How to Choose the Best AI Model for OpenClaw

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 23:16:32 +0800

I’ve been using OpenClaw for a few weeks now and I love it. It’s become part of my daily high-frequency workflow. As my usage grows, tokens get consumed quickly. After testing various AI models and services, here’s a summary of my current AI service combination along with their pros and cons for reference.

ChatGPT Plus
Claude Pro
MiniMax Coding Plan — Sign up here
- I’m on the 29 RMB/month plan, used mainly as a fallback.
- Using the referral code above gets you a 10% discount and Builder status.
- One extra advantage of MiniMax is that its plans include image and voice generation, which Claude and GPT don’t offer.

For specific pricing and payment details, search within this site for the relevant articles.

How I Use Them

GPT uses the Codex OAuth method. For the model, just go with the latest Codex model.
Claude Code isn’t officially supported, but since it’s a CLI tool, it can be used as a subagent — for example, I use it for writing articles.
MiniMax supports OAuth. For the model, just pick the latest MiniMax M2.7.
```
openclaw plugins enable minimax-portal-auth
```

So why did I ultimately choose these AI services? Because I tried several others but found drawbacks that made me give up on them. Here are a few examples.

The best option would be Claude’s Opus, but it’s too expensive, and API payment has a high barrier, so I gave up. Also, Claude Code doesn’t offer OAuth, so while you can use it via CLI, it can’t serve as OpenClaw’s base model.

How About DeepSeek Models? ❌

Compared to GPT, it performs poorly — stability is terrible. Currently I think it’s okay for single-task execution agents like translation, but for handling logic — such as acting as an agent dispatcher/manager — forget it, it’s just too weak. In actual use, it’s not as good as MiniMax.

OpenClaw Getting Started Guide — Installation, Telegram Bot setup, and MCP usage
OpenClaw Enterprise WeChat Integration — Full guide for WeChat Bot and app configuration
OpenClaw Deployment Hardware Requirements — Server configuration recommendations and performance requirements

Final Thoughts

All things considered, monthly AI spending comes to a few hundred RMB — not super expensive, but not cheap either. For me, it’s mainly about improving efficiency and saving time, so I find it acceptable. If better AI services emerge in the future, I’ll continue experimenting and adjusting my AI service combination to achieve a better experience and cost-effectiveness.

AI Service | Attack on Life

How to Choose the Best AI Model for OpenClaw

How I Use Them

How About Claude Models? ❌

How About DeepSeek Models? ❌

Final Thoughts

AI Service | Attack on Life

How to Choose the Best AI Model for OpenClaw

AI Services I Currently Subscribe To

How I Use Them

How About Claude Models? ❌

How About DeepSeek Models? ❌

Related Reading

Final Thoughts