If you've been researching self-hosted AI assistants, you've probably come across both "Moltbot" and "OpenClaw." The names are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing for newcomers. Let's clear up the relationship between these projects and help you understand which one you should be using.
The Short Answer
Moltbot and OpenClaw are the same project. OpenClaw is the official name of the open-source repository, while "Moltbot" is the community nickname that stuck from early development. Think of it like how people call VS Code just "Code" or call Kubernetes "K8s."
A Brief History
The project started in early 2024 as a personal tool by a developer who wanted a private, self-hosted alternative to ChatGPT that could integrate with messaging apps and home automation. The original internal codename was "Molt" (short for "Multi-platform Omni Language Transformer"), and early testers called it "Moltbot."
When the project was open-sourced, it was renamed to "OpenClaw" to reflect its open nature and capabilities. However, by then, the community had already adopted "Moltbot" as the common name. Most documentation, Discord discussions, and Reddit posts still reference "Moltbot."
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding this naming situation helps you in several ways:
- GitHub: The official repository is at github.com/open-claw/open-claw
- Community: Most people say "Moltbot" in conversations and forums
- Search: Search for both terms when looking for tutorials and help
- Versions: There's only one codebase - no fork to choose between
What OpenClaw/Moltbot Actually Does
Now that we've cleared up the naming, let's talk about what this project actually does. OpenClaw is a self-hosted AI assistant framework that:
- Connects to AI APIs: Works with Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI, and local LLMs
- Integrates with messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, SMS, and more
- Controls smart home: HomeKit, Home Assistant, SmartThings support
- Handles automations: Schedule tasks, trigger actions, process data
- Maintains privacy: Your data stays on your server
Key Features
Multi-Platform Messaging
One of OpenClaw's biggest draws is its ability to connect to virtually any messaging platform. You can have a unified AI assistant that responds across WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, and more - all from a single instance running on your server.
Skill System
The project uses a modular "skill" system. Skills are plugins that add capabilities like CRM integration, stock price alerts, or home automation. The community has built dozens of skills, and creating your own is well-documented.
Context Memory
Unlike basic chatbot setups, OpenClaw maintains conversation context across sessions and platforms. Your assistant remembers previous conversations and learns your preferences over time.
Local LLM Support
For maximum privacy, OpenClaw can run with local language models through Ollama or llama.cpp. This means your data never leaves your network - though you'll need beefier hardware for this option.
Who Should Use OpenClaw/Moltbot?
This project is ideal for:
- Privacy-conscious users who don't want conversations going to third-party servers
- Automation enthusiasts who want deep integration with their tools and services
- Developers who want to customize and extend their AI assistant
- Businesses that need a private AI assistant with CRM/productivity integrations
Who Shouldn't Use It?
OpenClaw might not be right for you if:
- You want a zero-configuration, just-works solution (consider Claude or ChatGPT)
- You're not comfortable with any command-line work
- You don't have time to maintain a self-hosted service
Getting Started
If you've decided OpenClaw is right for you, here's the typical path:
- Choose hosting: Cloud (DigitalOcean, AWS) or local (Mac Mini, home server)
- Set up the server: Follow our DigitalOcean guide or other tutorials
- Configure integrations: Connect your messaging apps and services
- Secure it: This is critical - see our security risks guide
- Add skills: Extend functionality with community or custom skills
Common Confusions
"Is there an OpenClaw Pro or paid version?"
No. OpenClaw is fully open source under the MIT license. There's no paid tier or commercial version of the core project. Services like ours (Pacestack) offer setup help and premium skills, but the base project is free.
"I saw 'Moltbot 2.0' mentioned - is that different?"
Version 2.0 refers to a major update in the project's history, not a separate project. The current version (3.x) is just the latest evolution of the same codebase.
"Are Moltbot skills compatible with OpenClaw?"
Yes! They're the same thing. Any skill built for "Moltbot" works with "OpenClaw" because it's the same project.
Summary
Moltbot and OpenClaw are two names for the same excellent self-hosted AI assistant project. OpenClaw is the official name, Moltbot is the community nickname. Use whichever feels right - everyone will know what you're talking about.
The project offers powerful AI assistant capabilities with privacy, customization, and extensive integrations. If you're willing to invest some time in setup and maintenance, it's one of the best self-hosted AI solutions available.