As large language models (LLMs) continue to evolve, running them efficiently in browsers remains a challenge due to computational constraints. However, with advancements in WebGPU and optimized model architectures, lightweight LLMs can now function smoothly in web environments. Among the top contenders for WebLLM deployment, Qwen2 0.5B and Llama-3.2-1B stand out as leading small-scale models. This article explores their strengths, performance, and suitability for browser-based applications.
WebLLM—developed by MLC AI—enables LLMs to run directly in browsers by leveraging WebGPU acceleration, eliminating the need for backend servers. However, since browsers have limited computational power, small models with fewer parameters are essential for real-time performance. The most promising candidates as of April 2025 include:
- Qwen2 0.5B (0.5 billion parameters)