OpenClaw vs Skyvern
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. OpenClaw is completely free, while Skyvern 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
- Vision-based browser agent
- Login and 2FA handling
- Workflow builder
- Structured data extraction
- Self-hosted or cloud
| Feature | OpenClaw | Skyvern |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-source personal AI agent you run on your own machine | AI browser agent for automating forms and logged-in portals |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $29/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | OpenClaw contributors | Skyvern |
| Based in | – | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
OpenClaw is completely free, while Skyvern is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Hobby
$29/mo
- 30,000 credits/month
- 10 concurrent runs
- Basic CAPTCHA solver
- 14-day free trial
Pro
$149/mo
- 150,000 credits/month
- 25 concurrent runs
- Residential proxy
- Team workspaces
Enterprise
Custom
- 100 concurrent runs
- HIPAA and SOC 2
- Dedicated Slack channel
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
Skyvern
- Handles unfamiliar layouts
- Good for portal workflows
- Open-source option
- Slower than scripted automation
- Costs per step add up
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 Skyvern if you want:
- Handles unfamiliar layouts
- Good for portal workflows
- Open-source option
Watch out: slower than scripted automation.
OpenClaw vs Skyvern FAQ
What is the difference between OpenClaw and Skyvern?
OpenClaw: Open-source personal AI agent you run on your own machine. Skyvern: AI browser agent for automating forms and logged-in portals. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is OpenClaw or Skyvern cheaper?
OpenClaw is completely free, while Skyvern is freemium.
Do OpenClaw and Skyvern have free plans?
OpenClaw: Yes, fully free. Skyvern: Yes.
Who makes OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is made by OpenClaw contributors.
Who makes Skyvern?
Skyvern is made by Skyvern, based in United States.
Which should I choose, OpenClaw or Skyvern?
Choose OpenClaw if you value free and fully self-hosted and works through apps you already use. Choose Skyvern if you value handles unfamiliar layouts and good for portal workflows.