OpenClaw Resource

Tag: OpenClaw

  • Best Raspberry Pi for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    The landscape of AI assistants is evolving rapidly, and the desire for local, private, and always-on operation is stronger than ever. For many developers and power users, the Raspberry Pi stands out as the ultimate platform for hosting services like OpenClaw. It’s not just about affordability; it’s about minimal power consumption, a tiny footprint, and the satisfaction of complete control over your AI assistant. As we look towards 2026, the Raspberry Pi 5 remains the undisputed champion for this role, offering a compelling blend of performance and efficiency.

    Looking to get a VPS for your project? Vultr offers reliable VPS hosting starting at $5/month with global data centers. Many OpenClaw users self-host on Vultr for consistent uptime and affordable pricing.

    \n\n

    Running OpenClaw 24/7 at home for pennies a month isn’t just a dream; it’s a practical reality with a Raspberry Pi. A typical Pi 5 setup draws around 5-10W under load, translating to an annual electricity cost that’s negligible compared to a full-fledged desktop or even a cloud VM. This guide will walk you through the best Raspberry Pi options for OpenClaw in 2026, detailing hardware recommendations, crucial optimizations, and real-world use cases.

    \n\n

    Why Raspberry Pi for OpenClaw?

    \n\n

    Before diving into specific models, let’s reiterate why a Raspberry Pi is such an excellent choice for OpenClaw, especially for those who appreciate a hands-on, developer-centric approach:

    \n

      \n

    • Unmatched Power Efficiency: OpenClaw is often designed for continuous operation. A Pi sips power, keeping your utility bills low.

      • \n

    • Cost-Effectiveness: The initial investment for a Pi, even with accessories, is significantly lower than most other dedicated server options.

      • \n

    • Always-On Capability: Designed for headless operation, a Pi can run OpenClaw constantly without needing a monitor, keyboard, or mouse.

      • \n

    • Local Control & Privacy: Keep your AI assistant’s operations entirely within your local network, enhancing privacy and reducing reliance on external services.

      • \n

    • Developer-Friendly Ecosystem: The vast Raspberry Pi community and Debian-based Raspberry Pi OS provide a robust environment for development, debugging, and customization. OpenClaw, being Node.js-based, fits perfectly into this ecosystem.

      • \n

    \n\n

    The Current Champion: Raspberry Pi 5 (The 2026 Standard)

    \n\n

    For anyone serious about running OpenClaw efficiently and reliably in 2026, the Raspberry Pi 5 is the clear choice. Released in late 2023, its significant architectural improvements over its predecessors make it exceptionally well-suited for Node.js workloads and general-purpose computing that OpenClaw demands.

    \n\n

    Key Advantages of Raspberry Pi 5 for OpenClaw:

    \n

      \n

    • Much Faster CPU: The Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Cortex-A76 processor (2.4GHz) offers 2-3x the raw CPU performance of the Pi 4. This is critical for OpenClaw’s agent logic, task orchestration, and any local processing.

      • \n

    • PCIe 2.0/3.0 Interface: This is a game-changer. The Pi 5 natively supports NVMe SSDs via an M.2 HAT (like the official NVMe Base or third-party options). This transforms I/O performance from “sluggish SD card” to “desktop-class,” which is vital for OpenClaw’s logging, data caching, and any file-intensive operations.

      • \n

    • Improved RAM Speed & Options: Available with 4GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, running at a higher clock speed. More RAM means more headroom for concurrent OpenClaw agents, larger contexts, and additional services running alongside.

      • \n

    • Enhanced I/O: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports (one dedicated, one through the USB 3.0 controller), two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports provide ample connectivity.

      • \n

    \n\n

    Recommended Raspberry Pi 5 Configuration:

    \n

      \n

    • Model: Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB RAM)

      • \n

    • Storage: 250GB – 500GB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3.0 compatible) with M.2 HAT. A 250GB Crucial P3 or WD Blue SN570 M.2 NVMe SSD will typically cost around $30-$50.

      • \n

    • Power Supply: Official Raspberry Pi 27W USB-C Power Supply (crucial for stability, especially with NVMe).

      • \n

    • Cooling: Official Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler or a good passive heatsink case. The Pi 5 can get warm under load, and throttling can impact performance.

      • \n

    \n\n

    An 8GB Pi 5 will set you back approximately $80-$90 USD. Factoring in an NVMe SSD, HAT, power supply, and cooling, expect a total investment of $150-$200. This is an exceptional value for a dedicated, always-on AI assistant server.

    \n\n

    Real-World OpenClaw Use Cases on Raspberry Pi 5:

    \n

    On a Pi 5, OpenClaw truly shines. You can expect:

    \n

      \n

    • Rapid Task Execution: OpenClaw agents responding to triggers, performing web scrapes, API calls, and data processing with minimal latency.

      • \n

    • Local LLM Orchestration: While the Pi 5 can’t run large LLMs directly, it can efficiently orchestrate interactions with local LLMs running on a more powerful machine (e.g., an `ollama` server on a desktop) or cloud-based endpoints. OpenClaw on the Pi acts as the intelligent controller.

      • \n

    • Home Automation Hub: Integrating OpenClaw with your smart home ecosystem, processing sensor data, and making intelligent decisions based on various inputs.

      • \n

    • Data Pipeline Management: Small-scale data collection, transformation, and storage tasks, leveraging the fast NVMe I/O.

      • \n

    \n\n

    Still Relevant? Raspberry Pi 4 (The Budget Option)

    \n\n

    If you already own a Raspberry Pi 4, or if budget constraints are extremely tight, it can still run OpenClaw. However, it’s important to manage expectations regarding performance.

    \n\n

    Limitations of Raspberry Pi 4 for OpenClaw:

    \n

      \n

    • Slower CPU: The Cortex-A72 processor (1.5GHz/1.8GHz) is noticeably slower, particularly for CPU-intensive OpenClaw operations.

      • \n

    • USB 3.0 Bottleneck for Storage: While the Pi 4 supports booting from a USB 3.0 SSD, it’s still limited by the USB overhead and shared bus, not offering the same raw throughput as the Pi 5’s native PCIe NVMe.

      • \n

    • Heat: The Pi 4 can also run hot, necessitating good cooling.

      • \n

    \n\n

    Recommended Raspberry Pi 4 Configuration:

    \n

  • Best Mac Mini for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    The Mac Mini in 2026: Your Future-Proof Home Server for OpenClaw

    \n\n

    The Mac Mini has firmly established itself as a top-tier choice for running AI workloads locally, and for good reason. It’s a powerhouse in a diminutive, quiet, and power-efficient package, perfectly at home tucked away on your desk or serving as a headless server. For developers and AI enthusiasts looking to run OpenClaw – our robust AI assistant framework – a Mac Mini offers an unparalleled balance of performance, native macOS support, and ease of use. But as we look ahead to 2026, what’s the “best” model to invest in for longevity and peak performance with OpenClaw and the ever-evolving landscape of local AI models?

