Manus literally took the feature checklist of a well-known open-source agent and made it available in one click in the cloud (even though just days ago Zuckerberg was negotiating to buy OpenClaw).
What the Manus agent can do (which I connected to Telegram in 10 seconds; the free tier is already usable):
Always-on functionality: The agent doesn't need you present to keep working.
Skills & Subagents: What we used to configure through config files is now at the platform level. The agent can hire sub-agents for specific tasks (one codes, another googles, a third draws).
Dedicated Computer Instance: Each agent gets a full virtual machine (VPS). This isn't just a context window — it's its own cloud computer where the agent can store files, install software, and live.
Identity & Messengers: The agent can impersonate you (or be your secretary) in messengers.
How it differs from OpenClaw:
— Tested it on a YouTube video transcription task. Asked it to extract info from a Fridman interview with the OpenClaw creator. Manus spent 6 minutes on the task. OpenClaw — 1 minute.
— It's kind of boring. No sense of magic on first touch.
— Plus, Manus runs on Meta's servers (SaaS), while OpenClaw runs on your computer or VPS. So Manus works with network latency, while OpenClaw works locally in real-time without lag.
— Manus is locked in a browser (sandbox) and can't see your desktop, while OpenClaw has full access to files, cursor, and OS programs. This is very convenient and not scary (when it's not your main computer).
— All Manus data goes through Zuckerberg's servers, while OpenClaw keeps everything strictly on your disk.
— Manus is a smart consultant, while OpenClaw is your automated hands on the keyboard.
Although Manus (a.k.a. Meta) positions itself as an equivalent OpenClaw agent, but without needing to deal with terminals and Docker containers.
Meta is building "iOS for agents" — a closed, convenient ecosystem where everything works out of the box, but you pay with your data (and a subscription, of course). OpenClaw remains the Linux — freedom, privacy, but you need to know how to set it all up.
For business, Manus is probably unrivaled (Meta guarantees data security and bears responsibility for it).
You can already test it via this link (one click throws you into Telegram and sets everything up) — https://manus.im/app/agents
Release details here: Manus Blog: Agent Skills & Sandbox Update