An open-source AI assistant that lives where you already are.
OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that connects to your messaging apps and runs on your terms — self-hosted, private, and infinitely extensible.
OpenClaw acts as a bridge between you and powerful AI models.
Your messages go to OpenClaw (running on your machine or server), which processes them, calls the AI, and sends responses back.
A side-by-side comparison with other AI assistants.
| Feature | 🦞 OpenClaw | ChatGPT | Siri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted option | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Multi-platform messaging | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Extensible skills | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Privacy-first | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Persistent memory | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automation (cron) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Choose your AI model | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
OpenClaw adapts to however you want to use it.
Check your calendar, get weather updates, manage reminders, track habits — all through natural conversation.
Automated standups, email triage, meeting summaries, and code reviews — your AI coworker that never sleeps.
Control smart devices, monitor home security, automate routines — all through your favorite messaging app.
Generate images, write content, create music — AI creativity delivered directly to your chat.
OpenClaw started as Clawdbot — a play on "Claude" (the AI) + "claw." The lobster mascot was born.
It evolved into Moltbot (lobsters molt to grow), then finally OpenClaw when the project went fully open-source.
The name stuck because lobsters are resilient, adaptable, and have great claws for grabbing things — just like a good AI assistant.
Yes! OpenClaw is open-source, so you can inspect every line of code. When self-hosted, your data never leaves your machine. The project has been audited by the community and maintains strict security practices.
OpenClaw itself is free — it's open-source software you can run anywhere.
You'll pay for:
Total: Most users spend $5-30/month. See the cost guide
No! Basic setup requires only copy-paste commands. The setup wizard handles configuration.
Coding helps if you want to:
But for 90% of users, no coding required.
Get OpenClaw running in 5 minutes. It's free and open-source.