Begin with the workflow you want. A desktop chat app, a model runner and an agent harness solve different parts of the problem.
LM Studio: explore local chat
LM Studio documents offline chat and document workflows once models are downloaded. Its model discovery and downloads need a connection. It is a candidate for people who want to start with a desktop interface.
Ollama: connect models to a workflow
Ollama is worth exploring when you want a model runner that other tools can connect to. Its documentation covers local configuration, GPU use and cloud features. Check which model and endpoint your workflow uses.
Jan: desktop and agent paths
Jan documents its desktop app and standalone agent separately. The desktop documentation covers chat, models, connectors and a local API server; the agent is aimed at coding workflows. Choose the product that matches your task.
How to choose
- Start with your operating system and a task you can evaluate.
- Check the app’s current hardware requirements before downloading large models.
- Look for clear local/cloud labels, model controls and a straightforward export route.
- Try the free workflow before paying for extras.
These are documentation-based introductions, not ranked recommendations or scored reviews. How our reviews will work →
Sources checked 20 October 2026: LM Studio offline documentation · Ollama FAQ · Jan documentation. This is an explanatory guide based on published documentation, not a hands-on benchmark.