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Ollama vs ChatGPT

Ollama scores 25 out of 30 and ChatGPT scores 14. Ollama is ahead on footprint, lock-in, self-direction, power and longevity.

Ollama

The small tool

25/30 · Convivial

Runs open AI models on your own computer and gives other apps a local server to use them.

ChatGPT

The giant

14/30 · Mixed

The assistant that made generative AI mainstream, and a closed service all the way down.

Footprint
3
2
Lock-in
5
2
Self-direction
4
3
Power
4
1
Longevity
5
2
Delivery
4
4
Price
Free; optional cloud models
Free; paid plans
Source
Open source (MIT)
Closed source
Runs on
Mac, Windows, Linux, Docker
Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Maker
M · Medium
XL · Extra large

What you give up by switching

The models run on your own computer, so answers depend on your hardware and on the open models you pick. They are good, and usually behind the biggest hosted models on hard tasks. In return nothing you type leaves the machine.

How to move

Install Ollama, pull a small model first, and step up to a larger one if your memory allows.

Scores are our opinion on six questions from Ivan Illich, based on public sources and dated October 2026. Read the full reviews of Ollama and ChatGPT, or see how we score.

Visit Ollama More tools for “chat with ai on my own machine”