Tinkerers comfortable running an agent on their own machine get it free, though the AI model may cost money and Play reviews are mixed.
Kenning's take
What it does
OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that runs on a person's own computer and can sort an inbox, send emails, manage a calendar and check in for flights. People talk to it through WhatsApp, Telegram or other chat apps, and it works with the user's choice of AI model, including existing ChatGPT or Claude subscriptions, API keys or local models. It is free, MIT licensed and run by the non-profit OpenClaw Foundation, with desktop apps and iOS and Android apps.
- Runs on the user's own machine
- Controlled through WhatsApp, Telegram and other chat apps
- Email, calendar and travel check-in tasks
- Works with many AI models, including local ones
- Skills and plugins from the ClawHub directory
- Desktop apps for macOS, Windows and Linux plus phone apps
Who it suits. Technically confident people who want a personal AI assistant they host and control themselves.
Key facts
- Category
- AI that does tasks for you
- Made by
- OpenClaw Foundation (created by Peter Steinberger)
- Based in
- United States
- How to get it
- free download from openclaw.ai, npm, or the iOS and Android app stores; needs an AI model subscription, API key or local model
- Works on
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Web (browser app)
- In the UK
- Yes
- Free plan
- fully free and MIT licensed; no paid version
Ratings
Models and features
- OpenClaw 2.0 2026-08-30
Reviews and write-ups
- TechCrunch 2026-06-30
FAQ
Is OpenClaw free?
Yes. OpenClaw is free and open source with no paid version. The AI model it connects to may have its own cost.
Is OpenClaw the same as Clawdbot?
Yes. The Rundown's listing for Clawdbot now points to OpenClaw at openclaw.ai.
Who makes OpenClaw?
Peter Steinberger created it, and it is now run by the OpenClaw Foundation, a US non-profit. OpenAI is a donor, but OpenClaw is not an OpenAI product.
Facts from the maker's own pages and the sources listed. Checked 2026-10-11.
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