I Spent 4 Months With Claude API and Claude Pro. Here’s What Actually Happened
Three months on Claude API, one month on Claude Pro, and honestly? The story’s way simpler than you’d think.
Why I Started
I’m a full-stack dev, WordPress specialist, and PhD researcher. I needed help writing code faster, planning architecture, and not losing my mind doing examiner corrections. So I tried Claude—first the API, then Pro.
Claude API (Months 1-3): The Honest Reality
What I loved: Claude Code in VSCode was insanely good. Better than Copilot, better than Roo Code. It actually understands what you’re building and generates working code. I also built custom MCP servers connected to Chatbox.ai Desktop (free tool) to automate Storybook generation and documentation. That part was chef’s kiss.
What hurt: I burned through $3 USD in a single week. That doesn’t sound like much until you’re a solopreneur watching every dollar. Suddenly every Claude Code request felt like I was paying for it. “Is this worth the tokens?” becomes your internal monologue. That’s when you know the pricing model isn’t matching your workflow.
I tried optimizing prompts to use fewer tokens. It helped a little. But I was working around the tool instead of just using the tool. That’s a red flag.
Claude Pro (Month 4): The Plot Twist
I switched because PhD corrections needed professional-level help, and the cost anxiety was killing my productivity.
What happened next? The mental weight just… lifted.
No more token counting. No more hesitation. I could use Claude Code for complex architectural problems without doing math in my head. Opus 4.5 understood my writing style perfectly and maintained consistency while fixing examiner feedback. Sonnet 4.5 was noticeably faster than Sonnet 4.
And Haiku 4.5? Genuinely capable for most stuff. Like, surprisingly so.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
Claude API: ~$15-20/month, high mental friction, good for predictable usage
Claude Pro: $20/month, zero friction, unlimited usage only for certain numbers of tasks , depend on model you use
Here’s where it gets interesting if you’re in Southeast Asia: Malaysia’s minimum wage is RM1,700 (~$360/month). Claude Pro is 5.5% of that. If Claude saves you 30-40% on development time (which it does for me), it pays for itself in the first week. The RM-to-USD exchange rate concern is valid, but so is the basic math.
What Surprised Me
Claude Code is genuinely the best coding tool out there. I wasn’t expecting that. It’s not just fast—it understands context and actually builds things that work.
Fewer limitations than expected. I thought I’d hit walls constantly. The only real limits are the ones I created by trying to optimize for tokens.
Custom MCP servers are underrated. Building automation with Chatbox.ai Desktop + Claude is a serious productivity multiplier that nobody talks about.
Model choice matters. Opus for Coding, Sonnet for coding, Haiku for writing, quick stuff. Being able to use the right tool for the right task is worth more than you’d think.
What Should You Pick?
Tight budget? Use Claude API with Haiku 4.5. You’ll save money and it’s actually capable. Just accept that you’ll optimize prompts more.
Comfortable budget? Claude Pro wins. $20/month is genuinely nothing compared to the time you’ll save. Especially if you’re juggling multiple projects.
Solopreneur in Southeast Asia? Get the annual Claude Pro if it’s available. The math is simple: one saved project per month and you’re in the black for the year. The productivity gain is real.
The Real Talk
After four months, here’s what I’d tell you: Claude API works if you know exactly what you’re doing. But Claude Pro is the smart move if you value your time. And if you haven’t touched Claude Code yet, you’re leaving massive productivity on the table.
For developers in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond? We finally have excellent, affordable tools. Claude Pro at $20/month is genuinely one of the best investments in my dev stack.
That’s it. That’s the story.
What’s your experience? API or Pro?
@lerlerchan by LerLer Chan
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