    Looking to get a VPS for your project? Vultr offers reliable VPS hosting starting at $5/month with global data centers. Many OpenClaw users self-host on Vultr for consistent uptime and affordable pricing.

    \n\n

    This article dives deep into selecting the ideal Mac Mini, considering the hardware demands of OpenClaw, integrating with local Large Language Models (LLMs) via tools like Ollama, and ensuring your setup is ready for the future. We’ll explore current and anticipated models, recommend configurations, and provide practical tips for getting OpenClaw up and running.

    \n\n

    Understanding OpenClaw’s Hardware Needs

    \n\n

    Before we jump into specific models, let’s break down what makes a Mac Mini excel for OpenClaw. OpenClaw, like many modern AI applications, thrives on specific hardware capabilities:

    \n

      \n

    • Unified Memory (RAM): This is arguably the most critical factor. Apple’s unified memory architecture means RAM is shared efficiently across the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine. For loading and running large AI models (LLMs, vision models), you need ample memory. Swapping to disk will kill performance.

      • \n

    • Neural Engine (NPU): Apple Silicon chips feature dedicated Neural Engines designed for accelerated machine learning tasks. OpenClaw and its underlying libraries (like Core ML, PyTorch with MPS) can leverage this for significantly faster inference and processing of AI-specific operations.

      • \n

    • GPU Cores: While the Neural Engine handles many AI tasks, the integrated GPU cores are still vital for general parallel processing, especially for larger models or tasks that aren’t fully optimized for the NPU.

      • \n

    • CPU Cores: Essential for orchestrating tasks, running the OpenClaw agent logic, managing system processes, and handling non-AI specific computations. More performance cores translate to snappier overall system responsiveness.

      • \n

    • SSD Storage: Fast NVMe SSDs are crucial for quickly loading large AI models from disk into unified memory. Sufficient storage space is also necessary for multiple models, datasets, and the OpenClaw environment itself.

      • \n

    \n\n

    The 2026 Mac Mini Landscape: Recommendations for OpenClaw

    \n\n

    By 2026, we anticipate a continued evolution of Apple’s M-series chips. While specific models and names are speculative, we can project based on current trends. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll consider the M4 series as our current benchmark for “best” and project what an “M6” might bring to the table.

    \n\n

    The Mac Mini M6 (Anticipated 2026 Flagship) — The Uncompromising Choice

    \n

    If Apple continues its two-year cadence for Mac Mini updates, a Mac Mini powered by an M6 chip could arrive by late 2025 or early 2026. This would represent the pinnacle of Apple Silicon for desktop machines at that time. We’d expect significant leaps in Neural Engine performance, potentially doubling or tripling the M4’s NPU capabilities, along with higher maximum unified memory configurations.

    \n

      \n

    • Expected Configuration: Look for models offering 32GB, 64GB, or even 128GB of unified memory. The NPU will likely feature 32+ cores, with a substantial increase in memory bandwidth.

      • \n

    • Why it’s the Best: This machine would be an absolute beast for OpenClaw. You could comfortably run multiple, concurrent OpenClaw agent instances, alongside several large local LLMs (e.g., Llama 3 70B, multimodal models, or even fine-tuning smaller models) via Ollama, all without breaking a sweat. It offers the most headroom for future AI model growth and complex multi-agent workflows.

      • \n

    • Real Use Case: A sophisticated personal AI assistant managing complex projects, autonomously researching topics, generating code, processing natural language queries, and interacting with local LLMs for privacy-sensitive tasks. Imagine running a local OpenClaw agent that uses a 70B parameter LLM for advanced reasoning, a local vision model for image understanding, and a local speech-to-text model, all simultaneously.

      • \n

    • Anticipated Price: Expect to pay a premium for the top-tier configurations, likely starting around $1,299 for a base model and escalating to $2,500+ for 64GB+ RAM and 2TB+ SSD.

      • \n

    \n\n

    The Mac Mini M4 (Current Best

    \n

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    \n

    Last Updated: May 2026

    \n

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

    \n

    Need to protect your home server from power outages? See our guide to the best UPS for home server protection →

    Related: Best Raspberry Pi for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    Related: Best VPS for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    Related: Best Raspberry Pi for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    Related: Best VPS for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    Related: Best Raspberry Pi for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    Related: Best VPS for Running OpenClaw in 2026

  • Best VPS for Running OpenClaw in 2026

    The landscape of AI assistants like OpenClaw is evolving rapidly, making them indispensable tools for developers and power users. While running OpenClaw locally offers immediate access, it comes with inherent limitations: your agent is only available when your machine is on, it drains local resources, and accessibility from different devices can be cumbersome. This is where a Virtual Private Server (VPS) shines. By hosting your OpenClaw instance on a VPS, you secure 24/7 availability, universal access, dedicated resources, and a stable environment. This guide will walk you through the best VPS options for running OpenClaw in 2026, offering practical notes, configuration examples, and real-world use cases to help you make an informed decision.

    Looking to get a VPS for your project? Vultr offers reliable VPS hosting starting at $5/month with global data centers. Many OpenClaw users self-host on Vultr for consistent uptime and affordable pricing.

    \n\n

    Why a Virtual Private Server (VPS) for OpenClaw?

    \n\n

    For any serious OpenClaw user, moving beyond a local setup is a logical next step. A VPS provides several critical advantages:

    \n

  • OpenClaw Skills: What They Are and How to Use Them

    One of the most powerful features of OpenClaw is its Skills system. Skills are modular extensions that give your OpenClaw agent new capabilities — from checking the weather to running full coding sessions. If you want to get more out of OpenClaw, understanding skills is essential.

    Looking to get a VPS for your project? Vultr offers reliable VPS hosting starting at $5/month with global data centers. Many OpenClaw users self-host on Vultr for consistent uptime and affordable pricing.

    \n

    What Are OpenClaw Skills?

    \n

    Skills are self-contained capability packages that you install into OpenClaw. Each skill comes with its own SKILL.md file that tells the agent exactly how and when to use it. When a task matches a skill’s description, OpenClaw automatically loads and follows the skill’s instructions.

    \n

    Think of skills like apps on your phone — OpenClaw is the operating system, and skills extend what it can do without modifying the core.

    \n

    How to Install OpenClaw Skills

    \n

    Skills live in your OpenClaw installation directory. To install a skill:

    \n

      \n

    1. Download the skill package (usually a folder with a SKILL.md and any supporting files)

      2. \n

    2. Place it in your OpenClaw skills directory

      3. \n

    3. OpenClaw automatically discovers and loads it on next startup

      4. \n

    \n

    You can also find community skills on ClawhHub.com — the official skill marketplace.

