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Head to head

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.

Muse
Meta
Starts at: Free · Available: 2/32

Meta's free errand agent that you text like a friend.

OpenClaw
OpenClaw Foundation
Starts at: Free · Available: 32/32

The free, self-hosted agent that works with any model.

DifferenceMuseOpenClaw
SetupMuse takes a download, a Meta account sign-in and a payment card.OpenClaw needs you to install the gateway on a computer or VPS, pick a model and connect your channels.
Ongoing costMuse charges nothing until you pass 100 million tokens in a week, then $20/month or $100/month.OpenClaw is free software, but you pay for model usage and possibly a server.
Chat channelsMuse offers WhatsApp plus its own app, muse.ai and the Mac app.OpenClaw offers 29 channels, including Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp and Discord.
Data controlMuse keeps your data in a Secure VM that Meta manages.OpenClaw keeps memory, credentials and state on your own hardware.
AvailabilityMuse is for adults in the US and Canada.OpenClaw runs anywhere you can run Node.js.
Pick Muse

Pick Muse if you want to be up and running in minutes and you are based in the US or Canada.

Pick OpenClaw

Pick OpenClaw if you would rather keep your data away from Meta, prefer Telegram or Signal, or live outside the US and Canada.

Capability grid

MuseOpenClaw
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 Partly Partly
Can buy things Yes Partly
Standing rules you can edit Partly Yes
Choose any model No Yes
Runs on your own machine No Yes
Free tier Yes Yes
Team and business plans Partly Partly
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.

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