OpenClaw Pricing
OpenClaw is free to download. Here’s what it actually costs.
The software is open-source and free. The server isn’t. The API calls aren’t. And the 12–22 hours of initial setup definitely aren’t.
Published: March 2026 — Last updated: March 11, 2026
The real costs
What you actually pay to run OpenClaw.
Server
€4–12/month
Hetzner CX22 (€4/mo) works for light use. CX33 (€12/mo) recommended for reliable multi-channel operation. DigitalOcean costs 20–30% more.
API keys
€5–50/month
OpenClaw uses your own Anthropic or OpenAI key. Without smart model routing configured (which takes time to set up), costs run high — expensive models handle routine tasks.
Setup time
12–22 hours
Documentation is written for developers. Expect time spent on SSH configuration, security hardening, skill installation, channel connections, and debugging. SecurityScorecard found 42,000+ default installs exposed to the internet.
Monthly maintenance
2–4 hours/month
Framework updates, skill compatibility issues, server monitoring, security patches. If you don't stay on top of updates, you risk your agent breaking silently.
Year 1 total
The honest comparison.
DIY OpenClaw — Year 1 estimate
- Server (€4–12/mo × 12)€96–144
- API costs (varies by usage)€60–600
- Initial setup (15 hrs avg × €30/hr)15 hrs average × €30/hr = €450
- Monthly maintenance (3 hrs × 12 × €30/hr)3 hrs/month × 12 × €30/hr = €1,080
- Total (incl. your time at €30/hr)€1,686–2,274
Volos — Year 1
- Setup (one-time, incl. $35 bonus credits)€99
- Subscription (€49/mo × 12, incl. $15/mo credits)€588
- Extra credits (light user)$0 extra (included $15/mo covers it)
- Total (light user)€687
Heavy Sonnet user? Add ~€79/mo in credit top-ups for a Year 1 total of ~€1,635. Still cheaper than DIY when you factor in your time.
Server, maintenance, security, and model routing all included. You only pay for AI usage beyond the included $15/mo.
What you get
| Feature | DIY OpenClaw | Volos |
|---|---|---|
| Software cost | Free (open source) | Included in subscription |
| Server cost | €4–12/month (you manage it) | Included in €49/month |
| API keys / AI usage | BYOK — you manage keys + billing | Managed — buy credit packs, we handle the rest |
| Setup cost | 12–22 hours of your time | €99 one-time (conversation-based, +$35 bonus credits) |
| Security hardening | Manual (most skip this — dangerous) | 7 layers, automatic |
| Monthly maintenance | 2–4 hrs/month of your time | Included (Volos handles it) |
| Year 1 total (light user) | €1,686–2,274 (incl. your time at €30/hr) | €687 (platform only — included credits cover light use) |
| Year 1 total (heavy Sonnet) | €1,686–2,274 (incl. your time at €30/hr) | ~€1,635 (platform + credit top-ups) |
Not sure which option is right for you? Compare all OpenClaw alternatives
Questions
OpenClaw pricing questions.
VolosFrom €687/year for a running, maintained AI agent.
€99 setup + €49/month + credits for what you use. 30-day money-back guarantee. No terminal required.