OpenClaw vs Dify
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. OpenClaw is completely free, while Dify is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Chat app channels
- Browser and shell tools
- Skills system
- Permission modes
- Any model provider
- Visual workflow editor
- Knowledge base and RAG
- Agent mode with tools
- Model provider management
- App APIs
| Feature | OpenClaw | Dify |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source personal AI agent you run on your own machine | Open-source platform for building LLM apps, agents and RAG |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $59/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | OpenClaw contributors | LangGenius |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
OpenClaw is completely free, while Dify is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Sandbox
Free
- Free cloud trial
- Limited message credits
Professional
$59/mo
- Per workspace ($590/yr annually)
- 3 team members
- 50 apps
Team
$159/mo
- Per workspace ($1,590/yr annually)
- 50 team members
- 200 apps
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Scalable deployment
- Multiple workspaces, SSO
- Commercial license
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
OpenClaw
- Free and fully self-hosted
- Works through apps you already use
- Large skill ecosystem
- You handle security and updates
- Third-party skills can be risky
- Setup needs technical comfort
Dify
- Very popular open-source project
- Strong RAG features
- Works with many model providers
- Self-hosting takes setup effort
- Free cloud plan is small
Which one should you choose?
Choose OpenClaw if you want:
- Free and fully self-hosted
- Works through apps you already use
- Large skill ecosystem
Watch out: you handle security and updates.
Choose Dify if you want:
- Very popular open-source project
- Strong RAG features
- Works with many model providers
Watch out: self-hosting takes setup effort.
OpenClaw vs Dify FAQ
What is the difference between OpenClaw and Dify?
OpenClaw: Open-source personal AI agent you run on your own machine. Dify: Open-source platform for building LLM apps, agents and RAG. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is OpenClaw or Dify cheaper?
OpenClaw is completely free, while Dify is freemium.
Do OpenClaw and Dify have free plans?
OpenClaw: Yes, fully free. Dify: Yes.
Who makes OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is made by OpenClaw contributors.
Who makes Dify?
Dify is made by LangGenius.
Which should I choose, OpenClaw or Dify?
Choose OpenClaw if you value free and fully self-hosted and works through apps you already use. Choose Dify if you value very popular open-source project and strong rag features.