    \n

    Built-In Skills That Come With OpenClaw

    \n

    Coding Agent

    \n

    Delegates complex coding tasks to Codex, Claude Code, or Pi agents running in the background. Perfect for building new features, reviewing PRs, or refactoring large codebases without blocking your main session.

    \n

    Weather

    \n

    Gets current weather and forecasts via wttr.in or Open-Meteo. No API key needed. Just ask “what’s the weather in New York?” and OpenClaw handles it.

    \n

    Healthcheck

    \n

    Security hardening and risk-tolerance configuration for OpenClaw deployments. Runs firewall checks, SSH hardening, update status, and more — useful for VPS deployments especially.

    \n

    MCP Porter

    \n

    Connects OpenClaw to MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and tools. Lets you list, configure, and call external services directly from your agent.

    \n

    Node Connect

    \n

    Diagnoses OpenClaw node connection and pairing failures. Essential for multi-device setups running OpenClaw across Android, iOS, and macOS.

    \n

    Skill Creator

    \n

    Meta-skill that helps you create new skills. Describe what you want the skill to do and it builds the SKILL.md for you.

    \n

    How OpenClaw Chooses Which Skill to Use

    \n

    Before responding to any request, OpenClaw scans the descriptions of all installed skills. If one clearly matches the task, it reads that skill’s instructions and follows them. If multiple could apply, it picks the most specific one.

    \n

    This means skill selection is automatic — you don’t need to explicitly activate a skill. Just ask OpenClaw to do something and it figures out if a skill applies.

    \n

    Creating Your Own Skills

    \n

    Custom skills are just folders with a SKILL.md file. The file contains:

    \n

      \n

    • A name and description (what triggers the skill)

      • \n

    • A location (path to the skill folder)

      • \n

    • Instructions for the agent (what to do when triggered)

      • \n

    • Any supporting scripts or reference files

      • \n

    \n

    You can create skills for anything repetitive — generating reports, checking APIs, managing files, posting to social media. If you can describe the process in plain language, you can turn it into a skill.

    \n

    Running Skills 24/7

    \n

    To get the most value from skills, OpenClaw needs to run continuously. This is where your hardware choice matters. A DigitalOcean droplet (starting at $4/month — new users get $200 credit) is the easiest way to keep OpenClaw running around the clock, with all your skills available at any time.

    \n

    For local hosting, a Mac Mini or Raspberry Pi 5 running OpenClaw as a background service works well too.

    \n

    Where to Find More Skills

    \n

      \n

    • ClawhHub.com — official skill marketplace

      • \n

    • The OpenClaw Discord — community-built skills

      • \n

    • GitHub — search “OpenClaw skill”

      • \n

    \n

    Skills are what turn OpenClaw from a chat assistant into a genuine autonomous agent. The more skills you install, the more tasks OpenClaw can handle without you. That’s the goal.

    \n\n

    ? Recommended: Automation Business Book | Productivity Desk Mat

    \n

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    \n

    Last Updated: May 2026

    \n

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

    \n

    Want to automate WordPress with OpenClaw? See our guide to setting up OpenClaw skills for WordPress automation →

  • OpenClaw Commands: The Complete Reference

    OpenClaw Commands: The Complete Reference

    OpenClaw gives you two ways to control your agent: CLI commands (run in your terminal) and slash commands (sent through chat like Telegram). This guide covers both, with clear explanations of what each command does.

    CLI Commands (Terminal)

    These commands are typed into your terminal to manage the OpenClaw process itself.

    Core Commands

    • openclaw init — Set up a new OpenClaw workspace and run the configuration wizard
    • openclaw start — Start your OpenClaw agent in the foreground
    • openclaw start --background — Start OpenClaw as a background daemon
    • openclaw stop — Stop the running agent
    • openclaw restart — Restart the agent (useful after config changes)
    • openclaw status — Check whether the agent is currently running
    • openclaw --version — Display the installed version of OpenClaw
    • openclaw help — Show available commands and options

    Gateway Commands

    The gateway is OpenClaw’s internal routing service — it connects your agent to channels like Telegram.

    • openclaw gateway start — Start the gateway service
    • openclaw gateway stop — Stop the gateway service
    • openclaw gateway restart — Restart the gateway
    • openclaw gateway status — Check gateway health and connection state

    Plugin Commands

    Plugins extend OpenClaw’s functionality — adding support for new channels, tools, and integrations.

    • openclaw plugin install <name> — Install a plugin (e.g., openclaw plugin install telegram)
    • openclaw plugin list — List installed plugins
    • openclaw plugin remove <name> — Uninstall a plugin
    • openclaw plugin update <name> — Update a plugin to the latest version

    Update Commands

    • npm install -g openclaw@latest — Update OpenClaw to the latest version
    • openclaw update — Check for and apply available updates (if supported in your version)

    Chat Slash Commands

    These commands are sent as messages directly to your agent through Telegram (or another chat channel). They start with a forward slash /.

    Session & Control

    • /status — Show current agent status, session info, model, and active settings
    • /reset — Clear the current conversation context and start fresh
    • /stop — Pause or stop an ongoing task
    • /pause — Pause agent activity temporarily
    • /resume — Resume agent activity after a pause

    Memory & Context

    • /memory — Ask the agent to summarize or review what it remembers about you
    • /forget [topic] — Tell the agent to discard specific information from its memory
    • /context — Display the current loaded context and workspace files

    Reasoning & Thinking

    • /reasoning — Toggle extended reasoning mode (the agent thinks through problems more deeply before responding)
    • /think — Ask the agent to reason through a problem step-by-step before answering

    Model & Settings

    • /model — Show or change the current AI model in use
    • /model claude-opus-4 — Switch to a specific model by name
    • /settings — View and change agent configuration settings mid-session

    Approval & Permissions

    When OpenClaw wants to run a potentially sensitive action (like running a shell command), it may ask for approval. These commands let you respond:

    • /approve allow-once — Approve the action this one time
    • /approve allow-always — Approve and remember permission for future similar actions
    • /approve deny — Deny the action

    Agent Tasks & Subagents

    • /subagent [task] — Spawn a subagent to handle a specific task in the background
    • /agents — List active subagent sessions
    • /yield — Signal the current session to yield to a spawned subagent result

    Cron & Scheduling

    • /cron list — Show all scheduled cron jobs
    • /cron add [schedule] [task] — Add a new scheduled task
    • /cron remove [id] — Remove a scheduled task

    Utility

    • /help — Show available slash commands
    • /ping — Simple connectivity check — agent responds with “pong”
    • /version — Show the running version of OpenClaw
    • /uptime — How long the current session has been running

    Workspace File Controls

    Beyond commands, many OpenClaw behaviors are controlled by editing files in your workspace folder:

    • SOUL.md — Agent personality, tone, and behavioral rules
    • USER.md — Your profile, preferences, and context
    • AGENTS.md — Operational instructions and startup routines
    • MEMORY.md — Long-term memory (curated summaries of important info)
    • HEARTBEAT.md — Checklist for periodic agent check-ins
    • TOOLS.md — Notes about connected tools, credentials, and APIs
    • memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md — Daily activity logs

    Editing these files directly is how you “configure” your agent’s behavior in a human-readable way. No JSON or complex settings panels required.

