KoboldCpp

Single-file local model runner
Run LLMs locallyLocal runtime (single file)AGPL-3.0Runs locallyC++Beginner
🛡 Published security advisories
A high count usually means the project is heavily examined. A low count usually means it is little examined — not that it is safe.
No public activity signals for this tool — it has no open repository we can measure.
Olud Pulse ⓘ ★★★★★★★★★★ /100 signals tracked
🐳 Docker pulls 📦 PyPI downloads / month 📦 npm downloads / month 🚀 Latest release ·
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What is KoboldCpp?

KoboldCpp is an easy, single-executable way to run GGUF models locally with a built-in UI, strong sampler controls and support for text, image and voice.

Why people choose KoboldCpp

KoboldCpp at a glance

CategoryRun LLMs locally
TypeLocal runtime (single file)
LicenseAGPL-3.0
Runs locallyYes
Built withC++
Skill levelBeginner
Best forone-file local inference with a UI

Open-source alternatives to KoboldCpp

Other open-source run llms locally tools worth comparing:

OllamaRun open LLMs locally from one commandLM StudioBrowse, download and chat with local modelsJanOpen-source, offline ChatGPT-style desktop appGPT4AllPrivate local AI that runs on CPUllama.cppThe C/C++ engine powering local inferenceLocalAIA drop-in OpenAI API you self-hostText Generation WebUIFeature-rich web UI for local modelsMLC LLMRun LLMs on any device, even phonesllamafileOne executable file = model + runtimeexoRun big models across your everyday devicesCortexOllama-style runtime from the Jan teamNexa SDKRun any model on any device — CPU, GPU, NPURamaLamaRun models as OCI containersGPUStackManage GPU clusters for running models

KoboldCpp head-to-head

KoboldCpp vs OllamaKoboldCpp vs LM StudioKoboldCpp vs JanKoboldCpp vs GPT4AllKoboldCpp vs llama.cppKoboldCpp vs LocalAIKoboldCpp vs Text Generation WebUIKoboldCpp vs MLC LLMKoboldCpp vs llamafileKoboldCpp vs exoKoboldCpp vs CortexKoboldCpp vs Nexa SDKKoboldCpp vs RamaLamaKoboldCpp vs GPUStack

FAQ

Is KoboldCpp free?

KoboldCpp is free and open-source (AGPL-3.0 license), so you can use, self-host and modify it at no cost.

Can I run KoboldCpp locally?

Yes. KoboldCpp is designed to run on your own machine or server, keeping your data private.

What is the best alternative to KoboldCpp?

Popular open-source alternatives include Ollama, LM Studio, Jan. See the comparisons above to choose.

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