Which Model Should I Choose? A Comparative Summary
Reading time: approx. 5 min
Congratulations, you have now made it through our entire review of local AI models! You have learned the advantages of running AI on your own computer, how to use Ollama, and you have seen the specific strengths and weaknesses of several popular models. In this final lesson, we gather all the results in a clear table and give you some final recommendations.
What You Will Learn
- A quick overview of how the different models performed.
- Which model is recommended for which type of task.
- A summary checklist for choosing the right tool.
Comparison Table
Here is a compilation of the results from our benchmark. The ratings are an average of the six tested categories (Ethics, Factual Knowledge, Code, Pedagogy, Reasoning, Language).
| Model | Average Rating (out of 5) | Best for... | Watch out for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gemma3:12b | 5.0 | All-around use, pedagogy, language, facts | No noted weaknesses in the test. |
| Qwen3:8b | 4.8 | Reasoning, code, analysis, well-formulated texts | Minor linguistic confusion, somewhat slow |
| Llama3.1:8b | 3.5 | Quick fact lookups, first drafts | Pedagogical explanations, hallucinations |
| DeepSeek | 2.8 | Code generation only | Factual errors, hallucinations, poor language |
| Mistral:7b | 2.8 | Extremely fast but simple fact lookups | Anything requiring logic or understanding, especially pedagogy |
Final Recommendations
Based on this comparison, the recommendations are clear:
First Choice: Gemma3 If you want a reliable and versatile model that handles most things with high quality, choose Gemma3. It is excellent for everything from text production and analysis to functioning as a pedagogical sounding board for your own planning.
Strong Alternative: Qwen3 If your tasks are often analytical, logical, or technical, Qwen3 is an equally good choice. It is exceptionally good at reasoning and structuring information.
Use with Caution: Llama3.1 If and only if speed is your highest priority for simpler tasks, Llama3.1 can be an option. However, be prepared to always double-check and edit the result.
Avoid: DeepSeek and Mistral For serious and professional use in education, these models are too unreliable. The risk that they produce incorrect or misleading information is too great.
Practical Guidance for Your Choice
If you are completely new: Start with Gemma3. It gives you the most reliable experience and reduces the risk of frustration. When you feel comfortable, you can experiment with other models.
If you have limited computer resources: Choose Qwen3:8b, which is a smaller model than Gemma3:12b but still performs excellently. It requires fewer resources while maintaining high quality.
If you work a lot with technology or analysis: Qwen3 may be your best choice. It handles complex reasoning and technical questions with great precision.
If you have unreliable internet connectivity: All local models work offline once downloaded, but Gemma3 gives you the highest quality even when working isolated from the internet.
Your Continued Journey with Local AI
You now have a solid foundation to stand on. The world of local AI models is developing at a rapid pace, and new, better models are released all the time. Continue to experiment, follow developments, and use your knowledge from this course to evaluate new tools as they emerge.
Concrete Next Steps:
- Install Ollama on your computer according to the instructions in lesson 2
- Download Gemma3 as your first model:
ollama pull gemma3:12b - Test with simple tasks like writing a short text or explaining a concept
- Evaluate the performance on your specific hardware
- Experiment with Qwen3 when you feel comfortable
Stay Updated: Ollama's library is regularly updated with new models. Check ollama list on their website now and then to see what is new. Remember to use the same benchmarking mindset that we have used in this course when evaluating new models.
A Final Reminder: AI is a powerful tool, but it is you and your professional judgment that are in control. Use it to enhance your teaching and your work, but never let technology replace your pedagogical knowledge and critical thinking. Remember that our tests were done at a specific time and the AI landscape is developing at a rapid pace. Therefore, always do your own tests with the tasks that are important to you, as this is both important and necessary to find the right tool for your specific needs.
Good luck with your local AI journey!