Compare
Not another agent. Not just an app installer.
Oikou is a set of open-source web apps on a computer you own that know about each other, and that your own AI can answer across and rewrite. A chat agent has memory but no apps of yours to work on; an app installer puts separate apps on a server; a subscription app keeps your data in its cloud and charges monthly.
Side by side
| Chat agents (OpenClaw-style) | Self-hosted app installers | Cloud subscription apps | Oikou | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real apps (lists, logs, budgets) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apps share what they know | No | No | No | Yes |
| Your AI can answer across your apps | Yes, by chat | No | No | Yes |
| Your AI can rewrite an app for you | No | No | No | Yes |
| Share an app by email, no install | No | No | Yes, usually with an account | Yes |
| Data stored on your computer | Varies | Yes | No | Yes |
Scroll sideways to see every column
Can Oikou’s apps replace the subscriptions I pay for?
For the everyday ones, often yes. A calorie counter, a meal planner, a workout log, a habit tracker, a to-do app, a CRM, bookkeeping — each one is usually its own subscription. The Catalogue covers that ground with open-source web apps that run on your computer, powered by the AI plan you already pay for.
- No per-app subscriptions for the apps in the Catalogue.
- No second AI bill. Your Claude or ChatGPT plan does the work (its usage limits apply).
- Oikou Host is free to run yourself.
How is Oikou different from a chat agent?
A chat agent with memory is great at conversation, but it has nothing structured of yours to work on. Oikou gives you real apps — lists, logs, budgets, a pipeline — that your AI can see and change. You use the app; the AI works when you ask, or in the background for apps you allow.
Already have a Mac mini running an agent? If you already run an agent on one, Oikou gives it real apps to work with.
How is Oikou different from a self-hosted app installer?
Self-hosted app installers put separate apps on your computer. Oikou’s apps also know about each other: install Training and your calorie target moves with your workouts, and Recipes sends what you need to Grocery. Your own AI can answer across them and rewrite any of them, and you can share a single app by email with someone who installs nothing.
When isn’t Oikou for you (yet)?
- You don’t have a computer that can stay on.
- You need a native Android or Windows app. (Oikou apps work in any browser today.)
- You want something with zero setup.
- You need off-site backup built in.
Ready to try it? Get Oikou.
Oikou Host is free to run yourself. Downloads are behind sign-in with your Oikou account.