    Tips for Power Users

    • Use /reasoning for complex tasks — it noticeably improves accuracy on multi-step problems
    • Combine /cron scheduling with custom prompts to automate daily briefings
    • Keep HEARTBEAT.md short (5–10 items) to minimize token usage on frequent check-ins
    • If a task is running too long, send /stop — the agent will wrap up and report what it’s done so far

    Related Guides

    🛒 Recommended: Automation Business Book | Productivity Desk Mat

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    Last Updated: May 2026

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

    Want to see what OpenClaw can really do? Check out this wild project building AI agents with physical bodies →

    Related: OpenClaw Configuration Reference

    Related: OpenClaw Gateway: Configuration Reference

  • OpenClaw for Small Business Owners: A Practical Guide

    OpenClaw for Small Business Owners: A Practical Guide

    Running a small business means wearing every hat — sales, operations, customer service, marketing, bookkeeping. There’s never enough time. OpenClaw is an AI agent platform that can take a meaningful chunk of the admin workload off your plate, letting you focus on the work that actually moves the needle.

    This guide is written for business owners who are not technical. No jargon. No coding. Just practical use cases and how to get started.

    What OpenClaw Can Do for Your Business

    Think of OpenClaw as a virtual assistant that never sleeps, learns your preferences over time, and can handle a wide range of tasks via simple text messages. Here’s what small business owners are actually using it for:

    Customer Communication

    • Draft responses to customer inquiries (you review and send, or it sends automatically)
    • Follow up with leads who haven’t responded after a set number of days
    • Send appointment reminders via Telegram or email
    • Respond to common questions with pre-approved answers

    Daily Briefings

    • Get a morning summary of unread emails and priority items
    • See a daily rundown of your calendar and upcoming deadlines
    • Receive alerts for urgent client messages or time-sensitive issues

    Content and Marketing

    • Draft social media posts for the week in one sitting
    • Repurpose content (a blog post → email newsletter → three social posts)
    • Research competitors and summarize what they’re doing
    • Write first drafts of blog posts or case studies

    Research and Reporting

    • Research vendors, suppliers, or potential partners before a call
    • Summarize industry news relevant to your business
    • Track specific topics or competitor mentions online
    • Compile weekly or monthly performance summaries

    Internal Operations

    • Create and manage to-do lists and project notes
    • Draft SOPs (standard operating procedures) from your voice notes
    • Organize files and documents in your workspace folder
    • Set reminders and automated check-ins for recurring tasks

    Real-World Scenarios by Business Type

    Freelance Consultant or Coach

    Before client calls, ask your agent to research the client’s business, recent news, and any notes from previous conversations. Ask it to draft a follow-up email after the call. Have it remind you to invoice clients at month-end. This alone can save 3–5 hours per week.

    Retail Store (Online or Physical)

    Monitor supplier websites for inventory changes. Draft product descriptions. Respond to common customer questions. Track your best-selling products by reviewing sales data files. Get a daily summary of order volume and issues.

    Restaurant or Food Business

    Draft responses to reviews (you approve before posting). Create weekly specials posts for social media. Monitor reservation requests from email. Draft staff schedule reminders. Track local event calendars for catering opportunities.

    Real Estate Agent

    Get alerts when new listings match client criteria (if you configure web monitoring). Draft personalized follow-up emails for leads. Summarize recent property market trends from news feeds. Create social media posts for new listings.

    Trades Business (Plumber, Electrician, Contractor)

    Draft quotes and follow-up messages. Organize job notes and client history. Send appointment confirmation reminders via Telegram. Track material costs by summarizing supplier invoices you send as images.

    How to Get Started (Non-Technical Version)

    You don’t need to be technical to get OpenClaw running. Here’s the simple path:

    Option A: DIY Setup

    1. Follow our 30-minute setup guide
    2. Host it on a cheap cloud server (about $4–6/month on DigitalOcean or Vultr)
    3. Connect it to Telegram for mobile access
    4. Spend 30 minutes customizing the USER.md and SOUL.md files to tell it about your business

    Option B: Hire Someone to Set It Up

    If you’d rather not touch any of the technical setup, there are freelancers on Upwork and Fiverr who specialize in OpenClaw configuration. A basic setup service typically runs $150–$400 and includes configuration, Telegram connection, and a brief training session.

    What to Tell Your Agent About Your Business

    The more context your agent has, the more useful it becomes. Edit the USER.md file in your workspace to include:

    • Your name and your business name
    • What you do and who your customers are
    • Your working hours and timezone
    • Your communication style (formal vs. casual)
    • Your most common tasks and pain points
    • Key contacts (important clients, suppliers, team members)
    • Tools you use (CRM name, email platform, project management tool)

    Think of this like onboarding a new employee. The more you explain upfront, the faster they become effective.

    Costs: What to Expect

    Running OpenClaw for a small business typically costs:

    • OpenClaw software: Free (open-source)
    • AI model (Claude API): $5–$20/month depending on usage
    • VPS hosting (for 24/7 operation): $4–$6/month
    • Total: ~$10–$26/month

    Compare that to a part-time virtual assistant ($15–$25/hour) or a no-code automation tool like Zapier ($20–$49/month) — and the value is obvious.

    Limitations to Know About

    OpenClaw is powerful, but it’s not magic. Be realistic about what it can and can’t do:

    • It makes mistakes. Always review important customer-facing content before it goes out
    • It needs good instructions. Vague requests get vague results. Be specific
    • It’s not a CRM. It’s not going to replace Salesforce or HubSpot for complex sales tracking
    • Setup takes time. The first few weeks involve a lot of tweaking as your agent learns your preferences

    The Business Owner’s Quick-Start Checklist

    • ☐ Install OpenClaw and connect Telegram
    • ☐ Edit USER.md with your business context
    • ☐ Set up HEARTBEAT.md with daily check-in tasks
    • ☐ Test with 5–10 real tasks from your workday
    • ☐ Identify the 3 most time-consuming repeatable tasks and configure the agent to handle them
    • ☐ After 2 weeks: evaluate what’s working and refine

    Resources

    The small business owners getting the most value from AI agents right now are the ones who jumped in early, accepted a few weeks of learning curve, and built workflows that match their actual business. Start small, stay consistent, and let the agent prove its value over time.

