OpenClaw vs Manus
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Which is better, OpenClaw or Manus?
It depends on what you want done. Pick OpenClaw if you're comfortable in a terminal and want a free agent you control, running on your own machine. Pick Manus if you want an agent to take on a long research or building job by itself. Both are personal agents. Prices as of November 2026: OpenClaw, free (plus AI model costs); Manus, from $17/mo.
On our rubric, OpenClaw scores higher, 7.4 to 6.8. It handles 3 of our 6 everyday errands fully on its own, to Manus's 2. Here's where each one wins.
OpenClaw7.4
Choose OpenClaw if you're comfortable in a terminal and want a free agent you control, running on your own machine.
Visit OpenClaw
Manus6.8
Choose Manus if you want an agent to take on a long research or building job by itself.
Visit ManusErrands, side by side
| Errand | OpenClaw | Manus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | With your OK |
| Fill forms and click through websites | Yes | Yes |
| Cancel subscriptions, chase refunds, lower bills | With your OK | No |
| Research and compare | Yes | Yes |
Scores side by side
| Criterion | OpenClaw | Manus |
|---|---|---|
| Gets it done (30%) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Reach (15%) | 8.5 | 7.0 |
| Knows you (15%) | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| Safety & control (15%) | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Value (15%) | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| Trust (10%) | 5.5 | 4.0 |
| Overall | 7.4 | 6.8 |
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
| OpenClaw | Manus | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Personal agent: open-source agent | Personal agent: cloud agent |
| Made by | Open-source project | Manus |
| Our rank | #6 of personal agents | #13 of personal agents |
| Price | Free (plus AI model costs) (as of November 2026) | From $17/mo (as of November 2026) |
| Free plan | Yes: free and open source; you pay your AI provider (as of November 2026) | Yes: 300 daily credits, up to 1,500 a month (as of November 2026) |
| Refunds | Not stated | No refund for the current period; partial refunds at Manus's discretion |
| Best for | Technical people who want a private, always-on agent in their own chat apps. | People who hand off long research or build tasks and check back later. |
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
Manus: pros and cons
- Works through long tasks by itself
- Strong research and building
- Usable free tier
- Phone apps
- Not built around your inbox, calendar or messages
- Credits are used on failed work too
- Very poor Trustpilot rating, mostly billing and support
- No refund for the current period
OpenClaw vs Manus: questions
Is OpenClaw better than Manus?
On our rubric, OpenClaw scores higher (7.4 vs 6.8). Manus is still the better pick if you want an agent to take on a long research or building job by itself.
Which is cheaper, OpenClaw or Manus?
OpenClaw: free (plus ai model costs), free plan: yes (as of November 2026). Manus: from $17/mo, free plan: yes (as of November 2026).