Locally Uncensored vs Kobold.cpp
Kobold.cpp is a powerhouse for creative writing and roleplay. Built on llama.cpp, it ships as a single executable with zero dependencies and offers advanced text generation controls that writers love. But the local AI landscape has evolved beyond text — and Locally Uncensored represents that evolution by combining LLM chat with full ComfyUI integration for image and video generation.
If your creative workflow involves visuals alongside text, this comparison gets interesting. Both apps run entirely on your hardware with complete privacy, but they target very different use cases. Here is how Locally Uncensored and Kobold.cpp stack up in 2026.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Locally Uncensored | Kobold.cpp |
|---|---|---|
| LLM Chat | Yes (Ollama) | Yes (built-in llama.cpp) |
| Image Generation | Yes (ComfyUI) | Basic (SD.cpp) |
| Video Generation | Yes (ComfyUI) | No |
| Story/Adventure Mode | No | Yes |
| Custom Personas | Yes | No |
| Uncensored by Default | Yes | Yes |
| License | MIT | AGPL v3 |
| Setup | Installer + Ollama | Single executable |
| UI Type | Native Desktop (Tauri) | Web-based (browser) |
| Advanced Gen Controls | Standard | Extensive |
| Third-party UI Support | Standalone | SillyTavern, Tavern, etc. |
Where Locally Uncensored Wins
- Full ComfyUI Image/Video Generation — Professional-grade image and video generation workflows with support for Stable Diffusion XL, FLUX, and Wan 2.1. Kobold.cpp's SD.cpp integration is basic by comparison.
- MIT License — MIT is far more permissive than AGPL v3 for developers who want to build on top of it.
- Native Desktop App — Tauri-based desktop app vs opening a browser tab. Better OS integration and lighter resource usage, similar to its advantage over web-based tools like Open WebUI.
- Built-in Model Management — Browse and download models directly in the app via Ollama. Kobold.cpp requires you to source GGUF files yourself.
- Custom Personas — Switch between AI personalities instantly. Kobold.cpp focuses on generation parameters rather than persona-based interaction.
Where Kobold.cpp Wins
- Creative Writing Tools — Story mode, adventure mode, and advanced generation parameters make it the best tool for fiction writing and roleplay. No other local AI app matches its creative writing capabilities.
- Zero-Dependency Setup — Single executable, no installer needed. Download and run. This is the simplest setup of any local AI tool.
- Third-party UI Compatibility — Works as a backend for SillyTavern and other popular frontends, giving you flexibility in your UI choice.
- Advanced Generation Controls — Fine-grained control over temperature, top-k, top-p, repetition penalty, mirostat, and many more parameters that power users demand.
- Mature Uncensored Ecosystem — Kobold.cpp has been a go-to for uncensored local AI for years, with a large community of users who share models and presets.
The Verdict
Choose Kobold.cpp if you are focused on creative writing, roleplay, or interactive fiction and want the most advanced text generation controls available.
Choose Locally Uncensored if you want an all-in-one local AI app with text chat, image generation, and video generation under one roof. Especially useful if your creative workflow combines text and visuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Locally Uncensored better than Kobold.cpp for creative writing?
No. Kobold.cpp is purpose-built for creative writing with story mode, adventure mode, and advanced generation parameters. Locally Uncensored is better if you want text chat combined with image and video generation in one app.
Does Kobold.cpp support image generation?
Kobold.cpp has basic image generation via SD.cpp, but it is limited compared to Locally Uncensored's full ComfyUI integration which supports Stable Diffusion XL, FLUX, and video generation workflows.
Can I use Kobold.cpp with SillyTavern?
Yes. Kobold.cpp is one of the most popular backends for SillyTavern. Locally Uncensored is a standalone app and does not serve as a backend for third-party frontends.
Which is easier to set up?
Kobold.cpp ships as a single executable with zero dependencies — download and run. Locally Uncensored requires installing the app plus Ollama. Both are straightforward, but Kobold.cpp has fewer moving parts.