How to Use OpenClaw Completely for Free (Local Models + Free APIs)

Last Updated: February 2026

OpenClaw is open source. Installing it costs $0. Running it can also cost $0 — if you set it up right.

Here's exactly how to run OpenClaw for free, including the AI models, hosting, and interfaces.

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The Cost Structure (What You Actually Pay For)

OpenClaw itself is always free. But it needs three things to work:

1. An AI model — OpenClaw calls an AI API to think and respond
2. A machine to run on — Your computer, a server, or a Pi
3. A messaging interface — Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.

Two of these three (machine + messaging) can be $0 easily. The AI model is where costs usually come in — unless you use a free tier or run locally.

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Free Option 1: Local Models with Ollama (Fully Free)

The $0-forever route: run a local AI model on your own hardware.

Install Ollama:

# Mac or Linux
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh

# Pull a free model (Qwen 2.5 is solid)
ollama pull qwen2.5:7b

Connect to OpenClaw:

In your OpenClaw config, set:

model: ollama/qwen2.5:7b
baseUrl: http://localhost:11434

Total ongoing cost: $0. You use your own CPU/GPU. The model runs locally.

Best for: MacBooks, Mac Minis (M-series), Linux desktops with 16GB+ RAM.

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Free Option 2: Groq Free API Tier

Groq offers a free API tier — no credit card, no expiry — for models including Llama 3 and Gemma.

1. Create a free account at console.groq.com
2. Generate an API key
3. In OpenClaw config: model: groq/llama-3.3-70b-versatile

Rate limits on free tier: 30 requests/minute, 14,400/day. More than enough for personal use.

Total cost: $0.

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Free Option 3: OpenAI / Anthropic Free Credits

Both OpenAI and Anthropic give new accounts free credits:

• Anthropic: $5 free credit on new accounts
• OpenAI: $5–18 free credit depending on signup

Not forever-free, but enough to test for weeks before spending anything.

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Free Hosting: Use Your Existing Mac

If you have a Mac Mini, MacBook, or any desktop — you already have your hosting.

# Install OpenClaw
npm install -g openclaw

# Set it to start on login (Mac)
openclaw service install

OpenClaw runs silently in the background. Your machine becomes your AI server. No monthly VPS cost.

Best setup for 24/7: Mac Mini M2 ($599 one-time). Runs OpenClaw, never sleeps, costs ~$5/month in electricity.

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Free Messaging: Telegram

Telegram is free, works everywhere, and has the best OpenClaw integration.

1. Create a Telegram bot at @BotFather — free
2. Get your bot token
3. Paste it in openclaw setup

You now have a fully functional AI assistant interface for $0.

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The Full $0 Stack

Monthly cost: $0

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What You Give Up Going Free

Being straight with you:

Local models vs Claude: Llama/Qwen are solid but Claude Sonnet is noticeably smarter for complex reasoning. If your tasks are simple (scheduling, reminders, quick research), free models handle them well. For complex coding, analysis, or nuanced writing — paid APIs are better.

Groq free tier limits: 14,400 requests/day sounds like a lot, until you set up hourly automations. Heavy automated use can hit limits.

Local hosting vs cloud: Your machine needs to be on. If it goes to sleep or loses power, your agent stops. A VPS ($5-6/month) solves this if you need 24/7 reliability.

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Start Free in 15 Minutes

# 1. Install OpenClaw
npm install -g openclaw

# 2. Install Ollama + a free model
curl -fsSL https://ollama.com/install.sh | sh
ollama pull qwen2.5:7b

# 3. Configure
openclaw setup
# Select: Ollama, enter model name, connect Telegram

# 4. Start
openclaw start

Message your Telegram bot. You now have a free AI agent.

Full guide: Get Started →

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• OpenClaw Free Trial: Start for $0, No Credit Card Required
• OpenClaw Free Download: Install on Any Platform
• Is OpenClaw Free? Complete Pricing Breakdown
• Full Getting Started Guide