What makes OpenClaw different from other AI assistants?

OpenClaw is not just a chatbot. It's "Claude with hands"—an AI agent that can actually execute tasks. It can control browsers, manage files, execute code, make trades, and more, all while maintaining local-first privacy protection.

How much does OpenClaw cost?

OpenClaw itself is completely free and open-source (MIT license). The only cost is AI model API usage: you can use free Ollama for local AI, use your existing Anthropic Pro/Max subscription, or bring your own API key. There are no premium tiers or hidden fees.

Do I need technical knowledge to use OpenClaw?

It depends on your platform. Windows users can use the one-click installer—no command line needed. For macOS/Linux, basic terminal familiarity helps for the npm install. Once set up, you interact with OpenClaw through natural language on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Discord—no coding required.

Where does my data go?

OpenClaw runs entirely on your computer. Your files, conversations, API keys, and personal data stay on your device. Nothing is sent to our servers. We don't collect any telemetry or usage data.

Is the download safe?

Yes. All downloads come from the official OpenClaw GitHub releases page. The code is fully open-source (MIT license), meaning anyone can inspect it. The same releases are used by tens of thousands of users worldwide.

How is OpenClaw proactive instead of reactive?

Traditional AI assistants wait for prompts. OpenClaw's Heartbeat Engine lets it initiate actions—sending morning briefings, monitoring servers, tracking prices, alerting you to events.

What are Skills and ClawHub?

Skills are modular capabilities that extend what OpenClaw can do. ClawHub is the community registry where you can browse, install, and publish Skills. Skills range from weather reporters to flight trackers, and you can create custom ones using natural language.

OpenClaw is open source software (MIT license), completely free to use. You can use provided Anthropic Pro/Max tokens, or use your own API key.

Is OpenClaw's trading feature safe?

OpenClaw trading assistant has strict risk controls built in, including 2% maximum position limits, trend-following constraints, and Human-in-the-Loop approval. But all investments carry risk, please use with caution.

OpenClaw uses a local-first architecture, all data and keys are stored on your device. The code is fully open source and auditable, with no hidden data collection.

Can OpenClaw make real phone calls?

Yes! With Vapi integration, OpenClaw can make actual phone calls—booking restaurant reservations, calling businesses, handling hold times.

What platforms does OpenClaw support?

OpenClaw supports 13+ messaging platforms including Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, Slack, iMessage, Signal, WeChat, Google Chat, Microsoft Teams, and Matrix. It runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows (via WSL2).

Why is it called OpenClaw?

OpenClaw combines 'Open' (for open source) with 'Claw' (from the project's lobster mascot). The claw represents precision and capability—an AI that can grab and handle real-world tasks.

What does OpenClaw cost?

OpenClaw is free and open source (MIT license). You only pay for AI model API usage ($5-50/month estimated) and optional dedicated hardware ($0-599 one-time). No subscription fees.

Download

Download OpenClaw

Get your personal AI assistant up and running in minutes. Choose the installation method that works best for you.

RECOMMENDED

Windows One-Click Installer

The easiest way to get started. Download, double-click, and follow the prompts. No command line needed.

Download for Windows

Windows 10 or later. Setup takes 5-20 minutes.

npm Install (macOS / Linux)

Install via npm for macOS, Linux, and Windows WSL2. The recommended method for developers.

npm install -g openclaw@latest && openclaw onboard --install-daemon

Requires Node.js 22+. Works on macOS, Linux, and Windows WSL2.

Docker (Servers & NAS)

Best for headless servers, NAS environments, and cloud deployments.

docker pull openclaw/openclaw:latest
docker run -d --name openclaw \
  -p 18789:18789 \
  -v $(pwd)/config:/root/.openclaw \
  openclaw/openclaw:latest

Great for DigitalOcean, Synology NAS, and cloud VMs.

Standalone Binary

Pre-built binaries for all platforms. No Node.js required.

Browse Releases on GitHub

Available for macOS (Apple Silicon & Intel), Windows (x64), and Linux (x64).

Get Started in 4 Simple Steps

Download

Choose your platform and download the installer or run the install command.

Install

Run the installer or follow the onboarding wizard. Everything is guided.

Connect Your AI

Enter your AI key (Claude, GPT-4) or use free Ollama for a fully local setup.

Start Using

Chat with OpenClaw from WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, or any of 13+ supported platforms.

Safe & Trusted

Fully open-source (MIT license) — inspect every line of code
Downloaded from official GitHub releases — used by 60,000+ users
Runs 100% locally — your data never leaves your computer
No telemetry, no tracking, no data collection