Manus
** *(Monica / closed)* — The original general-purpose cloud AI agent that sparked the open-source wave. Runs in a cloud Ubuntu sandbox with browser, shell, file system, and code execution. Built on Claude + Qwen under the hood. Crossed $100M ARR in 2026. Invite/subscription-based, not open-source, but listed for context.
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What is Manus?
Manus is a general AI agent platform that focuses on turning natural-language instructions into finished work. The website positions it as a hands-on AI that can create slides, build websites, develop desktop apps, design assets, generate images and music, and operate a browser, all from one interface. It is framed as a single conversational workflow rather than a pile of separate tools.
For web development, Manus presents itself as an all-in-one builder that handles research, content creation, development, deployment, and analytics in one environment. You can ask it to plan a project, review the proposed structure, watch it build the app, and then iterate by describing changes in plain English. It supports full-stack work, including backends, databases, and user authentication, plus integrations such as Stripe and Google Maps.
Manus also offers a desktop app with a My Computer feature that brings AI into the local machine. That mode can interact with authorized folders, read and edit files, launch applications, and use command-line tools on macOS or Windows. The website says every command needs approval and access is limited to folders you explicitly authorize.
The platform is aimed at people who want to build or automate without writing code, as well as teams that want to move faster on research, workflows, and production-ready solutions. The site also highlights business use cases, team plans, SSO, an API, and product areas for startups and enterprises. Overall, it is positioned for users who want a general-purpose AI agent that can actually carry tasks through to completion instead of only generating ideas.
Manus pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
The website’s public pages show a Pricing section, a Team plan, and business options such as SSO and API access, but they do not expose a full pricing table in the pages reviewed. The homepage indicates Manus offers sign in and sign up, and the app store listing references the product as a service with support channels. Based on the website content available here, there is no confirmed public breakdown of a free tier versus paid plans, or what specific credits, limits, or inclusions each plan contains.
Manus pros
- Converts plain English into actionable builds
- All-in-one workflow for web projects
- Handles research and competitor analysis
- Generates website text and images
- Builds full-stack apps with backend support
- Supports databases and user authentication
- Can integrate Stripe payments
- Can integrate Google Maps features
- One-command deployment and hosting
- Built-in analytics for post-launch iteration
- Live interactive preview while building
- Supports natural-language edits after launch
- Desktop app accesses local files with permission
- Can run on macOS and Windows
- Works with command-line tools already installed
- Can use local GPU for intensive tasks
- Allows remote task assignment from other devices
- Supports recurring scheduled tasks
- Offers team-oriented business features
- Includes API access for automations
Manus cons
- Requires you to approve local commands
- Local access is limited to authorized folders
- Desktop app availability depends on macOS or Windows
- Needs the app running for remote local tasks
- CLI-based local tools only, not arbitrary GUI tools
- Best results depend on clear, detailed prompts
- May still require review and refinement of generated plans
- Not a lightweight single-purpose tool
- Paid business features may be needed for teams
Frequently asked questions about Manus
What is Manus?
Manus is a general AI agent platform that the website describes as an Action Engine for life. It is designed to take instructions in natural language and carry them through to completion across tasks like building websites, creating slides, designing assets, and automating workflows.
What can Manus build?
The website says Manus can create slides, build websites, develop desktop apps, design content, generate images and music, and operate a browser. In its web-building workflow, it can also create full-stack applications with frontend, backend, databases, authentication, and deployments.
How does the website builder work?
You start by describing what you want in plain English. Manus then presents a plan, builds the project, shows a live preview, and lets you make changes conversationally without writing code.
Can Manus handle the full web development process?
Yes. The documentation says it covers research and strategy, content and asset creation, building and development, integrations, deployment and hosting, and analytics. The intent is to keep the entire workflow inside one environment instead of switching between multiple tools.
Does Manus support integrations?
Yes. The docs specifically mention integrations such as Stripe for payments and Google Maps for location-based features. The platform also references Slack integration and an API, which suggests it is intended to connect with external workflows and services.
What is My Computer?
My Computer is the desktop feature that lets Manus work on your local machine. It can access folders you explicitly authorize, read and edit files, launch applications, and use command-line tools on your computer.
Is the desktop access safe?
The website says safety is a priority and that Manus can only access folders you explicitly authorize. It also says every command requires your direct approval, with choices like Allow Once or Always Allow.
Which systems support the desktop app?
The documentation says the Manus Desktop app is available for macOS and Windows. It also explains that the app connects to your local environment and can be used as long as your computer is on and the app is running.
Can Manus work while I am away?
Yes, for desktop tasks the docs say you can assign work remotely from your phone or another device as long as the computer is on and the desktop app is running. That makes it act like a remote-controlled assistant for your local machine.
Is there an API for developers?
Yes. The API docs say Manus offers a REST API for creating and managing AI agent tasks, automating workflows, managing files, and integrating Manus into applications. The documented endpoints include task creation, listing tasks, uploading files, and registering webhooks.