AgentsLM Studio
An all-in-one desktop app that finds, downloads and runs open models with no commands. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux, and on Apple Silicon Macs it can use Apple's faster MLX format. It includes Bionic, its built-in agent, and a local API server on port 1234.
✓ Last verified October 15, 2026 from official sourcesFree for local models (includes the Bionic agent). Optional Bionic+ $20/mo for US-hosted cloud open models.
- Beginners who want point-and-click local AI
- Mac users who want MLX speed
Local and works offline after download. Bionic+ cloud inference is optional (US-hosted, zero data retention per LM Studio). Skill level: Beginner.
What it's great at
- First-time local model users
- MLX models on Apple Silicon
What it can do
- Discover tab to search and download models; Chat tab to load and talk to them
- Runs common open model files on any machine, and Apple's faster MLX models on Apple Silicon Macs
- Developer tab "Start server": OpenAI-compatible API at http://localhost:1234/v1 (also Anthropic-compatible)
- Works fully offline once a model is downloaded
Example tasks to try
- Download a Gemma model in Discover and chat with it offline
Start in 5 minutes
- Download LM Studio from lmstudio.ai
- Open Discover and download a model sized for your memory
- Load it in Chat; for other apps, switch on Start server in the Developer tab (port 1234)
Go to LM Studio's official page →
Watch out for
Needs an Apple Silicon Mac on macOS 14+; Intel Macs aren't supported.
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Official sources
- LM Studio
- LM Studio: system requirements
- LM Studio: local server
- LM Studio: OpenAI compatibility
- LM Studio pricing
Prices change often. Confirm on the vendor's page before you buy. We're independent, and no vendor pays for placement.