OpenClaw
A personal AI assistant that can manage email, calendars, and other tasks from chat apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Categories
3
Platforms
Rating
Listed
Feb 2026
Highlights
Runs on your machine
Works on Mac, Windows, or Linux and can use Anthropic, OpenAI, or local models; positioned as “private by default.”
Full system access (optional sandbox)
Can read/write files, run shell commands, and execute scripts with either full access or sandboxed mode.
Multi-channel chat control
Use it from WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, or iMessage, including DMs and group chats.
Screenshots
About OpenClaw
OpenClaw is an open-source personal AI assistant that runs on your own machine (Mac, Windows, or Linux) and lets you interact with it through chat apps you already use. The site calls out common tasks like clearing your inbox, sending emails, managing your calendar, and checking in for flights, all via WhatsApp, Telegram, or other supported messengers.
Once installed (via a one-line installer script or npm), you can onboard an assistant and extend it with “skills & plugins.” OpenClaw can browse the web, fill forms, extract data from sites, read and write files, and run shell commands or scripts. It supports different model backends including Anthropic, OpenAI, or local models, and emphasizes running privately on your hardware.
- Chat-based control via WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, or iMessage
- Local-first setup with optional sandboxing for system access
- Extensible skills/plugins (including community skills and custom skills you build)
- Companion menubar app for macOS (beta) alongside the CLI
Features
Runs locally on Mac/Windows/Linux
Designed to run on your own computer across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Chat app integrations
Works with WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, and iMessage (DMs and group chats).
Persistent memory
Remembers your preferences and context over time (described as “persistent memory”).
Browser control
Can browse the web, fill forms, and extract data from websites.
Full system access with sandbox option
Can read/write files and run shell commands or scripts, with a choice of full access or sandboxing.
Skills & plugins
Extend with community skills or build your own; the docs page notes it can even write its own skills.
Use Cases
Inbox and email handling from chat
Ask OpenClaw to clear your inbox and send emails without leaving WhatsApp or Telegram.
Calendar management via messaging
Use chat to manage your calendar and handle scheduling-related tasks.
Web form automation and data extraction
Have it browse the web, fill forms, and extract information from websites.
Custom automations using skills and scripts
Extend OpenClaw with plugins/skills (or write your own) that run commands and scripts on the machine it’s installed on.
Best For
This tool is ideal for:
Pricing
Free
Open-source installation via CLI with access to docs, integrations, and skills/plugins.
- CLI install via npm
- One-line installer option
- Integrations with chat apps
- Skills & plugins support
Ready to get started?
OpenClaw can help you achieve your goals and transform your workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pros & Cons
Pros (5)
- Runs on your machine (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Works through multiple chat apps (including WhatsApp and Telegram)
- Supports browser automation plus file and shell access
- Extensible via skills/plugins; open-source on GitHub
- Has a macOS menubar companion app (beta)
Cons (2)
- Companion app is macOS-only and requires macOS 14+
- Some components are labeled beta (installer and companion app)
How to Use
Install OpenClaw
Use the one-liner installer (`curl -fsSL https://openclaw.ai/install.sh | bash`) or install the CLI with `npm i -g openclaw`.
Onboard your assistant
Run `openclaw onboard` to create and configure your assistant.
Connect chat apps and tools
Set up integrations (e.g., WhatsApp or Telegram) from the Integrations page so you can message your assistant where you already chat.
Add or build skills
Use community skills or build your own plugins/skills to automate workflows, run scripts, and control the browser.
Tips
Start with the guided onboarding
After installing, run `openclaw onboard` to set up your assistant before adding integrations or skills.
Use sandboxing when granting system access
If you plan to allow file and shell access, consider the sandboxed option mentioned on the site to limit what the assistant can do.
Try the companion app if you’re on macOS 14+
The site links a macOS menubar companion app (beta) that’s meant to work alongside the CLI.
Quick actions
Product Rating
5.0
1 rating
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