AI agents not worth the cost as humans still cheaper: Tech execs

CoinTelegraph

by Brayden Lindrea

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Tech investor Jason Calacanis has revealed that running an AI agent costs significantly more than hiring human workers, casting doubt on the idea that AI will soon replace humans in the workforce. Calacanis shared on the All-In podcast that he pays approximately $300 daily for an Anthropic Claude AI agent to manage his businesses, which equates to around $110,000 annually—a sum exceeding most US salaries. Despite this investment, the AI operates at only 10% to 20% of its full capacity, raising questions about whether the costs associated with AI deployment will ever justify replacing human employees. The high expenses of running AI agents, including the need to purchase usage allowances known as tokens, are a key barrier to widespread adoption. Calacanis posed the question: “When do tokens outpace the salary of the employee?” This highlights the dilemma of whether the cost of AI tools will ever make them more efficient or economical than hiring human workers. For now, it appears that humans remain a more cost-effective solution for many tasks. This issue holds particular relevance for the crypto and blockchain industries, which are often at the forefront of technological innovation. While AI can be a powerful tool for streamlining processes, its current limitations in terms of scalability and affordability mean that human expertise is still indispensable. As tech investors continue to explore the potential of AI, they must weigh these costs against the proven value of human talent. Ultimately, while AI agents offer significant capabilities, their high cost and underperformance compared to human workers suggest that they are not yet a viable replacement for human labor in many cases. For now, the balance between technology and workforce remains tipped in favor of humans.

Verticals

cryptoblockchain

Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/20/2026