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ChatGPT agent alternatives in 2026: AI agents that use a computer for you

ChatGPT's agent mode is gone, replaced by ChatGPT Work and dots, and dots aren't available on personal plans in Europe. The best alternatives in 2026 for an AI that browses, clicks and works on a computer for you, with their real limits.

By the Baguette Bot team 5 min read
After ChatGPT agent
Contents
  1. What to look for in a computer-use agent
  2. The alternatives
  3. Side by side
  4. Our take
  5. Sources

If you used ChatGPT agent, the mode that let ChatGPT browse and act on a virtual computer, you may have noticed it's gone. OpenAI's help centre now says that "ChatGPT agent is no longer available". Its work has been split in two:

  • ChatGPT Work (July 2026) handles long, multi-step tasks, and on desktop it can use your own computer;
  • dots (September 2026) are personal agents with their own cloud computer. They come only with Pro plans from $100/month, and personal plans in the EU, the UK and Switzerland are excluded.

So many people are looking for an alternative: an AI that can use a computer (open a browser, click, fill in forms, run code) and keep working when they're away. Here is the 2026 landscape, with what each option really offers.

What to look for in a computer-use agent

Before comparing names, compare these points:

  1. Whose computer? The agent's own cloud machine (isolated, always on) or yours (powerful, but riskier and only while it's on)?
  2. Does it persist? Do logins, files and memory survive between tasks? A common complaint about early agents was starting logged out every time.
  3. Does it run in the background and on a schedule?
  4. Does it ask before sensitive actions?
  5. Is it available where you live? In 2026 several big agents exclude Europe.
  6. Can you choose the model, and export your agent?

The alternatives

OpenAI dots and ChatGPT Work

These are OpenAI's own successors. Dots are the closest to the old agent: a cloud computer, background work, and about 4,000 connected apps. They require Pro (from $100/month), run only on OpenAI's model, and aren't available on personal plans in the EEA, UK or Switzerland. ChatGPT Work is on more plans and leans on your own desktop. Details in Baguette Bot vs OpenAI Dots.

Claude Cowork (Anthropic)

Anthropic's task mode. Since 6 October 2026, new Cowork tasks on Pro and Max run in Anthropic's cloud, so they continue with your laptop closed, and scheduled tasks don't need your device online. Claude in Chrome can also drive your real Chrome browser. It's strong for documents and research. You are tied to Claude models and Anthropic's infrastructure.

Grok Bot (xAI and Cursor)

A team of bots sharing one cloud computer in the US. You can teach it a routine by doing it once, and bots coordinate with each other. It's included from $30/month in The X Subscription, the model is picked automatically, and there's no documented export. See Baguette Bot vs Grok Bot.

Meta Muse

A personal agent on a dedicated cloud VM, with a strong security design and a free tier, but US only at launch, with Meta's model only. See Baguette Bot vs Meta Muse.

Manus

The agent that popularised "an AI with its own cloud computer" in 2025. Its 2026 has been turbulent:

  • Meta bought it in December 2025, and China ordered the deal unwound in April 2026.
  • Manus resumed independent operation in August 2026.
  • Version 2.0 launched at the end of September.

Pricing is credit-based (a daily free allowance, paid plans from $20/month), and its FAQ places data in the US and Singapore. See our Manus alternatives.

Google Gemini agent

Google retired Project Mariner in May 2026 and moved its technology into Gemini's agent features and Chrome auto browse. According to July 2026 reports, the EEA, UK and Switzerland are excluded, even on the top plan.

Self-hosted: Hermes Agent and OpenClaw

Free, open-source agents you run on your own machine or server. They offer maximum control and any model you like, including local ones. In exchange, you handle setup, uptime and security. OpenClaw in particular has a heavy security record. See Baguette Bot vs Hermes Agent and our OpenClaw alternative guide.

Baguette Bot

Each account gets its own Linux computer in the cloud, hosted in Paris.

  • Desktop and browser. It has a full desktop with Chromium, plus a terminal. You can watch it live and take over, and a snapshot taken before each mission lets you undo.
  • Several bots. You get up to 6 bots on the free plan, each with the model of your choice among 400+, or Mistral only in sovereign mode.
  • Background work. Bots run routines and watchers in the background.
  • Safe defaults. Sensitive actions wait for your approval, and passwords stay in an encrypted vault the model never sees.
  • Apps. Web, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone (beta). With the Mac or Linux app, bots can also work on your own computer, with your approval for each action.
  • Portable. Bots export to an open .bot file.

Side by side

Own cloud computerWorks in backgroundAvailable to individuals in the EUModel choiceExport
OpenAI dotsYesYesNoNoNot documented
Claude CoworkYes (Anthropic cloud)YesYesClaude onlyNot documented
Grok BotYes (US)YesNot documentedNoNot documented
Meta MuseYesYesNo (US only)NoNo
ManusYesYesNo restriction found (data in US and Singapore)NoNot documented
Hermes / OpenClawYour serverIf your server is onYesYesYour files
Baguette BotYes (Paris)YesYesYes (400+).bot file

Our take

If you're outside Europe and live in ChatGPT, dots are the natural successor. If you're technical and want full control, self-host Hermes. If you want a hosted agent that works in Europe, runs on a computer in France, lets you pick the model and lets you leave with your agents, that's exactly what we built Baguette Bot for. You can start free.

Sources

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