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.

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Terms of Service

Last updated: February 9, 2026

These terms govern your use of the OpenClaw open-source software and related services.

Software License

OpenClaw is released under the MIT License. You are free to use, modify, and distribute the software, subject to the terms of the MIT License. The full license text is available in the project's GitHub repository.

Acceptable Use

You are responsible for your use of OpenClaw and any actions it performs on your behalf. OpenClaw has system-level access and can execute commands, manage files, and interact with external services. You should review and understand the security implications before granting OpenClaw access to sensitive systems or data.

Trading Disclaimer

OpenClaw's trading features are provided for informational and automation purposes only. They do not constitute financial advice. All investments carry risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. The built-in risk management features (2% equity limits, trend-following constraints) are safeguards, not guarantees. You are solely responsible for all trading decisions and outcomes.

Third-Party Services

OpenClaw integrates with various third-party services (Anthropic, messaging platforms, trading platforms, etc.). Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms of service. OpenClaw is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or security of third-party services.

No Warranty

OpenClaw is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The authors and contributors are not liable for any damages arising from the use of the software. This includes but is not limited to data loss, financial losses, system damage, or security incidents.

User Responsibility

You are responsible for: securing your OpenClaw installation, managing API keys and credentials, reviewing operations performed by OpenClaw, maintaining backups of important data, and complying with applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

Community Guidelines

When participating in OpenClaw community spaces (GitHub, Discord, forums), you agree to treat others with respect, avoid spam and self-promotion, and follow the project's code of conduct. Skills published to ClawHub must not contain malicious code or violate others' intellectual property.

Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Changes will be communicated through the project's GitHub repository and reflected on this page with an updated date.