    Recommended on Amazon: Homelab Book | Linux Command Line Book

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    Last Updated: May 2026

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

    Want to see what OpenClaw can really do? Check out this wild project building AI agents with physical bodies →

  • OpenClaw Skills: How to Install and Use Them

    Looking to get a VPS for your project? Vultr offers reliable VPS hosting starting at $5/month with global data centers. Many OpenClaw users self-host on Vultr for consistent uptime and affordable pricing.

    \n

    OpenClaw Skills: How to Install and Use Them

    \n

    Out of the box, OpenClaw can browse the web, read files, run commands, and chat via Telegram. But Skills take it much further. Think of Skills like apps for your AI agent — each one adds a specific new capability. This guide explains how the Skills system works, how to install Skills, and how to get the most out of them.

    \n

    What Are OpenClaw Skills?

    \n

    Skills are modular add-ons that extend what your OpenClaw agent can do. They’re typically a folder containing a SKILL.md file with instructions, plus any supporting scripts, templates, or reference data.

    \n

    When you install a Skill, your agent gains access to new knowledge and new abilities. The SKILL.md file tells your agent when and how to use the Skill — in plain English, not code. This makes Skills accessible to both developers and non-technical users.

    \n

    Some Skills are general-purpose, while others are highly specialized:

    \n

      \n

    • Weather Skill: Fetch current weather and forecasts for any location

      • \n

    • Coding Agent Skill: Delegate software development tasks to a sub-agent

      • \n

    • Healthcheck Skill: Audit your server’s security and configuration

      • \n

    • MCP Porter Skill: Connect and manage MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers

      • \n

    • Node Connect Skill: Diagnose connection issues with OpenClaw companion apps

      • \n

    \n

    How Skills Work

    \n

    When you send your agent a task, it scans the available Skills to see if any are relevant. If a match is found, the agent reads that Skill’s SKILL.md instructions before proceeding. This gives the agent specialized context it wouldn’t otherwise have.

    \n

    For example, if you ask about the weather, the Weather Skill tells your agent exactly which API to use, what format to request, and how to present the result clearly. Without the Skill, your agent could figure out weather lookup on its own — but the Skill makes it faster, more consistent, and more accurate.

    \n

    Where Skills Are Stored

    \n

    Skills are stored in the OpenClaw package directory, typically:

    \n

      \n

    • Windows: %APPDATA%npmnode_modulesopenclawskills

      • \n

    • macOS/Linux: /usr/local/lib/node_modules/openclaw/skills/

      • \n

    \n

    Each Skill is a subfolder with at minimum a SKILL.md file inside it.

    \n

    Built-In Skills

    \n

    OpenClaw ships with several Skills pre-installed:

    \n

    weather

    \n

    What it does: Gets current weather and forecasts using wttr.in or Open-Meteo APIs (no API key needed).

    \n

    When it activates: Whenever you ask about weather, temperature, or forecasts for any location.

    \n

    Example prompts: “What’s the weather in Chicago?” / “Will it rain this weekend in Seattle?”

    \n

    coding-agent

    \n

    What it does: Delegates complex coding tasks to a specialized sub-agent (Codex, Claude Code, etc.) that can explore your codebase and build features iteratively.

    \n

    When it activates: For building new features, reviewing code, refactoring large codebases, or iterative development tasks.

    \n

    Example prompts: “Build a Python script to parse my invoices” / “Review the code in /projects/myapp and suggest improvements”

    \n

    healthcheck

    \n

    What it does: Audits your host’s security configuration — firewall rules, SSH settings, system updates, and overall risk posture.

    \n

    When it activates: When you ask for security audits, hardening recommendations, or version checks.

    \n

    Example prompts: “Run a security check on this server” / “What’s my current risk exposure?”

    \n

    mcporter

    \n

    What it does: Manages MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers — letting your agent call external tools and services directly.

    \n

    When it activates: When managing or calling MCP server tools.

    \n

    node-connect

    \n

    What it does: Diagnoses connection issues between OpenClaw and companion apps (Android, iOS, macOS).

    \n

    When it activates: When you have QR code or pairing failures, connection errors, or setup code issues.

    \n

    skill-creator

    \n

    What it does: Helps create, edit, improve, or audit Skills themselves — including writing SKILL.md files and organizing Skill directories.

    \n

    When it activates: When asked to “create a skill,” “improve a skill,” “audit a skill,” etc.

    \n

    Installing a New Skill

    \n

    There are two ways to add Skills to OpenClaw:

    \n

    Method 1: From npm (Official Skills)

    \n

    If a Skill is published as an npm package, install it with:

    \n

    npm install -g openclaw-skill-[name]

    \n

    The Skill will be placed in the correct location automatically.

    \n

    Method 2: Manually (Custom Skills)

    \n

    For custom or community Skills:

    \n

      \n

    1. Download or create the Skill folder

      2. \n

    2. Place it in the skills/ directory of your OpenClaw installation

      3. \n

    3. Make sure it contains a valid SKILL.md file

      4. \n

    4. Restart OpenClaw

      5. \n

    \n

    Creating Your Own Skills

    \n

    Skills are surprisingly easy to create — the core of any Skill is just a plain text markdown file. A basic SKILL.md contains:

    \n

      \n

    • A description of what the Skill does

      • \n

    • Instructions for when to activate it

      • \n

    • Step-by-step guidance for the agent

      • \n

    • Any relevant reference data, API details, or scripts

      • \n

    \n

    You write Skills in plain English. No coding required for basic Skills.

    \n

    Example: You could create a “social-media” Skill that tells your agent the exact format, hashtags, and tone to use when drafting posts for your brand’s social media accounts.

    \n

    Use the built-in skill-creator Skill to get help writing new Skills:

    \n

    Create a Skill for [describe what you want it to do]

    \n

    Tips for Getting the Most from Skills

    \n

      \n

    • Keep Skills focused: One Skill, one job. Don’t try to cram everything into one SKILL.md

      • \n

    • Test with clear prompts: After installing a Skill, test it with prompts that closely match its description to confirm it activates correctly

      • \n

    • Update regularly: Official Skills may be updated with bug fixes and improvements — keep OpenClaw updated to get them

      • \n

    • Document your custom Skills: If you build a Skill for your own use, write clear notes in the SKILL.md about what it does and what prompts activate it

      • \n

    • Use reference files: Large reference data (like a product catalog or FAQ) can be stored in the Skill’s references/ subfolder and loaded when needed

      • \n

    \n

    Skill Ideas for Common Use Cases

    \n

    Here are some custom Skills worth building for everyday users:

    \n

      \n

    • email-summarizer: Instructions for how to summarize your emails with the right priority levels and format

      • \n

    • social-media: Brand voice, posting schedule, and hashtag guidelines for your social accounts

      • \n

    • research-reporter: A template and process for how to produce research reports on any topic

      • \n

    • client-communications: Tone, phrasing, and protocol for responding to client emails in your freelance business

      • \n

    • daily-briefing: Format and content for your agent’s morning summary

      • \n

    \n

    Related Guides

    \n

    \n\n

    ? Recommended: Automation Business Book | Productivity Desk Mat

    \n

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    \n

    Last Updated: May 2026

    \n

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

    \n

    Want to automate WordPress with OpenClaw? See our guide to setting up OpenClaw skills for WordPress automation →

  • How to Make Money with OpenClaw

    How to Make Money with OpenClaw

    OpenClaw isn’t just a productivity tool — it’s a platform for building income streams. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or someone exploring side hustles, there are concrete ways to turn an AI agent into a money-making asset. Here are the most realistic approaches in 2026.

