EVIDENCE BEFORE RANKINGS
Capabilities and limits
Compare what public sources establish, then test the task you actually need. Unknown fields are intentionally left open.
No product account or comparative task was executed. Unknown is not a claim of non-support. Access and features may change; inspect the cited source before choosing. Sources checked: 2026-10-01
| Condition | OpenClaw | Hermes | Muse | Cue | Grok Bot | Instinct | OpenAI Dot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Self-managed gateway and workspace | Local or self-managed installation with a model provider | Dedicated Muse Secure VM in the cloud | Agent-owned computer and identity on Manus infrastructure | Bots share a persistent cloud computer per user | Not established by the cited public material | Own cloud computer; optional access to connected devices |
| Interfaces | Messaging channels configured on the gateway | CLI and messaging gateway, including Telegram and Discord | Muse app and WhatsApp | Web, desktop and mobile; agent phone/email described | Desktop and iOS; connected apps and scheduled routines | Text and calls; applications and devices described | ChatGPT, Slack and Teams; connected apps |
| Memory | Documented memory subsystem; configuration matters | Persistent MEMORY.md and USER.md; fresh-session check recommended | Remembers preferences; users can request forgetting | Not established by the cited public material | Persistent context and learned routines | Personal context is described; persistence controls unconfirmed | Learns preferences through ongoing work and feedback |
| Permissions | Policy, approvals and security audit; audit is not a runtime guarantee | Configurable tool approvals; OS isolation is separate | User-controlled connections and review of sensitive actions | Spending within a user-set budget; full permission model unconfirmed | Sensitive-action review and enterprise controls described | Not established by the cited public material | Access permissions and action review described |
| Access conditions | Requires a supported host, model access and channel setup | Requires a compatible provider and supported installation | US rollout on iOS, Android and web; account access untested | Early access with invitation; current invitation eligibility untested | Eligible Cursor/Grok plans; regional eligibility unconfirmed | Public start link exists; regions and account eligibility unconfirmed | Pro/Business Premium in eligible markets; Enterprise admin-enabled beta |
| Export and recovery | Backup and restore CLI for local state | Memory files can be inspected; complete recovery requires a separate test | Not established by the cited public material | Not established by the cited public material | Not established by the cited public material | Not established by the cited public material | Not established by the cited public material |