- 23
- February
In early 2026, the AI Agent trend is hotter than ever before. AI is no longer just a chatbot that answers questions -- it has become an "intelligent agent" capable of actually performing tasks on your behalf, whether it is reading emails, managing files, browsing the web, running commands on your computer, or even working across applications automatically. Among the most talked-about AI Agents, there are two major players with fundamentally different approaches:
- OpenClaw -- An open-source AI Agent with more than 219,000+ GitHub Stars, created by Peter Steinberger (who has since joined OpenAI). It works through the Chat Platforms you already use, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, and Discord.
- Cowork -- An AI Agent from Anthropic (the creators of Claude) that runs on the Claude Desktop App inside a Sandbox VM. It launched as a Research Preview on January 12, 2026.
Both are powerful AI Agents, but they are built on fundamentally different philosophies. This article provides an in-depth comparison across every dimension to help your organization decide which one is the best fit.
Read more about each one: What Is OpenClaw? | What Is Cowork?
Quick Overview Before the Comparison
Before diving into the details, let us look at a side-by-side overview:
| Topic | OpenClaw | Cowork |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Peter Steinberger (now at OpenAI) | Anthropic |
| License | MIT (Open-Source) | Proprietary (subscription required) |
| How to Use | Chat Platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, etc.) | Claude Desktop App |
| Supported LLMs | Multiple (Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama, DeepSeek, Mistral) | Claude only |
| Where It Runs | Your own machine (Self-hosted) | Anthropic's Sandbox VM |
| Pricing | Free (only pay for LLM API costs) | Claude Pro $20/month and up |
| Best For | Developers / customization enthusiasts | General users / no coding required |
| Status | Production-ready (but has security vulnerabilities) | Research Preview |
In simple terms: OpenClaw is like a Swiss Army knife -- you can customize everything, but you need to learn how to use it. Cowork is like a ready-made personal assistant -- open it and start using it right away, but with limited customization options.
Features -- Comparing Capabilities
Let us take a deeper look at what each AI Agent can do, along with their respective strengths and weaknesses:
File Access
Both OpenClaw and Cowork can access files on your machine, but their methods differ significantly:
- OpenClaw -- Has direct access to files on your machine (Full System Access). It can read, write, create, delete, and move files anywhere the running process user has permissions. Advantage: fast and flexible. Disadvantage: if the AI is compromised, an attacker gains access to all files.
- Cowork -- Runs inside a Sandbox VM separate from the host machine. It can only access folders that the user has explicitly authorized (Permission-based Model). Advantage: much more secure. Disadvantage: permissions must be configured in advance, and files outside the designated scope are inaccessible.
Web Browsing
- OpenClaw -- Controls Chrome/Chromium via an Extension. It can search for information, fill out forms, download files, and take screenshots of web pages. Requires installing a separate Browser Extension.
- Cowork -- Has Built-in Browser Automation. It can open websites, search for information, and read content immediately without any additional configuration. However, it is limited to the Sandbox VM.
Chat Platform Integration
This is OpenClaw's strongest advantage:
- OpenClaw -- Supports 10+ Chat Platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack, Signal, iMessage, Microsoft Teams, Matrix, Zalo, and more. You can command the AI Agent through the chat apps you already use every day.
- Cowork -- Works exclusively on the Claude Desktop App. It cannot be commanded through external Chat Platforms.
Plugin / Skills System
- OpenClaw -- Features the ClawHub Marketplace with over 3,286 ready-made Skills, ranging from sending LINE messages to controlling Smart Home devices to Trading Bots. However, be cautious: there are reports of 341 Skills containing Malicious Code. Always review the source code before using any Skill.
- Cowork -- Offers 11 Official Plugins vetted by Anthropic, including Google Docs, Google Sheets, Notion, Asana, Jira, GitHub, Linear, Confluence, Trello, Zapier, and Slack. Fewer in number, but much safer because they have been reviewed.
MCP Support
Both OpenClaw and Cowork support MCP (Model Context Protocol), an open standard for connecting AI with external tools. This means both can connect to databases, APIs, or internal organizational systems via MCP Connectors.
