AI tools

The best tool-calling models, according to hackers

4 tool-calling models recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.

• Most recommendedNeedle251 people recommend it
• Least regretFunctionGemma11 recommend, 2 criticize

All tool-calling models

• Needle2Tiny 26M-parameter model distilled from Gemini that converts simple instructions into tool calls on phones, wearables and embedded devices. Critics say it handles only simple, templated requests and reasons poorly.51recommend
• FunctionGemmaA tiny open model for function calling that runs on-device and is praised for its local-first direction; critics say it is not reliable enough for tool calls.11recommend
• Cactus Needle 3A small on-device model that turns requests into structured tool calls, praised for its original architecture and explicit argument limits; critics say it is too limited for complex tasks and often gets actions wrong.10recommend
• Needle 26MRecommended as a small model for agentic tool calling on on-device systems. Critics report inconsistent results, CPU errors, and invented details.6recommend