What is OpenClaw? The Complete Guide for 2026
OpenClaw is the fastest-growing open-source AI assistant with 200K+ GitHub stars. Learn what it does, how it works, and why everyone is talking about it.
OpenClaw is a free, open-source autonomous AI assistant that connects to your favorite messaging platforms — Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, Slack, and more — and uses large language models like Claude, GPT, and Gemini to help you with virtually any task.
With over 200,000 GitHub stars in just 84 days, OpenClaw became the fastest-growing software repository in GitHub history, surpassing projects like React and the Linux kernel in record time.
How Does OpenClaw Work?
OpenClaw runs as a background service that connects to messaging platforms through their official APIs. When you send a message to your OpenClaw bot, it:
- Receives your message through the messaging platform (e.g., Telegram)
- Processes it using your chosen AI model (Claude, GPT, Gemini, or others)
- Takes action — replies with text, searches the web, manages files, sends emails, or performs any of its 50+ supported integrations
- Remembers context across conversations, so it can follow up on previous tasks
Unlike ChatGPT or Claude's web interfaces, OpenClaw is always on — it runs 24/7 as your personal assistant, ready to respond at any time through the messaging app you already use.
Key Features
Multi-Model Support
OpenClaw isn't locked to a single AI provider. You can use:
- Claude Opus 4.5 — Anthropic's most capable model, excellent for complex reasoning
- GPT-5.2 — OpenAI's latest model with strong general-purpose performance
- Gemini 3 Flash — Google's fast, cost-efficient model
- DeepSeek, Llama, and other open-source models
You can switch between models at any time, or even use different models for different tasks.
Multi-Platform Messaging
OpenClaw connects to virtually every messaging platform:
- Telegram (most popular)
- Discord
- Slack
- Signal
- iMessage
- Google Chat
- Microsoft Teams
50+ Integrations
Beyond just chatting, OpenClaw can integrate with productivity tools, email services, calendars, smart home devices, music services, and more. It can summarize your emails, schedule meetings, track expenses, draft documents, and automate repetitive tasks.
Privacy-First Architecture
OpenClaw runs on infrastructure you control. Your conversations and data stay on your server, not on a third-party cloud. This makes it ideal for businesses handling sensitive information.
The OpenClaw Origin Story
OpenClaw was created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger and originally published as "Clawdbot" in November 2025. After a trademark complaint from Anthropic, it was renamed to "Moltbot" on January 27, 2026, and then to "OpenClaw" three days later.
The project went viral in January 2026, gaining 25,310 GitHub stars in a single day — shattering all previous records. Within weeks, the website received over 2 million visitors.
On February 14, 2026, Steinberger announced he was joining OpenAI, with the OpenClaw project moving to an open-source foundation to ensure its continued development.
How to Get Started with OpenClaw
There are two main ways to run OpenClaw:
Option 1: Self-Host (Technical)
If you're comfortable with servers and command lines, you can self-host OpenClaw on any VPS or local machine. This involves:
- Setting up a server (VPS, Raspberry Pi, or local computer)
- Installing Node.js and dependencies
- Configuring API keys for your chosen AI model
- Setting up messaging platform webhooks
- Managing updates, security patches, and uptime
Time required: 30–60+ minutes for initial setup, plus ongoing maintenance.
Option 2: Managed Hosting (Recommended)
For most users, managed hosting is the easier path. Platforms like SimpleClaw handle all the technical complexity:
- One-click deployment in under 1 minute
- No servers, Docker, or SSH required
- Automatic updates and security patches
- 24/7 uptime with managed infrastructure
- AI credits included ($15/month with SimpleClaw)
Time required: Under 1 minute.
Deploy OpenClaw on Telegram in 1 click with SimpleClaw →
Who is OpenClaw For?
OpenClaw is for anyone who wants a personal AI assistant that's available 24/7 through their existing messaging apps:
- Professionals who want to automate email management, scheduling, and document drafting
- Small businesses looking for AI-powered customer support on Telegram
- Teams that want a shared AI assistant in their Slack or Discord workspace
- Developers who want a customizable, self-hosted AI agent
- Privacy-conscious users who want their AI data to stay on their own infrastructure
OpenClaw vs ChatGPT: What's the Difference?
| Feature | OpenClaw | ChatGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Your messaging apps (Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.) | Web browser or mobile app |
| Always on | Yes — 24/7 in your chat | No — you open the app |
| AI models | Multi-model (Claude, GPT, Gemini, etc.) | GPT only |
| Integrations | 50+ (email, calendar, files, etc.) | Limited plugins |
| Privacy | Your server, your data | OpenAI's servers |
| Cost | Free (self-host) or from $49/mo (managed, credits included) | $20/mo (Plus) |
| Customization | Fully customizable | Limited |
Security Considerations
A recent investigation discovered over 17,500 internet-exposed OpenClaw instances, many running without proper security configurations. If you self-host, make sure to:
- Use a secure pairing flow (not open DM policy)
- Keep your instance updated
- Restrict network access
- Use strong API keys
Managed hosting platforms like SimpleClaw handle all of these security concerns automatically.
Summary
OpenClaw is the most popular open-source AI assistant in the world, with 200,000+ GitHub stars and a rapidly growing community. It connects to your messaging platforms and uses top AI models to automate tasks, answer questions, and manage your digital life.
Whether you self-host or use a managed platform, OpenClaw gives you a powerful, always-on AI assistant that lives where you already communicate.