A different way to get work done
Manus alternatives.
Find your kind of assistant.
A general-purpose AI agent with its own persistent cloud computer that plans and finishes multi-step work — research, slides, sites, data analysis — and reports back through Telegram, WhatsApp Business, Slack, LINE or email. If your priorities have changed, these 5 alternatives offer different ways forward.
What would you like to change?
You don’t need the assistant with the longest feature list. You need the one that fits the work you actually do.
Start with Zo Computer
Cloud-based project work
An always-on Linux computer in the cloud with an agent living on it — reachable by text, email, Telegram, Discord or Slack — that keeps your files, runs automations and hosts what it builds. It is worth comparing with Manus when your priority is a hosted computer, browser tasks and document creation.
If you rely on mobile app or security certification in Manus, check that gap before switching: Zo Computer does not offer the same support.
The differences that matter
Keep Manus in the comparison. A different tool only helps if it changes something you care about.
| Assistant | A good fit for | Pricing | Cloud computer | Web browsing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manus | People who want an agent that finishes deliverables on a cloud machine, not just answers questions. | $20–$200/mo (Pro tiers, 4,000–40,000 credits); Team from $20/seat/mo; no free plan currently listed | Yes | Yes |
| Zo Computer | Cloud-based project work | Free 14-day trial; $18–$200/mo | Yes | Yes |
 Vellum | Research and document work | Free-$200/mo (Base free, Mighty $30, Super $100, Ultra $200; Custom from $50/mo) plus pay-as-you-go credits ($1 = 1 credit) | Yes | Yes |
 Town | Voice and mobile use | Free–$239/user/mo (individuals; as low as $199/mo billed annually); Team $71–$179/seat/mo (as low as $59–$149/mo billed annually); Enterprise custom | Not confirmed | No |
 Notis | Help with ongoing context | Free–$149/mo | Yes | Yes |
 Quin | Meetings and follow-up documents | $49–$649/member/month per team (1,000–25,000 credits, unlimited users), annual billing saves 14%; Enterprise custom; 14-day free trial, no free plan | No | No |
Plan limits and usage charges matter as much as the entry price. Follow the product links below for current plans.
A closer look at your alternatives
Here’s where each one makes sense—and what you give up in return.
01
Zo Computer: cloud-based project work
An always-on Linux computer in the cloud with an agent living on it — reachable by text, email, Telegram, Discord or Slack — that keeps your files, runs automations and hosts what it builds. It is worth comparing with Manus when your priority is a hosted computer, browser tasks and document creation.
- Gives it a cloud computer of its own
- Browses the web for you
- Creates and edits documents
The trade-off. If you rely on mobile app or security certification in Manus, check that gap before switching: Zo Computer does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Telegram, Slack, Email
02
Vellum: research and document work
An open-source (MIT) personal AI assistant with its own always-on cloud machine, memory and identity, reachable from web, Mac, iPhone, Android, CLI, Telegram, Slack, email and phone. It is worth comparing with Manus when your priority is browser-based research and document creation.
- Creates and edits documents
- Browses the web for you
The trade-off. If you rely on security certification or shared workspaces in Manus, check that gap before switching: Vellum does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Mobile app, Telegram, Slack
03
Town: voice and mobile use
A work assistant that gets its own @town.com address and phone number, learns how you work, and runs recurring routines across your email, calendar, docs and chat apps. It is worth comparing with Manus when your priority is a native mobile app and voice input.
- Its own iPhone or Android app
- Voice messages
The trade-off. If you rely on web browsing or computer control in Manus, check that gap before switching: Town does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Mobile app, WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Email
04
Notis: help with ongoing context
Notis is a personal AI assistant you message from WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, Slack or email, and reach from your own coding agent through its MCP server. It is worth comparing with Manus when your priority is memory between conversations and access to connected information.
- Remembers you between conversations
- Reads your existing files and apps
The trade-off. If you rely on mobile app in Manus, check that gap before switching: Notis does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, Slack, Email
05
Quin: meetings and follow-up documents
Quin joins your meetings, drafts the follow-ups, and updates your CRM and connected tools automatically. It is worth comparing with Manus when your priority is meeting capture and document creation.
- Joins and records your meetings
- Creates and edits documents
The trade-off. If you rely on telegram or web browsing in Manus, check that gap before switching: Quin does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Mobile app, Slack, Email
You might be better off keeping Manus.
People who want an agent that finishes deliverables on a cloud machine, not just answers questions. If Manus already fits your work, check the alternative against a real task before taking on a migration.
Take another look at ManusBefore you move, check three things
- Your files and ongoing work. Decide what needs to move and what can stay in Manus.
- Your recurring tasks. Recreate one important task before rebuilding every automation.
- The actual effort. Compare setup, review time and usage costs—not just the demo.
Try one real task before you switch
Try the same task in Manus and your shortlist. These starting points match the features each alternative offers.
Zo Computer
“Research a topic in the browser, compare the findings and turn them into a document.”
Vellum
“Research three options for a decision and write a comparison you can review.”
Town
“Use a voice request on your phone to work through a task without typing the whole brief.”
Notis
“Connect a relevant source, give the assistant context and return to the same task in a later conversation.”
A few questions
before you choose
What is a good alternative to Manus?
Start with Zo Computer for cloud-based project work. Vellum is another option for research and document work. Town is another option for voice and mobile use. The right choice depends on the work you need done, the apps involved and how much setup you want to own.
How do the prices compare with Manus?
Manus's listed pricing is $20–$200/mo (Pro tiers, 4,000–40,000 credits); Team from $20/seat/mo; no free plan currently listed. Zo Computer: Free 14-day trial; $18–$200/mo. Vellum: Free-$200/mo (Base free, Mighty $30, Super $100, Ultra $200; Custom from $50/mo) plus pay-as-you-go credits ($1 = 1 credit). Check whether the price is per person, per task or includes usage credits before comparing totals.
Is there a free alternative to Manus?
Town has a usable free option in the plans we compare. Limits still matter. Self-hosted software can also involve hosting, maintenance and model costs.
What should I check before moving away from Manus?
Start with one recurring task, the information it needs and the channel you prefer. Check whether files, saved instructions and schedules need to be recreated. Compare results and review effort before moving all your work.
Prefer to just ask and get on with your day?
Try Notis with one task you would otherwise do yourself. Start in the messaging apps you already use.
Written by Notis. We build an AI assistant, so we have a stake in this comparison. The shortlist is based on the work each product supports, not a paid placement.
Product details and sources
- Manus plans & product details
- Zo Computer plans & product details
- Vellum plans & product details
- Town plans & product details
- Notis plans & product details
- Quin plans & product details
Features and prices vary by plan. Check the product sites for current limits before you subscribe.