Private alternatives to ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, vetted against our public criteria.
Ollama lets you download and run large language models locally via a simple CLI and REST API. Supports a growing library of open models including Llama, Mistral, and Gemma on Windows, Mac, and Linux with no data sent to the cloud.
A Mozilla project that packages a complete LLM and its runtime into a single executable file. Download one file, run it on Windows, Mac, or Linux with no installation, no dependencies, and no network connection required.
KoboldCpp is a self-contained local AI inference tool with a built-in web UI. It runs GGUF text, image, and speech models with no installation beyond a single binary, primarily aimed at creative writing and roleplay workflows.
Cloud AI assistants log your prompts, can train on your conversations, and tie everything to your account. These tools run open models directly on your own machine, so the chat never leaves your computer, and they work with no account and no internet connection.
The key trait is that inference happens on your device, not on a company’s servers. Look for tools that run open-weight models offline, are themselves open source, and do not phone home. Hardware matters too: bigger models need more RAM and a capable GPU, so pick one that matches your machine and lets you start with smaller models.
A hosted assistant has to receive your prompt in readable form to answer it, so privacy rests entirely on the provider’s promises and retention settings. Running the model yourself removes that trust requirement: there is no server to log, leak, or train on what you type.
Start with a one-click runner, download a small model, and use it for everyday questions. Keep a cloud tool only for tasks your hardware cannot handle, and you will be surprised how much runs comfortably on a normal laptop.