LM Studio AI features and pricing (October 2026)

LM Studio is a desktop application for Mac, Windows and Linux users who want to download open language models and run them on their own computer, now extended with an agent for coding and knowledge work.

LM Studio runs models through llama.cpp and MLX and offers a chat interface, a local server and the lms command line, which is MIT licensed on GitHub. The current product line is called LM Studio Bionic, an agent that works with local models and optional cloud models; for cloud use the vendor states zero data retention by the model provider. The free plan runs local models, and the app terms allow personal and internal business use; paid plans add hosted open models and higher usage limits. The vendor is Element Labs, Inc., registered in Delaware.

• Runs models on employee laptopsUsers pick a model from a catalog, download it and chat with it offline. Teams can test open models on internal texts without a server or a cloud contract.
• Works as a coding and knowledge agentBionic Agent handles coding and knowledge tasks with local models and can use optional cloud models. Individuals get agent features while choosing where their data is processed.
• Transcribes speech offlineThe free plan includes offline voice transcription, according to the pricing page. Notes and recordings can be turned into text without uploading audio.

• Supports both llama.cpp and Apple's MLX as engines in one desktop app.
• Free plan for local models; the app terms allow personal and internal business use but not offering the app as a service to third parties.

Desktop software that runs on your own computers in any country. The vendor, Element Labs, Inc., is registered in Delaware, United States.

The app is proprietary: its terms allow personal and internal business use but prohibit offering it as a service to third parties. Organizations with central billing of credits already exist, while the pricing page lists subscription plans for teams as coming soon, so clarify management features with the vendor. If users enable cloud models, agree on which data may leave the device.

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