Guide
Should your AI assistant run locally or in the cloud?
Run it locally if the assistant only needs to work while your computer is on and you want keys and history to stay on your own machine. Move to the cloud (a VPS or a managed host) when it has to answer at any hour, run scheduled tasks, or keep working when your computer is off.
The three paths, side by side
| Path | Example / mo | Always-on? | Setup | Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your own computer | $1.75/mo | Only while on | Some: install and run it yourself | Full: keys and history stay on your machine |
| A VPS (rented server) | $1.00/mo | Yes | Most: you set up and maintain the server | High: you run the server |
| A managed host | $30.00/mo | Yes | Least: the provider handles the machine | Shared: the provider runs the server |
Example totals are full-stack at moderate usage, priced from current verified data.
How to choose
- Pick local for privacy, low cost, and tasks you trigger yourself while the machine is on.
- Pick a VPS when it must stay online, you want control, and you do not mind some setup and maintenance.
- Pick a managed host when you would rather pay a bit more than configure and maintain a server yourself.
How AIStackPicker checks it
Each path is a real priced build from live data, not a rule of thumb. AIStackPicker checks that the parts fit (memory floor, runner support, always-on capability), then shows the dated source behind every price.
Related questions
Related guides
Every price is sourced and dated at its row.