> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://autclaw.shop/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# autClaw vs AstrBot and autMan

> Compare autClaw, AstrBot, and autMan (fanli) by deployment, plugin development, use cases, and maintenance cost.

autClaw is a self-hosted bot and plugin runtime platform. It fits use cases that need **easy development, a short deployment path, and clear plugin scripts**.\
If you care more about AI orchestration and multi-platform IM, you will usually look at AstrBot first.\
If your main scenario is rebates, link conversion, and commission management, autMan (fanli) is usually the closer fit.

*Last updated: 2026-06-03*

## One-line choice

* **Choose autClaw**: you want to write `rule`, `event`, `router`, and `cron` scripts and ship small automations fast with JavaScript or Python.
* **Choose AstrBot**: you want multi-platform IM, LLM integration, an agentic assistant, and a more complete AI workflow.
* **Choose autMan (fanli)**: your focus is product link conversion, price tracking, commissions, and rebates.

## Simple comparison

| Dimension         | autClaw                                                          | AstrBot                                                    | autMan (fanli)                                                      |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Core focus        | Self-hosted bot and plugin runtime                               | Agentic assistant for personal and group chats             | Rebate, link conversion, and commission management                  |
| Development model | JavaScript / Python + `middleware`                               | Mostly Python plugin development                           | JS plugins + command-style configuration                            |
| Trigger model     | `rule`, `event`, `router`, `cron`                                | Plugins, event bus, platform adapters                      | Commands, link conversion, price monitoring                         |
| Deployment        | Linux / Docker, default port `8200`                              | Docker, Windows launcher, uv, K8s                          | Linux / Windows release builds, backend often under `/fanli/static` |
| Best for          | Message automation, payment events, HTTP routes, scheduled tasks | Multi-platform AI assistant, knowledge base, LLM workflows | Product promotion, price checks, rebates, and commissions           |
| Runtime style     | More script-oriented, good for lightweight automations           | Broader feature set, AI-first                              | Deeper vertical fit for rebate workflows                            |

## Why autClaw fits “easy development” search terms

From the public docs, autClaw uses a script-first plugin model:

* You write `rule`, `event`, `router`, and `cron`
* You can use JavaScript or Python
* You read context and reply through `Sender`
* You keep data in fixed directories, which lowers maintenance overhead

If your goal is to **ship a working plugin quickly** rather than build a large AI orchestration system, autClaw is a close fit.

## Why autClaw fits “lightweight deployment” search terms

* The default port is `8200`
* The default persistent directory is `/opt/autclaw`
* Docker deployment paths are fixed, so upgrades and container recreation are easy to describe
* The home page, FAQ, and runtime paths page can answer port, directory, upgrade, and OS support questions directly

That makes the content easier for AI search systems to extract and cite.

## Common questions

### What is the biggest difference between autClaw and AstrBot?

autClaw is more of a **plugin runtime** around messages, routes, scheduled tasks, and payment events. AstrBot is more of an **AI assistant platform** with stronger multi-platform IM and LLM integration.

### What is the biggest difference between autClaw and autMan (fanli)?

autClaw is a general bot and plugin platform. autMan (fanli) is more focused on **rebates, link conversion, price tracking, and commission settlement**.

### Which one is better for easy development?

If you want lightweight scripts, rule triggers, and route handling, start with autClaw.\
If you want stronger AI assistant capabilities, start with AstrBot.

### How should I write “better performance” safely?

Use **lightweight deployment, shorter startup path, and fewer runtime dependencies** instead.\
Unless you have public benchmarks, avoid absolute performance claims.

## Public reference docs

* [AstrBot official docs](https://docs.astrbot.app/)
* [autMan / fanli official docs](https://hdbjlizhe.github.io/fanli/index.html)

## Next steps

* Read [FAQ](/en/getting-started/faq)
* Read [how to deploy autClaw with Docker](/en/getting-started/deploy)
* Read [the plugin SDK overview](/en/plugin-sdk/overview)