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LM Studio

Free

Download and run local LLMs on your computer.

FreeFree tier
Inputs: textOutputs: text
Type
Open Source

About LM Studio

LM Studio is a desktop application that enables users to download and run large language models (LLMs) locally on their own computer. The latest version, LM Studio Bionic, introduces an AI agent for work and code that can create and edit documents, perform coding tasks, automations, and computer control. It features real-time voice transcription that processes speech locally, ensuring privacy. The app supports frontier open models like GLM 5.2, Kimi 2.6, and DeepSeek V4 Pro, and leverages the LM Studio runtime with MLX and llama.cpp. A free tier provides local LLM usage and offline voice transcription with zero data leaving the device. Cloud inference is available via pay-as-you-go credits with Zero Data Retention (ZDR).

Key Features

Run local LLMs using llama.cpp and MLX
Bionic agent for work (document editing) and code (coding tasks, automations, computer control)
Real-time voice transcription processed locally, no data leaves your device
Zero Data Retention (ZDR) across cloud services
Support for frontier open models (GLM 5.2, Kimi 2.6, DeepSeek V4 Pro)
Free local tier with offline voice transcription
LM Link for syncing up to 5 devices
LM Studio Hub for model discovery

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Fully local and private: no data leaves the device for basic usage
  • Free tier provides substantial functionality (local LLMs, voice transcription)
  • Supports the latest open-source frontier models
  • Real-time voice transcription that works offline
  • Agentic capabilities for document and code tasks
  • Zero data retention policy on cloud services enhances privacy
  • Cross-platform available for macOS and Windows
Cons
  • Cloud inference requires purchasing credits (pay-as-you-go)
  • Bionic agent is currently in initial preview and may have limitations
  • Only available for macOS and Windows initially; no Linux or mobile versions mentioned
  • Relies on user's own hardware, so performance depends on local specifications

Best For

Running large language models entirely offline on personal hardwareUsing an AI agent to create and edit documents with automatic savingPerforming coding tasks, automations, and computer control via the Bionic agentTranscribing speech to text in real time with multiple language supportExperimenting with cutting-edge open-source LLMs locallyCloud-based inference for demanding tasks (pay-as-you-go)

FAQ

What is LM Studio Bionic?
LM Studio Bionic is an AI agent integrated into LM Studio that can help with work and code tasks, such as creating and editing documents, coding, automations, and computer control. It runs locally and uses the LM Studio runtime.
Is voice transcription private?
Yes. Real-time voice transcription is processed locally on your device. Your voice and audio data never leave your device.
What is the pricing model for LM Studio?
LM Studio offers a free tier ($0) that includes local LLMs and offline voice transcription with no data leaving your device. Cloud inference is available through pay-as-you-go credits, and a Bionic Pass subscription is coming soon.
Which operating systems are supported?
LM Studio Bionic is available in initial preview for macOS and Windows.
What models can I run with LM Studio?
You can download and run the latest local LLMs directly within the app, including frontier open models such as GLM 5.2, Kimi 2.6, and DeepSeek V4 Pro. The app supports models via MLX and llama.cpp.