# llama.cpp vs Photon

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

| | llama.cpp | Photon |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 93/100 ✓ | 54/100 |
| Rank in category | #2 of 25 in LLM Inference | #16 of 85 in Feed Reader |
| GitHub stars | 132 689 ✓ | 557 |
| Stars, last 30 days | +3 234 ✓ | +0 |
| Stable releases, 12 months | 1464 ✓ | 9 |
| Latest release | b11978 · 29 Oct 2026 ✓ | v2.4.3 · 30 Jul 2026 |
| Setup | Moderate | Moderate |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| License | MIT | AGPL-3.0 |
| Main language | C++ | Svelte |

## Which one should you pick?

llama.cpp scores 93/100 against 54/100 for Photon, so it is the safer default.

llama.cpp ships more often: 1464 stable releases in the past year, against 9 for Photon.

llama.cpp is growing faster right now (+3 234 stars in 30 days).

## Details

- [llama.cpp](https://selfhost.directory/project/llamacpp) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/llamacpp.md)
- [Photon](https://selfhost.directory/project/photon-2) (markdown: https://selfhost.directory/project/photon-2.md)

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Source: https://selfhost.directory/compare/llamacpp-vs-photon-2