# llama.cpp vs openpencil

> Two self-hosted projects, compared on the numbers selfhost.directory tracks live: score, popularity, release cadence and setup effort.

| | llama.cpp | openpencil |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 93/100 ✓ | 73/100 |
| Rank in category | #2 of 25 in LLM Inference | #2 of 7 in Design |
| GitHub stars | 132 679 ✓ | 9 394 |
| Stars, last 30 days | +3 224 ✓ | +793 |
| Stable releases, 12 months | 1462 ✓ | 14 |
| Latest release | b11976 · 29 Oct 2026 ✓ | v0.16.0 · 14 Oct 2026 |
| Setup | Moderate | Easy ✓ |
| Official Docker image | Yes ✓ | No |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Main language | C++ | Typescript |

## Which one should you pick?

llama.cpp scores 93/100 against 73/100 for openpencil, so it is the safer default.

llama.cpp ships more often: 1462 stable releases in the past year, against 14 for openpencil.

If you want the quickest setup, openpencil is easier to run; llama.cpp needs more configuration.

llama.cpp is growing faster right now (+3 224 stars in 30 days).

## Details

- [llama.cpp](https://selfhost.directory/project/llamacpp) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/llamacpp.md)
- [openpencil](https://selfhost.directory/project/openpencil) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/openpencil.md)

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Source: https://selfhost.directory/compare/llamacpp-vs-openpencil