Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

---

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Puma Browser is a free mobile AI-centric web browser.
• Puma Browser allows you to make use of Local AI.
• You can select from several LLMs, ranging in size and scope.

---

On those rare occasions when I use AI, I always opt for a local version. Most often, that comes in the form of Ollama installed on a desktop or laptop. I've been leery of using cloud-based AI for some time now for several reasons:

• It consumes vast amounts of energy.
• There's no way to be certain it honors privacy claims.
• I don't want any of my queries or data to be used for training LLMs.

Those three reasons alone have me always opting for local AI. That's all fine and good on the desktop, but what about mobile devices? Is there a way to use AI in a browser that doesn't depend on a third party?

Also: My top 4 browsers after testing nearly every one (spoiler: Chrome doesn't make the list)

There is now, thanks to Puma Browser. It's available for both Android and iOS and can use local LLMs such as Qwen 3 1.5b, Qwen 3 4B, LFM2 1.2, LFM2 700M, Google Gemma 3n E2B, and more.

I installed Puma Browser on my Pixel 9 Pro and then downloaded Qwen 3 1.5b to see how well it fared. 

I've used local AI on various hardware multiple times, so I know how it can be a drain on system resources. I assumed local AI on a phone would be dreadfully slow. I also know how much storage those LLMs can take up, so I downloaded the LLM with a light bit of trepidation (unsure if uninstalling Puma Browser would also remove the LLM).

Local AI on Android: the good and the bad

Please note that local AI on Puma Browser is still in the experimental phase, so it may encounter issues. As well, downloading an LLM will take some time. You should also ensure that you are connected to a wireless network; otherwise, the download will consume your data plan and take a long time.

You can download any of the available LLMs for Puma Browser.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Even on wireless, the download of Qwen 3 1.5b took over 10 minutes.

But how does it perform? I was shocked. After downloading an LLM, I ran my usual test query:

What is Linux?

Puma was considerably faster than I assumed it would be with local AI.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

To my surprise, Puma Browser responded immediately with its answer. Honestly, the local LLM on my Pixel 9 Pro performed as well as Ollama on my System76 Thelio desktop PC (running Pop!_OS) and my MacBook Pro. I couldn't believe it!

To verify that Puma was actually using the local LLM, I disabled both internet and wireless connectivity on my Pixel 9 Pro and ran a different query. Again, the AI responded with an answer, doing so very quickly. Color me impressed.

Also: I thought Perplexity's Comet browser on my Android would be a chore - but I was totally wrong

I had very low expectations of this browser, and I'm so glad my assumptions were proven wrong. I expected slow performance or even no performance via local LLM, but Puma Browser delivered.

What does this mean?

First, it means you can utilize AI on your phone, even when you don't have a network connection. It also means you won't be placing even more strain on already strained power grids. Both of those are big pluses in my book.

The only thing you have to consider (as mentioned earlier) is that LLMs can consume a lot of storage on your phone. If you're someone who regularly runs out of space and has to delete photos and videos to make room, using local AI is not a viable option for you.

Also: I've been testing the top AI browsers - here's which ones actually impressed me

You need plenty of storage on your device, especially if you plan on switching between LLMs for different purposes. I've downloaded LLMs on my desktop that were nearly 20GB in size, so you want to be very careful about which LLM you use. For example, Qwen 3 1.5b is nearly 6GB in size. Do you have space for that?

If you'd like to try local AI on your phone, Puma Browser is a fantastic option. It's fast, easy to use, and allows you to select from several LLMs. Give this new browser a go and see if it doesn't become your default for mobile AI queries.

Bonus: Puma Browser can also function as a regular browser.