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Ollama vs Together AI

Ollama: Run open language models locally on your own computer with one simple command. Together AI: Cloud platform to run, fine-tune and train open-source AI models. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Ollama

Best for: Developers and privacy-minded users who want models running locally.

Stands out for: Free and open source; Private by default.

Together AI

Best for: Teams building on open-source models at production scale.

Stands out for: Wide open-model catalogue; Fine-tuning built in.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Ollama, Together AI
Visit ollama.com (opens in a new tab)Visit together.ai (opens in a new tab)
What it isRun open language models locally on your own computer with one simple command.Cloud platform to run, fine-tune and train open-source AI models.
Pricing
Open source
PaidPay per use
Free to useYesNo
CategoryAI Models & Developer APIsAI Models & Developer APIs
Editor rank#4 in category#12 in category
Made byOllamaTogether AI
Best forDevelopers and privacy-minded users who want models running locally.Teams building on open-source models at production scale.
Key features
  • One-command model downloads
  • Local API for apps
  • Large library of open models
  • Desktop app and CLI
  • APIs for many open models
  • Fine-tuning service
  • Dedicated endpoints and GPU clusters
  • OpenAI-compatible API
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Private by default
  • Very easy setup
  • Wide open-model catalogue
  • Fine-tuning built in
  • Scales to large workloads
Cons
  • Large models need a strong computer
  • Local models may trail top cloud models
  • Billed by usage
  • Best suited to technical teams
Use it to
  • Chat with an open model offline
  • Connect a local model to a coding tool
  • Test open models before deploying
  • Serve an open model in production
  • Fine-tune a model on company data
  • Rent GPUs for training
Web app
Windows
Mac
Linux
API

Ollama vs Together AI: questions

Is Ollama better than Together AI?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Ollama slightly higher overall in AI Models & Developer APIs, but Together AI can be the better fit: Teams building on open-source models at production scale.

Which is free, Ollama or Together AI?

Ollama can be used for free (open source), while Together AI is paid.

Can I use Ollama and Together AI together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example chat with an open model offline with Ollama, and serve an open model in production with Together AI.

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