What Is OpenManus and Why Is It Making Waves Against Manus AI?

Just two days after Manus AI debuted, a scrappy contender crashed the party: OpenManus, an open-source project (Free and no invitation needed) that’s got everyone talking. Cooked up in a mind-blowing three hours by the MetaGPT community, this isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a full-on challenge to the exclusive, invite-only Manus AI from China’s Monica. So, what’s OpenManus all about, and why’s it stirring up such a storm against its polished rival? Let’s unpack it.

OpenManus is a free, downloadable tool that lets users run AI agents locally on their own machines. By configuring Large Language Model (LLM) APIs like OpenAI’s gpt-4o, anyone can tap into capabilities rivaling Manus AI—think website creation, data analysis, and more—without needing a golden ticket invite. Hosted on GitHub (OpenManus GitHub), it’s already racked up over 3,000 stars, signaling a tidal wave of community support. The tagline? “No fortress, purely open ground.” Translation: this is AI for the people.

Contrast that with Manus AI, accessible only via manus.im and locked behind an invitation wall. Developed by Monica, this cloud-based agent boasts impressive feats—stock market breakdowns, travel planning, dashboard design—but its exclusivity has left many on the outside looking in. OpenManus isn’t just a replica; it’s a rebellion, aiming to democratize AI agent tech and steal the spotlight.

Who’s Behind OpenManus?

The MetaGPT community is a tight-knit crew of Chinese builders including contributors like @mannaandpoem, @XiangJinyu, @MoshiQAQ, @didiforgithub and Hong Sirui. These aren’t faceless coders—they’re passionate developers with a knack for pushing AI limits. Take @mannaandpoem, for instance—a GitHub regular known for AI experiments—or @XiangJinyu, whose commits hint at a deep dive into machine learning. @MoshiQAQ and @didiforgithub bring their own flair, rounding out a team that’s less corporate, more garage-band vibe.

MetaGPT itself is a collective of tech rebels. Built with Python 3.12 and a simple conda setup, OpenManus is designed for anyone with a computer and a spark of curiosity—no fancy invite needed. This isn’t your typical software drop; it’s a gift to the world from a crew that lives for open innovation.

OpenManus vs. Manus AI: The Showdown

openmanus, manus ai, hybrid-rituals.com
Manus AI
openmanus, manus ai, hybrid-rituals.com
OpenManus AI

So, why is OpenManus throwing down the gauntlet? It’s all about access. Manus AI’s closed-door policy has frustrated developers and enthusiasts who crave hands-on AI power.

But it’s not just about availability; it’s about philosophy. Manus AI operates in the cloud, a polished product from a corporate lab. OpenManus, built in a sprint by a community of coders, thrives on transparency and collaboration. Its README (OpenManus README) lays out a roadmap—better planning, GAIA benchmarks, containerized deployment—showing it’s a work in progress with big ambitions.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature Manus AI OpenManus
Access Invitation-only Open-source, free to clone
Development Corporate, timeline unclear 3 hours by MetaGPT
Execution Cloud-based Local, API-dependent
Community Limited engagement 3,000+ GitHub stars

The catch? OpenManus leans on external LLMs, sparking a debate about its “open-source” cred. More on that in a bit.

Community Cheers and Critics Weigh In

The internet is buzzing about OpenManus. On X, users are celebrating its rapid launch. But not everyone’s convinced. On Hacker News, skeptics argue that relying on OpenAI’s APIs undercuts its open-source claim: “It’s cool, but you still need proprietary keys.” Despite the debate, OpenManus is undeniably making waves.

The Manus “Reskinning” Controversy

OpenManus’s meteoric rise isn’t just stealing the spotlight—it’s raising doubts about how groundbreaking Manus AI really is. If the MetaGPT team replicated key features like website creation and data analysis in just three hours, some are asking: “If it’s this easy to copy, what makes Manus special?”

Skepticism around Manus stems from two key points:

  • Past Reputation – The team previously built Monica, a plugin integrating large language models, which also faced accusations of repackaging.
  • Doubts About Innovation – Critics argue Manus simply stitches together existing tech, making its originality questionable.

A New Perspective with OpenManus

Beyond open-source, major AI companies provide APIs to help developers build new applications. As Perplexity’s founder put it: “OpenAI is just a wrapper around NVIDIA, NVIDIA is a wrapper around TSMC, and TSMC is a wrapper around sand.”

Manus AI, once hyped for topping GAIA benchmarks, now faces scrutiny. If a community can replicate it so quickly, is its exclusivity just smoke and mirrors? OpenManus has flipped the narrative—turning Manus from a pioneer into a question mark.