LMDeploy vs OpenLLM
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted local llm runners options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
LMDeploy
Toolkit for compressing and serving large language models
VS
OpenLLM
Run any open LLM as an OpenAI-compatible API endpoint
| Feature | LMDeploy | OpenLLM |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Local LLM Runners | Local LLM Runners |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | Python | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Hard | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 16,384 MB | 8,192 MB |
| Deployment | docker, source | docker, kubernetes, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 7,998 | ★ 12,452 |
| First released | 2023 | 2023 |
| Replaces | OpenAI API, Hugging Face Inference Endpoints | OpenAI API |
Why pick each one
Choose LMDeploy if…
- Released under the Apache-2.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Mature project with 8k GitHub stars
- Written in Python
Choose OpenLLM if…
- Released under the Apache-2.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Kubernetes-ready with Helm charts available
- Mature project with 12.5k GitHub stars
Frequently asked questions
Is LMDeploy or OpenLLM better?
OpenLLM is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler medium setup. Consider LMDeploy if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are LMDeploy and OpenLLM free and open-source?
Yes. LMDeploy is licensed under Apache-2.0 and OpenLLM under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run LMDeploy and OpenLLM with Docker?
LMDeploy: yes. OpenLLM: yes.