What are open source LLMs?

Open source LLMs are large language models whose code is publicly available. They enable anyone to study, modify, and deploy without licensing restrictions.

How does Hugging Face support open source LLMs?

Hugging Face provides a platform with tools and a community for sharing, testing, and deploying open source LLMs, enhancing collaborative development.

Which is the best open source LLM on Hugging Face?

The 'best' largely depends on your needs. Models like Falcon LLM and GPT-NeoX offer high performance and flexibility, popular among developers.

What criteria should I consider when choosing an open source LLM?

Focus on community support, benchmark performance, and scalability when selecting an LLM. These factors ensure the model meets both current and future needs.

Why should I use open source LLMs?

Open source LLMs provide transparency, flexibility, and community support, enabling more customizable and innovative AI solutions.

Developer Deep Dives

The Complete List of New Open Source LLMs on Hugging Face

Moe

Mar 28, 2026·3 min read

Why Open Source LLMs Matter

Open source LLMs are more than just tools—they're revolutionizing AI development. With their availability on platforms like Hugging Face, these models bring transparency and collaboration to the forefront. If you're diving into AI, using open-source models can provide a head start, a flexible base, or even an entire toolkit for your needs.

The Leading Models: What's New?

The latest entrants in the open-source LLM space are already causing quite a stir. These models aren't just upgrades; they're fundamentals in many developers' AI strategy:

Falcon LLM: Known for its robust performance and efficiency, Falcon LLM is designed to handle complex queries with ease, making it a favorite for both small-scale and enterprise-level projects.
LLaMA 2: Meta's latest offering, aimed at democratizing AI with broad accessibility and seamless integration capabilities.
GPT-NeoX: A more open alternative to proprietary models, offering scalability and fine-tuning options for diverse applications.
Bloom: This multilingual model breaks language barriers, perfect for developers targeting a global audience.

Hugging Face: The Go-To Platform

Hugging Face is not just a repository—it's a community and a platform that continues to lead in the open-source ecosystem. If you’re building with LLMs, you’ll likely be visiting its model hub regularly. By offering tools for collaboration and sharing, Hugging Face transforms individual efforts into a collective march toward innovation.

How Hugging Face Facilitates Open Source Development

Through model cards, user collaboration, and integrated deployment tools, Hugging Face streamlines your development process. You get to explore, contribute, and scale models easily, turning the LLM landscape into your playground.

Selection Criteria: What Defines the Best?

While there are countless models, the best open source LLMs typically share a few key traits. They're versatile, performant, and community-driven. Understanding these attributes is crucial when considering which LLM to choose for your project.

Community Support: An engaged, active community can be the difference between a model that’s good and one that’s great.
Benchmark Performance: Look for solid benchmarking scores across tasks similar to your needs.
Scalability: Ensure that the model can grow and adapt as your project's demands evolve.

The Future: Trends in Open Source LLMs

As the technology matures, expect open source LLMs to become increasingly specialized. Future iterations will likely optimize for niche applications, offering more fine-tuned options. This trend will not only make AI more accessible but also tailor it to address specific problems more effectively.

Also, keep an eye on enhanced interoperability between models, enabling developers to mix and match capabilities in unprecedented ways. This could redefine the boundaries of what's possible in AI development, opening new doors for creative solutions.

Getting Started: Download and Deploy

If you're ready to jump in, start by exploring the Hugging Face model hub. Download a few models, rotate them in testing environments, and see which one aligns best with your goals. Check out their documentation, run some benchmarks, and integrate the most promising models into your projects. Don’t just watch the trend—be part of it.

Worth exploring? Absolutely.