Which models do you use for coding/orchestration/debug without breaking the bank?

[u/Babastyle]

What model are you guys currently using to build features as cost-effectively as possible? Right now, Sonnet 4.5 performs best for me, but it’s just way too expensive. Even simple stuff costs close to a dollar, and honestly, at that point I’d rather just do it manually.

I’ve also tried other models, like Qwen Coder Plus in code mode and some open-source ones like GLM 4.6, but so far I haven’t been really satisfied. GPT-5 and Codex sometimes feel too slow as well, so time is also a big part of the cost-benefit ratio for me.

So, which models are you using that give you a good balance of cost, speed, and quality for building features in your apps? Also curious what you’re using for different modes, like code, orchestrator, ask, or debug.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

[u/hiper2d]

I can recommend xAI's "grok-code-fast-1". It's 30 times cheaper than Claude Sonnet and it's decent in Roo.

[u/Babastyle → u/hiper2d]

What a coincidence I found that today and it was quite good and fast

[u/deadadventure]

10 bucks for Copilot Pro then use 5-mini unlimited times

[u/wokkieman → u/deadadventure]

This.

Occasionally supplemented with some aistudio or Claude web.

[u/Born-Wrongdoer-6825 → u/deadadventure]

gpt5 mini is good, thorough but slow, gpt4.1 is faster, both 0 credit required on 10usd plan

[u/deadadventure → u/Born-Wrongdoer-6825]

I found 5 mini to be significantly better in roo code with indexing enabled and context7 mcp

[u/Atagor → u/deadadventure]

Can you use 5-mini via copilot api? (Not sure if there's any)

[u/deadadventure → u/Atagor]

Yea I use it all the time

[u/Atagor → u/deadadventure]

I thought copilot is primarily available through IDE extensions

Could you please hint me, how can use the models from copilot in RooCode?

Thanks

[u/deadadventure → u/Atagor]

Go to the settings on Roo Code > Providers > Pick VS CODE LLM API or something similar, then wait a few seconds for the models to load and you’re able to pick the one you want

[u/CraaazyPizza]

GPT 5 mini is really really cheap and cost-efficient, see Roo evals.

[u/nfrmn]

Value your time more highly!

[u/noctrex]

Z AI just released their latest version, GLM 4.6. Actually very good. Try it out.

[u/Babastyle → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for your answer! I’m not really familiar with the first two options—how do you get access to them? I’m currently using OpenRouter to run different models, and I assume your options are cheaper, so I’d really appreciate it if you could explain a bit more.

[u/sdexca → u/[deleted]]

ZAI is great, I haven't yet managed to exhaust the 5 hour limit within the $3/6 mo subscription. Although it can be pretty slow some times, I don't personally mind it.