AI Lineup
LM Studio
by Element Labs (independent)
The friendliest way to run AI on your own computer: a proper app with a simple interface, no commands needed.
FreeRuns Locally
Last checked: 21 September 2026
The details
- What it is
- A proper desktop app — looks and feels like real software — that lets you browse, download, and chat with local AI models. The most beginner-friendly way to run AI locally. No command line needed.
- What it does
- Open it like any other app, browse a catalogue of models, click download, and start chatting. Has a built-in chat interface that looks a lot like ChatGPT — but everything runs on your machine.
- Cost
- Free for personal use. The models it runs are also free.
- What you need
- Mac, Windows, or Linux. At least 8GB RAM — 16GB recommended. No technical skills required.
Best for
- Beginners to local AI
- People who prefer visual apps over commands
- Total privacy — fully offline capable
- Chatting with documents privately
Kevin’s take
“This is the one I'd recommend to someone who doesn't love the command line. You open it, it looks like a proper app, pick a model, and start chatting. The whole thing felt surprisingly familiar. Start here if you want to try local AI without any fuss.”
— Kevin, formerly of IT Support
Privacy snapshot
Generally SafePrivacy risk: Low
A friendly desktop app for downloading and running AI models entirely on your own computer. It looks like a normal chat app, but everything runs offline.
See what LM Studio does with your data →Knowing the tool is just the start.
We teach non-tech people how to actually use AI — what to ask, how to ask it, and what to do with the answers. Tutorials, prompts, plain English. All of it.
Show Me How This Works →Start free. Cancel anytime. No judgment, ever.