Is OpenClaw free?

The OpenClaw software itself is free and open source, released under the MIT license, so you do not pay for the program or need a subscription to download and run it. However, OpenClaw depends on external AI models (such as Claude or GPT-style systems), and those services charge per token or per unit of usage. That means your actual cost comes from API fees when OpenClaw calls these models on your behalf. Guides estimate that light use might cost around tens of dollars per month, while heavy automation and long sessions can push usage into higher monthly ranges depending on provider and configuration.