Models for agents
Understand which LLMBase models are available to OpenAI-compatible agents and which models to start with.
Updated
Only inference models are accessible via agents; browse the current list in inference models.
Agent keys expose the current models supported by the Agent API. Retrieve that
list from GET https://llmbase.ai/api/v1/agents/models before selecting a
model for OpenClaw, Hermes, or another compatible agent.
The response uses the OpenAI models.list() shape and includes LLMBase metadata
such as pricing, supported_features, and prompt_cache_supported when
available. If a model is not returned by this endpoint, it cannot be used with a
chat agent key. Chat completions for unavailable agent models return 403 with
model_not_available_for_agents.
The agent model view includes only chat/tool-capable models from LLMBase’s cost-controlled inference catalog. Image, embedding, rerank, classification, and non-agent models are not returned.
Using public model IDs
Agents always send a stable LLMBase model ID returned by
GET https://llmbase.ai/api/v1/agents/models. Choose a model whose advertised
metadata matches the request, including streaming, tools, JSON output,
structured output, reasoning, or image/file inputs. A request that requires an
unsupported capability returns the documented API error instead of silently
ignoring that requirement.
Use a llmbase_chat_... key when an external agent should consume the user’s
chat subscription. Use a llmbase_... inference API key when your application
needs direct OpenAI-compatible inference billing, prompt-cache pricing, or the
curated inference model list.
Choosing models for agents
Always call GET /api/v1/agents/models for the current model list. Available
models can change as the public catalog is updated.
Choose from the returned metadata instead of saving recommendations from this page as a static allowlist:
| Need | Metadata to check |
|---|---|
| Long agent loops | High context_length, low token price, and prompt_cache_supported when available |
| Tool use | supported_features includes tools |
| Structured extraction | supported_features includes json_mode or structured_outputs |
| Reasoning-heavy tasks | supported_features includes reasoning and supported_reasoning_efforts fits your request |
| Vision or file inputs | input_modalities and media-type metadata match the files your agent sends |
For most users, start with a low-cost returned model that supports tools and prompt caching. Move to a larger returned model only when the task needs more context, stronger reasoning, or a capability the smaller model does not expose.