A different way to get work done
Vellum alternatives.
Find a better fit for your 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. Compare the options for everyday assistance and workflow automation below.
Find your assistant alternative
You don’t need the assistant with the longest feature list. You need the one that fits the work you actually do.
Start with Notis
Cloud-based project work
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 Vellum when your priority is a hosted computer, browser tasks and document creation.
If you rely on mobile app or your own API keys in Vellum, check that gap before switching: Notis does not offer the same support.
Compare the assistant options
Keep Vellum in the comparison. A different tool only helps if it changes something you care about.
| Assistant | A good fit for | Pricing | Cloud computer | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vellum | People who want an always-on, self-hostable assistant that runs on their own keys and can drive their Mac. | 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 |
| Notis | Cloud-based project work | Free–$149/mo | Yes | Yes |
 Atomic Bot | Control over your own setup | Free local install; Cloud $19–$79/month | Yes | No |
 OpenClaw | Research and document work | Free (MIT open source; you pay your own model provider, or reuse a Claude/ChatGPT subscription) | No | Yes |
 ChatGPT | Voice and mobile use | $0-$200/month individual; Business $25-$125/user/month ($20-$100 annual); Enterprise custom | Limited | Yes |
 Manus | Help with ongoing context | $20–$200/mo (Pro tiers, 4,000–40,000 credits); Team from $20/seat/mo; no free plan currently listed | Yes | Yes |
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
Notis: cloud-based project work
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 Vellum 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 your own API keys in Vellum, check that gap before switching: Notis does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, Slack, Email
02
Atomic Bot: control over your own setup
A one-click installer and dedicated cloud VPS for running the open-source OpenClaw or Hermes personal AI agent on your Mac, PC or a server of your own. It is worth comparing with Vellum when your priority is open-source software and a self-hosted setup.
- Run it on your own server
- Open source
The trade-off. If you rely on voice input or documents in Vellum, check that gap before switching: Atomic Bot does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Mobile app, WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack
03
OpenClaw: research and document work
A self-hosted, MIT-licensed gateway that connects 29+ chat apps to an AI agent running on your own machine, with shell access, a browser, memory, cron automations and MCP. It is worth comparing with Vellum 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 cloud computer in Vellum, check that gap before switching: OpenClaw does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Mobile app, WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, Slack
04
ChatGPT: voice and mobile use
Combines conversational help, multi-step Work, and Codex across web, mobile, and desktop. It is worth comparing with Vellum 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 telegram in Vellum, check that gap before switching: ChatGPT does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Mobile app, Slack
05
Manus: help with ongoing context
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. It is worth comparing with Vellum 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 your own API keys or local MCP connections in Vellum, check that gap before switching: Manus does not offer the same support.
Where you can use it
Web / desktop, Mobile app, Telegram, Slack, Email
Vellum alternatives for workflow automation
Replacing recurring workflows is a different decision from choosing a personal assistant. Compare these options for triggers, AI steps and the controls your team needs.
Start with OpenClaw
Self-hosting and ownership
A self-hosted, MIT-licensed gateway that connects 29+ chat apps to an AI agent running on your own machine, with shell access, a browser, memory, cron automations and MCP. It is worth comparing with Vellum when your priority is self-hosting and access to the source code.
If you rely on workflow templates or managed hosting in Vellum, check that gap before switching: OpenClaw does not offer the same support.
OpenClaw: self-hosting and ownership
A self-hosted, MIT-licensed gateway that connects 29+ chat apps to an AI agent running on your own machine, with shell access, a browser, memory, cron automations and MCP. It is worth comparing with Vellum when your priority is self-hosting and access to the source code.
Pricing. Free (MIT open source; you pay your own model provider, or reuse a Claude/ChatGPT subscription)
- Self-hosting
- Open source
The trade-off. If you rely on workflow templates or managed hosting in Vellum, check that gap before switching: OpenClaw does not offer the same support.
Try it with a real task. Run a small workflow on your infrastructure and check the setup, maintenance and access controls.
Duet: AI steps with human review
A persistent, cloud-hosted AI coworker that runs a small business's recurring work on schedules, events, and demand, and builds and hosts the internal apps that work needs. It is worth comparing with Vellum when your priority is AI model steps and explicit human approval.
