Local LLM Runnersfree

LocalAI

Drop-in OpenAI-compatible API server running models on your own hardware, CPU or GPU

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What LocalAI does

  • Drop-in OpenAI-compatible API server running models on your own hardware, CPU or GPU
  • Covers text, image, audio and embeddings in one server
  • MIT licensed with multi-user support

LocalAI — straight answers

What is LocalAI?

LocalAI is listed under Local LLM Runners, in the AI Models & Local Execution category on Flocci AI Tools. Drop-in OpenAI-compatible API server running models on your own hardware, CPU or GPU. It is free, with no paid plan attached, and it lives at github.com.

Is LocalAI free?

LocalAI 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 LocalAI in a browser, or is there an app?

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

What can LocalAI do?

LocalAI does 3 things the catalog singles out: Drop-in openai-compatible api server running models on your own hardware, cpu or gpu; covers text, image, audio and embeddings in one server; mit licensed with multi-user support.

What is the best free alternative to LocalAI?

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.

See the full list →

LocalAI alternatives

Compare all alternatives →

Ollama

Local LLM Runners
free
  • The default way to run LLMs locally
  • One command to run Llama, Qwen, DeepSeek…
  • OpenAI-compatible local API
  • Free and open-source
Visit

LM Studio

Local LLM Runners
free
  • Polished desktop GUI for local models
  • Discover, download and chat with GGUF models
  • Local server with OpenAI-compatible API
  • Free for personal use
Visit

Jan

Local LLM Runners
free
  • Open-source, offline ChatGPT alternative
  • No-config, privacy-first GUI
  • Runs fully on your device
  • Free forever
Visit

GPT4All

Local LLM Runners
free
  • Private local chat with your documents
  • Runs on modest laptops
  • LocalDocs RAG built in
  • Free and open-source
Visit

Open WebUI

Local LLM Runners
free
  • Self-hosted ChatGPT-style interface
  • Works with Ollama and OpenAI-compatible APIs
  • RAG, tools and multi-user
  • Free and open-source
Visit

AnythingLLM

Local LLM Runners
free
  • All-in-one local RAG and agents app
  • Chat with your docs privately
  • Works with local or cloud models
  • Free and open-source
Visit

Head-to-head comparisons

LocalAI vs OllamaLocalAI vs LM StudioLocalAI vs JanLocalAI vs GPT4AllLocalAI vs Open WebUILocalAI vs AnythingLLM