OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent framework that connects to your messaging apps and takes real action on your behalf. Unlike chatbots that only answer questions, OpenClaw browses the web, manages your email, controls your smart home, and runs automations around the clock.

How OpenClaw works

OpenClaw runs as a persistent background service that stays connected to your accounts and messaging channels. You interact with it through Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, or Signal. When you send a message, OpenClaw interprets your request, breaks it into steps, and executes them using its library of over 3,400 community-built skills.

For example, you can tell your OpenClaw agent to check you in for a flight. It will find the confirmation email in your inbox, navigate the airline’s website, select your seat, and send you the boarding pass. All while you sleep.

What makes it different from ChatGPT or Claude

ChatGPT and Claude are conversational AI tools. You ask a question, you get an answer, you close the tab. OpenClaw is different because it stays running in the background. It is always connected to your real services and can take action without you being present.

Where ChatGPT gives you a recipe, OpenClaw orders the ingredients. Where Claude drafts an email, OpenClaw sends it. The difference is between a tool you use and an assistant that works for you.

The open-source foundation

OpenClaw is fully open-source and available on GitHub. The source code, skill library, and documentation are all public. This means anyone can inspect the code, contribute improvements, or run their own instance without depending on a third party.

The project has grown rapidly since its launch, with thousands of contributors and an active community building new skills and integrations every day.

Self-hosting vs. managed hosting

You can run OpenClaw yourself on your own server. This requires setting up Docker or Kubernetes, configuring TLS certificates, managing updates, and monitoring for downtime. For technical users who want full control, self-hosting is a solid option.

For everyone else, OpenClaw.rocks provides managed hosting. Your agent runs on dedicated EU infrastructure with automated updates, TLS encryption, and 24/7 monitoring. Setup takes under a minute.

What OpenClaw can do

The list of capabilities grows every week as the community builds new skills. Some of the most popular use cases include:

  • Email management: Triaging your inbox, drafting replies, filing messages
  • Calendar management: Scheduling meetings, sending reminders, rescheduling conflicts
  • Web browsing: Checking prices, tracking packages, filling out forms, researching topics
  • Smart home: Controlling lights, thermostats, and other devices through natural language
  • Flight check-in: Finding confirmation emails and completing check-in automatically
  • Grocery ordering: Logging into delivery services and placing orders from a text message

Getting started

The fastest way to try OpenClaw is through OpenClaw.rocks. Pick a plan, connect your Telegram or Discord bot, and start chatting with your agent in under 60 seconds. You can also check out the pricing page to compare the Light and Pro plans.

If you prefer to self-host, visit the OpenClaw GitHub repository for installation instructions.

For more questions, browse our other FAQ articles or contact us.

You might also enjoy our blog posts on the best way to run OpenClaw and why OpenClaw is always on.