Claude Desktop and OpenClaw are both ways to work with AI on your personal computer — but they're aimed at different users with different needs. Here's how to think about which one you actually want.
What Claude Desktop Is
Claude Desktop is Anthropic's native macOS and Windows application. Beyond the browser interface at claude.ai, it adds:
- Local app experience — A native window rather than a browser tab; better performance and focus
- File sharing — Drag and drop files directly into conversations; Claude can read them in context
- Model Context Protocol (MCP) — Connect Claude to local tools, files, databases, and APIs using Anthropic's open integration standard
- Projects — Organise conversations by project; share documents as persistent context within a project
- System integration — On macOS, Claude Desktop can see your screen (with permission) for contextual help
Claude Desktop is a premium conversation experience with richer integrations than the web app.
What OpenClaw Is
OpenClaw is a self-hosted AI agent runtime. You install it on a server or your own machine, and it runs continuously, available via your messaging apps 24/7.
What makes it different from Claude Desktop:
- Lives in WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord — not a separate app you open
- Persistent memory across every conversation, indefinitely, stored locally
- Takes real actions (send emails, run scripts, create calendar events)
- Always-on, even when your computer is closed
- Pluggable LLM backend — can run Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, or local models
OpenClaw is infrastructure; Claude Desktop is an interface.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Claude Desktop | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS, Windows | Any machine with Node.js |
| Interface | Native app | WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, etc. |
| Persistent memory | No (within projects only) | Yes — unlimited, local |
| Always-on | No (open the app) | Yes (runs as a server process) |
| MCP integrations | Yes (Anthropic standard) | 50+ custom integrations |
| Real-world actions | Limited via MCP | Email, calendar, scripts, APIs |
| File access | Via drag-and-drop in app | Full local filesystem access |
| LLM choice | Claude only | Claude, OpenAI, Gemini, Grok, local |
| Self-hosted | No (connects to Anthropic cloud) | Yes |
| Data privacy | Anthropic servers | Your machine |
| Mobile access | Claude app (separate) | ✅ Via WhatsApp/Telegram |
| Cost | Free/Pro/Max subscription | Free + API costs |
| Setup complexity | Low (download and install) | Medium (1–2 hours) |
When Claude Desktop Is the Right Choice
Claude Desktop makes sense when:
- You want a better, native experience for claude.ai without the browser
- You have files to share — PDFs, documents, images — and want to discuss them
- You're using MCP to connect Claude to local tools (databases, custom APIs, local files)
- You're on macOS and want screen-aware AI assistance
- You prefer a focused, per-project conversation space
If you're already a Claude user who mostly chats and shares documents, Claude Desktop improves your experience without adding complexity.
When OpenClaw Is the Right Choice
OpenClaw makes sense when:
- You want AI in WhatsApp or Telegram rather than a separate app you have to open
- You want persistent memory that builds across months of use
- You want AI to take real actions: send emails, file GitHub issues, run scripts
- You want always-on availability — even when your laptop is closed
- You handle sensitive information and want data processed locally
- You want to automate workflows between multiple services
Can You Use Both?
Yes, and the combination is natural:
- Claude Desktop for focused work sessions — writing, document analysis, complex research while at your computer
- OpenClaw for everything that happens around and between sessions — messaging, automation, memory, mobile access
Many users treat Claude Desktop the same way they treat a good text editor: you open it when you need it for focused work. OpenClaw is more like your AI's home base — always running, always available.
A Note on MCP vs OpenClaw's Integration System
Anthropic's Model Context Protocol (MCP) and OpenClaw's integration/skill system serve overlapping goals: connecting AI to local tools and services.
MCP is a standardised protocol — increasingly supported by multiple AI tools, not just Claude Desktop. OpenClaw's integration system is purpose-built for the agent runtime model.
In practice: MCP integrations work within Claude Desktop's session model (present for a conversation). OpenClaw integrations are persistent and can be triggered automatically by events or schedules.
The Bottom Line
| If you want... | Use |
|---|---|
| Better claude.ai with file sharing | Claude Desktop |
| AI in WhatsApp 24/7 with memory | OpenClaw |
| Quick setup, no server needed | Claude Desktop |
| Actions, not just answers | OpenClaw |
| Data to stay on your machine | OpenClaw |
| Screen-aware AI on macOS | Claude Desktop |
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