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Ollama vs Z.ai
Ollama edges Z.ai on our editorial score (4.3 vs 4.1), but Ollama is the better fit if you want custom characters; Z.ai has no clear edge there.
0| Ollama | Z.ai | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Price band | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Price detail | Free and open-source (2026-09-30). | Web chat is free (checked 2026-09-30); GLM Coding and API plans are priced separately for developers. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | No adult mode |
| Voice | No | No |
| Images | No | No |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | No | No |
| Custom characters | Yes | No |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Desktop | Web |
| Runs locally | No | No |
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
Z.ai — our take
A capable free general assistant — the closest free peer to DeepSeek for everyday chat.
- Free frontier-model chat
- Fast responses
- No account friction to try
Ollama vs Z.ai — common questions
Which is cheaper, Ollama or Z.ai?
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?
Neither carries context between sessions — both reset, which is worth knowing before you pick either.
Which handles adult content differently?
Ollama: No adult mode. Z.ai: No adult mode. This directory is SFW — we record whether a mature mode exists so you know before signing up, and we describe no explicit material.
Prices change. Confirm the current price and available plans on each site before subscribing. Affiliate disclosure.