AI agent builders
OpenClaw: review, pricing, data and alternatives
OpenClaw lets people control an assistant from a messaging service. It can perform browser actions, read and prepare emails, and retain a memory between conversations with users. A free tier exists. Access and transparency score: 71/100, #6 of 20 in its category.
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw lets people control an assistant from a messaging service. It can perform browser actions, read and prepare emails, and retain a memory between conversations with users.
According to its documentation, OpenClaw lets you:
- control an assistant from a messaging service
- perform actions in a browser
- read and prepare emails
- retain a memory between conversations
We file it under AI agent builders, the category of tools to build your own AI agents, and it also overlaps with workflow automation and productivity and organisation. The category lists 20 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is OpenClaw Foundation, based in United States. The service launched in 2025.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: developers, freelancers, and small business owners. The need it covers is simple to state: build your own AI agents.
OpenClaw is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you also work from your phone
- you must keep your data in Europe or on your own machine
- you want to read the code or host it yourself
Before deciding, run a trial on a real task and measure the time saved: it is the only criterion that really counts.
How much does OpenClaw cost?
Pricing model: open source (public code). Basic use costs nothing.
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed on your device (local processing).
Local processing is the most favourable case: your files do not leave your machine for the features concerned.
Exporting your content: yes (details on the official site). Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
OpenClaw runs on: web browser, Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone and iPad, Android, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.
The interface is available in 22 languages.
API availability is not documented.
The source code is public: openclawopenclaw/openclaw.
How we scored it
Our 71/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 20/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 31/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
OpenClaw against other tools in the aI agent builders category:
| Tool | Free | Entry price | API | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenClaw | Yes | not published | – | 71 |
| Dify | Yes | $590 per year | Yes | 81 |
| Agenta | Yes | $29 per month | Yes | 78 |
| AutoGen | Yes | not published | Yes | 78 |
| Hermes Agent | Yes | $20 per month | Yes | 73 |
| Mastra | Yes | $250 per month | Yes | 73 |
| Botpress | Yes | $150 per month | Yes | 68 |
| MindStudio | Yes | $20 per month | Yes | 68 |
Verdict
OpenClaw is a decent option; compare its price and terms with the category leaders.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public source code
- Local processing available
- Available on many platforms
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenClaw free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits.
Where is OpenClaw data stored?
According to the publisher, on your device (local processing).
Does OpenClaw have an API?
It is not documented.
What are the alternatives to OpenClaw?
In the same category: Dify, Agenta, AutoGen, and Hermes Agent.
OpenClaw or Dify: which one to choose?
Our score is 71/100 for OpenClaw and 81/100 for Dify. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score