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The best AI agents, compared.

We'd start with Grok Bot, from US$30 a month. Choose Muse if you run on Facebook and Instagram, and Dots if you already pay for ChatGPT Pro. Claude Code and Codex are for developers. OpenClaw and Hermes Agent are for teams that can secure their own server.

Ready in under an hour

Example of Grok Bot at work: a morning briefExample
Where we'd start

Grok Bot

A small team of AI helpers that keep working online, even with your laptop shut.From US$30 a month. About 30 minutes to set up.
Example of Dots at work: a meeting briefExample
A strong alternative

Dots

People who already live in ChatGPTFrom US$100 a month. About 20 minutes to set up.
Example of Muse at work: an ad checkExample
For Facebook and Instagram

Muse

Owners on Facebook and Instagram, in the US, Canada, Japan or SingaporeFree for most things. About 20 minutes to set up.

For teams that can secure their own server

Example of OpenClaw at work: a team summaryExample
For a whole team

OpenClaw

Teams with someone who can secure itFree software. A day or more to set up.
Example of Hermes Agent at work: a weekly research checkExample
For scheduled research

Hermes Agent

Scheduled research and monitoringFree software. A day or more to set up.

For developers

Example of Claude Code at work: a code fixExample
For long builds

Claude Code

Developers and technical teamsFrom US$20 a month. About 10 minutes to set up.
Example of Codex at work: a pull request reviewExample
For code review and cloud tasks

Codex

Developers and technical teamsFree to start. About 10 minutes to set up.

Weighing up two?

Grok Bot or DotsGrok Bot if you want it to act. Dots if you want a second opinion and already pay for ChatGPT Pro. The one test of both put Dots first, and the Grok Bot guide says why we still start there.Claude Code or CodexTwo strong choices. Try both on one small task and keep the one you like working with.OpenClaw or Hermes AgentOpenClaw for the most flexibility. Hermes Agent if you want it to improve its own skills as it works.

The seven agents side by side

The agents side by side
AgentSuitsCostRuns onSetup, roughly
Grok BotRepeat jobs you would check anywayFrom US$30 a monthThe cloud30 minutes
DotsPeople who already live in ChatGPTFrom US$100 a monthOpenAI's cloud20 minutes
MuseOwners on Facebook and Instagram, in the US, Canada, Japan or SingaporeFree for most thingsMeta's cloud20 minutes
OpenClawTeams with someone who can secure itFree softwareYour own machineA day or more
Hermes AgentScheduled research and monitoringFree softwareYour own machine or a VPSA day or more
Claude CodeDevelopers and technical teamsFrom US$20 a monthTerminal, code editor, desktop or web10 minutes
CodexDevelopers and technical teamsFree to startApp, terminal, code editor or cloud10 minutes

What is an AI agent?

An AI agent is software that takes a goal, works through the steps in your apps and, when you set it up that way, checks with you before anything important. A chatbot tells you how. An agent does it.

What is AI agent automation?

AI agent automation means handing a repeating job to an agent that works out the steps itself. A fixed workflow tool follows the same steps every time. Use a fixed workflow when the steps never change. Use an agent when each case is a bit different, like an inbox, and keep approvals on, because it can get things wrong.

Which AI agent should you start with?

Pick one job, then let the finder narrow it down. It asks only what could change the answer, and it takes under a minute. If you're new to all this, start with what we've learned.

What isn't on this list

If your business runs on Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, look at Gemini Spark and Copilot Cowork first, because they sit inside the tools you already use. We don't cover them yet, or newer agents such as Hark and Instinct, so this isn't the whole market.