★ 12k
September 2026
AGPL-3.0
Local AI
What we checked ourselves
Not copied from the project's own blurb. These are things we opened and verified, with the date.
- 23 Aug 2026We checked that the link to the project still resolves.
- 30 Aug 2026We read the project's own documentation and found no sign that development has stopped.
Where this sits among the 48 tools we list in Local AI
- Works without using a terminal28 of 48
- No API key required46 of 48
- Keeps your data on your own machine35 of 48
- Commercial use confirmed as allowed32 of 48
Only 10 of the 48 meet all of the conditions above.
Counted from our own checks: every tool we list is examined against the same criteria.
What it does
A KoboldAI-flavored llama.cpp with a rich interface for roleplay, adventures and creative writing.
Summary based on the project's own description. The Japanese page has a fuller beginner guide: setup difficulty, what to prepare, and a step-by-step start.
Screenshots & visuals
Before you start
- Setup difficultyEasy to start
- Command lineNot required
- API keyNot required
- Sends data onlineNo
Judged automatically from the project's own metadata. Always confirm on the official page.
KoboldCpp FAQ
- Is KoboldCpp free?
- Yes. It runs on your own machine, so there is no usage-based cost either.
- Do I need to install anything or write code to use KoboldCpp?
- You install it like a normal desktop app. No command line involved.
- Does KoboldCpp work on a phone?
- No. It needs a computer.
- Can I use KoboldCpp commercially?
- The licence is AGPL-3.0. Using it commercially is fine, but if you distribute something built on it you may be required to release that under the same licence. Keep it internal, or check before distributing.
How it compares
The conditions that decide whether you can actually use it, side by side.
| Tool | Command line | API key | Sends data out | Phone | Commercial use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KoboldCpp (this page) | Not needed | Not needed | No | No | Yes |
| llamafile | Required | Not needed | No | No | Yes |
| GPT4All | Not needed | Not needed | No | No | Yes |
| Jan | Not needed | Not needed | No | No | Yes |
"Sends data out" means your input is uploaded to someone's server. Pick "No" when the material cannot leave your organisation.