Model Configuration
The core recommendation is a model stack, not a single winner: use the strongest model for hard work, cheaper fallbacks for routine traffic, and free or local capacity for low-value tasks.
Recommended Stack: Sonnet → Haiku → DeepSeek
This is the most balanced editorial default in March 2026. Claude Sonnet handles difficult agent work, Haiku absorbs lighter overflow, and DeepSeek keeps daily cost under control.
Core Model Paths
| Provider & Model | Reasoning | Cost | Privacy / Runtime | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Claude Sonnet 4.6 Best default for agent work and tool use | ★★★★★ | $3.00 in / $15.00 out | Cloud API | Guide |
DeepSeek-V3.2 Extreme value for daily usage and coding | ★★★★★ | $0.14 in / $0.28 out | Cloud API | Hub |
GLM-5 Strong domestic coding route with a free flash tier below it | ★★★★★ | $0.80 in / $2.56 out | Cloud API | Hub |
Gemini Flash Useful for cron, heartbeat, and low-value background tasks | ★★★★★ | free tier available | Cloud API | Hub |
Ollama + Qwen / Devstral Private local runtime with real hardware tradeoffs | ★★★★★ | $0 API cost | Local runtime | Hub |
Three Starting Strategies
Tier 1: Free / Local
$0 to low single digits
Best for experiments and privacy-sensitive work
- •Use Ollama or LM Studio if your hardware is strong enough
- •Pair free flash models with local experiments
- •Ideal for heartbeat jobs, low-value tasks, and early learning
- •Expect slower responses or hardware constraints on larger local models
Most Practical
Tier 2: China Value
$5 to $15 / mo
Best for domestic users balancing price and performance
- •GLM-5, DeepSeek, Kimi, MiniMax, or bundled Coding Plans
- •Use free flash models for cron and low-value traffic
- •Keep DeepSeek or GLM in the fallback chain even if Claude is primary
- •A strong fit for Aliyun, Tencent Cloud, or Volcengine workflows
Tier 3: Hybrid Best
$10 to $30 / mo
Best quality-to-cost balance for daily operators
- •Primary: Claude Sonnet 4.6
- •Fallbacks: Claude Haiku 4.5 and DeepSeek-V3.2
- •Use Gemini Flash or local models for heartbeat and scheduled jobs
- •Add budget caps so premium traffic cannot spiral overnight