Switch from OpenClaw to Task Machine
OpenClaw keeps an assistant and its sessions on infrastructure you operate. Task Machine puts recurring business work in Tasks and Workflows with decisions in your Inbox.
Prefer the side-by-side comparison?Why people switch
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Checks need a gate
OpenClaw's optional Workboard records checker findings as evidence. Completion and dependency scheduling do not wait for that evidence, even when a checker disputes a finished card.
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Pending checkpoints need tracking
Lobster's input checkpoints return a token for later resumption. The plugin does not list pending checkpoints, so its docs tell you to retain the token.
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Client boundaries need separation
OpenClaw supports one trust boundary per Gateway. Its security guide requires separate Gateways for mutually untrusted users and describes operator roles as collaboration guardrails rather than tenant isolation.
What maps to what
Every answer links to its source and shows when we last checked it. The oldest check on this page was November 15, 2026.
| Area | In OpenClaw | In Task Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks |
In OpenClaw
The optional Workboard adds agent-assigned cards linked to tasks, runs and sessions. It is bundled but disabled by default. |
In Task Machine
A person or an agent owns each Task. Its plan, discussion, decisions, runs and history stay on the same record, so either can take over the job. |
| Recurring work |
In OpenClaw
Automations support fixed intervals and cron expressions. Cron uses the Gateway host timezone unless you choose another timezone. |
In Task Machine
Schedule a Task or Workflow once or on a repeat in your timezone. One root Task keeps the recurring job together, with each occurrence's own status and history. |
| Approval |
In OpenClaw
Host command execution can require policy, an allowlist and user approval. Approval requests go to connected operator clients such as the Control UI and macOS app. |
In Task Machine
Decisions arrive in your Inbox with context. Set each agent's actions to Ask first or Automatic, and place a Human approval step before sending a report or updating an outside system. |
| Memory |
In OpenClaw
Agents save memory in workspace Markdown files. USER.md holds preferences, MEMORY.md holds durable facts and decisions, and dated files keep daily notes. |
In Task Machine
Agents keep lessons such as an accepted example or a mistake to avoid. Notes belong to an agent, project, goal, team or workspace, and you can inspect, correct and restore them. |
| Workflows |
In OpenClaw
The separately installed, optional Lobster plugin runs repeatable pipelines with conditions and approval checkpoints. A resume token continues a paused pipeline without repeating earlier steps. |
In Task Machine
Build explicit steps with branches, human questions and approvals. Add a verifier to check a result against requirements and send failed work back with feedback. |
| Hosting |
In OpenClaw
You run the Gateway on your computer or server. A trusted team can share sessions with assignable human owners and named operator roles. |
In Task Machine
Choose Managed Cloud with nothing to install, or a Local Worker on a computer you control for local files, tools and accounts. You choose where each agent runs. |
| Pricing |
In OpenClaw
OpenClaw's software is free. The Foundation sells no paid tier or hosted service. You bring model access and your own computer or hosting separately. |
In Task Machine
Usage based, from $29 a month before tax. The whole payment becomes usage that your workspace shares, with no base fee. |
A fact we cannot find or cannot check is left out, and prices can change after the date shown. Task Machine publishes this comparison and is an interested party. OpenClaw is named only to identify it, and there is no relationship between the two companies. Has something changed? Tell us.
You may stay with OpenClaw if
You may stay with OpenClaw if you want an MIT-licensed assistant you can modify and operate yourself. The OpenClaw Foundation stewards the project. Its overview describes local models, access through chat apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, and shared sessions for a trusted team. Keep a working assistant if those are the reasons you chose it, and move only the business process that needs a different review routine.
What you give up
Task Machine's docs do not describe importing OpenClaw backup archives or executing Lobster workflow files. You rebuild the selected process, reconnect accounts and check its permissions again. Keep device and chat routines in the existing installation rather than assuming a business-workflow migration replaces them.
There is no trial. Your first payment funds usage, and unsuccessful attempts can consume it too. Read Billing before moving a routine that runs often.
How the switch works
- Pick one job, such as a weekly customer report. Use OpenClaw's backup guide to create and verify an archive before changing the installation. The archive can include credentials, so keep it private. Separately copy the job's instructions, schedule, required accounts and selected memory notes into a migration checklist without secrets.
- Create your workspace, choose an agent and execution location, and reconnect the job's accounts through Connectors. Put reference files in the Library. Keep the full OpenClaw archive outside the Library, which does not accept archive uploads.
- Rebuild the job in the Workflow builder. Translate each pipeline step, condition and approval into the new process. Write output requirements, add verifier checks where useful, then publish the workflow.
- Set autonomy and keep external writes behind a Human approval step. Run with copied inputs first, inspect the result and compare it with the old job before authorizing live delivery.
- Pause the original OpenClaw job before enabling the replacement's live actions. Set its schedule and timezone, check the next occurrence and keep the old installation and private backup until you have verified the replacement.
Common questions
Can I move my memory and session history?
OpenClaw documents backup archives for state, sessions, configuration and workspaces. Keep that archive for recovery. Task Machine's docs do not describe importing it as live history. Review the relevant notes and save useful reference material in the Library, with reusable lessons in Memory.
How do the costs compare?
OpenClaw does not sell a hosted plan, and you supply its model access and infrastructure. Task Machine's pricing starts at $29 a month before tax, with the whole payment becoming shared usage and no base fee or trial. Compare the same job's model, execution and service costs. You keep 100% of your revenue, Task Machine takes no cut, and never custodies your accounts.
Does Task Machine run OpenClaw for me?
No. These are separate products. Task Machine runs its own agents in Managed Cloud or on a Local Worker. Moving a process means recreating its instructions, connections and review boundaries.
Do I need to switch everything at once?
Move one recurring job first. Keep your other routines where they work, and avoid running both copies of the migrated job with permission to send or update records. Check the replacement's first scheduled result and resolve its decisions in your Inbox.