Haven't installed OpenClaw yet? Click here for one-line install commands
curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bashiwr -useb https://openclaw.ai/install.ps1 | iexcurl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd- OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent that installs on your computer and can remotely control it to perform various tasks via messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp[2]
- In early 2026, it became the fastest-growing open-source project in history, surpassing 100,000 GitHub Stars within just two days[1]
- Unlike chat tools such as ChatGPT, OpenClaw doesn't just "answer questions" — it can read your files, operate your browser, and execute terminal commands, actually doing work on your behalf[3]
- The software itself is completely free and open source, but using AI models requires paying API fees to providers (such as Anthropic or OpenAI)[4]
1. OpenClaw in One Sentence
OpenClaw is like an AI assistant living inside your computer that you can command from your phone at any time.
Imagine you're out at a meeting and suddenly remember a server configuration that needs changing. In the past, you'd have to find a computer, SSH in, and manually edit the file. Now you just open Telegram and send a message: "Change the API_URL in config.js to production," and OpenClaw handles it for you.[2]
2. How Is OpenClaw Different from ChatGPT?
| Comparison | ChatGPT / Claude Web | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Cloud (provider's servers) | Your own computer |
| What it can do | Answer questions, generate text | Answer questions + operate your computer |
| Can it read your files? | No (unless you manually upload) | Yes |
| Can it execute commands? | No | Yes |
| Can it operate a browser? | No | Yes (requires installing a Skill) |
| Can it be remotely controlled? | Not applicable | Yes (via messaging apps) |
| Cost | Subscription ($20/month+) | Software is free + pay-per-use API fees |
In short: ChatGPT is a chat tool; OpenClaw is an action tool.[3]
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does OpenClaw cost money?
The OpenClaw software itself is completely free and open source. However, it needs to connect to AI models for "thinking," and API calls to those models cost money. Using Claude Sonnet as an example, typical monthly costs range from $5 to $30, depending on usage frequency.[7]
Q2: Can my computer run it?
OpenClaw has very low hardware requirements — because the "thinking" is done by cloud AI models, and your computer is only responsible for executing commands. Basic requirements:[6]
- Operating System: macOS, Linux (including Windows WSL2)
- Node.js: 22 or above
- Memory: 2GB+ (4GB recommended)
- Disk Space: ~500MB
- Network: Stable internet connection required (for AI model API calls)
Even a Raspberry Pi can run OpenClaw.
Q3: Is it safe? Can others see my data?
Security depends on your configuration.[5] Two things to be aware of:
- Agent Permissions: OpenClaw runs under your user account and can access everything you can access. Using Docker sandboxing can limit its access scope
- Data Transmission: The agent sends your instructions and relevant file contents to AI model providers (such as Anthropic) for processing. Sensitive data should not be exposed to the agent
For detailed security guidance, refer to our Complete Security Guide.
Q4: Do I need to know how to code?
No. Basic installation and usage only requires typing a few commands in the terminal (like npm install) — no programming knowledge needed. After that, all interactions use natural language — just tell the agent what you want in plain English.[4]
Q5: Does OpenClaw support Chinese?
Absolutely. OpenClaw itself is just an agent framework — language capabilities come from the underlying AI model. Mainstream models (Claude, GPT-4, Gemini) all support conversations and instructions in Chinese. You can issue any command in Chinese, and the agent will respond in Chinese as well.
Q6: How is it different from Manus AI?
Manus AI is a commercial AI agent product that runs in the cloud. OpenClaw is open source and runs on your own computer. Key differences:
- Control: OpenClaw's agent directly operates your computer; Manus runs in a cloud sandbox
- Open Source vs. Commercial: OpenClaw is fully open source and freely modifiable; Manus is a closed commercial service
- Pricing Model: OpenClaw charges per API usage; Manus charges a subscription fee
For a more detailed comparison, see OpenClaw vs Manus: In-Depth Comparison.
Q7: Can I use it on my phone?
OpenClaw must be installed on a computer (or server) to run. However, you can remotely control it through mobile apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. The effect is the same as operating your computer from your phone.[2]
Q8: Where does the name "OpenClaw" come from?
OpenClaw was originally named ClawdBot, then renamed MoltBot, and finally settled on OpenClaw. This naming evolution reflects the community-driven open-source development process.[3]
4. Where Should You Start?
If you're interested in OpenClaw, here's the recommended reading path:
- Understand the Concept: OpenClaw First Look — Understand core value and risks
- Get Hands-On: Architecture Deep Dive & Complete Deployment Guide — Install from scratch
- See What It Can Do: Complete Use Case Guide — Ten real-world scenarios
- Stay Safe: Complete Security Guide — Protect your computer
Conclusion
The emergence of OpenClaw represents a major turning point in AI applications: AI is evolving from a "tool that answers questions" into an "agent that acts on your behalf."[1] It's not perfect, has security risks, and requires proper configuration — but for those willing to invest the time to learn, it may be one of the most worthwhile open-source tools to try in 2026.
