You might be wondering how OpenClaw compares to tools like Open WebUI, LobeChat, or Jan. Here's the short version: they give you a chat window, OpenClaw gives you an assistant.
Those tools let you talk to a local model through a browser or desktop app. That's it. OpenClaw connects that same LLM to your Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, and Slack. Your assistant lives where you already chat.
The real gap is the skill system. With Open WebUI, you ask questions and get answers. With OpenClaw, you write SKILL.md files that give your bot structured abilities: schedule reminders, query APIs, generate reports. Your assistant acts, not just responds.