# Use open-source models with Claude Code

Markdown version of https://kymaapi.com/for/claude-code, for agents and crawlers. Same content as the HTML page.

- Generated: 2026-10-09T21:45:16.680Z
- HTML page: https://kymaapi.com/for/claude-code
- Model catalog: https://kymaapi.com/models.md
- Pricing: https://kymaapi.com/pricing.md

For Claude Code

Connect Claude Code to Kyma API through the Anthropic-compatible Messages API. Great for when you need a second opinion or want to save costs.

- [Create account](https://kymaapi.com/signup)
- [Setup Guide](https://kymaapi.com/for/claude-code#setup)

### Claude Alternative

When you hit Claude rate limits or want a second opinion, switch to open-source models instantly. Same CLI, different brain.

### Save on High-Volume

Compare model prices for your tasks. Actual cost depends on the model, prompt length and output generated.

### Active Models, One Key

Access Qwen, DeepSeek, Kimi, Gemma, Llama and more. All through one API key, one base URL.

## Recommended Models

Top picks for Claude Code users: by quality, capability, and cost.

- 1 · Qwen 3.6 Plus · Vision input · Supports reasoning, tool use, vision input. Compare current prices and measured uptime on the model page. · `qwen-3.6-plus`
- 2 · Kimi K2.6 · Vision input · Supports reasoning, tool use, vision input. Compare current prices and measured uptime on the model page. · `kimi-k2.6`
- 3 · DeepSeek R1 · Tool use · Supports reasoning, tool use. Compare current prices and measured uptime on the model page. · `deepseek-r1`
- 4 · Gemma 4 31B · Vision input · Supports reasoning, tool use, vision input. Compare current prices and measured uptime on the model page. · `gemma-4-31b`

## Setup guide

1. [Create account](https://kymaapi.com/signup) → 2. Set the env vars below → 3. Run Claude Code with any model.

**Claude Code (Environment)**

```
# Connect to the Anthropic-compatible Messages API
export ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN=kyma-xxxxx        # your Kyma key
export ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL=https://kymaapi.com

# Then use Claude Code with --model flag
claude --model qwen-3.6-plus

# See the setup guide for persistent configuration.
```

**Use Alongside Claude**

```
# Keep Claude as primary, use Kyma models when needed:

# For cost-sensitive tasks:
claude --model gemma-4-31b "explain this codebase"

# For reasoning tasks:
claude --model deepseek-r1 "find the bug in this logic"

# For agentic tasks:
claude --model kimi-k2.6 "refactor auth module"

# To restore your default connection, remove the Kyma environment variables.
```

## More models, lower cost: pay per use

$0.50 signup credit for eligible free-tier models after email verification. No card required.

[Create account](https://kymaapi.com/signup)

## Explore more

- [Qwen 3.6 Plus](https://kymaapi.com/models/qwen-3.6-plus)
- [Kimi K2.6](https://kymaapi.com/models/kimi-k2.6)
- [DeepSeek R1](https://kymaapi.com/models/deepseek-r1)
- [Gemma 4 31B](https://kymaapi.com/models/gemma-4-31b)
- [Compare models](https://kymaapi.com/compare)
- [Live model rankings](https://kymaapi.com/rankings)
- [Agent setup guide](https://docs.kymaapi.com/guides/agent-setup)