computer keeps your data private, works offline and costs nothing after setup. These free tools make it easy.
⚡ Quick answer: how to choose
- Simple and developer-friendly: Ollama.
- Point-and-click with model search: LM Studio.
- Fully open-source desktop app: Jan.
- Find and download models: Hugging Face.
Top picks compared
Open source
#2
LM Studio
LM Studio · USA
Best for: Beginners who prefer clicking
Search, download and chat with models; shows which fit your memory.
Desktop
#3
Jan
Jan · Singapore / Vietnam
Best for: Open-source ChatGPT-style desktop app
Offline chat app with local models and optional cloud connections.
Desktop
#4
Hugging Face
Hugging Face · USA / France
Best for: Finding open models
The main hub for open AI models, datasets and demos.
Web
Best on the web
- • Hugging Face — Finding open models
Best as a phone app
These tools are mainly used on the web or desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run ChatGPT offline?
Not ChatGPT itself, but you can run similar open models (Qwen, Llama, DeepSeek, Mistral, Gemma) offline with Ollama, LM Studio or Jan.
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