OpenClaw is open-source software you run on your own machine. A Gateway connects chat apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to an AI agent that can use tools, memory, and scheduled automation.

Is OpenClaw the same as ChatGPT?

No. ChatGPT is a hosted web chat product. OpenClaw is software you operate: multi-channel, persistent memory, skills, and your choice of model provider.

Do I need to code to use OpenClaw?

No for basic use—install, onboard, connect a channel, and chat. Advanced setups (custom skills, Docker, hardening) benefit from terminal comfort.

What is OpenClaw?

A self-hosted AI assistant you reach from the chat apps you already use

In one sentence: OpenClaw is open-source software that runs an AI agent on your computer or server, then talks to you on WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and dozens of other channels.

This site is an independent guide—not the official OpenClaw project. For install commands and config schema, use docs.openclaw.ai.

The three pieces

Gateway — Long-lived process that owns channel connections, sessions, and config (deployment).
Agent / LLM — The model (Claude, GPT, Ollama, etc.) that reads messages and decides what to do (providers).
Channels — Bridges to Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, WebChat, and more (channels overview).

You message the assistant like a contact. It can reply, run tools (shell, browser, APIs), remember context, and wake on a schedule (automation).

What makes it different from a web chatbot

	Typical web chat (ChatGPT, etc.)	OpenClaw
Where it runs	Provider's cloud	Your machine or VPS
Where you chat	Browser tab	WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, …
Memory	Account-based, opaque	Files you can edit (memory)
Extensions	Limited plugins	Skills, cron, MCP (MCP)

Deeper comparison: Why self-host and full getting started guide.

Who OpenClaw is for

You want a personal or small-team assistant on messaging apps, not only in a browser.
You care about owning your data and choosing your model vendor.
You will run one Gateway you control (home Mac Mini, VPS, or desktop)—see Mac Mini or VPS.
You are willing to run openclaw doctor and read a short security checklist before opening DMs.

Who it is not for

Zero-setup chat — Use a hosted chat product if you will not run any software.
Public anonymous bots — Open DMs plus powerful tools need careful sandboxing.
Guaranteed enterprise compliance out of the box — You operate the stack; policies are yours to implement.

What it costs

Software: free (MIT). Typical spend: LLM APIs or subscriptions plus optional hosting. Ranges: monthly cost breakdown.

Get started in three steps

Install OpenClaw (or ollama launch openclaw with Ollama).
openclaw onboard — pick a model and connect a channel (Telegram quickstart is fastest).
Message your bot; approve pairing for unknown senders.

Full walkthrough: Getting started guide · Tutorial

FAQ

Is OpenClaw safe? It can be, with pairing, Gateway auth, and skill review—safety guide.

OpenClaw vs n8n? Agent in chat vs workflow automation—comparison.

Latest version? See releases and upgrading.