Sunday, 11 October 2026
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Muse runs in a secure VM, Dot reaches your files with permission

OpenAI's always-on Dot and Meta's Muse aim to automate more tasks, but they differ sharply on cost, permissions and where they run.

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Close-up of a laptop screen showing an AI assistant interface.
  1. 01What exactly are Dot and Muse?
  2. 02Price, plans and where you can use them
  3. 03What about permissions and privacy?
  4. 04Where they run and how they connect
  5. 05Why this matters to you everyday
  6. 06What happens next
  7. 07Quick answers

The short version

  • Meta released Muse on Sept. 8 and OpenAI followed with its always-on Dot agents a few weeks later. Both can keep working after you stop guiding them and can access external services.
  • Muse operates in a separate Secure VM with its own browser; Dots run inside ChatGPT and can reach into files or browse the web with permission.
  • Pricing is different: Muse has a free tier plus $20 and $100 per month tiers; Dots start at $100 per month for individuals and vary by plan for businesses.
  • Availability isn’t identical: Muse is available in the US and Canada, while Dots are rolling out to Pro users outside the EEA/UK/Switzerland and to Business Premium users in supported regions.
Quick read · 2 min

Meta’s Muse and OpenAI’s Dot are both autonomous AI agents that can keep working after you stop watching. Muse runs in a separate secure workspace with its own browser, while Dots live inside ChatGPT and can access files or the web with permissions you set. Muse pricing starts with a free tier and paid options at $20 and $100 per month; Dots start at $100 per month for individuals. Availability varies by region and plan. Both say you should supervise actions and watch what data is accessed. If you’re deciding, choose Muse for a separate interface or Dot for deeper ChatGPT integration, then tweak privacy settings before enabling sensitive tasks.

  • What they do: background task automation and cross-service actions
  • Cost: Muse vs Dot pricing differences
  • Privacy controls: permissions and data handling

OpenAI has rolled out its always-on AI agents called Dots, while Meta pushed Muse into broader use earlier this fall. Both are designed to keep working after you stop actively guiding them, run their own cloud computers, and connect to outside services. If you’re curious about automating tasks like shopping, planning or research, here’s what matters for everyday use.

01

What exactly are Dot and Muse?

Muse is Meta’s autonomous assistant that operates in its own Secure VM with a built-in browser. It can connect to apps like email and calendars when you enable deeper integration. Dots, from OpenAI, live inside ChatGPT and can run tasks on their own cloud computer, access plugins, and, with permission, reach into your files or browse the web. In the works, multiple Dots could be managed at once in the future.

People collaborating around a table with a laptop and AI charts on screen.
02

Price, plans and where you can use them

Price is the clearest divide. Muse offers a free tier with limits and paid tiers at $20 per month and $100 per month. Dots are generally pricier for individuals, with the lowest option at $100 per month (Pro 100). Business Premium seats cost more per user per month and are billed annually or monthly depending on the plan. Availability isn’t identical for all features: Muse is currently available in the US and Canada, while Dots are rolling out to Pro users outside the EEA, UK and Switzerland, with Enterprise access still in beta.

03

What about permissions and privacy?

Both agents can perform actions that touch your services, like sending emails, managing calendars or retrieving files. Meta says Muse asks for consent before taking sensitive actions, and OpenAI uses a combination of permissions, Custom Rules and Auto-review to govern what a Dot can do. Both warn that mistakes can happen and that you should monitor actions and adjust settings carefully. The more accounts you connect, the more capable the agent becomes, but that also raises data-access concerns.

Computer chip
04

Where they run and how they connect

Muse runs in a separate Secure VM with its own browser, and you can use it via the app, the web or messaging apps. Dots live inside ChatGPT and can access plugins or your files if you opt in. Muse aims for a chatty, human-like feel; Dots lean into deeper integration with ChatGPT’s ecosystem, Work and Codex. Regions and plans determine what you can access, so check what’s included in your location and tier.

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05

Why this matters to you everyday

If you want a background helper that watches prices, organizes trips, or drafts emails automatically, Muse could feel like a separate assistant you chat with. If you prefer keeping tasks tightly within your ChatGPT setup and want easy file or web access, a Dot might fit better. Either way, you’re trading some control for automation, and you should keep a close eye on what data is touched and when.

06

What happens next

Both services are expanding, with tweaks to regions and plan details as they scale. If you’re thinking about subscribing, start with any free tier to test the behavior, then review permission settings to limit access and actions that the agent can perform on your behalf.

07

Quick answers

How do these AI agents work differently?

Muse operates in its own Secure VM with a browser and can link to services; Dot runs inside ChatGPT and uses plugins or file access with chosen permissions.

Which one is cheaper?

Muse has a free tier plus $20 and $100 monthly options. Dots start at $100 per month for individuals, with Business Premium pricing higher per user.

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