OpenClaw

OpenClaw is an open-source AI assistant that runs on a user's own computer and handles email, calendar and errands from WhatsApp or Telegram.

OpenClaw is an open-source personal AI agent created by Peter Steinberger that runs on the user's own computer instead of a hosted service. People talk to it from WhatsApp, Telegram or other chat apps, and it organizes inboxes, sends emails, manages calendars and checks in for flights, for one person or a whole team. It keeps memories and skills locally, works with the user's choice of models, and can run scheduled background tasks and reminders. OpenClaw runs on macOS, Linux and Windows, installs with an app or a one-line command, and is stewarded by an independent 501(c)(3) with no subscription or hosted tier. It became one of the most-starred projects on GitHub within months of launch, with more than 346,000 stars.

OpenClaw at a glance

Best for: Founder, Director
Runs on: macOS, Linux, Windows, self-hosted, open source
Pricing: Free and open source; model costs depend on the provider
Released: November 2025
Category: AI agent tool
Website: openclaw.ai

Key features

Personal agent controlled from WhatsApp, Telegram and other chats
Inbox, email and calendar management
Flight check-ins and other errands
Local memory and reusable skills
Choice of AI models
Scheduled background jobs and reminders
Installs on macOS, Linux and Windows

Use it for

Triage email and reply from a chat app
Keep a calendar and reminders up to date by message
Run a shared assistant for a small team

Companions

Tools that articles about OpenClaw recommend using with it, each with its job.

Composio — Connects OpenClaw to 850+ apps with managed logins.
Supermemory — Persistent memory so OpenClaw remembers you across chats.
memU — Hierarchical knowledge graph for proactive behaviour.
MemOS — Shared memory across agents, also available as a cloud service.

Alternatives to OpenClaw

Makersclaw — It organizes startup work around a goal and continues after you close the laptop.
OpenBot — Runs entirely on your own infrastructure with strict document permissions and custom.
OpenAgent — Self-hosted single binary with MCP support, 30+ model providers, and zero data leakage.
Comma — It operates 24/7 on a cloud computer to finish tasks independently.
Muse — Agent with its own browser, one-time cards and approval before acting
OpenCharm — It gives your existing AI agent a physical or desktop face, voice, and dedicated key.
LobsterAI — Open-source desktop agent with local data storage and remote control via messaging apps.
QwenPaw — Runs in your own environment with support for multiple chat channels and skills.
Olares — Hosts local AI agents and large language models on your own hardware.
Grok Bot — Agents that work inside real tools and finish jobs end to end
OpenMinis — Runs an on-device Linux shell, browser automation, and deep system integrations.
Octop — Self-hosted multi-user assistant where data stays on own servers

All OpenClaw alternatives