SillyTavern
4.3
The self-hosted frontend the power users all run
If you want total control and zero subscription, this is where the advanced users live.
FreeMatureVoice calls+5
Home / Tags / Runs on your machine
Runs on your machine
16 sites in the catalogue match this tag. Click the link from a card and you get the full data table for the category, not the summary above.
Companion apps that can run a model on your own hardware, so conversations do not have to leave your machine.
Filters
Ollama
4.3
Run large language models locally with one command
The de-facto local model runtime: one command to run open models, free and open-source.
FreeCustom characters
HammerAI
4.2
Free character chat that runs locally or in the cloud
The most generous free tier in the category: unlimited chat on locally run models, 600 cloud messages a day, no card required.
$9/moVoice notesMemory+4
LM Studio
4.2
Desktop app to discover, download and chat with local LLMs
The easiest way to run open models on your own machine: no data leaves your laptop.
FreeCustom characters
Open WebUI
4.2
Self-hosted AI platform with personas, RAG and a 500k+ community
The power-user pick: run any model locally or in the cloud with zero data retention and full control.
FreeVoice notesMemory+4
Chatbox AI
4.1
Desktop and mobile client for many AI models in one app
A tidy multi-model client: one app for OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, local models and more, with your keys.
FreeImagesCustom characters
Jan
4.1
Open-source ChatGPT alternative that runs fully offline
A clean local assistant: open-source, offline-first, with an OpenAI-compatible API server built in.
FreeCustom characters
LobeChat
4.1
Open-source chat UI with a community agent marketplace
A serious open-source option: self-host it, plug in any model, and browse community personas — more assistant than romantic partner.
FreeVoice notesMemory+3
AnythingLLM
4.0
On-device AI chat with your documents, local or cloud models
Document-grounded private AI: chat with your files on desktop, connect local or hosted models.
FreeMemoryCustom characters
Msty
4.0
Private AI desktop for local and online models
A slick local AI hub: run Ollama models, branch conversations and compare side by side, fully private.
FreeCustom characters
TextGen
4.0
The veteran local-model front end, now a no-install desktop app
Formerly text-generation-webui: not a companion app, but the plumbing most local companion setups are built on.
FreeMatureVoice notes+4
Risu AI
3.9
Browser-based character chat with card importing
A lighter alternative to SillyTavern that runs in a browser tab with no install.
FreeMatureVoice notes+4
Backyard AI
3.8
A polished desktop app for local companions
The easiest way to run a local companion without touching a terminal.
$9/moMatureVoice notes+4
TavernAI
3.8
The original open-source tavern frontend for character roleplay
The grandfather of the tavern scene, now at version 2: free, open-source, plug in any model and any card.
FreeMatureCustom characters
Backyard AI
3.7
Local characters with personality settings built in
Free, offline and surprisingly good at persona consistency for a local app.
FreeMatureMemory+2
KoboldAI
3.6
Local story generation with no cloud dependency
The classic offline story engine: clunky, but it never phones home.
FreeMatureMemory+2
Runs on your machine — common questions
What does “Runs on your machine” mean here?
It is a trait we recorded for a site after opening the product, not a marketing claim copied from its website. 16 entries in the catalogue carry it.
Which Runs on your machine site ranks highest?
SillyTavern, with an editorial score of 4.3 out of 5, at Free. Ranking is by our editorial score and is never influenced by payment.
Are there free options that match?
Yes — 16 of the 16 entries tagged Runs on your machine have a free tier. Switch the price filter on this page to see only those.