Feature Comparison
| Feature | 🦞 OpenClaw | 🤖 Alexa |
|---|---|---|
| Smart home control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works without special hardware | ✓ | ✗ |
| Complex task handling | ✓ | Limited |
| Conversation memory | ✓ | Limited |
| Privacy (local processing) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice commands | Via messaging | ✓ |
| Shopping integration | Via skills | Native (Amazon) |
| Music control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Timers/alarms | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email management | ✓ | Limited |
Pricing
🦞
OpenClaw
Free + API costs
Open source, runs on your hardware. Only pay for AI API usage (~$5-20/mo typical).
🤖
Alexa
Free (requires Echo device)
Subscription or usage-based pricing.
Who Should Use What?
🦞
Choose OpenClaw if you...
- ✓Want AI help beyond smart home
- ✓Prefer text-based interaction
- ✓Care about privacy
- ✓Need complex task handling
- ✓Don't want to buy special hardware
🤖
Choose Alexa if you...
- ✓Want voice-first smart home control
- ✓Have Echo devices throughout home
- ✓Use Amazon shopping frequently
- ✓Want quick voice commands
- ✓Prefer hardware-based assistant
The Verdict
Alexa excels at voice-controlled smart home and Amazon shopping. OpenClaw is for people who want a personal assistant they can text, that handles real work, not just timers and music.