OpenAI Dots review

What OpenAI Dots are

Dots are OpenAI’s always-on agents, built into ChatGPT. OpenAI describes them as “remarkably capable, always-on agents built to handle everything,” powered by GPT-6 Astra. Where a ChatGPT chat answers and stops, a dot takes on ongoing responsibility: it works out next steps as things change, follows up between conversations and reaches out with results or decisions that need you.

Each dot lives in the cloud with its own computer and browser, so it can keep working when your devices are off. It starts with context from your ChatGPT memory, uses Codex and your connected tools, and can connect to over 4,000 apps through plugins. OpenAI also previewed “specialist dots” for organizations, with their own identity and deep integrations.

Key features

Its own cloud computer

Dots research, analyze data, prepare documents and run software on a cloud computer. You can open it and select Take over to step in, then Return control.

Memory and context

Your dot starts with your ChatGPT memory and preferences and learns from feedback over time.

Apps and plugins

Connect email, calendar, files and other apps through plugins. You can also connect your own computer so local files, code and apps are available.

Messaging

Message or call your dot in ChatGPT on web, mobile and desktop, or connect a contact method such as Slack or Teams.

Permissions and safety

Custom Rules let you allow, require approval for or block specific actions. Actions that could affect accounts or share information go through Auto-review, and steps like changing your password stay with you.

Pricing breakdown

Dots don’t have a separate price. OpenAI says your first dot is included in Pro or Business Premium at no extra cost, with an allowance for deeper work. Plan prices from OpenAI’s help center, checked October 16, 2026 (USD):

Plan	Price	Dots access
Pro 100	$100/mo	Rolling out (18+, outside EEA, Switzerland, UK)
Pro 200	$200/mo	Rolling out (same)
Pro 500	$500/mo	Rolling out (same)
Business Premium seat	$125/user/mo monthly, $100 annually	Rolling out
Enterprise / Edu / Healthcare	Contact sales	Beta, off by default

Pro is billed monthly only. OpenAI says it plans to let you add more dots and scale their speed or monthly workload in the future; pricing for that hasn’t been published.

Best use cases

• Ongoing projects: keep track of a project, work out next steps and follow up.
• Research and analysis: gather information and prepare documents while you do other things.
• Software: delegate build tasks to Codex.
• Updates in your tools: get progress reports in ChatGPT, Slack or Teams.

How to get started

1. Check that you’re on an eligible plan and region.
2. Open dots in the ChatGPT mobile app, desktop app or a desktop browser.
3. Name your dot and customize its appearance.
4. Connect plugins for apps like email, calendar and files (optional).
5. Give it a goal and the context it needs.

Tips and tricks

• Set Custom Rules early to decide what it can do without approval.
• Give it ongoing responsibilities, not just one-off questions.
• Use Take over when a site needs a human step.
• Keep the ChatGPT app open if your dot is using your connected computer.

Example request:

Keep track of our Q4 product launch. Check the shared launch doc and my email each morning, list anything overdue, and draft follow-ups for me to approve.

Pros and cons

👍 Pros

• Keeps working between conversations and while devices are off
• Uses existing ChatGPT memory and connected apps
• Custom Rules control what it can do alone
• No extra cost on eligible plans

👎 Cons

• Only on Pro, Business Premium and Enterprise
• Gradual rollout; you may not see it yet
• Pro access unavailable in the EEA, Switzerland and UK at launch
• Enterprise access is off by default

Who should (and shouldn't) use OpenAI Dots

✅ A good fit if you…

• Already pay for ChatGPT Pro or Business Premium
• Have ongoing projects that need follow-through
• Want an agent inside the ChatGPT ecosystem

⛔ Look elsewhere if you…

• Are on Free, Go or Plus plans
• Want a self-hosted, open-source agent (consider OpenClaw or Hermes Agent)
• Only need one-off answers (consider ChatGPT)

OpenAI Dots alternatives

• Grok Bot — Always-on AI teammates from xAI that work on their own cloud computer across your apps and websites. (from $30/mo (X Subscription Premium))
• OpenClaw — Free, MIT-licensed personal AI assistant you run yourself and talk to from WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack and more. (from Free (model costs separate))
• Hermes Agent — Nous Research's open-source, self-improving AI agent that learns skills from experience and runs anywhere. (from Free (model costs separate))
• Manus — General-purpose AI agent that researches, builds websites and slides, and runs scheduled tasks using credits. (from $20/mo for 4,000 credits (Pro))
• ChatGPT — OpenAI's AI assistant for chat, research, writing, coding, images, voice and agentic work. (from $8/mo (Go); Plus $20; Pro $100–$500)
• OpenAI Codex — OpenAI's coding agent across the ChatGPT desktop app, CLI, IDE extension, web and cloud. (from Free; Plus $20/mo for full Codex)

FAQ

What are OpenAI Dots?

Dots are always-on agents in ChatGPT, powered by GPT-6 Astra. Each has its own cloud computer, uses your ChatGPT memory and connected apps, and keeps working on ongoing tasks, checking in when decisions need you.

How much do Dots cost?

OpenAI says your first dot is included in Pro or Business Premium at no extra cost. ChatGPT Pro costs $100, $200 or $500 a month, and Business Premium seats cost $125 per user monthly or $100 annually. OpenAI says you'll be able to add more dots in the future.

Who can use Dots?

Dots are rolling out to Pro users over 18 outside the EEA, Switzerland and the UK, and to Business Premium users in supported regions. Enterprise, Edu and Healthcare can try the beta when an admin enables it.

Where can I use my dot?

Create it in the ChatGPT mobile app, desktop app or a desktop browser. Mobile web isn't supported. You can also connect messaging such as Slack.

Can a dot act without asking me?

You decide. Custom Rules let you allow actions, require approval or block them, and actions that affect accounts or share information go through Auto-review.

Sources

This is an editorial review based on research of official OpenAI Dots pages and documentation, not hands-on benchmark testing. Prices are in USD and were checked on October 16, 2026; vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official pricing page before buying.

1. Introducing dots (OpenAI announcement)
2. Dots (ChatGPT product page)
3. Meet dots (ChatGPT Learn)
4. Getting started with your dot (OpenAI Help Center)
5. About ChatGPT Pro tiers (OpenAI Help Center)
6. ChatGPT Business overview (OpenAI Help Center)