OpenMausBot AI agent desktop app review
/OpenMausBot
OpenMausBot is a good open-source app for running local AI agents, with unusually clear control over models, computers, channels, and risky actions. It is worth trying if you already use Claude Code, Codex CLI, or Grok CLI and want a self-hosted multi-agent chat workflow. The rough edges are Linux support, host-control safety restrictions, and the need to assemble several dependencies yourself.
Why Run AI Agents as Contacts?
OpenMausBot addresses the lack of control in hosted personal-agent products. It gives each agent a separate identity, model, conversation context, working directory, and computer, while exposing permission requests before commands or file changes happen. That makes a multi-agent workflow easier to inspect.
How OpenMausBot Works
OpenMausBot is an Electron-based, bring-your-own-agent desktop app for chatting with multiple local AI agents. Its React interface sends HTTP commands to a local harness, receives normalized provider events over SSE, and starts Claude Code, Codex CLI, or Grok CLI processes through separate drivers. Each agent can receive its own model, workspace, computer, apps, voice, and approval boundary.
Models, Computers, and App Connections
- โOpenMausBot lets each bot use Claude Code, Codex CLI, or Grok CLI, with the option to point an engine at a custom CLI binary.
- โEach agent can receive a different model, personality, conversation history, channel, and working folder, including mid-conversation model changes.
- โComputer use options include a hosted Linux desktop, an isolated local VM, and opt-in control of the host machine where platform safety checks allow it.
- โBots can request permission before running shell commands, editing files, or answering questions. Users approve or deny each request in inline cards.
- โComposio Sessions connect agents to Gmail, Slack, GitHub, Notion, Linear, and 500+ other apps through OAuth-based access.
- โVoice output supports ElevenLabs, Fish Audio, Grok audio, macOS system voices, and a local Chatterbox server. Calls can include spoken approval requests.
- โTeams can be imported from portable Markdown files containing bots, instructions, channels, playbooks, and paused routines without bundled credentials.
- โOpenMausBot includes schedules, webhooks, automatic bot selection through a decision model, a bounded MCP server, and a headless CLI for scripted work.
Installing the Desktop and CLI
Released desktop builds include an embedded harness, so no separate server installation is needed. macOS users can download the Apple silicon or Intel DMG and move it to Applications. Windows users can run the x64 installer, although it is not code-signed and SmartScreen may report an unknown publisher. Ubuntu 24.04 x64 users can install the .deb with APT or make the AppImage executable; Ubuntu support is beta and GNOME is the documented target. For source installation: sh git clone https://github.com/milind-soni/OpenMausBot && cd OpenMausBot pnpm install pnpm dev:server pnpm dev pnpm dev:desktop OpenMausBot requires Node 24+, pnpm, a supported desktop OS, and at least one installed and logged-in agent CLI. Released apps are available for macOS, Windows, and Ubuntu 24.04 x64.
Strengths
- โOpenMausBot keeps transcripts, keys, events, and agent processes under local control instead of requiring a hosted agent backend.
- โThe app presents models, permissions, computer sessions, channels, triggers, and connected services through one coherent messaging interface.
- โClaude Code, Codex CLI, and Grok CLI support avoids requiring a separate account for every agent engine.
- โPermission cards make command execution and file edits reviewable rather than silent background activity.
- โPortable team files support reusable workflows without carrying credentials, conversation history, permissions, or computer access.
- โThe embedded harness in released builds makes desktop setup substantially easier than assembling separate app and server processes.
Platform Limits and Setup Requirements
- โณOpenMausBot still needs Node 24+, pnpm, and at least one installed, logged-in agent CLI when building from source; released packages also depend on the relevant external services for cloud computers and app connections.
- โณUbuntu support is beta, and native dictation is only supported on macOS. Bot control of the host is disabled on Wayland, while Ubuntu Xorg requires explicit opt-in.
- โณThe Windows installer is not code-signed, so users must navigate a SmartScreen unknown-publisher warning.
- โณCloud computers use Boat, which becomes a paid service after its trial, and Composio introduces another third-party account and terms.
- โณWindows code signing, Ubuntu release maturity, and Wayland host control leave parts of the cross-platform promise unresolved.
- โณThe MCP control plane deliberately omits approval grants, deletion, arbitrary settings, credentials, and computer lifecycle management.
OpenMausBot Compared With Other Agent Apps
Frequently Asked Questions
OpenMausBot is available under the Apache-2.0 license, which permits commercial use subject to its terms. Local agent usage depends on the pricing and account rules of the Claude Code, Codex CLI, or Grok CLI you install, while optional cloud services such as Boat and Composio have separate charges.
OpenMausBot includes drivers for Claude Code, Codex CLI, and Grok CLI. Each bot can select a supported engine and model, and Settings โ Engines also accepts a custom CLI binary, allowing a versioned build or wrapper to replace the default executable.
Yes. OpenMausBot runs the supported agent CLIs installed on your machine and uses their existing logins and subscriptions. It does not require separate OpenMausBot agent accounts or place a proxy between the desktop app and the local CLI.
No additional API key is required for local chat when a supported agent CLI is installed and logged in. Keys become necessary for optional integrations such as Composio app connections, Boat cloud computers, and hosted voice providers; local Chatterbox and macOS voices can avoid a hosted voice key.
OpenMausBot supports macOS, Windows x64, and Ubuntu 24.04 x64, with Ubuntu documented as beta and GNOME as its supported desktop. Ubuntu Xorg supports opted-in host control, while Wayland leaves that capability disabled; native on-device dictation is macOS-only.
Yes. OpenMausBot connects bots through Composio Sessions and OAuth, including Gmail, Slack, GitHub, Notion, Linear, and 500+ additional apps. Each bot can use the connected services as tools after the user authorizes access through the marketplace.
Best use cases
- โขRun separate research, coding, and operations agents with different models and permissions in one desktop workspace.
- โขGive project teams isolated bot rosters, shared instructions, transcripts, and working folders without copying each bot into every channel.
- โขAutomate recurring inbox summaries or event-driven app actions while keeping schedules and webhook runs visible for review.
- โขUse OpenMausBot as a headless CI worker that applies a team definition, runs a scoped job, waits for completion, and exports results.
- โขLet users watch and approve computer-use sessions for cloud desktops, isolated VMs, or opted-in host control.
- โขImport reusable bot departments from Markdown playbooks while keeping connections and routines disabled until approved.
Who should try it โ and who should skip
Try OpenMausBot if you already use one or more supported agent CLIs, want those agents organized as a multi-agent chat app, and prefer keeping workspaces and transcripts on your own machine. It is especially useful for developers who need approvals, scoped channels, computer-use visibility, and scriptable team workflows. Skip it if you need a fully mature Linux desktop experience, an unsigned-free Windows deployment, Wayland host control, or a hosted agent service with fewer local dependencies.
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