Dots / OpenClaw
This is a choice about who runs the infrastructure. Dots is managed by OpenAI, with its safety stack built in and a subscription to match. OpenClaw costs nothing to install and runs on your hardware with any model, which also makes every security decision yours.
OpenAI's always-on work agent that looks for tasks before you ask.
The free, self-hosted agent that works with any model.
| Difference | Dots | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Dots requires ChatGPT Pro from $100/month or a Business Premium seat. | OpenClaw is free software, plus model usage and a server, often $5 to $20/month for a small VPS. |
| Model | Dots runs on GPT-6 Astra. | OpenClaw works with Claude, GPT, Gemini or a local model. |
| Chat channels | Dots is available in ChatGPT, Slack and Microsoft Teams. | OpenClaw supports 29 channels, including Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal and Discord. |
| Security | Dots comes with managed guardrails: built-in policies, Custom Rules, automatic review and a password vault. | OpenClaw ships with a loopback-only gateway, token auth and per-tool policies, but updates and exposure are your job. |
| Availability | Dots is not offered where ChatGPT is unavailable, such as Russia and mainland China. | OpenClaw runs anywhere you can run Node.js. |
Pick Dots if you would rather pay $100/month or more than maintain a server, and you want security handled for you.
Pick OpenClaw if you want to own the setup, talk to your agent in Telegram or WhatsApp, choose the model yourself, or live somewhere Dots does not reach.
Capability grid
| Dots | OpenClaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps working when you close the app | Yes | Yes |
| Messages you first | Yes | Partly |
| Has its own cloud computer | Yes | No |
| Lives in chat apps | Partly | Yes |
| Voice | Yes | Partly |
| Can buy things | Partly | Partly |
| Standing rules you can edit | Yes | Yes |
| Choose any model | No | Yes |
| Runs on your own machine | No | Yes |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Team and business plans | Yes | Partly |
Dots is the lower-effort option and the safer default for anyone who will not maintain a server. OpenClaw is cheaper and more flexible, but only a good idea if you keep it updated and never expose the gateway to the internet.