Where the work runs
dots
A cloud computer of its own, on OpenAI’s side.
Lobstack
On your computer: Windows, macOS or Linux. Prompts go to the model; the rest stays local.
CompareAlways-on agents
Lobstack and dots
OpenAI’s dots are always-on agents on OpenAI’s cloud, reached in ChatGPT, Slack or Teams, with over 4,000 apps and approval for sensitive actions. Lobstack runs bots on your own computer and stops before every change.
When it stops for you
dots
Sensitive actions, by default rules plus an auto-review model; approval can sometimes be given in advance. Custom Rules add limits.
Lobstack
Every step that changes something, by default: a write, a command, a push or a message, with the exact change in front of you.
With your computer off
dots
Keeps working toward your goals around the clock.
Lobstack
Nothing runs. Routines run on a schedule only while the app is open.
Where dots is stronger
What dots does better.
The widest reach
Over 4,000 apps through plugins, and a dot answers in ChatGPT, Slack, Teams or on a voice call. Lobstack has a shorter connector list and lives in a desktop app.
It works while you sleep
A dot’s computer is OpenAI’s and stays on. Lobstack’s bots stop when your computer does.
Workspace controls
Business and Enterprise workspaces get admin controls over who can use dots.
It learns you
A dot draws on ChatGPT’s memory and learns from feedback over time.
Side by side
9 questions, each answered from its own side’s pages.
| Lobstack | dots OpenAI | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A desktop app where AI bots work in your repos, files and tools, and wait for your yes before changing anything. | Always-on agents in ChatGPT that work toward your goals, powered by GPT-6 Astra. |
| Where the work runs | On your computer: Windows, macOS or Linux. Prompts go to the model; the rest stays local. | A cloud computer of its own, on OpenAI’s side. |
| With your computer off | Nothing runs. Routines run on a schedule only while the app is open. | Keeps working toward your goals around the clock. |
| Where you talk to it | In the desktop app, in a thread per job. | ChatGPT, Slack or Teams, or a voice call. |
| Apps it works in | 36 built-in connectors, any MCP server by URL or command, and your own files and repos. | Over 4,000 apps, through ChatGPT’s plugins. |
| When it stops for you | Every step that changes something, by default: a write, a command, a push or a message, with the exact change in front of you. | Sensitive actions, by default rules plus an auto-review model; approval can sometimes be given in advance. Custom Rules add limits. |
| Where your data lives | One folder on your disk. Keys in your operating system’s credential store. No telemetry. | On its cloud computer and in ChatGPT, where it remembers context between jobs. |
| Who can use it today | Anyone, as a free download. A public beta, not code-signed yet. | Pro and Business Premium, adults only. Pro excludes the EEA, Switzerland and the UK at launch. |
| Price | Free to download. $5 of credit for 30 days, then $1 a week. Paid plans from $29 a month, or your own provider key. | The first dot is included in a Pro or Business Premium plan. |
As of 2026-10-01. Plans, prices and regions change; check them before you decide.
Which one
Pick the one that fits the job.
Choose dots if
- Your team already lives in ChatGPT, Slack or Teams and wants an agent there.
- The work has to run around the clock with your computer off.
- You need an app from a very long list.
Choose Lobstack if
- The work is on your computer: your repos, files and local tools.
- Every change should wait for your yes, with the exact change shown, not only sensitive actions.
- You are in the EEA, Switzerland or the UK, or not on a Pro or Business Premium plan.
- You want to pay for model spend in dollars, or bring your own key.
Questions
What people ask.
Do dots ask before they act?
For sensitive actions, yes. OpenAI says dots follow strong defaults about when they need approval, an auto-review model checks risky actions, and Custom Rules can add limits. Lobstack stops before every step that changes something, by default.
Can I use Lobstack in Europe?
Yes. Lobstack is a download for Windows, macOS and Linux and runs on your computer. OpenAI says Pro access to dots excludes the EEA, Switzerland and the UK at launch.
Which one keeps my work on my machine?
Lobstack. Its bots, history and keys stay in one folder on your disk, and prompts go to the model. A dot works on a cloud computer OpenAI runs.
Sources
Every page we read.
- openai.com/index/introducing-dots
What it is · Where the work runs · With your computer off · Where you talk to it · Apps it works in · Who can use it today · read 2026-10-01
“remarkably capable, always-on agents built to handle everything”
“they have their own cloud computer”
“can work towards your goals 24/7”
“whether it is through ChatGPT, Slack, or Teams”
“readily connect to over 4,000 apps”
“Pro access excludes the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK at launch.”
- help.openai.com/en/articles/20001529-dots-privacy-security-and-safety-faqs
When it stops for you · read 2026-10-01
“Dots follow strong defaults about when they need your approval”
- help.openai.com/en/articles/20001530-getting-started-with-your-dot
Where your data lives · Price · read 2026-10-01
“remembers context to help with ongoing work”
“Your first dot is included in your Pro or Business Premium plan”
- help.openai.com/en/articles/9793128-about-chatgpt-pro-tiers
ChatGPT Pro plans · read 2026-10-01
- help.openai.com/en/articles/20001554-manage-dots-in-chatgpt-workspaces
Workspace controls for dots · read 2026-10-01
- Lobstack’s column
Each line restates a page on this site: /download, /docs/app, /docs/app#routines, /connectors, /docs/app#approval, /pricing.
Try Lobstack on your own computer.
Free for Windows, macOS and Linux, in public beta. Bots work on your machine and wait for your yes before anything changes.