OpenClaw’s README and docs, checked against TulipFarm
Gateway, Lobster workflows, sandboxing and 20+ chat channels from OpenClaw’s own docs, lined up with TulipFarm’s hosted tables and workflows.
TulipFarmvs
Feature comparison
OpenClaw’s column comes from its GitHub README and docs.openclaw.ai. “Not published” means the project doesn’t say, not that the feature is missing.
| Feature | TulipFarm | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Workspace and data | ||
| Built-in tables for business records | YesField rules reject bad values before they save | Not published |
| Import CSV or XLSX into a table | Yes | Not published |
| Sessions the team can share | YesProject chats are shared; personal chats stay private | YesShared sessions anyone can open, steer and take over |
| Memory across sessions | PartialPersonal memory keeps each member’s reply preferences | Yes |
| Agents | ||
| Reusable skills | YesSaved agents with skills | YesPersonal until shared on a team gateway |
| Agents on a schedule | YesUp to once an hour | YesOne-shot, interval or cron, plus a 30-minute heartbeat |
| Agents use a web browser | NoSearches and reads the web; no browser | YesA separate Chrome, Brave, Edge or Chromium profile |
| Run shell commands and code | PartialJavaScript or Python in a workflow step | YesOn the host; no approval prompt by default for one operator |
| Automation and approvals | ||
| Workflow editor | YesOne trigger, then ordered steps | NoLobster workflows are written in a small DSL |
| Webhook triggers | Yes | YesInbound webhooks and Gmail Pub/Sub triggers |
| Approval before an action runs | YesShows the exact change | YesLobster approval gates and exec approvals, set up per gateway |
| Runs resume without repeating finished steps | YesAlso after a restart | YesLobster resumes a halted run from a token |
| Integrations | ||
| Chat apps | PartialSlack only: mention an agent in a channel you grant | YesDiscord, iMessage, Slack, Teams, Telegram, WhatsApp and 20+ more |
| Google Workspace | YesPer person; changes wait for approval | PartialGmail triggers through Google Pub/Sub |
| Custom MCP servers | PartialA manager reviews and enables each tool | YesSaved MCP servers, managed from the CLI or Control UI |
| Choice of model | YesMembers pick from model families an admin enables | YesHosted or local models, swapped as plugins |
| Security and deployment | ||
| Self-hosting | PartialOpen source (AGPL v3.0); self-hosting is unsupported | YesSelf-hosted only; no hosted service |
| Per-person sign-in | YesGoogle or an email link; no SSO or SCIM | PartialThrough Tailscale or an identity-aware proxy you set up |
| Isolation between users on one install | YesAdmins can’t open personal chats or private agent tasks | NoOne gateway per trust boundary; use separate gateways |
| SOC 2 | No | Not publishedYou run and secure your own deployment |
Cost
With OpenClaw, add your model bills, a host that stays on and the time to run it. Checked on 20 October 2026.
TulipFarm
$50 free
In credits on your first signup, with hosting included. Paid plans aren’t public yet; see the pricing page.
OpenClaw
Free
OpenClaw has no paid tier, hosted service or token. You pay your model provider and run your own host.
github.com/openclaw/openclawWhere TulipFarm differs
Four differences that show up when a team shares one delivery schedule, each with how OpenClaw handles it.
Nothing to install or keep running
TulipFarm
TulipFarm Cloud is hosted. Sign up and start building, with no server to install, update or keep online.
See AgentsHow OpenClaw handles it
A team setup needs a host that stays on, such as a small VPS or an office Mac, with OpenClaw installed and onboarded.
docs.openclaw.ai/start/teamsA schedule with field rules
TulipFarm
Deliveries live in a built-in table. Field rules reject a quantity like “rush” before it saves.
See TablesHow OpenClaw handles it
State, memory and credentials live on your own hardware, and agents work through tools, skills and plugins.
github.com/openclaw/openclawA visual workflow with a person in the loop
TulipFarm
Build the steps in a visual builder. A run waits up to 30 days for Maya and resumes after a restart.
