Claude vs OpenClaw
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Which is better, Claude or OpenClaw?
It depends on what you want done. Pick Claude if you want an agent that works in your own Chrome with clear permissions, and careful writing and research matter to you. Pick OpenClaw if you're comfortable in a terminal and want a free agent you control, running on your own machine. Claude is an AI assistant and OpenClaw is a personal agent, so we rank them separately. Prices as of November 2026: Claude, from $17/mo; OpenClaw, free (plus AI model costs).
On our rubric, Claude scores higher, 8.2 to 7.4. Both handle 3 of our 6 everyday errands fully on their own, so the difference is in how they work and what they cost. Here's where each one wins.
Claude8.2
Choose Claude if you want an agent that works in your own Chrome with clear permissions, and careful writing and research matter to you.
Visit Claude
OpenClaw7.4
Choose OpenClaw if you're comfortable in a terminal and want a free agent you control, running on your own machine.
Visit OpenClawErrands, side by side
| Errand | Claude | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Book reservations, rides and travel | With your OK | With your OK |
| Shop and check out | With your OK | With your OK |
| Handle email and calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Fill forms and click through websites | Yes | Yes |
| Cancel subscriptions, chase refunds, lower bills | With your OK | With your OK |
| Research and compare | Yes | Yes |
Scores side by side
| Criterion | Claude | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Gets it done (30%) | 8.5 | 8.0 |
| Reach (15%) | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| Knows you (15%) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Safety & control (15%) | 8.5 | 5.0 |
| Value (15%) | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Trust (10%) | 8.5 | 5.5 |
| Overall | 8.2 | 7.4 |
Where they work
| Clicks through websites for you | ||
|---|---|---|
| Works in the background or on a schedule | ||
| Remembers you | ||
| Works over text messages | ||
| Talks by voice | ||
| Phone app |
Price and fine print
| Claude | OpenClaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AI assistant: ai assistant | Personal agent: open-source agent |
| Made by | Anthropic | Open-source project |
| Our rank | #3 of ai assistants with agent features | #6 of personal agents |
| Price | From $17/mo (as of November 2026) | Free (plus AI model costs) (as of November 2026) |
| Free plan | Yes, chat only; agent features need Pro (as of November 2026) | Yes: free and open source; you pay your AI provider (as of November 2026) |
| Refunds | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | People who want a careful agent working in their own browser and files. | Technical people who want a private, always-on agent in their own chat apps. |
Claude: pros and cons
- Works in your own Chrome, with per-site permissions
- Asks before high-risk steps like purchases
- Cowork handles longer tasks with your files and apps
- Pro is $17 a month billed yearly
- No always-on agent you can text
- Agent work uses up the shared usage pool fastest, with weekly caps
- Browser agent works in Chrome and Chromium browsers only
- No agent features on the free plan
OpenClaw: pros and cons
- Free and open source, with memory kept on your own machine
- Works in 20+ chat apps, including WhatsApp, iMessage and Telegram
- Acts on a schedule without being asked
- Use any AI model, including local ones
- Setup takes a terminal and some technical comfort
- It has real access to your computer and accounts, so mistakes and attacks carry real risk
- Model costs depend on how much you use it
- No company support
Claude vs OpenClaw: questions
Is Claude better than OpenClaw?
On our rubric, Claude scores higher (8.2 vs 7.4). OpenClaw is still the better pick if you're comfortable in a terminal and want a free agent you control, running on your own machine.
Which is cheaper, Claude or OpenClaw?
Claude: from $17/mo, free plan: yes (as of November 2026). OpenClaw: free (plus ai model costs), free plan: yes (as of November 2026).