OpenClaw software, inference, hosting, and connected services are separate cost categories. A no-charge model tier does not make the whole system cost-free.
Before selecting a provider
- Check its current pricing, quota, region, and account eligibility.
- Confirm the exact model supports your required tools, context length, and image input.
- Read data-retention and training policies for the information you plan to send.
- Check whether the chosen access route is supported by OpenClaw and permitted by the provider.
Provider offers change too quickly for a permanent “free models” table to be dependable. Use the official provider catalogue and pricing page at signup. Do not assume a model marked free works through every API client.
Understand the tradeoffs
Free cloud quotas can be useful for evaluation but can throttle or disappear. Paid models charge according to the provider's terms. Local models shift cost to hardware, electricity, setup, and maintenance; check model licenses as well.
Keep spending predictable
Start with one model and short tasks. Configure provider spend limits where supported. Review usage after the first scheduled run. Fallbacks can use a different provider, incur charges, and change where data is sent: approve those routes deliberately rather than adding them solely to avoid errors.