OpenClaw Is Free.
Here's What That Means.

Yes, OpenClaw is free. The software is open source under the MIT license — like Linux, Android, and VS Code. Download it, modify it, run it forever. No catch.

What "Free" Actually Means

🆓

The Software Is Free

OpenClaw's core software is 100% free and open source. It's released under the MIT license, which means you can download it, use it, modify it, and even sell products built on it. The code is on GitHub for anyone to inspect.

🖥️

Self-Hosting Is Free

If you run OpenClaw on your own server or Mac, you pay $0 to us. You only pay for the AI models you use (your own API keys) and whatever server costs you have. Many people self-host on a $5/month VPS or their existing Mac.

☁️

OpenClaw Cloud Costs $59/month

OpenClaw Cloud is our hosted service. We run the software for you — no server to buy, no SSH, no config files, no maintenance. It's ready in 60 seconds and works 24/7 while you sleep. This is what costs $59/month.

Get 50% off your first month — just $29.50 to try it.

Self-Hosted vs Cloud

Feature	🖥️Self-Hosted	☁️Cloud ($59/mo)
Software cost	Free (MIT license)	$59/month
Setup time	1-2 hours	60 seconds
Server required	Yes — you manage it	No — we handle it
Maintenance	You update, secure, fix	We handle everything
Uptime	Depends on you	24/7 guaranteed
API keys	Your own	Best models included
Model access	Unlimited (your API)	Claude, GPT-4, Gemini
Best for	Technical users, developers	Everyone else

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choose Self-Hosted If:

You're comfortable with servers and command line
You already have a VPS or Mac running 24/7
You want complete control over your data
You have your own API keys from Anthropic/OpenAI
You enjoy tinkering and customizing

Self-hosting guide →

Choose Cloud If:

You want it running in 60 seconds
You don't want to manage servers
You prefer not to think about updates or security
You want the best models pre-configured
You value your time over $59/month

Try Cloud — 50% Off

Common Questions

Do I need to pay for API keys with self-hosting?

Yes. Self-hosting is free, but you need your own API keys from Anthropic, OpenAI, or Google. Most casual users spend $5-20/month on API usage.

Can I try self-hosting first, then switch to Cloud?

Absolutely. Many users start self-hosted to learn how OpenClaw works, then move to Cloud when they want reliability without maintenance.

Is there a free trial for Cloud?

We offer 50% off your first month ($29.50 instead of $59). This lets you try the full Cloud experience at half the cost.

What's included in the $59/month Cloud plan?

Everything: hosting, updates, security, 24/7 uptime, best AI models pre-configured, and support. No hidden fees.

Can I use OpenClaw for commercial purposes?

Yes. The MIT license allows commercial use. Many businesses run OpenClaw for customer support, team automation, and internal tools.

🐙

Ready to Get Started?

Try OpenClaw Cloud with 50% off your first month. Running in 60 seconds, no setup required.

Try OpenClaw Cloud — 50% Off First Month

Or self-host for free