Before choosing a Manus alternative, ask where your files are. A task based on public websites needs different access from one involving a folder on your laptop.
Manus has a Browser Operator extension for your local Chrome, so this is not simply a choice between cloud and local browsing. Browser access and access to your computer's files and shell are different things.
Disclosure: we build TODO for AI. This article adapts our September 2026 comparison notes; it is not a hands-on test of every tool.
Why people look past Manus
- It lives in its own cloud. The Browser Operator extension can drive your local Chrome, but there is no shell, no local files and no repos.
- Credit usage. A credit allowance is hard to evaluate without knowing how much your usual jobs consume. Test a few representative tasks before choosing a plan.
- The model is chosen for you. Manus routes between vendors internally. You do not get the same model choice as a bring-your-own-key tool. That matters if selecting the model is part of your workflow.
- Shared projects, private work. A project holds shared instructions and files and you can invite colleagues. Tasks are private by default and shared one at a time, so the project shows what people chose to publish, not what everyone is working on.
Options to compare
| Tool | Best when | Models | Open source | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT agent mode | Research and writing, in a tool you already have | OpenAI only | No | Free |
| Claude (Cowork) | Autonomous document, research and browser work | Anthropic only | No | $20/mo |
| Microsoft Copilot Cowork | Your company runs on Microsoft 365 | Anthropic, OpenAI (Microsoft picks) | No | $18/mo + usage |
| Lindy | Repeatable business processes, no code | Most major models | No | $30/mo |
| OpenHands | An open, self-hosted agent for software tasks | Any provider | Yes | Free (self-host) |
| OpenClaw | A self-hosted agent in your chat apps | Any (your keys) | Yes, MIT | Free |
| Hermes Agent | A self-hosted agent that learns you over time | Any (your keys) | Yes, MIT | Free |
| TODO for AI | Local files, your real Chrome, a choice of models | Multiple providers on paid plans | Partly | Free |
Prices are entry tiers. Agent features may require a paid plan; self-hosting can still involve model and hosting costs.
ChatGPT is worth checking for research-and-report work, especially if you already subscribe. Check which plan includes the research and agent features you need. It is OpenAI-only and agent mode runs in OpenAI's sandbox.
Claude Cowork is another option for multi-step document and research work if you prefer Claude. It uses Anthropic models; it does not offer the model choice of a bring-your-own-key tool.
Copilot Cowork works inside Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and SharePoint with your Microsoft 365 permissions. Outside that suite its reach is thin.
Lindy is the pick when the work is a defined process: triggers and steps wired into mail, CRM and support.
OpenHands is open source with a sandboxed workspace per task and any model, focused on software. Self-hosting is real ops work.
OpenClaw and Hermes Agent run on your own hardware with your own keys, reachable from chat apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Discord. Free, but you install, secure and update them.
TODO for AI runs locally as well as in the cloud: your PC, your files, your real Chrome profile, plus an always-on cloud VM. Paid plans let you choose between model providers, with usage allowances. Tasks can include code, documents and business admin. Skip it if you want a polished consumer research agent and never need it on your own computer.
Where to start
- One-off research and slide decks: stay on Manus.
- Research in a tool you already pay for: ChatGPT or Claude.
- Want to self-host with your own keys: OpenHands, OpenClaw or Hermes Agent.
- Your own files and browser, a choice of models: TODO for AI.
Full scored comparison with 21 tools and the scoring method: Manus alternatives on todofor.ai.
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