# Why Local LLMs Are Necessary

> Source: <https://www.dotnetperls.com/2026_6_27_local-llms-necessary>
> Published: 2026-06-27 07:00:00+00:00

Currently it is not feasible (for most people) to run frontier, state-of-the-art models (LLMs) **locally**. Data centers are needed to run these large models. However, I remain convinced that **local LLMs** are **necessary** and are the **future** of using AI for software development and other tasks.

If you have a subscription to an AI service that is run from a data center, you give up a lot of **privacy** and **freedom**. Your data can be used for training (even if the provider says it won't be) and your subscription can be canceled any time, for any reason.

Having local hardware capable of running LLMs is **expensive**, but used equipment can make it more affordable. I have found that **smaller models** have become **more capable** over the last year, and if this trend continues, using local LLMs for software development will become even more viable.

It seems foolish to me to rent a useful tool (in the long-term) unless absolutely necessary. Using **subscriptions** to companies like OpenAI and Anthropic is logical until local options become more readily available, but it **makes no sense** in the longer term. The risks of being locked out of your account is too great.