OpenClaw (formerly Claw) is an open-source agent framework where skills on ClawHub extend Clawbot's capabilities. Search skills give Clawbot live web research powers. We ranked search API backends for building reliable OpenClaw search skills that work across models (Opus, GPT, etc.).
Top Pick
Scavio wins for OpenClaw with 5 existing ClawHub skills, simple HTTP integration, and credit-based pricing that works across all Clawbot model configurations.
Full Ranking
#1Our Pick
Scavio
OpenClaw deployments needing multi-platform search skills
Pros
- 5 skills already on ClawHub
- Simple HTTP (works with any model)
- Multi-platform in one provider
- 250 free/month for development
- Same API across Opus/GPT/local models
Cons
- ClawHub skills are community-contributed
- Limited customization of skill behavior
#2
Perplexity (via subscription)
OpenClaw users bypassing API costs via personal subscription
Pros
- Unlimited searches with Pro subscription
- No per-query API cost
- AI-synthesized answers
- Citation-backed responses
Cons
- Requires reverse-engineering (fragile)
- Against Perplexity ToS
- May break without notice
- Not officially supported
#3
Brave Search API
OpenClaw skills needing independent search index
Pros
- Independent index
- Official API
- Structured results
- Community OpenClaw skill exists
Cons
- No free tier (removed Feb 2026)
- Single platform
- Attribution required for free credit
- Limited SERP features
#4
Serper
Budget OpenClaw search skills
Pros
- 2,250 free/month
- Simple API
- Easy to build skill around
- Fast responses
Cons
- Google only
- No existing ClawHub skill
- Must build custom
- No Reddit/YouTube
#5
SearXNG (local)
Privacy-focused OpenClaw deployments
Pros
- Free
- No API key
- Multiple engines
- Self-hosted privacy
Cons
- Requires infrastructure
- Unreliable results
- Maintenance burden
- No guaranteed availability
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Scavio | Runner-up | 3rd Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClawHub Skills | 5 (pre-built) | 0 (DIY) | 1 (community) |
| Setup for OpenClaw | Install from ClawHub | Custom skill code | Install + configure |
| Free Tier | 250/mo | $20/mo subscription | $5 credit (attribution) |
| Platforms | 5 | 1 (web) | 1 (web) |
| Reliability | High (API) | Low (reverse-engineered) | High (API) |
| ToS Compliant | Yes | No | Yes |
Why Scavio Wins
- 5 pre-built ClawHub skills cover Google, Reddit, YouTube, Amazon, and Walmart search. Install from ClawHub, add API key, done.
- Works across all Clawbot model configurations (Opus, GPT, local models). Simple HTTP means no model-specific integration needed.
- 250 free credits/month covers development and light personal use of search skills without API costs.
- ToS-compliant: unlike Perplexity subscription bypass approaches, Scavio skills use a proper API contract.
- Credit-based pricing scales with actual Clawbot usage. Light users stay on free tier; heavy users pay predictably per query.