Frequently asked questions about AI agents

31 answers based on our sourced agent data. Checked 2026-10-13.

What are AI agents?

What is an AI agent?

An AI agent is software you give a goal rather than step-by-step instructions. It can use apps, websites, files or messages to get the work done and checks back with you when something needs approval. Browse all 27 agents we track.

What is the difference between business and personal AI agents?

Business agents such as Grok Bot, OpenAI Dots and Claude Cowork focus on files, documents, research and multi-app workflows, usually through desktop or web apps and Slack or Teams. Personal agents such as Poke, Instinct and Meta Muse mostly live in text messages and help with email, calendar, errands and household tasks. See business vs personal agents.

How many agents does Agent Playbox cover?

We currently cover 27 agents: 4 business agents and 23 personal agents. The full list is on the agents page.

Do AI agents act without asking me?

The agents we track generally come back to you before important steps. For example, Grok Bot comes back when something needs your approval, and OpenAI Dots asks for approval before sensitive actions, according to the sources on their agent pages. Our use cases keep a human approving anything that is sent, paid for or deleted.

Choosing an agent

How do I compare AI agents?

Start with where you want to talk to the agent (desktop, Slack, text messages), what it should do, and the plan you already pay for. Then use our 19+ side-by-side comparisons, the sortable personal agents table and the charts.

How much do AI agents cost?

It varies. Several business agents are included in existing subscriptions: Grok Bot with SuperGrok and Cursor plans, OpenAI Dots with ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium in eligible markets, and Claude Cowork with paid Claude plans. Personal agents range from free to paid tiers, for example Poke Pro at USD 19/month and Martin from USD 35/month. Each agent page shows pricing with its source.

Which personal agents can I try for free?

According to their own sites or press coverage, these personal agents have a free option or free beta: Comma, Hark Pro, Instinct, Pally, Rene. Availability can change, so check the linked sources.

Which agents work in iMessage?

Agents listed with iMessage or Apple Messages support: Caddy, Miso, Orbits, Pally, Poke, Tab.

Which agents work in WhatsApp?

Agents listed with WhatsApp support: Meta Muse, Poke, Tab. Compare Meta Muse and Poke.

Which agents can I reach by phone call or SMS?

By phone call: Instinct, Martin, Tab. By SMS/text: folk, Instinct, Iris (Hermes), Martin, O (ohai), Ollie, Orbits, Pally, Tomo.

How should I think about privacy and data?

Read each vendor's privacy terms and only connect the apps the agent needs. Some vendors publish specific designs: Meta Muse runs on a dedicated “Muse Secure VM”, and Claude Cowork works in the folders you choose. Comma is open source and self-hostable. Start with low-risk tasks and keep approvals on.

Are all agents available in my country?

Not always. For example, OpenAI Dots Pro access excluded the EEA, the UK and Switzerland at launch, and Meta Muse launched rolling out in the US. Check the availability notes and sources on each agent page.

Specific platforms

What is Grok Bot?

Grok Bot is a business agent with its own cloud computer, so it keeps working when your laptop is closed. It can sign into apps and websites, including ones without an API, and can claim its own email inbox. It is in beta and included with SuperGrok and Cursor plans. Grok Bot details.

What is OpenAI Dots?

OpenAI Dots launched on 29 Sep 2026 at DevDay. It works in ChatGPT, Codex, Slack and Microsoft Teams and connects to 4,000+ apps through plugins. OpenAI Dots details · Grok Bot vs OpenAI Dots.

What is Claude Cowork?

Claude Cowork from Anthropic reads, edits and creates files in folders you choose, opens a browser for web tasks and supports scheduled tasks. It comes with paid Claude plans. Claude Cowork details · OpenAI Dots vs Claude Cowork.

What is Gemini Agent?

Google announced Gemini Agent on 8 Oct 2026 as a universal agent for work. It works inline in Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Slides, and coworker agents get their own Workspace account. It is in private preview. Gemini Agent details.

What is Meta Muse?

Meta Muse is Meta's personal agent, launched on 8 Sep 2026. It is available in the Muse app, on the web and in WhatsApp. It can send emails, book travel and make purchases, and offers a free tier plus paid plans. Meta Muse details.

What is Instinct?

Instinct is a personal agent you can text or call. It can use a phone and computer the way people do, for tasks like ordering groceries or planning a getaway. It is in a free, invite-only beta. Instinct details · Instinct vs Meta Muse.

What is Poke?

Poke is a proactive personal assistant on Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram and more, with Free and Pro (USD 19/month) plans. It was acquired by Cognition in July 2026. Poke details · Instinct vs Poke.

Which personal agents are best?

It depends on your channel and tasks. Our editorial best personal AI agents 2026 roundup groups agents by what each is known for.

Skills, templates and use cases

What is a use case?

A use case is a structured job an agent can do, with setup steps and agents to explore. We have 20 use cases.

What is a skill?

A skill is a reusable capability you can give an agent, such as inbox triage. Browse all 24 skills.

What is a template agent?

A template agent is a copy-ready setup with instructions, connectors, routines and guardrails, such as the chief of staff template. We offer 39 templates for business and personal use.

How do I use a template?

Open a template, copy its instructions into your agent, connect the listed apps, and set up the routines. Start with approvals turned on and adjust as you go.

Do templates work with every agent?

Templates are written to be agent-neutral idea starters, not vendor-tested claims. Check that your agent supports the connectors and channels the template needs on its agent page.

About Agent Playbox

Where do your facts come from?

Every fact links to its source: vendor sites, announcements and reputable press. If something is not verified, we show it as “Unknown” instead of guessing.

How often is the site updated?

Sources are checked automatically every day, and each agent page shows its last-checked date. New agents and news are added as they launch. Last full check: 2026-10-13.

Is Agent Playbox affiliated with any vendor?

No. We are an independent directory and are not affiliated with any vendor listed.

What is in the newsletter?

A free weekly email with new use cases, one sourced comparison and one new agent. It uses double opt-in and you can unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe.

Can I advertise on Agent Playbox?

Yes. We offer a homepage banner, a newsletter sponsor slot and a comparison page sidebar, from USD 150. All placements are clearly labelled “Sponsored”. See advertising.

How can I suggest an agent or a correction?

Agent Playbox is operated by PROAG AG; contact details are in the Impressum. We are happy to review sourced corrections and new agents.

Updated 2026-10-13