# LocalAI

Drop-in OpenAI-compatible API server running models on your own hardware, CPU or GPU. LocalAI is free, with no paid plan attached, at github.com.

## Facts

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

## Capabilities

- 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

## FAQ

### 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.

## Related

- [LocalAI alternatives](https://aitools.flocci.in/alternatives/localai)
- [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)
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Source: Flocci AI Tools — https://aitools.flocci.in/tool/localai

Facts last verified: October 2026