Perplexity just launched Computer, a cloud-based AI agent platform that CEO Aravind Srinivas describes as doing what OpenClaw does — but from the cloud, with no terminal required. It’s currently available to Perplexity Max subscribers, with broader access coming soon.
This is a meaningful shift. Perplexity was an AI search engine. Now it’s an AI agent platform. Let’s break down what this means for OpenClaw users.
What Perplexity Computer Does Differently
Cloud-first execution. Where OpenClaw runs on your machine with direct access to your files, APIs, and tools, Computer runs tasks in Perplexity’s cloud. You describe what you want; it works in the background — more like delegating to a remote coworker than watching an AI take over your screen.
Multi-model orchestration. Computer routes different parts of a task to whichever model handles them best. It currently orchestrates 19 models: Claude Opus 4.6 for coding, Gemini for research, Nano Banana for images, Veo 3.1 for video, Grok for lightweight tasks, and ChatGPT 5.2 for long-context recall.
“When you build a team, you don’t build a homogenous group,” Srinivas told Fortune. “We’re applying that same logic to AI workflows. The orchestration is the product. The model is a tool.”
Zero setup. Srinivas took a direct shot at OpenClaw’s onboarding: “It took our own engineers a long time to set up,” he said, citing terminals, API keys, and permissions. Computer aims for iPhone-level simplicity — “even your mom can text on the app and delegate tasks.”
Where OpenClaw Still Wins
Privacy and control. Your data never leaves your machine. No cloud provider sees your files, emails, API keys, or browsing history. For developers, founders, and anyone handling sensitive data, this is non-negotiable.
Unlimited customization. OpenClaw’s skill system, cron jobs, multi-agent teams, and direct tool access give you capabilities Computer can’t match. You can build a team of specialized agents, automate complex workflows, and integrate with anything that has an API.
Cost structure. OpenClaw is free and open-source. You pay only for the AI models you use. Computer requires a Perplexity Max subscription ($200/month) on top of whatever compute costs are built into the pricing.
Offline and air-gapped. OpenClaw works without an internet connection if you’re using local models. Computer requires cloud connectivity for everything.
Deep system access. OpenClaw can control your file system, run shell commands, manage git repos, send messages across platforms, and automate your entire digital life. Computer operates in a sandboxed cloud environment by design.
The Security Trade-Off
Srinivas compared OpenClaw’s local execution model to “malware” because of how easily it can damage data or expose information. That’s a fair critique given recent incidents — a Meta AI researcher’s inbox was deleted by an overzealous OpenClaw agent, and multiple CVEs have surfaced in February alone.
But cloud execution isn’t inherently safer — it just shifts the trust boundary. With OpenClaw, you trust yourself to configure it properly. With Computer, you trust Perplexity with your data, your tasks, and your tool integrations. Neither model is risk-free.
Who Should Use What
| If you… | Use |
|---|---|
| Want maximum privacy and control | OpenClaw |
| Don’t want to touch a terminal | Computer |
| Need deep system automation | OpenClaw |
| Want multi-model orchestration out of the box | Computer |
| Are cost-sensitive | OpenClaw |
| Need offline capability | OpenClaw |
| Want a managed, sandboxed experience | Computer |
The Bigger Picture
Perplexity Computer validates what OpenClaw proved: people want AI agents that work autonomously on real tasks over hours or days. The question is whether that agent should live on your machine or in the cloud.
For power users and developers, OpenClaw’s local-first model offers unmatched flexibility. For everyone else, Computer might be the bridge that makes AI agents accessible.
The two approaches aren’t mutually exclusive. You could use Computer for delegated research tasks while OpenClaw handles your local automation, cron jobs, and system integrations. The agent era is big enough for both. For context on why local-first matters, read why self-hosting your AI assistant matters.
Perplexity Computer launched February 26, 2026. Read the full Fortune interview.