Choose GPT4All if you want
Desktop chat with local documents.
A desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux with local document chat and an MIT license. It offers fewer controls than the llama.cpp engine it builds on.
Choose Ollama if you want
Running open models from a command line.
The simplest way to run open models locally on macOS, Linux and Windows, with an MIT-licensed runtime. Cloud models and higher tiers are paid, and speed depends on your hardware.
The main differences
- GPT4All is free and open source; Ollama is free plan, paid upgrades.
Side by side
 GPT4All |  Ollama | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 87.5 | 92.0 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 7 | #1 of 7 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under the MIT license; Nomic sells separate hosted plans | Free plan, paid upgradesFree for local models; cloud models on Pro $20, Max $100 or Team $500 a month |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux | macOSLinuxWindowsmacOS, Linux, Windows |
| Made by | Nomic AI | Not stated |
| Interface | Desktop chat app | Command line |
| Model format | Thousands of supported models | Its own model library |
| Cloud option | Separate hosted plans from Nomic | Paid cloud models |
| Best for | Desktop chat with local documents | Running open models from a command line |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about GPT4All vs Ollama
- Is Ollama better than GPT4All?
- Ollama ranks higher in our list of local LLM runners (#1 against #4, score 92.0 against 87.5). GPT4All is best for: desktop chat with local documents. Ollama is best for: running open models from a command line.
- Which is cheaper, GPT4All or Ollama?
- GPT4All: Free and open source under the MIT license; Nomic sells separate hosted plans. Ollama: Free for local models; cloud models on Pro $20, Max $100 or Team $500 a month.
- Do GPT4All and Ollama run on the same platforms?
- GPT4All supports Windows, macOS, Linux. Ollama supports macOS, Linux, Windows.