1) Ollama — Local LLM Runtime
What it is: Ollama runs language models locally on your computer (Windows, Mac, Linux) and provides a local API similar to OpenAI endpoints. Common models: LLaMA, Mistral, Phi, Qwen, etc.
Strengths:
- Runs fully locally — no cloud fees
- High privacy — data stays on your machine
- Supports GPU acceleration
- Integrates with local apps or production servers
Limitations: Requires installation and sufficient hardware. No browser-native support.
2) WebLLM — Browser-Based LLM
What it is: WebLLM runs AI entirely in the browser using WebGPU/WebAssembly. No backend or API key needed.
Strengths:
- Client-side inference — privacy-first
- Streaming & function calls supported
- Great for lightweight browser AI integration
Limitations: Limited by browser performance and model size. Setup can be tricky for large models.
3) Puter — Cloud & SDK Integration
What it is: Puter provides an easy-to-use SDK/API to call hosted LLMs or local Ollama models. Works in browser or backend.
Strengths:
- Simple JS integration:
puter.ai.chat("Your prompt") - No model downloads required
- Supports hundreds of models
- Self-hosted option can detect Ollama models automatically
Limitations: Cloud backend may have usage limits; privacy depends on hosting choice.
Docs puter.com
Playground : Link
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Ollama | WebLLM | Puter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runs locally | ✔ PC hardware | ✔ Browser | ❌ Cloud by default |
| Browser execution | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ SDK call |
| Installation required | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Privacy | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Supports large models | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Ease of integration | Moderate | Medium | Very Easy |
| Best use case | Local AI apps | Privacy-focused web UIs | Rapid prototyping & SaaS |
FAQs
Q1: Can I use Ollama directly in the browser?
No, Ollama runs locally on your machine. For browser execution, use WebLLM or Puter SDK.
Q2: Does WebLLM require an API key?
No, WebLLM runs fully client-side and does not require any API keys.
Q3: Can Puter use local models?
Yes, self-hosted Puter can automatically detect and use Ollama models installed locally.
Call to Action: Explore these LLM options today and choose the best fit for your AI project!