Manus AI is making waves in the technology world as a new kind of AI helper. Unlike regular chatbots that just answer questions, Manus AI works more like a digital intern that can complete entire tasks without needing constant guidance. Created by a Chinese company called Butterfly Effect and launched in March 2025, this tool is changing how people think about artificial intelligence.
What Makes Manus AI Different?
Most AI tools like ChatGPT wait for you to tell them what to do at each step. Manus AI is different because it can figure out the steps on its own. When you give it a job like “Plan my vacation to Paris,” it breaks this big task into smaller parts and works through them independently.
Imagine having an assistant who can:
- Search the internet for information
- Write detailed reports based on what it finds
- Compare prices for flights or hotels
- Book reservations and appointments
- Create schedules and itineraries
The most impressive part is that Manus AI uses real web browsers and other tools, just like a human would. You can watch it work as it clicks through websites, fills out forms, and gathers information.
How Manus AI Works
Manus AI combines several powerful AI models, including Claude 3.5 Sonnet, with the ability to use tools like web browsers and spreadsheets. This combination allows it to handle complex tasks that other AI tools cannot.
For example, if you ask it to find an apartment in a new city, it will:
- Search real estate websites
- Create a list of options that match your needs
- Compare prices and features
- Prepare a report with the best choices
All of this happens while you do something else with your time. The AI works in the background, making decisions similar to how a human assistant would.
Getting Started with Manus AI
Right now, Manus AI is invite-only, which means you need a special code to use it. Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the official website at manus.im
- Click on “Get Started” and join the waitlist
- Wait for an invitation code (only about 1% of people on the waitlist receive invites)
- Once you have a code, log in and start using the service
Pricing Options
Manus AI offers two main pricing plans:
- Starter Plan: $39 per month
- Pro Plan: $199 per month
This pricing makes Manus AI more affordable than similar tools like OpenAI’s Operator, which costs $200 per month. The different plans offer various levels of features and usage limits.
What Manus AI Does Well
Task Automation
Manus AI excels at handling repetitive tasks that would normally take hours of human time. It can gather information from multiple websites, organize it, and present it in a useful format.
Multi-Language Support
The system works in multiple languages, making it useful for international research and communication.
Privacy Protection
For businesses concerned about data security, Manus AI offers privacy-focused options where data stays within their own systems.
Cost Savings
At $39-$199 per month, Manus AI costs much less than hiring a part-time human assistant while still handling many of the same tasks.
Where Manus AI Falls Short
No technology is perfect, and Manus AI has some important limitations:
Technical Problems
Users report that the system crashes often, especially during busy times. This can be frustrating when you’re depending on it for important work.
Creative Writing Limitations
While Manus AI can write reports and emails, its writing style tends to feel mechanical compared to tools specifically designed for creative content.
Access Restrictions
The system can’t get past paywalls or handle websites that require complex logins or CAPTCHA verification.
Occasional Mistakes
Sometimes, Manus AI misunderstands instructions or misinterprets information it finds online, leading to errors in its work.
Who Should Use Manus AI?
Manus AI works best for certain types of users:
Business Owners and Managers
If you spend a lot of time on routine tasks like market research, competitor analysis, or scheduling, Manus AI could save you many hours each week.
Researchers and Analysts
People who need to gather and organize large amounts of information will find Manus AI particularly helpful.
Frequent Travelers
Planning trips involves many small tasks like finding hotels, checking flight prices, and creating itineraries – all things Manus AI handles well.
Real Estate Shoppers
Whether buying or renting, Manus AI can search listings and compare options much faster than a human could.
Comparing Manus AI to Other AI Tools
| Feature | Manus AI | ChatGPT | DeepSeek |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Task automation | Conversations, writing | Coding, data analysis |
| Works Independently | Yes | No | Somewhat |
| Pricing | $39-$199/month | $20/month (Plus plan) | Free or paid plans |
| Best For | Businesses, researchers | Writers, casual users | Developers, engineers |
The key difference is autonomy. While tools like ChatGPT can write an email for you, Manus AI can write the email, find the right contact information, and send it – all without additional instructions.
What’s Next for Manus AI
Butterfly Effect has announced several upcoming improvements for Manus AI:
- A mobile app with voice command features planned for late 2025
- Updates to improve the quality of creative writing
- New features for healthcare and e-commerce industries
- Better reliability to reduce system crashes
Should You Try Manus AI?
If you can get an invitation code, Manus AI is worth testing, especially if you regularly handle repetitive online tasks. However, keep in mind that the technology is still developing and has some reliability issues.
For busy professionals who value their time, the ability to delegate entire projects to an AI assistant represents a significant advancement over traditional chatbots. Just remember that, like any assistant, it works best when given clear instructions and when you verify its work before making important decisions.
Manus AI represents an exciting step forward in artificial intelligence – moving from tools that simply respond to our questions to assistants that can truly work alongside us.
Also Read – AI Chatbots for Customer Service: Benefits, Use Cases & Future Trends