Pricing. $20–$200/month (7-day free trial, no card required)
- Human approval steps
- AI model steps
The trade-off. If you rely on open source or self-hosting in Vellum, check that gap before switching: Duet does not offer the same support.
Try it with a real task. Generate a draft with an AI step, then require approval before the next action runs.
Notis: AI using your own knowledge
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 Vellum when your priority is knowledge sources and AI model steps.
Pricing. Free–$149/mo
- Knowledge bases or RAG
- AI model steps
The trade-off. If you rely on approval steps or open source in Vellum, check that gap before switching: Notis does not offer the same support.
Try it with a real task. Connect an approved knowledge source and test answers to questions whose correct answers you already know.
Lindy: AI-led work across apps
A Slack-native AI teammate that runs your inbox, calendar and meetings, and takes on multi-step work across 1,000+ connected apps. It is worth comparing with Vellum when your priority is natural-language setup, autonomous agents and connected-app actions.
Pricing. $29.99–$199.99/user/mo (Plus/Pro/Max), Enterprise custom
- Build workflows with natural language
- Autonomous agents
- Ready-made app integrations
The trade-off. If you rely on open source or self-hosting in Vellum, check that gap before switching: Lindy does not offer the same support.
Try it with a real task. Describe a task across connected apps, try it with sample data and review the agent’s actions.
Activepieces: visual workflows with branching
Builds and runs app-connected flows and AI agents in the cloud or on customer-controlled infrastructure. Consider it if you want visual builder beyond your current Vellum setup.
Pricing. $0–$200/mo; annual billing lowers Plus to $16/mo and Team to $166/mo; Ultimate custom; Community Edition free self-hosted
- Visual workflow builder
- Conditional branches
- Email, form, or manual trigger
The trade-off. Running Activepieces yourself means owning setup, maintenance and any hosting or model-usage costs. Compare the total effort, not only the software price.
Try it with a real task. Run two sample inputs through different branches and check that each follows the path you intended.
| Tool | Self-hosting | Open source |
|---|---|---|
| Vellum | Yes | Yes |
| OpenClaw | Yes | Yes |
| Duet | No | No |
| Notis | No | No |
| Lindy | No | No |
| Activepieces | Yes | Yes |
You might be better off keeping Vellum.
People who want an always-on, self-hostable assistant that runs on their own keys and can drive their Mac. If Vellum already fits your work, check the alternative against a real task before taking on a migration.
Take another look at VellumBefore you move, check three things
- Your files and ongoing work. Decide what needs to move and what can stay in Vellum.
- 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 Vellum and your shortlist. These starting points match the features each alternative offers.
Notis
“Research a topic in the browser, compare the findings and turn them into a document.”
Atomic Bot
“Set up the assistant in your own environment and try a routine task before connecting sensitive accounts.”
OpenClaw
“Research three options for a decision and write a comparison you can review.”
ChatGPT
“Use a voice request on your phone to work through a task without typing the whole brief.”
A few questions
before you choose
Which Vellum alternatives suit everyday assistance?
Start with Notis for cloud-based project work. Atomic Bot is another option for control over your own setup. OpenClaw is another option for research and document work. The right choice depends on the work you need done, the apps involved and how much setup you want to own.
Which Vellum alternatives suit workflow automation?
OpenClaw: Self-hosting and ownership. Duet: AI steps with human review. Notis: AI using your own knowledge. Compare the workflow controls below against the triggers, approvals and connected apps you need.
How do the prices compare with Vellum?
Vellum's listed pricing is Free-$200/mo (Base free, Mighty $30, Super $100, Ultra $200; Custom from $50/mo) plus pay-as-you-go credits ($1 = 1 credit). Notis: Free–$149/mo. Atomic Bot: Free local install; Cloud $19–$79/month. Check whether the price is per person, per task or includes usage credits before comparing totals.
Is there a free alternative to Vellum?
Atomic Bot and OpenClaw and ChatGPT have 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 Vellum?
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
- Vellum plans & product details
- Notis plans & product details
- Atomic Bot plans & product details
- OpenClaw plans & product details
- ChatGPT plans & product details
- Manus plans & product details
- Duet plans & product details
- Lindy plans & product details
- Activepieces plans & product details
Features and prices vary by plan. Check the product sites for current limits before you subscribe.