# llama.cpp

Pure C/C++ inference engine with minimal dependencies, runs on CPU-only hardware. llama.cpp is free, with no paid plan attached, at github.com.

## Facts

- **Pricing tier:** Free
- **Works on:** CLI, macOS, Windows, Linux, Self-hosted, API
- **Works in browser:** No

## Capabilities

- Pure C/C++ inference engine with minimal dependencies, runs on CPU-only hardware
- Powers the GGUF format used by Ollama, LM Studio and most local runners under the hood
- Broad quantization support (2-bit to 8-bit) for running large models on consumer hardware

## FAQ

### What is llama.cpp?

llama.cpp is listed under Local LLM Runners, in the AI Models & Local Execution category on Flocci AI Tools. Pure C/C++ inference engine with minimal dependencies, runs on CPU-only hardware. It is free, with no paid plan attached, and it lives at github.com.

### Is llama.cpp free?

llama.cpp is listed as fully free — there is no paid tier attached to it in the catalog. That makes it one of the 397 entries on Flocci AI Tools with no upgrade path built in.

### Can I use llama.cpp in a browser, or is there an app?

llama.cpp needs to be installed or self-hosted — it doesn't run in a browser tab. It is available on the command line, Mac, Windows, Linux, self-hosting and an API.

### What can llama.cpp do?

llama.cpp does 3 things the catalog singles out: Pure c/c++ inference engine with minimal dependencies, runs on cpu-only hardware; powers the gguf format used by ollama, lm studio and most local runners under the hood; broad quantization support (2-bit to 8-bit) for running large models on consumer hardware.

### What is the best free alternative to llama.cpp?

AnythingLLM is the closest free alternative: it sits in the same Local LLM Runners sub-category and is free. BitNet, exo and Google AI Edge Gallery also start free. The full list is on the alternatives page.

## Related

- [llama.cpp alternatives](https://aitools.flocci.in/alternatives/llama-cpp)
- [Local LLM Runners](https://aitools.flocci.in/category/ai-models-local-execution/local-llm-runners)
- [Best free local LLM runners](https://aitools.flocci.in/best/best-local-llm-runners)
---

Source: Flocci AI Tools — https://aitools.flocci.in/tool/llama-cpp

Facts last verified: October 2026