People ask this a lot: "Why would I use OpenClaw when I already have ChatGPT?"
Short answer: ChatGPT is for conversations. OpenClaw is for tasks.
They're complementary, not competitors. But if you want an AI that actually does things while you're away from your computer, that's where OpenClaw comes in.
The Core Difference
ChatGPT is a chat interface. You ask questions, it answers. You close the tab, it stops. It doesn't know what time it is, can't check your email, can't remember to remind you about something tomorrow.
OpenClaw is an agent that runs 24/7 on a server. It can access your tools (email, calendar, files, APIs), take actions on your behalf, and reach out to you proactively. It's more like an assistant than a chatbot.
Think of it this way: ChatGPT is a really smart person you can talk to. OpenClaw is a really smart person who works for you around the clock.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ChatGPT | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Answer questions | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Runs 24/7 | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Access your email | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Check your calendar | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Set reminders | ✗ No* | ✓ Yes |
| Browse the web | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Run code | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Message you proactively | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Works via Telegram/WhatsApp | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Voice messages | ✓ App only | ✓ Yes |
| Your data stays private | ✗ Hosted by OpenAI | ✓ Your server |
*ChatGPT has limited scheduling in GPT-4 with plugins, but it's unreliable and requires the browser to stay open.
Pricing
| ChatGPT Plus | OpenClaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $20/month | ~$15-25/month* |
| What you pay for | Subscription | Server + API usage |
| Usage limits | Message caps | Pay for what you use |
*OpenClaw: ~$5 for VPS hosting + $10-20 for Claude API depending on usage.
When to Use ChatGPT
- Quick questions — "Explain quantum computing" or "Help me write this email"
- Brainstorming — Bouncing ideas back and forth
- One-off tasks — "Summarize this article I'm pasting"
- No setup needed — Just open the website and go
ChatGPT is unbeatable for quick interactions when you're at your computer.
When to Use OpenClaw
- Ongoing tasks — "Monitor this stock and alert me if it drops 5%"
- Scheduled work — "Every morning, summarize my unread emails"
- Tool integration — "Check my calendar and draft replies to meeting requests"
- Proactive assistance — "Remind me to follow up with Sarah if she hasn't replied by Friday"
- Mobile-first — Talk to your AI via Telegram voice notes while walking
- Privacy-sensitive work — Everything runs on your own server
The Verdict
Use ChatGPT for quick conversations at your desk.
Use OpenClaw when you need an AI that works for you around the clock—checking things, taking actions, and reaching out when something needs your attention.
Many people use both. ChatGPT for ad-hoc questions, OpenClaw for persistent automation.
What OpenClaw Can Do That ChatGPT Can't
1. Actually Remember to Do Things
"Remind me to call mom on Sunday" — OpenClaw will actually message you on Sunday. ChatGPT will say "Sure, I'll remind you!" and then... nothing.
2. Check Things Automatically
"Let me know if I get an email from the IRS" — OpenClaw periodically scans your inbox and alerts you. ChatGPT can't access your email at all.
3. Chain Tasks Together
"Research this company, then draft an outreach email, then schedule it to send Monday morning" — OpenClaw handles the whole workflow. ChatGPT can help you write the email, but you're doing the rest manually.
4. Work While You Sleep
OpenClaw runs on a server 24/7. Set up a task before bed, wake up to results. ChatGPT requires you to have a browser tab open.
Can They Work Together?
Yes. Some people use:
- ChatGPT for complex reasoning and creative work (longer context, better at nuanced tasks)
- OpenClaw for execution and automation (actually doing the things)
OpenClaw can even use different AI models under the hood—Claude, GPT-4, or others—depending on what you configure.
Ready to try OpenClaw?
Set up your own AI assistant in about 30 minutes. No coding required.
Get Started →FAQ
Is OpenClaw made by OpenAI?
No. OpenClaw is independent software. By default it uses Anthropic's Claude as the AI model, though you can configure other models.
Do I need to be technical to use OpenClaw?
Not really. The setup involves copy-pasting some commands and clicking through a wizard. If you can follow instructions, you can do it. Full guide here.
Can ChatGPT do automations now with GPTs/plugins?
Sort of. Custom GPTs and plugins add some capabilities, but they still require you to initiate conversations and keep the interface open. They can't proactively reach out or run while you're away.
Which is smarter?
They use comparable AI models (GPT-4, Claude). The "intelligence" is similar. The difference is what they can do with that intelligence.