# Muse / OpenClaw

Both are free to start and both reach you through chat apps such as WhatsApp. The difference is who holds the machine. Muse runs on a virtual machine Meta manages for you, while OpenClaw runs on your own hardware with whatever model you pick.

## Setup

- Muse: Muse takes a download, a Meta account sign-in and a payment card.
- OpenClaw: OpenClaw needs you to install the gateway on a computer or VPS, pick a model and connect your channels.

## Ongoing cost

- Muse: Muse charges nothing until you pass 100 million tokens in a week, then $20/month or $100/month.
- OpenClaw: OpenClaw is free software, but you pay for model usage and possibly a server.

## Chat channels

- Muse: Muse offers WhatsApp plus its own app, muse.ai and the Mac app.
- OpenClaw: OpenClaw offers 29 channels, including Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp and Discord.

## Data control

- Muse: Muse keeps your data in a Secure VM that Meta manages.
- OpenClaw: OpenClaw keeps memory, credentials and state on your own hardware.

## Availability

- Muse: Muse is for adults in the US and Canada.
- OpenClaw: OpenClaw runs anywhere you can run Node.js.

- Pick Muse if you want to be up and running in minutes and you are based in the US or Canada.
- Pick OpenClaw if you would rather keep your data away from Meta, prefer Telegram or Signal, or live outside the US and Canada.

## Verdict

Muse wins on convenience and is the better choice for non-technical people in the US and Canada. OpenClaw wins on control and reach, as long as you are willing to maintain and secure it yourself.