How to pick an inference engine: vLLM, SGLang, TensorRT-LLM, llama.cpp or MLX by workload
goyalshaliniuk · x · 2026-11-02
Completing the 5-engine list with a selection guide:
- vLLM: production GPU serving
- SGLang: agentic and prefix-heavy workloads
- TensorRT-LLM: NVIDIA performance optimization
- llama.cpp: local, cross-platform inference
- MLX / mlx-lm: Apple's framework, optimized for Apple Silicon unified memory, good for running LLMs locally on Mac
The bigger point: as AI apps scale, inference efficiency matters as much as model intelligence — the right engine drives speed, cost and scalability. Pick one matching your hardware and workload.
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