LM Studio

Desktop app for downloading and chatting with local language models, with a local API server and optional paid cloud models.

Free tier

Verified Oct 7, 2026

Facts

Made by: Element Labs
Website: lmstudio.ai
License: License: Free tier
Pricing: Free tier with paid plansLocal models, chat and the local API server are free for personal and work use. Bionic+ (US$20 a month) adds hosted models.
Platforms: Windows
macOS
Linux
Self-hosted
Self-hostable: Yes
Works offline: Yes
Account required: No
Telemetry: Local models run offline. The vendor states its cloud services keep no prompt data (zero data retention) and voice is processed on device.
Maturity: Stable
Maintenance: Status: Verified Oct 7, 2026

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This tool is closed source, so an editor re-checks it by hand at least every 180 days.

Last editor check: Oct 7, 2026.

License, pricing and status changes for this tool.

Jul 8, 2025License
LM Studio dropped its separate commercial license. The app is now free for use at work.
Was: Separate license required for work use. Now: Free for personal and work use.
Source

Reviews are moderated: new accounts’ reviews are checked by an editor first. Ratings are shown on their own and do not change the ranking.

4.0out of 5, from 2 reviews

Used for: Replacing a subscription we could not justify3 of 5, 33 months of use
Pros
Opens my old files without trouble.
Cons
Took a week to get used to the layout.
Used for: Side projects on weekends5 of 5, 8 months of use
Pros
Active community and frequent updates.
Cons
Fonts render slightly differently.

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