Quick Summary
Ollama
Run open-source LLMs locally with no API costs
- Completely local
- No API costs
- Privacy-focused
OpenAI (Standard)
Standard OpenAI API for GPT models
- Standard OpenAI access
- GPT-4o models
- Simple setup
Model Comparison
| Aspect | Ollama | OpenAI (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Models | 3 | 2 |
| Default Model | Llama 3.3 | GPT-4o |
| Max Context Window | 128K tokens | 128K tokens |
| Image Support | — No | ✓ Yes |
| Tool/Function Calling | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing Model |
Authentication
Ollama
none
No authentication required for local instance
OpenAI (Standard)
api_key
Standard API key only
OPENAI_API_KEY Pros & Cons
Ollama
Pros
- No API costs
- Full data privacy
- Works offline
- No rate limits
Cons
- Requires capable hardware
- Slower than cloud APIs
- Less capable than frontier models
OpenAI (Standard)
Pros
- Simple setup
- Well-documented
- Stable API
Cons
- No OAuth support
- Limited to API key auth
Best Use Cases
Choose Ollama if you need:
- Privacy-sensitive applications
- Offline use
- Cost-conscious deployments
- Development and testing
Choose OpenAI (Standard) if you need:
- Simple integrations
- API-key only environments
- Standard chat applications
Use with Messaging Channels
Both providers work with all OpenClaw messaging channels:
Telegram
Discord
Slack
Signal
iMessage
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Ollama or OpenAI (Standard)?
It depends on your use case. Ollama excels at privacy-sensitive applications, while OpenAI (Standard) is best for simple integrations. Consider your specific needs for context length, pricing, and feature requirements.
Can I use both Ollama and OpenAI (Standard) with OpenClaw?
Yes! OpenClaw supports multiple providers simultaneously. You can configure Ollama as your primary and OpenAI (Standard) as a fallback, or use different providers for different agents.
Which has better pricing, Ollama or OpenAI (Standard)?
Ollama uses undefined pricing, while OpenAI (Standard) uses undefined. The best value depends on your usage volume and whether you need premium features.