Yes, OpenClaw is completely free and open-source under the MIT license. You only pay for the AI model API costs (Claude, GPT-4, etc.), typically $10-150/month. You can also use free local models via Ollama.

What is the difference between OpenClaw and ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a cloud-based conversational chatbot that generates text. OpenClaw is a local autonomous agent that executes real actions: sending emails, booking flights, managing your calendar. They are complementary tools.

Is OpenClaw the same as Clawdbot and Moltbot?

Yes. The project was renamed 3 times: Clawdbot (November 2025), Moltbot (January 27, 2026), then OpenClaw (January 30, 2026). It is the same project with the same creator, Peter Steinberger.

Is OpenClaw safe to use?

OpenClaw carries security risks if misconfigured. It is recommended to host it on an isolated VPS rather than your personal machine, and only install verified skills from ClawHub.

Does OpenClaw belong to OpenAI?

No. Peter Steinberger joined OpenAI in February 2026, but OpenClaw remains an independent open-source project managed by a foundation. It continues to work with all AI models.

How to install OpenClaw?

Via npm: npm install -g openclaw@latest then openclaw onboard. Node.js 22+ is required. A dedicated VPS is recommended over your personal machine for security reasons.

OpenClaw — Open-Source Autonomous AI Agent

Open-source autonomous AI agent that executes real tasks on your machine

Launched in 2025

Compare

ComplexityAdvanced

Origin

🌍AT

Ideal for

IndividualsFreelancersStartupsdeveloppeur

ComplexityAdvanced

Origin

🌍AT

Ideal for

IndividualsFreelancersStartupsdeveloppeur

About OpenClaw

Strengths

Free and open-source (MIT license)
Executes real actions, not just text generation
Persistent memory and advanced personalization
Model-agnostic: Claude, GPT-4, DeepSeek, local models
Full privacy — 100% local data
Community skills marketplace (100+)
Multi-platform: WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord

Limitations

Requires technical knowledge for installation
Security risks if misconfigured
Variable API costs ($10-150/month depending on model)
No graphical interface — works via messaging apps
Skills ecosystem not fully mature yet

Features

AI Assistant

AI code generation

AI features

API integration

Calendar integration

Chrome Extension

Code execution

Custom instructions

Free Plan

Free Tier

API Access

Audio input

Audio output

Cloud execution

French interface

Mobile App

Image generation

Voice Conversations

Web app

SSO available

Pricing

User reviews

Compare OpenClaw

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ChatGPT

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Conversational AI assistant with extended context and ethical approach.

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AI search engine with real-time sourced answers.

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Articles mentioning OpenClaw

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OpenAI Raises $110 Billion: Historic Record, Massive Losses, and the Road to One Trillion

News

Feb 27, 2026

OpenAI Raises $110 Billion: Historic Record, Massive Losses, and the Road to One Trillion

OpenAI closes the largest private funding round in history: $110 billion from Amazon, Nvidia and SoftBank. But behind this record lies a $14 billion annual loss. Full analysis.

Claude Code Remote Control: Code From Your Phone Like You're at Your Desk

News

Feb 25, 2026

Claude Code Remote Control: Code From Your Phone Like You're at Your Desk

Anthropic launches Remote Control for Claude Code: control your local development environment from your phone, tablet, or any browser. Here's everything you need to know.

OpenAI Recruits the Creator of OpenClaw: What It Means for Agentic AI

News

Feb 17, 2026

OpenAI Recruits the Creator of OpenClaw: What It Means for Agentic AI

Peter Steinberger, the Austrian developer behind OpenClaw (196K GitHub stars), joins OpenAI. OpenClaw becomes a foundation. What it means for the future of agentic AI.

Manus AI : L'Agent IA de Meta Arrive sur Telegram et Bouscule le Marché

News

Feb 17, 2026

Manus AI : L'Agent IA de Meta Arrive sur Telegram et Bouscule le Marché

Racheté par Meta fin 2025, Manus AI lance ses agents personnels sur Telegram avec des capacités de recherche, d'exécution de code et de création de documents. Tour d'horizon.

View all articles

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OpenClaw

About OpenClaw

Features

Pricing

User reviews

Compare OpenClaw

Popular comparisons

Frequently asked questions about OpenClawFAQ

Is OpenClaw free?

What is the difference between OpenClaw and ChatGPT?

Is OpenClaw the same as Clawdbot and Moltbot?

Is OpenClaw safe to use?

Does OpenClaw belong to OpenAI?

How to install OpenClaw?

Other tools by OpenAI

Articles mentioning OpenClaw

OpenAI Raises $110 Billion: Historic Record, Massive Losses, and the Road to One Trillion

Claude Code Remote Control: Code From Your Phone Like You're at Your Desk

OpenAI Recruits the Creator of OpenClaw: What It Means for Agentic AI

Manus AI : L'Agent IA de Meta Arrive sur Telegram et Bouscule le Marché

Ready to try OpenClaw?

Stay in the loop

About OpenClaw

Features

Pricing

User reviews

Compare OpenClaw

Popular comparisons

Frequently asked questions about OpenClawFAQ

Is OpenClaw free?

What is the difference between OpenClaw and ChatGPT?

Is OpenClaw the same as Clawdbot and Moltbot?

Is OpenClaw safe to use?

Does OpenClaw belong to OpenAI?

How to install OpenClaw?

Other tools by OpenAI

Articles mentioning OpenClaw

OpenAI Raises $110 Billion: Historic Record, Massive Losses, and the Road to One Trillion

Claude Code Remote Control: Code From Your Phone Like You're at Your Desk

OpenAI Recruits the Creator of OpenClaw: What It Means for Agentic AI

Manus AI : L'Agent IA de Meta Arrive sur Telegram et Bouscule le Marché

Ready to try OpenClaw?