Multi-LLM Support
- OpenClaw -- Uses the Bring Your Own Model (BYOM) principle, supporting multiple LLM providers including Claude, GPT, Gemini, Llama, DeepSeek, Mistral, and Local Models via Ollama or vLLM. Key advantage: no vendor lock-in.
- Cowork -- Uses Claude only. It cannot be switched to another LLM provider. Advantage: Anthropic has fine-tuned Cowork to work with Claude at maximum efficiency. Disadvantage: if Claude no longer meets your needs, you have no alternative.
Feature Comparison Summary
| Feature | OpenClaw | Cowork |
|---|---|---|
| File Access | Full System Access | Sandbox + Permission |
| Web Browsing | Via Extension | Built-in |
| Chat Platform | 10+ Platforms | Claude Desktop only |
| Plugin/Skills | ClawHub ~3,286 Skills | 11 Official Plugins |
| MCP Support | Supported | Supported |
| Multi-LLM | Multiple providers | Claude only |
| Email Management | Yes | Not directly |
| Calendar Management | Yes | Not directly |
| Voice / Voice Commands | Yes (Wake word) | No |
| Cron Jobs / Automation | Yes | No |
| Multi-Agent | Yes | No |
Security -- Which One Is Safer?
Important: For organizations considering AI Agents, Security must be a top priority in the decision-making process. AI Agents have the ability to access files, run commands, and browse the web on your machine. If compromised, the damage can be far more severe than with a typical AI chatbot.
OpenClaw Security
OpenClaw's strength lies in its Local-first Architecture -- all data stays on your machine and is not sent anywhere (except when submitted to an LLM for processing). However, there are significant vulnerabilities to be aware of:
- CVE-2026-25253 (CVSS 8.8 -- High severity) -- A Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability was discovered that allows attackers to execute code on your machine remotely, simply by sending a message through a Chat Platform connected to OpenClaw.
- 40,000+ Exposed Instances -- Security researchers found over 40,000 OpenClaw instances with their Web UI exposed to the internet without any authentication.
- Malicious ClawHub Skills -- 341 Skills in ClawHub were found to contain Malicious Code, ranging from stealing API Keys to installing Cryptocurrency Miners.
- No Sandbox by Default -- OpenClaw runs directly on the host machine with no Isolation Layer. If the AI is compromised, the attacker gains full access to the entire system.
- API Keys Stored in Plaintext -- API Keys are stored in a JSON file in Plaintext without encryption.
Cowork Security
Cowork uses a Sandbox VM Isolation approach from the start, which is its key security strength:
- VM Sandbox -- Cowork runs in a separate Virtual Machine. If the AI makes a mistake, it will not affect the host system.
- Permission-based File Access -- It can only access folders that the user has explicitly authorized.
- Data Sent to Anthropic Servers -- Data processed by Cowork is sent to Anthropic's servers, which may be a concern for organizations that prioritize Data Sovereignty.
- PromptArmor Discovered Prompt Injection Vulnerability -- The security firm PromptArmor discovered a Prompt Injection vulnerability through .docx files that could trick Cowork into performing actions desired by an attacker.
Security Comparison Table
| Security Aspect | OpenClaw | Cowork |
|---|---|---|
| Where Data Resides | Local only | Sent to Anthropic Servers |
| Sandbox Isolation | None by default | Yes (VM Sandbox) |
| Critical Vulnerabilities | CVE-2026-25253 (CVSS 8.8) | Prompt Injection via Files |
| Plugin Safety | ClawHub has Malicious Skills | Official Plugins are vetted |
| Permission Model | Configurable Allowlists | Virtualization-level Isolation |
| Blast Radius if Compromised | Very High (Full System) | Limited (Sandbox) |
| Zero Data Retention | N/A (Data stays local) | Enterprise Plan only |
Warning: Both OpenClaw and Cowork have security concerns that must be acknowledged. OpenClaw is at risk due to CVEs and Malicious Skills, while Cowork is at risk due to data being sent outside the organization. Regardless of which one you choose, your organization must have an AI Governance Policy in place first. Read more in our article on AI Governance Policies You Must Have.
