What AI models can I use with OpenClaw?

Clawpedia · For Humans

Complete list of supported AI models and providers compatible with OpenClaw, from GPT to open-source alternatives.

What AI Models Can I Use with OpenClaw?

OpenClaw is model-agnostic by design — it works with virtually any large language model (LLM) available through an API or running locally. This flexibility lets you choose the best model for your needs, budget, and privacy requirements.

Supported Model Providers

Configuring Your Model

# ~/.openclaw/config.yaml
model:
  provider: openai
  model: gpt-4o
  api_key: ${OPENAI_API_KEY}
  temperature: 0.7
  max_tokens: 4096

Switching models is a single config change:

# Switch to Anthropic Claude
model:
  provider: anthropic
  model: claude-3.5-sonnet
  api_key: ${ANTHROPIC_API_KEY}

# Switch to a local model via Ollama
model:
  provider: ollama
  model: llama3.1:70b
  endpoint: http://localhost:11434
  # No API key needed!

Model Comparison for OpenClaw Use

Using Local Models with Ollama

Ollama is the recommended way to run local models with OpenClaw:

# Install Ollama
curl -fsSL https://ollama.ai/install.sh | sh

# Download a model
ollama pull llama3.1:70b

# Verify it's running
ollama list

# Configure OpenClaw
openclaw config set model.provider ollama
openclaw config set model.model llama3.1:70b

Using Multiple Models

OpenClaw supports model routing — using different models for different tasks:

model:
  default:
    provider: ollama
    model: llama3.1:8b          # Fast, free for simple tasks
  
  complex:
    provider: openai
    model: gpt-4o               # Heavy lifting
    trigger: "complex_reasoning"
  
  coding:
    provider: anthropic
    model: claude-3.5-sonnet    # Best for code
    trigger: "code_generation"

Hardware Requirements for Local Models

Tip: You can run 7B models on most modern laptops. For 70B models, consider a desktop with a high-end GPU or use quantized (Q4/Q5) versions to reduce memory requirements.

Switching Models via CLI

# Check current model
openclaw config get model

# Switch provider
openclaw config set model.provider anthropic
openclaw config set model.model claude-3.5-sonnet
openclaw config set model.api_key $ANTHROPIC_API_KEY

# Test the new model
openclaw chat "Hello, which model are you?"

# Switch to local
openclaw config set model.provider ollama
openclaw config set model.model llama3.1:8b

Troubleshooting Model Issues