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Ollama vs TextGen
Ollama edges TextGen on our editorial score (4.3 vs 4.0), but TextGen is the better fit if you want voice notes and long-term memory and image sharing; Ollama has no clear edge there.
0| Ollama | TextGen | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Price band | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Price detail | Free and open-source (2026-09-30). | Free and open source. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | No | Voice notes |
| Images | No | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | No | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Desktop | Desktop, Web |
| Runs locally | No | Yes |
Ollama — our take
The de-facto local model runtime: one command to run open models, free and open-source.
- One-command model setup
- Huge model library
- Open-source and free
TextGen — our take
Formerly text-generation-webui: not a companion app, but the plumbing most local companion setups are built on.
- Supports nearly every local model
- Active extension ecosystem
- Free and open source
Ollama vs TextGen — common questions
Which is cheaper, Ollama or TextGen?
They cost the same on our recorded numbers (Free).
Which one has a free tier?
Both do — you can try either without paying.
Which remembers conversations better?
TextGen retains context across sessions; Ollama keeps context only within a session.
Which handles adult content differently?
Ollama: No adult mode. TextGen: Optional mature mode. This directory is SFW — we record whether a mature mode exists so you know before signing up, and we describe no explicit material.