Ollama vs LM Studio
Ollama is a CLI and a local server other apps can talk to. LM Studio is a desktop app with a model browser and a chat window.
Ollama
Free
Pick Ollama if…
You want a local endpoint to point your own code or editor at.
LM Studio
Free
Pick LM Studio if…
You want to download a model and chat with it, no terminal involved.
Side by side
| Ollama | LM Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Category | Code & Dev | Code & Dev |
| Best known for | Run open-weight models locally with one command. | Desktop app for downloading and chatting with local models. |
| Tags | local, open-weights, cli, privacy | local, desktop, open-weights |
Related comparisons
Comparisons are editorial and can't be bought. Pricing models change — check both vendors before deciding. Some links earn a commission; see the disclosure.