Beginner · first result in 15 min

Run powerful AI on my own laptop

The problem

I want AI that works offline, keeps my data on my machine and has no monthly bill.

What you'll get

From zero to a private local assistant in about 15 minutes, and a clear picture of how big you can go.

Best options right now

Pick one

Last checked 23 Sept 2026

The easiest start: one command to download and chat with open models; local API included

EasyFree

A desktop app with a model browser and chat window, no terminal needed

EasyFree

Maximum control and speed on CPU, Apple Silicon or any GPU

MediumFree

Frontier-size MoE models (GLM-5.2, 744B) on 16–25 GB RAM by streaming experts from disk

Needs ~372 GB of NVMe; about 1 token every 10–20 s on a 25 GB machine. See our claim check.

AdvancedFree

Install Ollama (or LM Studio if you prefer an app).
Start with a small model; it answers instantly on most laptops. Move up in size only if quality isn't enough.
Point your tools at the local API (Ollama serves one on localhost:11434) so prompts never leave your machine.

# macOS / Linux
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh
ollama run llama3.2          # pick any model from ollama.com/library

Bigger isn't always better on a laptop: a model that takes minutes per answer won't get used.
Model files are large. Check free disk space before downloading.
Check each model's license before commercial use.