    The Big Picture: Why OpenClaw Is a Business Tool

    Time is the most valuable resource for anyone running their own business or doing freelance work. OpenClaw multiplies your time. It handles repetitive tasks, works while you sleep, and lets you take on more clients or projects without burning out.

    The people making real money with AI agents aren’t selling AI — they’re using AI to do more of what they were already good at, faster and cheaper.

    1. Sell AI Automation Services to Local Businesses

    Most small businesses have no idea how to set up AI tools. They know they should be using AI, but they don’t have the technical skills or time to figure it out. That’s an opportunity.

    You can offer setup and management services:

    • Set up an OpenClaw agent for a business owner
    • Configure it to handle their specific workflows (appointment reminders, lead follow-up, daily reports)
    • Charge a setup fee ($200–$500) and a monthly maintenance retainer ($50–$200)

    Local restaurants, real estate agents, consultants, and retail stores are all potential clients. They don’t need enterprise software — a well-configured OpenClaw agent on a cheap VPS can handle 80% of their automation needs.

    Hosting costs: around $4–6/month on DigitalOcean or Vultr. If you charge $100/month for managed AI service, your margins are excellent.

    2. Freelance Content Creation at Scale

    Content is one of the highest-demand freelance skills, and OpenClaw dramatically increases what one person can produce. Use your agent to:

    • Research topics and generate detailed article outlines
    • Draft long-form blog posts (which you edit and refine)
    • Write social media content calendars for clients
    • Repurpose one piece of content into many formats (article → LinkedIn post → Twitter thread → email newsletter)
    • Monitor clients’ industries for news and trending topics

    A human writer who can produce 2–3 articles per week can produce 8–10 with the right AI workflow. That’s 3–4x your effective billing capacity.

    3. Build a Niche Information Site (Like This One)

    Find a topic you know well, build a content site around it, and use OpenClaw to accelerate content production. Monetize with:

    • Affiliate links (hosting, software, tools your audience uses)
    • Display advertising (once traffic grows)
    • Sponsored posts and reviews
    • Digital products (guides, templates, courses)

    OpenClaw can help with keyword research, draft articles based on your outlines, and even monitor your analytics and report trends. You provide the strategy and editorial judgment; the agent handles the grunt work.

    4. Automate Your Existing Freelance Business

    If you’re already freelancing — as a designer, developer, consultant, accountant — OpenClaw can handle the administrative overhead that eats into your billable hours:

    • Follow up with leads who haven’t responded
    • Draft and send routine client updates
    • Summarize client emails and flag urgent items
    • Track project deadlines and send yourself reminders
    • Research topics before client calls
    • Generate first drafts of proposals and scopes of work

    Recovering 5–10 hours per week from admin tasks is worth thousands of dollars in additional billing capacity annually.

    5. Offer OpenClaw Setup and Training as a Service

    There’s a growing market of people who want to use OpenClaw but don’t know where to start. If you’re comfortable with the platform, you can sell:

    • Setup services: Install, configure, and connect Telegram for clients ($150–$400)
    • Custom configuration: Set up SOUL.md, USER.md, Skills, and workflows for specific use cases ($200–$600)
    • Training sessions: 1-hour calls teaching clients how to use their agent ($75–$150/hour)
    • Ongoing support packages: Monthly subscription for help and updates ($50–$150/month)

    Market this on Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, or local business groups. The niche is new enough that there’s little competition.

    6. Build and Sell Custom OpenClaw Skills

    OpenClaw Skills are modular add-ons that extend what agents can do. If you’re a developer, building and distributing Skills is a way to establish authority in the space — and potentially monetize through:

    • Premium paid Skills for business use cases
    • GitHub sponsorships
    • Consulting work that flows from your visibility as a Skills developer

    Non-developers can participate too by documenting, packaging, and sharing useful agent configurations and workflow templates.

    7. Monitor and Arbitrage Information

    OpenClaw can monitor websites, RSS feeds, social media, and other sources for specific information — then alert you immediately when conditions are met. Smart use of this capability can drive income through:

    • Monitoring competitor pricing and adjusting your own in real time
    • Tracking grant or contract opportunities in your industry and applying quickly
    • Watching for domain names that expire and match valuable keywords
    • Monitoring job boards for specific clients or roles
    • Tracking product availability for resale or personal opportunities

    8. Productize Recurring Research Tasks

    Many businesses pay for regular research reports: competitor analysis, market trends, regulatory updates. You can productize this as a subscription:

    • Charge $50–$200/month for weekly reports on a specific niche
    • Use OpenClaw to gather and summarize the raw data
    • Add your own analysis and format into a clean deliverable
    • Deliver via email or a simple PDF

    With OpenClaw handling the research legwork, you can serve 5–10 clients with a few hours of work per week.

    What You Actually Need to Get Started

    To pursue any of these income streams seriously:

    • OpenClaw running 24/7 — This means a VPS. See our Best Hosting for OpenClaw guide for affordable options starting at $4/month on DigitalOcean or Vultr
    • A clear use case — Don’t try everything at once. Pick one income stream and nail it
    • Basic setup skills — Our Setup Guide walks you through everything
    • Time to iterate — Your first agent configuration won’t be perfect. Give it a few weeks to tune

    Realistic Expectations

    OpenClaw is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a leverage tool. It makes a skilled person more productive. The income potential scales with the quality of work and ideas you bring to it.

    That said, freelancers who integrate AI agents into their workflows are reporting 2–4x increases in output with the same time investment. For someone billing $50/hour, that’s a real and meaningful income boost.

    The competitive moat? Most people are still not doing this. Early movers in AI-assisted services have a real advantage right now.

    🛒 Recommended: Automation Business Book | Productivity Desk Mat

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    Last Updated: May 2026

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

  • OpenClaw Telegram Setup: Complete Guide

    Looking to get a VPS for your project? Vultr offers reliable VPS hosting starting at $5/month with global data centers. Many OpenClaw users self-host on Vultr for consistent uptime and affordable pricing.

