Local model runtime · comparison
00 vs Ollama
Ollama is a great way to run open models locally. 00 builds the entire agent experience on top of a local model — identity, channels, skills, memory, scheduling — and can use your existing Ollama as the brain, on your Mac or on a server.
| 00 | Ollama | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs local models | Yes (via Ollama, LM Studio or Jan) | Yes — that's its core |
| Agents with identity, memory & skills | Yes — a whole crew, each with its own | No — it's a model runtime |
| Messaging channels | WhatsApp, Instagram, email, phone… | No |
| Cloud models too | Yes — bring a key | Local only |
| Interface | Native macOS app | CLI + REST API |
| Scheduling & automation | Yes | No |
| Agents on remote servers | Yes — one-click headless install over SSH, managed from your Mac | Ollama serves anywhere; the agent layer is up to you |
| Meeting capture & transcription | Yes — live, on-device | No |
| Encrypted secrets vault | Yes | — |
Why choose 00
- Everything Ollama gives you, plus the agent layer: identity, channels, skills, memory and scheduling.
- Point 00 at your existing Ollama models and you're ready.
- Put an Ollama-brained agent on a server and drive it from your Mac — one agent list, one approval queue, dispatch from the notch.
- Mix local and cloud models across your agents.
When Ollama may fit better
- You only need to download, run, and serve models locally via CLI or API — Ollama is perfect, and 00 sits happily on top of it.
Try 00 — it's free.
Build an agent you own in under a minute, on your Mac.
Frequently asked
Does 00 replace Ollama?
No — it complements it. 00 can use your local Ollama models as an agent's brain and adds channels, skills, memory and scheduling around them.
Do I need Ollama to use 00?
No. You can use Ollama, LM Studio, Jan, or a cloud provider — whichever you prefer.
Will 00 detect my Ollama automatically?
Yes — if Ollama is running, 00 finds it and lists its models; it can even launch it in the background when an agent needs it.
Can 00 run agents against Ollama on a server?
Yes — install the headless engine on the server in one click over SSH (or one command), point it at the Ollama running there, and the agent shows up on your Mac like any other.
More comparisons
This comparison reflects 00's perspective and our understanding of publicly available information; other products change often — check their own sites for the latest. 00 is an independent project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Ollama or its makers. All names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.