Pricing -- Which One Offers Better Value?
Pricing is a crucial factor for organizations. Let us compare the actual costs:
OpenClaw Pricing
- The software itself: 100% free (MIT License)
- Actual costs: Depend on the LLM API you choose
- Claude API -- approximately $50-150/month (depending on token volume)
- GPT-4o API -- approximately $30-100/month
- DeepSeek API -- approximately $5-20/month (cheap, but data is sent to servers in China)
- Local Model (Ollama/Llama) -- $0 completely free, but requires a sufficiently powerful GPU
- OpenClaw Cloud (Managed): Starting at $39/month (still in Early Access) -- no self-installation required, with a managed support team
Cowork Pricing
- Claude Pro: $20/month -- access to Cowork with limited daily usage
- Claude Max: $100-200/month -- more usage, suitable for heavy workloads
- Claude Team: $30/user/month -- for organizations, includes Admin Console
- Claude Enterprise: Custom pricing -- includes Zero Data Retention, SSO, Admin Controls
| Usage Scenario | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OpenClaw + Local Model | $0 | 100% free but requires a sufficiently powerful GPU |
| OpenClaw + DeepSeek | ~$5-20 | Cheap, but data is sent to China |
| OpenClaw + Claude API | ~$50-150 | High quality, but expensive |
| Cowork Pro | $20 | Pay and use immediately, limited usage |
| Cowork Team (10 users) | $300 | $30 x 10 users + Admin Console |
Summary: OpenClaw is far more flexible in terms of pricing because you can choose from multiple LLM providers or even use a Local Model for free. However, this comes at the cost of time for setup and maintenance. Cowork is ideal for those who want a "pay and use immediately" experience without dealing with infrastructure.
Installation -- Which One Is Easier?
Ease of installation and getting started is another key factor, especially for organizations without a dedicated IT team:
Installing OpenClaw
Difficulty level: Medium to Hard (suited for developers and IT admins)
- Requires installing Node.js 22+ on your machine
- Install via CLI:
npm install -g openclaw@latestor a one-liner script - Requires editing a JSON config file to connect with the LLM Provider (
~/.openclaw/openclaw.json) - Requires setting up the API Key for the desired LLM
- Requires connecting a Chat Platform (e.g., Telegram Bot Token, WhatsApp Business API)
- Recommended to run via Docker for better isolation
- Supports macOS and Linux natively; Windows is supported via WSL2
Installing Cowork
Difficulty level: Very Easy (suited for everyone)
- Download the Claude Desktop App from Anthropic's website
- Install like any regular app -- click Install and open
- Open the "Cowork" tab in the app
- Select the folders you want to allow Cowork to access
- Type commands in natural language and Cowork handles the rest
- No additional configuration needed, no command line knowledge required
- Supports macOS and Windows
| Installation Aspect | OpenClaw | Cowork |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Medium to Hard | Very Easy |
| CLI Required | Yes | No |
| Config Files | Must edit JSON | Not needed |
| Setup Time | 15-60 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Technical Knowledge Required | Yes (Node.js, CLI, API) | No |
| Docker Recommended | Yes (for Isolation) | Not necessary |
Who Should Use What?
No single AI Agent is "the best" for everyone. It depends on your organization's context and requirements. The table below helps you make a precise decision:
Choose OpenClaw if...
- You are a developer / DevOps / IT Admin -- You are comfortable with CLI and want to customize everything.
- Data privacy is your top priority -- You want data to stay on your own machine and never leave (using a Local Model).
- Your organization needs full control -- You want a Self-hosted Solution that you manage yourself without depending on a service provider.
- You want to use multiple LLMs -- You do not want to be locked into a single LLM provider and want to choose based on the task.
- You use diverse Chat Platforms -- You want to command the agent via WhatsApp, Telegram, LINE, Slack, etc.
- Budget is limited -- You want to use it for free or at minimal cost (Local Model = $0).