    \n

    OpenClaw Telegram Setup: Complete Guide

    \n

    Telegram is the primary way most people interact with their OpenClaw agent. It turns your AI assistant into a mobile-friendly chat interface — you can send it tasks, receive proactive updates, and control your agent from anywhere using just your phone. This guide covers everything from creating your bot to advanced configuration.

    \n

    Why Telegram?

    \n

    OpenClaw supports multiple communication channels, but Telegram is the most popular for good reasons:

    \n

      \n

    • Free: Telegram is completely free with no ads

      • \n

    • Fast: Messages are delivered almost instantly

      • \n

    • Cross-platform: Works on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and browser

      • \n

    • Bot API: Telegram has an excellent, well-documented bot system

      • \n

    • Secure: End-to-end encryption available

      • \n

    • No phone number required for bots: Your bot communicates privately without exposing personal info

      • \n

    \n

    Prerequisites

    \n

    Before starting, make sure you have:

    \n

      \n

    • OpenClaw installed and configured (see our Setup Guide if not)

      • \n

    • A Telegram account (download at telegram.org or your app store)

      • \n

    • Your Anthropic API key already configured in OpenClaw

      • \n

    \n

    Step 1: Create Your Telegram Bot

    \n

    Every OpenClaw agent needs its own Telegram bot. Creating one is free and takes about 2 minutes:

    \n

      \n

    1. Open Telegram and search for @BotFather (the official bot creation service from Telegram)

      2. \n

    2. Start a conversation and send: /newbot

      3. \n

    3. BotFather will ask for a name — this is the display name (e.g., “My Assistant”)

      4. \n

    4. Then it will ask for a username — must end in “bot” (e.g., “myassistant_bot” or “john_agent_bot”)

      5. \n

    5. BotFather will send you a bot token — a long string that looks like 1234567890:ABCdefGHIjklMNOpqrSTUvwxyz

      6. \n

    6. Copy and save this token somewhere safe — treat it like a password

      7. \n

    \n

    Important: Keep your bot token private. Anyone with the token can control your bot.

    \n

    Step 2: Install the Telegram Plugin

    \n

    In your terminal, install the OpenClaw Telegram plugin:

    \n

    openclaw plugin install telegram

    \n

    The installer will prompt you for your bot token. Paste it in and press Enter.

    \n

    Step 3: Configure Your Chat ID

    \n

    For security, you’ll want to restrict your bot to only respond to messages from you (or your team). This requires your Telegram user ID.

    \n

    To find your user ID:

    \n

      \n

    1. Search for @userinfobot on Telegram

      2. \n

    2. Send it any message

      3. \n

    3. It will reply with your numeric user ID (e.g., 123456789)

      4. \n

    \n

    Add this to your OpenClaw Telegram plugin configuration so the bot ignores messages from anyone else.

    \n

    Step 4: Start OpenClaw and Test

    \n

    Start your OpenClaw agent:

    \n

    openclaw start

    \n

    Now go to Telegram, find your bot (search by username), and start a conversation. Send a simple message like:

    \n

    Hello, are you there?

    \n

    Your agent should respond within a few seconds. If it does — you’re set up correctly!

    \n

    Understanding Your Bot’s Behavior

    \n

    Once connected, you can interact with your OpenClaw agent just like you would with any Telegram chat:

    \n

      \n

    • Send messages asking it to do things: “Search for the weather in New York”

      • \n

    • Give it tasks: “Create a new file called meeting-notes.md with today’s date”

      • \n

    • Ask questions: “What did we talk about last Tuesday?”

      • \n

    • Use slash commands: /status, /reset, /reasoning

      • \n

    \n

    Setting Up Proactive Notifications

    \n

    One of OpenClaw’s best features is that it can message you — without you asking first. This is called a heartbeat or proactive notification.

    \n

    To configure this, edit your HEARTBEAT.md file in your workspace:

    \n

      \n

    • List things you want the agent to check periodically (emails, calendar, weather)

      • \n

    • Set quiet hours so it doesn’t disturb you at night

      • \n

    • Define when it should reach out vs. stay silent

      • \n

    \n

    Example heartbeat checklist:

    \n

    - Check email for urgent messages\n- Check calendar for events in the next 2 hours\n- Check weather if it's morning (6-10am)\n- Stay quiet between 11pm and 8am

    \n

    Using OpenClaw in Telegram Groups

    \n

    You can add your OpenClaw bot to Telegram group chats — useful if you want to share your agent with a small team or family.

    \n

    To add your bot to a group:

    \n

      \n

    1. Open the group in Telegram

      2. \n

    2. Tap the group name → Edit → Add Members

      3. \n

    3. Search for your bot’s username and add it

      4. \n

    4. Make the bot an admin if you want it to read all messages (required for some features)

      5. \n

    \n

    Privacy tip: In groups, OpenClaw will see all messages. Configure it to only respond when directly mentioned (@yourbotname) to avoid it replying to every conversation.

    \n

    Telegram Commands Reference

    \n

    These commands work when sent to your OpenClaw bot in Telegram:

    \n

      \n

    • /start — Initiate conversation with the bot

      • \n

    • /help — List available commands

      • \n

    • /status — See agent status and active settings

      • \n

    • /reset — Clear conversation context

      • \n

    • /reasoning — Toggle extended thinking mode

      • \n

    • /stop — Stop a running task

      • \n

    • /approve allow-once — Approve a pending action

      • \n

    • /approve deny — Deny a pending action

      • \n

    \n

    Troubleshooting Common Issues

    \n

    Bot Doesn’t Respond

    \n

      \n

    • Check that OpenClaw is still running (openclaw status)

      • \n

    • Verify the bot token is correct in your configuration

      • \n

    • Make sure you’re messaging the right bot (search by exact username)

      • \n

    • Check that your user ID is whitelisted if you set up restrictions

      • \n

    \n

    Bot Responds Slowly

    \n

      \n

    • Normal response time is 3–15 seconds depending on task complexity

      • \n

    • Very slow responses (30+ seconds) may indicate API issues on Anthropic’s end

      • \n

    • Check your internet connection or VPS connectivity

      • \n

    \n

    “Unauthorized” Errors

    \n

      \n

    • Your bot token may be invalid or revoked — generate a new one from BotFather

      • \n

    • Make sure you copied the full token with no extra spaces

      • \n

    \n

    Bot Works But Stops After a Few Hours

    \n

      \n

    • OpenClaw likely crashed or your session ended — use PM2 to keep it running persistently

      • \n

    • On a VPS: pm2 start openclaw -- start && pm2 save && pm2 startup

      • \n

    \n

    Pro Tips for Daily Use

    \n

      \n

    • Pin your bot chat: In Telegram, long-press the bot chat and pin it for quick access

