Running OpenClaw can get expensive fast. If you’re posting frequently, automating replies, or scaling your bot operations, those API calls add up — sometimes hitting $100+ per day before you notice.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to pay premium prices for premium results.
Two budget models to compare for OpenClaw
Model availability was checked on October 14, 2026 against the haimaker catalog. These are current candidates for a budget comparison, not a new controlled benchmark or a claim that they are the cheapest for every workload.
DeepSeek V4.1 Flash
Try deepseek/deepseek-v4.1-flash on routine replies, summaries, and bounded tool sequences. Count retries as part of its cost. Keep a stronger fallback for jobs it cannot finish reliably.
GLM-5.3 Flash
Try z-ai/glm-5.3-flash on the same tasks. Compare correct completion, tool-call errors, elapsed time, and total tokens. MiniMax M3, GPT-6 Luna, and Claude Haiku 5.5 are other current budget candidates worth checking.
Try both models on Haimaker
One API key lets you compare the two exact model IDs on the same workload. Check both input and output rates in the catalog before estimating your bill. Gateway availability does not establish which model will finish your task best.
Why Most People Overpay for OpenClaw
The trap most OpenClaw users fall into is using the same model for every task. But not every reply needs Opus 5.5-level reasoning.
A quick status check? Cheaper model. A one-line acknowledgment? Even cheaper. A complex customer support situation? That’s when you route to a more capable model.
Haimaker’s routing engine lets you set rules based on:
- Task complexity
- Token limits
- Latency requirements
- Cost targets
How Much Can You Save?
Compare the current candidates by role:
| Model | Cost tier | Workload to test |
|---|---|---|
| DeepSeek V4.1 Flash | Budget | Routine agent work |
| GLM-5.3 Flash | Budget | Tool use and summaries |
| Claude Sonnet 5.5 | Mid-range | Tasks the cheaper model fails |
| GPT-6.1 Sol | Mid-range | Coding and agent fallback |
Use your own token mix and retry counts. Moving easy tasks to a budget model can reduce the bill, but there is no fixed savings percentage for every agent.
Getting Started
- Sign up at haimaker.ai
- Point your OpenClaw config at the Haimaker API — or wire it up in one command with
npx -y @haimaker/connect --openclaw - Set up routing rules for your workload
The Bottom Line
Start by comparing DeepSeek V4.1 Flash and GLM-5.3 Flash on a few representative tasks. Keep the cheaper model only when it finishes reliably, and reserve a stronger model for failures. Recheck prices and IDs when you change the setup.
Model availability checked October 14, 2026. Use the live catalog for current rates.