Named coworkers with memory
Set per-agent instructions and routines, keep durable conversations, and give each coworker its own workspace.
Open-source Claude Duet alternativeExperimental project
Open Duet: open-source Claude Duet alternative for AI coworkers
Open Duet is open-source software for creating named AI coworkers with their own instructions, memory, routines and workspace. Run it on your computer or server, and choose an engine such as Claude Code, Codex, an ACP CLI or an OpenAI-compatible endpoint.
Open Duet is an independent project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic. The desktop app and self-hosted server are experimental; check the repository for current setup details.
Free software · Apache-2.0Self-host on your computer or serverClaude Code · Codex · ACP · OpenAI-compatible
Free to run on infrastructure you control
No Open Duet subscription or message quota
Open Duet is free Apache-2.0 software and does not meter coworker messages. Model use is still subject to the engine you connect, its plan or API billing, and your hardware. Self-hosting does not make Claude or other model inference free or unlimited.
A workspace built around your agents
Your AI coworkers, your setup
Give each coworker a role and workspace, then decide which engine runs it and what actions require your approval.
Choose the model engine
Connect Claude Code, Codex, ACP-compatible CLIs or an OpenAI-compatible endpoint, subject to each engine's requirements.
Keep control close
Run locally or self-host, choose approval modes, and keep app data and credentials in an environment you control. Connected providers still receive prompts.
Use it where you work
Work from the desktop interface or browser, and connect through Telegram. Optional isolated Docker computers are experimental.
Open Duet vs Claude Duet
Two different ways to work with AI coworkers
Open Duet is an independent, self-hosted open-source project. Claude Duet is Anthropic's proactive agent experience. Choose based on where you want the workspace to run and which engines you need.
| What matters | Open Duet | Claude Duet |
|---|---|---|
| Source and license | Open source under Apache-2.0; inspect, run and adapt the project. | Anthropic's proprietary product, available through its Claude service. |
| Where it runs | Run on your computer or self-host on infrastructure you control; setup is experimental. | Available as an iOS and Android app and on claude.ai. |
| Model choice and usage | Choose among supported engines. No Open Duet message quota; provider billing, plan limits and hardware still apply. | Uses Claude and shares usage limits with the rest of the Claude plan during the research preview. |
| Project maturity | Experimental; teams of agents, rooms and additional app connectors are planned, not built. | As of October 22, 2026, a research preview is waitlist-only for US Pro and Max subscribers. |
Claude Duet details were checked on October 22, 2026; availability and plan terms can change. Open Duet does not provide Anthropic's Claude models or Claude Duet service; connect a separately available engine.
See Claude Duet on Anthropic ↗See Open Duet in action
Open Duet demo video
Watch the Open Duet walkthrough, then explore the source and current setup notes on GitHub.
Start from the source
Run the Open Duet desktop app
The repository README lists Node.js 22+ and uv as prerequisites for running the desktop app from source. Follow the README for the current setup steps and experimental self-hosting guide.
- Step 1
Clone the repository
Get the Open Duet source from GitHub.
- Step 2
Open the desktop folder
Change into the desktop app directory.
- Step 3
Launch the app
Install and run it using the repository's desktop script.
Desktop quick start
git clone https://github.com/Anil-matcha/open-duet
cd open-duet/desktop
npm run appKnow what is ready today
Current limitations
Open Duet is evolving. Check the repository before relying on it for production workflows.
- Teams of agents delegating to one another, shared rooms, and more app connectors are planned, not implemented.
- The self-hosted server and optional isolated Docker computers are experimental. Desktop installers may also be unsigned or experimental.
- Open Duet coordinates the engine you configure; it does not bundle model access, provider credits, or compute capacity.
Open-source Claude Duet alternative FAQ
What is Open Duet?
Open Duet is an Apache-2.0, open-source workspace for running named AI coworkers with their own instructions, memory, routines and workspace. You can run it locally or self-host it.
Is Open Duet a free and unlimited Claude Duet alternative?
The Open Duet software is free and has no built-in message quota. Model access is not unlimited or necessarily free: your selected engine's plan, API charges, rate limits and hardware apply.
Can I use Claude with Open Duet?
Open Duet supports Claude Code as an engine. You need access to Claude Code separately, and its own availability, account and usage limits apply. Open Duet is not an Anthropic product.
Can I self-host Open Duet?
Yes. You can run the app locally or follow the repository's self-hosting guide to run it on your own server. The self-hosted server is experimental, so review the current README and guide first.
Is Open Duet the same product as Claude Duet?
No. Open Duet is an independent open-source project by Anil-matcha. Claude Duet is Anthropic's product. Open Duet is not affiliated with Anthropic.
Open-source alternatives by product
Compare the Open Duet project with four specific AI assistant products.
Build your own AI coworker workspace
Explore the Open Duet source, check its current status, and choose the engine and hosting setup that fit your needs.
Explore Open Duet on GitHub