OpenAI dots vs Grok Bot (2026)
Two of the biggest always-on agent launches of 2026 come from direct rivals: OpenAI's dots (DevDay, September 29) and xAI's Grok Bot (August). Both are persistent agents that get their own cloud computer, sign into the tools you already use, and run multi-step jobs on their own, returning only when something needs approval. The real differences are the ecosystem you live in and how each is priced and distributed.
Overview
dots live inside ChatGPT. Each dot runs on a cloud computer and browser, connects to the 4,000-plus apps that already work with ChatGPT, and is reachable from the ChatGPT app, web, Slack, Teams, or a phone call. It is powered by OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra and wrapped in a permission model plus an Auto-review safety layer.
Grok Bot lives inside xAI's SuperGrok and Cursor subscriptions. Each Bot also runs on a cloud computer, scopes into the accounts you allow (Google Workspace, Slack, Salesforce, GitHub and more), learns workflows by demonstration, and runs them on a schedule.
Head-to-head
| Feature | OpenAI dots | Grok Bot |
|---|---|---|
| Model | GPT-6 Astra (reported) | xAI Grok |
| Runs on own cloud computer | Yes | Yes |
| App connections | 4,000+ ChatGPT-connected apps | Scoped accounts (Workspace, Slack, Salesforce, GitHub, etc.) |
| Reachable from | ChatGPT app, web, Slack, Teams, phone | xAI / Cursor apps |
| Permissions | Allow / approve / forbid, Auto-review | Scoped access, approval on sensitive actions |
| Pricing | ChatGPT Pro / Business Premium; first dot included | Bundled into SuperGrok / Cursor tiers |
Pricing
dots are included for ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium subscribers, with the first dot free within the plan and reported Pro tiers from $100 to $500 per month; the Pro rollout initially excludes the EEA, Switzerland, and the UK. Grok Bot has no standalone plan either and is bundled into xAI SuperGrok and Cursor subscriptions, with its own usage pool. Both are launch-window figures that change often, so confirm current pricing with each vendor.
Which should you choose
Choose dots if you already pay for ChatGPT Pro or Business Premium and your work runs through the apps ChatGPT connects to; the breadth of connections and the Auto-review safety layer are its strengths. Choose Grok Bot if you are already in the xAI or Cursor ecosystem, especially for developer-heavy workflows, and you value learning routines by demonstration. Both are early, both can make mistakes, and both should be run with tight permissions and approval gates on anything that sends messages, spends money, or touches production.
Bottom line
dots and Grok Bot are the same idea executed inside two different ecosystems. Pick the one whose apps and subscription you already live in, keep a human on the approval switch, and verify current pricing and regional availability before committing.