The best AI bot depends on what you need it to do. If you want a conversational assistant for answering questions and generating text, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are all strong choices. If you want an AI agent that takes real action in the background, OpenClaw is the best option available today.

The major AI bots compared

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

ChatGPT is the most widely known AI chatbot. It excels at generating text, answering questions, writing code, analyzing documents, and creative tasks. It runs in a browser or mobile app and responds when you prompt it. ChatGPT Plus includes features like web browsing, image generation, and file analysis.

Best for: General knowledge, writing, creative tasks, coding help

Limitations: It is a chat tool, not an agent. When you close the tab, it stops working. It cannot take persistent action on your behalf.

Claude (Anthropic)

Claude is known for its strong reasoning abilities, long context windows, and careful approach to safety. It handles complex analysis, long documents, and nuanced conversations well. Claude is available through a web interface, API, and mobile apps.

Best for: Long document analysis, complex reasoning, careful and nuanced responses

Limitations: Like ChatGPT, Claude is a conversational tool. It answers questions but does not take autonomous action.

Gemini (Google)

Gemini integrates deeply with Google services including Search, Gmail, Docs, and Maps. It benefits from real-time access to Google’s search index and can pull information from your Google Workspace. Available through Google apps and the web.

Best for: Users heavily invested in the Google ecosystem who want AI integrated into their existing tools

Limitations: Tightly coupled to Google services. Limited action-taking capabilities beyond the Google ecosystem.

OpenClaw

OpenClaw is fundamentally different from the others. It is not a chatbot you interact with in a browser. It is an AI agent that runs 24/7 in the background, connected to your real accounts and services. You interact with it through Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, or Signal.

Best for: People who want an AI that actually does things. Email management, web browsing, smart home control, flight check-in, shopping, and thousands of other automations.

Limitations: Requires hosting (self-hosted or through OpenClaw.rocks). More powerful but requires initial setup.

Chatbot vs. agent: the key difference

The most important distinction is between chatbots and agents:

  • Chatbots (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) wait for you to open them, respond to your prompt, and stop when you leave. They are reactive.
  • Agents (OpenClaw) run continuously, take action autonomously, and work even when you are not present. They are proactive.

If you need help drafting an email, any chatbot will do. If you want your inbox triaged automatically at 3 AM, you need an agent.

Can you use them together?

Yes. OpenClaw actually uses AI models from providers like OpenAI and Anthropic as its reasoning engine. When you run OpenClaw with a Claude or GPT model, you get the conversational intelligence of those models combined with the action-taking capabilities of an AI agent.

On OpenClaw.rocks Pro plans, AI credits are included. On Light plans, you bring your own API key from any major provider.

Which one should you choose?

NeedBest choice
Quick answers and writingChatGPT or Claude
Deep analysis of long documentsClaude
Google Workspace integrationGemini
Persistent AI agent that takes actionOpenClaw
All of the aboveOpenClaw with Claude or GPT

Getting started with OpenClaw

If you want an AI that goes beyond answering questions, get started with OpenClaw.rocks. Your agent deploys in under 60 seconds on dedicated EU infrastructure. Choose from Light (bring your own key) or Pro (AI included). See the pricing page for details.

To learn more, read about what OpenClaw is, what it can do, or browse all frequently asked questions.

For in-depth comparisons, check out our blog posts on ChatGPT alternatives and OpenClaw vs Siri, Alexa, and ChatGPT.