See WorkflowsHow OpenClaw handles it
Lobster workflows halt before side effects until someone approves, then resume from a token. You write them in a small DSL.
docs.openclaw.ai/tools/lobsterTeammates can’t read each other’s chats
TulipFarm
Projects and tables are shared. Workspace admins can’t open a member’s personal chats or private agent tasks.
See Agent tasksHow OpenClaw handles it
One gateway is one trust boundary. By default an unsandboxed agent can read every agent’s sessions, including other users’ transcripts.
docs.openclaw.ai/gateway/security/trust-model
When to stay with OpenClaw
OpenClaw is the better choice if any of these sound like you.
- You want your data on your own hardware
- OpenClaw keeps state, memory and credentials on your machine, and by default sends nothing but a daily version check.
- You want MIT-licensed software with no paid tier
- OpenClaw is MIT-licensed and run by a non-profit foundation, with no paid tier. You pay only for your models and host.
- You live in chat apps
- The same agent answers in WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, Discord, Slack, Teams and 20+ more, plus native apps.
- Your agent needs a browser, shell or devices
- OpenClaw agents can drive a browser, run commands and act on paired phones and computers.
Switching from OpenClaw
TulipFarm can’t import an OpenClaw gateway, memory or skills. Move one team job at a time and keep your gateway for personal use.
Pick one shared job
Choose an automation the team relies on, such as the morning delivery check posted to Slack.
Put the data in a table
Export the file or sheet it reads as CSV or XLSX and import it into a TulipFarm table with field rules.
Copy the skill
Paste the SKILL.md instructions into a TulipFarm skill, then add approval to the steps that change records.
Run both, then switch
Run both for a week and compare. Your first signup includes $50 in free credits.
Questions about TulipFarm and OpenClaw
Is TulipFarm an OpenClaw alternative?
Yes, for teams that would rather not run a server. TulipFarm Cloud is hosted, keeps records in shared tables, and for the actions you choose, an agent shows the exact change before a person approves it. OpenClaw is free, open-source software you run on your own machine or VPS.
What is the main difference between TulipFarm and OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is a self-hosted gateway that brings an assistant to 20+ chat apps, with full control over models, tools and data. TulipFarm is a hosted team workspace with built-in tables, a visual workflow builder and personal chats that admins can’t open.
Can TulipFarm do everything OpenClaw can?
No. OpenClaw runs on your own hardware, works with local models, answers in WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram and many more chat apps, and its agents can use a browser, a shell and paired devices. TulipFarm has no browser, and self-hosting it is unsupported.
Can several people share one OpenClaw?
Yes. A team gateway gives everyone shared sessions and roles. OpenClaw’s docs treat one gateway as one trust boundary for people who already trust each other, and by default agents can read other users’ sessions.
When should I just use OpenClaw?
Choose OpenClaw if you want your data on your own hardware, free open-source software, local models or an assistant inside personal chat apps, and you’re happy to run and secure the host.
How much does TulipFarm cost compared with OpenClaw?
Your first TulipFarm Cloud signup includes $50 in free credits, and hosting is included. Paid plans aren’t public yet; see the pricing page to ask for more credits or apply for student, NGO or startup support. OpenClaw is free, but you pay for model use and a host that stays on.
Can I move my OpenClaw setup to TulipFarm?
Not automatically. Export the data a job uses as CSV or XLSX and import it into a table, paste its skill instructions into a TulipFarm skill, and run both until you trust the result.
Try one OpenClaw job in TulipFarm.
Sign up for TulipFarm Cloud and move the job your team shares most, with nothing to host. The research preview is open to everyone, and your first signup includes $50 in free credits.
Not sure TulipFarm connects to your tools? Contact us and tell us what your team uses.
Sources
- OpenClaw README on GitHubchecked 20 October 2026
- Team setupchecked 20 October 2026
- Security trust modelchecked 20 October 2026
- Automationchecked 20 October 2026
- Lobster workflowschecked 20 October 2026
- Browserchecked 20 October 2026
- Memorychecked 20 October 2026
- MCPchecked 20 October 2026
- Providers, hardware and hosting FAQchecked 20 October 2026
Last reviewed 20 October 2026.