OpenClaw vs Clawdbot: Same Project, Different Names
Confused by OpenClaw and Clawdbot? They are the same project. Here is the history and what name to use now.
OpenClaw vs Clawdbot: Same Project, Different Names
Searching for AI agent software? You’ve probably seen OpenClaw and Clawdbot. Here’s the simple answer.
They’re All the Same Thing
| Name | Status | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Clawdbot | Deprecated | Original name (late 2025) |
| OpenClaw | Current | Official name now |
| StartClaw | Active | Managed hosting service |
OpenClaw is the current official name. Use this when searching for docs and tutorials.
The Timeline
Late 2025: Project launches as “Clawdbot” (Claude + bot)
Early 2026: Brief rebrand (trademark concerns)
Now: Final name “OpenClaw” (open-source emphasis)
Why This Matters for You
For Searching
Old tutorials might say “Clawdbot.” The instructions still work - it’s the same software.
For Installation
Use the official repo:
git clone https://github.com/psteinroe/openclaw.gitFor StartClaw Users
StartClaw handles the naming confusion - we always run the latest OpenClaw version.
What is StartClaw?
StartClaw = Managed hosting for OpenClaw
Think of it like:
- WordPress = Open-source software
- WordPress.com = Managed hosting
OpenClaw = Free, open-source AI agent StartClaw = Managed hosting that handles setup, maintenance, and reliability
FAQ
Q: Are there feature differences between the names? A: No. It’s the same codebase, just renamed.
Q: Which tutorials are correct? A: All of them. The core functionality hasn’t changed across renames.
Q: Why so many name changes? A: Trademark caution + community feedback + project evolution.
Getting Started
Now that the naming is clear:
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