LocalAI vs Hugging Face: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LocalAI and Hugging Face comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
LocalAI
Self-hosted OpenAI-compatible API
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • OpenAI-compatible API you can self-host
- • Runs on CPU - no expensive GPU needed
Hugging Face
AI community and platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need ai research features specifically
- • Platform for ML models, datasets, and applications
- • Transformers library for working with models
| At a Glance |  LocalAI |  Hugging Face |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | AI Research |
Rating | 78/100 | 92/100 |
| Feature | LocalAI | Hugging Face |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 92 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | AI ResearchAI Model Deployment |
How LocalAI and Hugging Face Compare
LocalAI
Self-hosted OpenAI-compatible API
Free · 78/100 score
Hugging Face
AI community and platform
Free tier available · 92/100 score
LocalAI is a api tools tool. Hugging Face is in ai research.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LocalAI is free. Hugging Face is freemium.
Go with: LocalAI
Want the highest-rated option?
LocalAI: 78/100. Hugging Face: 92/100.
Go with: Hugging Face
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Hugging Face
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LocalAI is free. Hugging Face is freemium. Go with LocalAI if free matters most.
What's your use case?
LocalAI is a api tools tool. Hugging Face is in ai research. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Hugging Face scores higher: 92/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Hugging Face
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LocalAI
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Hugging Face (92/100) is our pick. That said, LocalAI is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LocalAI or Hugging Face better?
Hugging Face scores 92/100 in our evaluation. LocalAI is free and Hugging Face is freemium.
What are LocalAI and Hugging Face used for?
LocalAI: Self-hosted OpenAI-compatible API. Hugging Face: AI community and platform.
What does LocalAI cost vs Hugging Face?
LocalAI is completely free. Hugging Face is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.