- Startup / SME with a tech team -- You want a flexible, community-driven solution.
Choose Cowork if...
- You are not technically inclined -- You do not want to deal with CLI, config files, or API keys.
- You already use Claude -- You already subscribe to Claude Pro/Max/Team and can open Cowork immediately.
- You want easy setup -- Install Claude Desktop with a click and start using it within 5 minutes.
- Sandbox security is important to you -- You want the isolation of AI running separately from the host system.
- Large enterprise -- You need an Enterprise Plan, SSO, and Admin Console from Anthropic.
- You work with Google Workspace / Notion -- Cowork has Official Plugins for these tools.
| User Profile / Requirement | Recommendation | Main Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Developer / DevOps | OpenClaw | CLI-based, deep configuration, Multi-LLM |
| General staff / Non-tech | Cowork | Easy GUI, no configuration needed |
| Maximum data privacy | OpenClaw | Local-first, data never leaves the machine |
| Sandbox security focus | Cowork | VM Isolation from the start |
| Uses WhatsApp / LINE for communication | OpenClaw | Supports 10+ Chat Platforms |
| Very limited budget | OpenClaw | Free + Local Model available |
| Wants easy and fast setup | Cowork | Click to install, 5 minutes |
| Large enterprise | Cowork | Enterprise Plan, SSO, Admin Console |
| Startup / SME with tech team | OpenClaw | Free, flexible, community support |
| Wants ready-made plugins | Both | ClawHub (3,286) vs Official (11) + MCP |
Conclusion and Recommendations for Thai Organizations
There is no clear winner between OpenClaw and Cowork. Both are excellent AI Agents, but they are designed for different user groups:
- OpenClaw = Maximum flexibility, free, choose your LLM, data stays on your machine. But you must configure it yourself and be especially cautious about security.
- Cowork = Simplicity and safety, easy to install, sandboxed. But you must pay, data is sent to Anthropic's servers, and it is still in Research Preview.
For Thai organizations considering adopting an AI Agent, keep these factors in mind:
1. Data Residency (Where Your Data Lives)
Organizations handling confidential data or operating under PDPA regulations should consider where data will be sent. OpenClaw + Local Model is the option where data never leaves your machine, while Cowork sends data to Anthropic's servers overseas.
2. Budget
If your organization has a limited budget, OpenClaw + Local Model is the lowest-cost option (free), but you need a machine powerful enough to run it. If you prefer a pay-and-use solution, Cowork Pro starts at $20/month, which is not too expensive for most organizations.
3. Technical Team Readiness
If your organization has a strong IT/DevOps team, OpenClaw offers greater flexibility. However, if your organization does not have a specialized tech team, Cowork is the easier and safer choice.
Important note: Currently, Saeree ERP does not yet have built-in AI features, but they are planned for the near future. However, organizations using Saeree ERP can use AI Agents like OpenClaw or Cowork as external supplementary tools -- for example, to analyze PDF reports exported from the ERP or to manage spreadsheets that have been exported.
Examples of using AI Agents together with Saeree ERP:
- Using OpenClaw -- Export data from ERP (CSV/Excel) and let the OpenClaw Agent analyze it. Data stays local and is more secure (when using a Local Model).
- Using Cowork -- Export PDF reports and let Cowork summarize them in plain language. Easier to use with no configuration required.
Caution: Regardless of which AI Agent you choose, never send your organization's confidential data (customer data, financial data, credentials) to an AI for processing without having a clear AI Governance Policy in place. Read more in our article on AI Governance Policies You Must Have.
Read more:
In an era where AI Agents are about to transform the way we work, the most important thing is not choosing the "best" tool, but choosing the tool that is "most appropriate" for your organization's context. Start with a clear AI Policy, experiment with low-risk tasks first, and then expand once you are confident.
- Saeree ERP Development Team
If your organization needs an ERP system with Audit Trail, Access Control, and Approval Workflow capabilities -- ready for AI integration in the future -- you can schedule a demo or contact our consulting team to learn more.
