Agentic AI Comparison:
ChatGPT Agent vs Manus
vs
Introduction
This report presents a detailed comparison between ChatGPT Agent (by OpenAI) and Manus (by Butterfly Effect) across five core metrics: autonomy, ease of use, flexibility, cost, and popularity. Each agent offers distinct approaches and capabilities in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-powered assistants.
Overview
Manus
Manus is a next-generation autonomous AI agent from Butterfly Effect, claiming to act as the first general AI agent. It is engineered to independently analyze, plan, and execute complex multi-step tasks with minimal human input, leveraging multiple LLMs (such as Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Qwen) and advanced web interaction capabilities. Its primary focus is end-to-end autonomy and complex task execution.
ChatGPT Agent
ChatGPT Agent is a conversational AI tool developed by OpenAI, renowned for its versatility in text generation, dialogue, and support across a wide array of tasks such as writing, coding, and brainstorming. Its accessibility, extensive user base, and integration with other OpenAI models make it popular for both general and professional productivity use.
Metrics Comparison
autonomy
ChatGPT Agent: 6
ChatGPT Agent requires explicit instructions and often needs step-by-step guidance for multi-stage tasks. It does not independently break down or execute goals without additional user prompting.
Manus: 9
Manus is designed for full task autonomy, capable of taking an initial goal, decomposing it into smaller steps, and delivering complete results without ongoing supervision, including web browsing and form completion.
Manus demonstrates a significantly higher degree of autonomy, making it more suitable for users who want minimal involvement after specifying an initial goal.
ease of use
ChatGPT Agent: 9
ChatGPT Agent is designed for intuitive use, with a simple interface, low entry barrier, and rich documentation. Its conversational style is accessible even to non-technical users.
Manus: 7
While Manus is intended to eliminate user micromanagement, its interface assumes users are comfortable specifying clear, high-level goals. Early access status and potential for the system to get 'stuck' may impede absolute ease of use.
ChatGPT is currently more approachable for the average user due to widespread availability and mature interface, though Manus is designed for user convenience in long task chains.
flexibility
ChatGPT Agent: 8
ChatGPT excels in handling diverse, creative, and interactive text-based tasks. It supports extensions (plugins) and is highly versatile for individual or collaborative workflows, but its abilities are mostly constrained to language-based interactions.
Manus: 8
Manus delivers flexibility in end-to-end task automation, web interaction, and multi-model reasoning. However, its early stage means some integrations and SDKs are not yet available, slightly limiting full extensibility.
Both systems are highly flexible in their respective domains: ChatGPT for broad textual operations, Manus for complex, multi-step autonomous workflows. Current limitations in integrations for Manus keep their flexibility levels comparable.
cost
ChatGPT Agent: 9
ChatGPT Agent offers a free tier and affordable subscriptions (e.g., GPT Plus), making advanced AI accessible to a broad user base.
Manus: 5
Manus is in an invite-only beta with no public pricing as of now. Its eventual cost is unknown, and exclusivity reduces accessible value for general users at present.
ChatGPT is significantly more cost-effective and transparent at this time, while Manus’s future pricing structure could change this balance.
popularity
ChatGPT Agent: 10
ChatGPT Agent is one of the most widely adopted AI platforms globally, enjoying widespread name recognition and a large, active community.
Manus: 6
Manus has generated substantial interest and a long waitlist (over 2 million applicants), but its actual active user base is tiny due to invite-only beta status. Community and brand momentum are growing but far behind ChatGPT.
ChatGPT's dominance in user base and brand awareness makes it the uncontested leader in popularity. Manus shows impressive early interest but remains niche for now.
Conclusions
ChatGPT Agent is the superior choice for users seeking conversational versatility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, with mature ease of use and unparalleled popularity. Manus, meanwhile, is a technical leap in autonomous multi-step task execution and will appeal to users needing next-level automation with minimal oversight. As of July 2025, Manus is best viewed as a powerful but limited-access tool with growing potential, while ChatGPT remains the most widely relevant AI assistant.