LocalAI vs Together AI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LocalAI and Together AI 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
Together AI
Open-source AI model platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need serverless features specifically
- • Together AI is an inference platform for open-source AI models
- • It provides fast, affordable access to leading open models
| At a Glance |  LocalAI |  Together AI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Serverless |
Rating | 78/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | LocalAI | Together AI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | ServerlessAI Model Deployment |
How LocalAI and Together AI Compare
LocalAI
Self-hosted OpenAI-compatible API
Free · 78/100 score
Together AI
Open-source AI model platform
Paid · 84/100 score
LocalAI is a api tools tool. Together AI is in serverless.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LocalAI is free. Together AI is paid.
Go with: LocalAI
Want the highest-rated option?
LocalAI: 78/100. Together AI: 84/100.
Go with: Together AI
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Together AI
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LocalAI is free. Together AI is paid. Go with LocalAI if free matters most.
What's your use case?
LocalAI is a api tools tool. Together AI is in serverless. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Together AI scores higher: 84/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Together AI
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 78
- Our pick for this comparison
LocalAI
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Together AI (84/100) is our pick. That said, LocalAI is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LocalAI or Together AI better?
Together AI scores 84/100 in our evaluation. LocalAI is free and Together AI is paid.
What are LocalAI and Together AI used for?
LocalAI: Self-hosted OpenAI-compatible API. Together AI: Open-source AI model platform.
What does LocalAI cost vs Together AI?
LocalAI is completely free. Together AI is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.