Choose llamafile if you want
Sharing a model as a single portable file.
Packages a model and its runtime into one executable that runs on macOS, Linux, Windows and BSD. Windows cannot run executables over 4 GB, which rules out larger models there.
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
- llamafile is free and open source; Ollama is free plan, paid upgrades.
Side by side
 llamafile |  Ollama | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 81.0 | 92.0 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 7 | #1 of 7 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under Apache 2.0; some changes are MIT licensed | 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 | Command linemacOSLinuxWindowsCommand line, macOS, Linux, Windows | macOSLinuxWindowsmacOS, Linux, Windows |
| Made by | Mozilla.ai | Not stated |
| Interface | Single executable | Command line |
| Model format | Single-file model bundles | Its own model library |
| Cloud option | Not listed | Paid cloud models |
| Best for | Sharing a model as a single portable file | Running open models from a command line |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about llamafile vs Ollama
- Is Ollama better than llamafile?
- Ollama ranks higher in our list of local LLM runners (#1 against #6, score 92.0 against 81.0). llamafile is best for: sharing a model as a single portable file. Ollama is best for: running open models from a command line.
- Which is cheaper, llamafile or Ollama?
- llamafile: Free and open source under Apache 2.0; some changes are MIT licensed. Ollama: Free for local models; cloud models on Pro $20, Max $100 or Team $500 a month.
- Do llamafile and Ollama run on the same platforms?
- llamafile supports Command line, macOS, Linux, Windows. Ollama supports macOS, Linux, Windows.