Free Powerful Coding LLMs: Poolside Laguna M.1 & XS.2 API Setup in VS Code

Looking for a free, high-quality LLM API optimized for coding? Poolside’s Laguna M.1 (large, highly capable) and Laguna XS.2 (smaller, efficient, open-weight) models are currently available for free (limited time) and excel at agentic coding tasks, code generation, refactoring, and complex software engineering work.

Why Choose Poolside Laguna Models?

• Built specifically for coding and agentic workflows
• Strong performance for their size
• OpenAI-compatible API — works perfectly with VS Code extensions
• Free access via Poolside platform or OpenRouter

Pro Tips

• Start with Laguna XS.2 for faster responses and lower usage.
• Switch to Laguna M.1 for more complex, multi-file tasks.
• Monitor your usage as the free period is time-limited.
• Combine with local tools for the best experience.

This setup gives you powerful, free AI coding assistance directly in VS Code without spending on premium APIs. Great for side projects, learning, or daily development.