      • \n

    • Create a shortcut: Add the bot to your phone’s home screen for one-tap access

      • \n

    • Use voice messages: Many versions of OpenClaw support voice message transcription — speak your tasks instead of typing

      • \n

    • Send files directly: You can send documents, images, and files to the bot for processing

      • \n

    • Set custom notifications: Configure Telegram to give your bot a distinctive notification tone so you notice proactive messages

      • \n

    \n

    Next Steps

    \n

    With Telegram connected, your OpenClaw agent is fully operational. Explore what it can do:

    \n

    \n\n

    ? Recommended: Automation Business Book | Productivity Desk Mat

    \n

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    \n

    Last Updated: May 2026

    \n

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

    \n

    Want to see what OpenClaw can really do? Check out this wild project building AI agents with physical bodies →

  • Best Hosting for OpenClaw in 2026

    Best Hosting for OpenClaw in 2026

    Running OpenClaw on your laptop works great for testing, but for a truly always-on AI assistant, you need a server that never sleeps. That means a VPS — a Virtual Private Server in the cloud that you rent by the month and control completely.

    This guide covers the best VPS hosting options for OpenClaw in 2026, what specs you actually need, and how to get set up quickly.

    Do You Actually Need a VPS?

    You don’t need one to use OpenClaw — but most serious users eventually move to a VPS. Here’s why:

    • Always-on: Your agent answers messages, runs scheduled tasks, and monitors things even while your laptop is closed
    • Reliability: No interruptions from your computer sleeping, rebooting, or running out of battery
    • Performance: A dedicated Linux server runs OpenClaw cleaner and faster than a shared home computer
    • Accessibility: Your agent is reachable from anywhere in the world, not just your home network

    The cost is low — as little as $4–$6/month — and the improvement in usefulness is significant.

    What Specs Does OpenClaw Need?

    OpenClaw is lightweight. The AI processing happens on Anthropic’s servers (via API), so your VPS just needs to handle the coordination layer:

    • CPU: 1 vCPU is plenty
    • RAM: 512MB minimum; 1GB recommended for comfortable operation
    • Storage: 10–20GB SSD is more than enough
    • OS: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (most compatible, well-documented)
    • Bandwidth: Minimal — OpenClaw sends small API requests, not large files

    The cheapest tier at any major VPS provider will handle OpenClaw comfortably.

    Best VPS Providers for OpenClaw

    1. DigitalOcean — Best for Beginners

    DigitalOcean is the most beginner-friendly VPS provider available. Their “Droplets” (virtual machines) are easy to create, and their documentation is genuinely excellent.

    Key details:

    • Starting price: $4/month (512MB RAM, 10GB SSD, 500GB transfer)
    • One-click Ubuntu server creation
    • Excellent beginner guides and tutorials
    • Clean, intuitive control panel
    • Managed databases and other services available if you expand
    • Datacenter locations: US, EU, Asia, Australia

    Best for: First-time VPS users, people who want solid documentation and support, anyone starting with a minimal budget.

    Get started with DigitalOcean →

    2. Vultr — Best for Value and Speed

    Vultr offers some of the best performance-per-dollar in the VPS market. Their network is fast, their pricing is competitive, and they have an unusually large number of datacenter locations.

    Key details:

    • Starting price: $2.50/month (IPv6 only) or $3.50/month (IPv4) — the most affordable entry point
    • High-performance NVMe SSD storage
    • 25+ datacenter locations worldwide
    • Snapshot/backup features built in
    • Bare metal and high-frequency compute options for scaling
    • Clean API for automation

    Best for: Users who want the cheapest reliable option, developers comfortable with VPS management, anyone needing a specific geographic location.

    Get started with Vultr →

    3. Linode (Akamai Cloud) — Reliable and Established

    Linode has been around since 2003 and is now part of Akamai. It’s well-regarded for reliability and straightforward pricing. Not the cheapest, but very dependable.

    Key details:

    • Starting price: $5/month (1GB RAM, 25GB SSD)
    • Excellent uptime record
    • Good documentation and community
    • Managed Kubernetes available for advanced users

    Best for: Users who prioritize reliability and don’t mind paying a bit more.

    4. Hetzner — Best European Option

    Hetzner is popular in Europe for its exceptional price-to-performance ratio. Their datacenters are in Germany and Finland, plus they have US locations.

    Key details:

    • Starting price: €3.29/month (2GB RAM, 20GB SSD) — outstanding specs for the price
    • More RAM and storage than competitors at lower price points
    • Strong privacy reputation (German company, strict data laws)
    • Less beginner-friendly interface than DigitalOcean

    Best for: European users, privacy-conscious users, and anyone who wants maximum specs for minimum cost.

    Quick Comparison Table

    • DigitalOcean: $4/mo | 512MB RAM | Beginner-friendly | 14 locations | Sign up
    • Vultr: $3.50/mo | 512MB RAM | Best value | 25+ locations | Sign up
    • Linode: $5/mo | 1GB RAM | Most reliable | 11 locations
    • Hetzner: €3.29/mo | 2GB RAM | Best EU value | 5 locations

    Setting Up OpenClaw on a VPS: Quick Start

    Once you’ve created your VPS and have SSH access, the process is straightforward:

    1. Update the server: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
    2. Install Node.js: curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash - && sudo apt-get install -y nodejs
    3. Install OpenClaw: npm install -g openclaw
    4. Run setup: openclaw init
    5. Install a process manager to keep OpenClaw running: npm install -g pm2
    6. Start with PM2: pm2 start openclaw -- start && pm2 save && pm2 startup

    With PM2, OpenClaw automatically restarts if it crashes or the server reboots.

    How Much Will It Cost Per Month?

    A typical OpenClaw setup running 24/7 on a small VPS costs:

    • VPS hosting: $3–$5/month
    • Anthropic Claude API (light personal use): $2–$8/month
    • Total: $5–$13/month

    That’s about the same as a Netflix subscription for a genuinely useful AI assistant that works around the clock.

    My Recommendation

    For most beginners: start with DigitalOcean. The $4/month Droplet is perfect for OpenClaw, and their tutorials will guide you through everything from SSH to firewall setup.

    For best value: Vultr gives you more locations and the lowest entry price. If you’re comfortable with basic Linux, this is the best bang for your buck.

    Ready to get your server running? See our complete OpenClaw setup guide for the full installation walkthrough.

    🛒 Recommended: Automation Business Book | Productivity Desk Mat

    Written by: Alex Torres, Editor at OpenClaw Resource

    Last Updated: May 2026

    Our Editorial Standards | How We Review Skills | Affiliate Disclosure

    Need to protect your home server from power outages? See our guide to the best UPS for home server protection →