claude-code-complete-agent/feature-map.md

# OpenClaw vs Claude Code: Complete Feature Map

Every major OpenClaw capability, mapped to its Claude Code equivalent.
Updated March 2026 to include Auto Mode, Computer Use, Remote Control,
and Dispatch.

## Verdict legend

| Icon | Verdict | Meaning |
|------|---------|---------|
| ✅ | Full match | Claude Code achieves the same outcome |
| ~  | Different approach | Achievable but requires more setup or different architecture |
| ❌ | Gap | Not possible today without significant workarounds |

## The map (22 capabilities)

| # | Capability | OpenClaw | Claude Code Ecosystem | Verdict |
|---|-----------|----------|----------------------|---------|
| 1 | Agent Runtime | Long-running daemon, tool exec, streaming | CLI agent loop + Auto Mode (AI safety classifier) | ✅ |
| 2 | Shell Execution | `exec` tool, PTY, background, elevated | Bash tool + Auto Mode (no manual approvals) | ✅ |
| 3 | File I/O | read, write, edit, apply_patch | Read, Write, Edit, Glob, Grep | ✅ |
| 4 | Web Search | Brave Search, Firecrawl fallback | WebSearch + WebFetch (built-in) | ✅ |
| 5 | Browser | CDP/Playwright, screenshots, act | Playwright MCP + Computer Use (Desktop) | ✅ |
| 6 | Computer Use | Browser + desktop app control | Computer Use in CC Desktop + Cowork (research preview) | ✅ |
| 7 | Memory | Daily logs + vector search | CLAUDE.md hierarchy + auto-memory | ~ |
| 8 | Multi-Agent | Sub-agents, mesh, agent-to-agent | Agent Teams, SendMessage, worktree | ✅ |
| 9 | Messaging/Remote | 15+ native channels | Channels (Telegram, Discord, iMessage) + MCP + /rc + Dispatch | ~ |
| 10 | Model Providers | 20+ providers, failover | Opus/Sonnet/Haiku + overrides | ~ |
| 11 | Cron/Automation | HEARTBEAT.md, cron, webhooks | /loop, CronCreate, /schedule, hooks | ✅ |
| 12 | Always-On | Daemon process, 24/7 | Headless on VPS + Cowork "keep awake" + /schedule | ~ |
| 13 | Plugin System | openclaw.plugin.json, 20+ hooks | plugin.json, hooks, commands, agents | ✅ |
| 14 | Skills | SKILL.md, ClawHub (5,700+) | Skills + marketplace (2,300+) | ✅ |
| 15 | Security | Docker sandbox, DM pairing | Permission modes + Auto Mode classifier + hooks | ~ |
| 16 | Voice/TTS | Talk Mode, wake word | Via MCP/scripts (not built-in) | ~ |
| 17 | Companion Apps | macOS, iOS, Android native | Desktop, VS Code, JetBrains, Web, Dispatch (mobile) | ~ |
| 18 | Gateway | WebSocket server, Control UI | Remote Control (/rc) + Dispatch (partial) | ~ |
| 19 | Canvas/A2UI | Agent-driven HTML workspace | HTML generation + Playwright preview | ❌ |
| 20 | Configuration | JSON5, hot-reload, profiles | settings.json hierarchy, CLAUDE.md | ✅ |
| 21 | Chat Commands | /status, /model, /think, /mesh | Built-in + custom skills | ✅ |
| 22 | CLI | onboard, gateway, tui, doctor | claude CLI with subcommands | ✅ |

## Score

| Verdict | Count | % |
|---------|-------|---|
| ✅ Full match | 12 | 55% |
| ~ Different approach | 9 | 41% |
| ❌ Gap | 1 | 4% |

## What changed from the initial assessment

The initial feature map (20 rows, 2 gaps) was based on Claude Code
CLI alone. This updated map adds:

- **Computer Use** (row 6): New capability. Claude Code Desktop and
  Cowork can control your screen, click, type, navigate apps. This
  matches OpenClaw's browser + desktop control.

- **Always-On** (row 12): Explicitly broken out. OpenClaw runs as a
  daemon. Claude Code achieves persistence through headless VPS
  deployment, Cowork's "keep awake" mode, and /schedule for remote
  triggers. Different architecture, same outcome.

- **Gateway** (row 18): Upgraded from Gap to Different approach.
  Remote Control (/rc) lets you control a CC session from phone or
  browser. Dispatch (Cowork) adds mobile task assignment. Together
  they cover the phone-control use case, though not the programmable
  HTTP API.

- **Auto Mode** (rows 1, 2, 15): The AI safety classifier (Sonnet 4.6)
  reviews every tool call. 0.4% false positive rate. This eliminates
  the constant approval prompts that made CC feel less autonomous than
  OpenClaw's daemon mode.

## The remaining gap

**Canvas/A2UI (❌):** OpenClaw's canvas is an interactive,
agent-driven HTML/CSS/JS workspace served by the gateway. Claude Code
can generate HTML files and preview them via Playwright or Computer
Use, but there is no persistent, interactive canvas surface. Artifacts
in claude.ai are the closest equivalent but are not available in
Claude Code.

## The broader ecosystem

Claude Code is one part of Anthropic's answer to OpenClaw.
The full picture:

| Product | Role | OpenClaw equivalent |
|---------|------|-------------------|
| Claude Code (CLI) | Developer agent, terminal | OpenClaw core agent |
| Claude Code Desktop | Desktop app with computer use | OpenClaw + macOS app |
| Cowork | Non-technical agent, connectors | OpenClaw for non-developers |
| Dispatch | Mobile task assignment | Telegram/WhatsApp channels |
| /schedule | Remote triggers via claude.ai | HEARTBEAT.md cron |
| Agent SDK | Programmatic control, CI/CD | OpenClaw API |

This repo focuses on Claude Code (CLI + Desktop) because it gives
you the most control. But Cowork + Dispatch are relevant alternatives
for use cases that do not require terminal access.

## Version requirements

Minimum Claude Code version for full coverage: **v2.1.86**

| Feature | Version | OpenClaw equivalent |
|---------|---------|-------------------|
| Agent Teams | v2.1.32 | Multi-agent mesh |
| Auto-memory | v2.1.32 | Vector memory |
| Background agents | v2.1.49 | Sub-agent spawning |
| Worktree isolation | v2.1.50 | Agent sandboxing |
| HTTP hooks | v2.1.63 | Webhook integrations |
| /loop + CronCreate | v2.1.71 | HEARTBEAT.md + cron |
| disallowedTools | v2.1.78 | Tool deny lists |
| Channels + Telegram | v2.1.80 | Multi-channel messaging |
| Permission relay | v2.1.81 | DM approval |
| managed-settings.d | v2.1.84 | Enterprise policy |
| Auto Mode | v2.1.86 | Autonomous execution |
| Computer Use | v2.1.86 | Desktop control |
| Remote Control (/rc) | v2.1.85 | Phone access |