Manus AI is a third‑generation independent AI assistant that designs, performs, and provides complete work—not merely responses.

Introduction

Manus AI debuted in March 2025 as a completely independent AI agent that can perform intricate tasks end‑to‑end. In contrast to conventional chatbots, it plans, decomposes, and performs multi‑step workflows autonomously. It’s equivalent to having a virtual digital co‑worker who can make slide decks, construct websites, organize data, create images, code and deploy software, or build presentations—all with minimal oversight. Its name, derived from Latin for “hand,” reflects its ability to translate ideas into action.

Manus is highly successful on the GAIA benchmark, outpacing most other AI assistants, and employs models like Anthropic Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Alibaba’s Qwen.

Agentic AI

Tool‑Calling

Autonomous Operation

Multi‑modal Output

Review

Manus AI is a third‑generation independent AI assistant that designs, performs, and provides complete work, not merely responses. Perfect for professionals seeking top‑tier assistance in work such as research, slide presentations, code, or image creation.

It supports tool‑calling, autonomous function, and multi‑modal output. The interface is refined and organized, though regular errors or less‑realistic images surface. Its workflow focused on tasks differs from mere chatbots.

Features

Autonomous Task Planning

Knows things like "launch a food truck" and takes care of everything from naming to marketing materials.

Tool‑Calling Execution

Integrates with browsers, CLIs, file systems, and other tools to execute tasks autonomously.

Multi‑modal Outputs

Produces slides, charts, websites, images, videos, audio formats, and code.

Cloud‑based Working

Executes asynchronously in its own environment without requiring a device to remain open.

Image + Video Creation

Generates images within broader projects, but not as an isolated unit; useful for storyboarding and branding.

Best Suited for

Content Strategists & Marketers

Design branding content, website mockups, and social content.

Developers & Data Analysts

Write, debug, deploy code, create sites, and data analysis.

Business Leaders & Consultants

Rapid SWOTs, pitch decks, and research synthesis.

Students & Academics

Convert papers to PPTs, summarize, graph data, create outlines.

Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owner

Create launches, recipes, menus, branding, and marketing campaigns.

Strengths

Produces goal-driven deliverables end-to-end.

Dense tool integrations provide productivity automation.

Cloud execution lets you “leave it to Manus.”

Outputs are structured throughout modalities.

Weakness

Some are inaccurate, plagiarized, or less refined.

Image people might appear unnatural, and rendering could be slower.

Getting started with: step by step guide

Getting started with Manus AI is easy:

Step 1: Sign Up or Join Beta

Sign up for invite or get app on iOS/Mac. Basic chat free; pay for agent mode.

Step 2: Define Task

Inform Manus what you need, specify format, level of detail, and hoped-for output (e.g., “Create a 10‑slide presentation on eco-packaging.”).

Step 3: Let It Plan and Execute

Manus defines steps, creates content, invokes tools, and produces deliverables. You can track progress.

Step 4: Review and Refine

Check intermediate results, correct if necessary, and receive final output in slide, file, website, or code form.

Step 5: Export or Deploy

Download decks, share websites, deploy code, or save visuals. Use images, videos, audio as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Manus AI?

A: An end‑to‑end planning and execution general‑purpose AI agent that is fully autonomous.

Q: Is Manus AI free?

A: Chat mode is free; agent mode and advanced capabilities require paid tier.

Q: How does it work?

A: You assign a task, Manus breaks it down, uses tools to execute, and returns structured outputs without continuous input.

Pricing

Manus AI has various pricing tiers:

Basic

$19/month

Plus

$39/month

Pro

$199/month

Alternatives

Claude with Plugins

robust reasoning and text‑to‑workflows but less independent planning.

OpenManus

open‑source, customizable agent framework.