Top 5 Local LLMs Developers Love in 2025

In 2025, using large AI language models on your computer will no longer be just for experts; it’s easier and more popular than ever. More developers, creators, and small teams are choosing to run these models locally to keep full control over their data, skip monthly fees, and work without needing the internet.

Whether you want faster responses, more privacy, or just to avoid the cloud, local AI is a smart move.

In this post, we’ve picked the top 5 tools and models you can use locally this year. You’ll also find simple setup steps and example commands to get started quickly.

Why Run LLMs Locally?

• Keep Your Data Safe: Everything stays on your computer-nothing is sent online.

• No Monthly Costs: Use the models as much as you like without paying for a subscription.

• Works Offline: Great for working in low or no internet areas.

• Make It Your Own: Adjust the model to suit your specific needs or projects.

• Faster Results: No waiting for the cloud- get instant replies.

1. Ollama

Highlights:

• One-line commands to run top models

• Supports Llama 3, DeepSeek, Phi-3, and more

• OpenAI-compatible API

• Cross-platform

Install:

• Download from: ollama.com/download

Run a model:

ollama run qwen:0.5b
# Or on smaller hardware:
ollama run phi3:mini

Use API:

curl http://localhost:11434/api/chat -d '{
  "model": "qwen:0.5b",
  "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Explain quantum computing simply"}]
}'

Best for general users who want zero-setup local AI.

2. LM Studio

Highlights:

• Intuitive desktop UI

• Model discovery and chat interface

• OpenAI-compatible API server

• Performance visualizations

Install:

• Download from: lmstudio.ai

  

Use:

• Open app → “Discover” tab → Download models

  

• Use chat tab or enable the API server

  

Best for non-coders and users who prefer visual interfaces.

3. text-generation-webui

Highlights:

• Easy web interface

• Multi-backend support (GGUF, GPTQ, AWQ, etc.)

• Plugin system, character creation, RAG support

Install (portable build):

# Download from GitHub Releases
# Unzip and run:
text-generation-webui --listen

• Open http://localhost:5000 to access UI

  

• Load models from Hugging Face within interface

Best for tinkerers who want a browser UI plus flexibility.

4. GPT4All

Highlights:

• Desktop application with built-in models

• Chat interface with settings

• Local document Q&A support

Install:

• Download from: gpt4all.io

  

Use:

• Launch app → Pick model → Start chatting

• Modify parameters in Settings tab

Best for Windows users and non-tech-savvy users.

5. LocalAI

Highlights:

• Works with GGUF, ONNX, and PyTorch models

• Docker deployment

• API-compatible with OpenAI tools

• Supports multimodal AI

Run with Docker:

# CPU-only:
docker run -ti --name local-ai -p 8080:8080 localai/localai:latest-cpu

# GPU support:
docker run -ti --name local-ai -p 8080:8080 --gpus all localai/localai:latest-gpu-nvidia-cuda-12

• Access dashboard: http://localhost:8080/browse

Best for developers integrating LLMs into apps or APIs.

Bonus Tool: Jan

Fully offline ChatGPT-style desktop assistant

Highlights:

• Powered by Cortex engine

• Unified interface for Llama, Mistral, Gemma, Qwen, etc.

• Offline chat plus OpenAI-compatible API

• Plugin ecosystem

Install & Use:

• Download from: jan.ai

  

• Choose models from library → Start chatting

• Optionally enable API server

Best all-in-one private ChatGPT alternative.

Best Local LLM Models to Run

Conclusion

Whether you're a developer, researcher, or AI hobbyist, 2025 is the year local LLMs go mainstream. With tools like Ollama and LM Studio, it's easier than ever to run advanced models like Llama 3 or Qwen2 directly on your machine — no cloud, no privacy risk, and no ongoing costs.

References

1. Top 5 Local LLM Tools and Models in 2025

2. Download Ollama

3. Download LM Studio

4. Download GPT4ALL