Side-by-side
| Axis | OpenClaw | IronClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 10-15 min Docker install on 2026.4. Plenty of plugins. | 20-30 min install. Stricter sandbox setup; mandatory key escrow on first boot. |
| Security model | Sandbox-on by default since 2026.3. Encrypted credential vault. Foundation governance. | Stronger sandbox enforcement (gVisor by default), mandatory tool approval, audit log replay built in. Smaller plugin ecosystem. |
| Model support | Multi-LLM, all major providers. | Multi-LLM but defaults to local-first; cloud LLM access requires explicit per-call opt-in. |
| Cost | $5/mo VPS works. | Same hardware footprint; the cost is in policy operations not infrastructure. |
| Ecosystem | Largest plugin ecosystem in category. | Niche but growing fast in regulated sectors. |
| Best for | General use, plugin-heavy workflows, low-stakes prototypes. | Security-first contexts: enterprise pilots, healthcare, finance, regulated tooling. |
Verdict
OpenClaw 2026.4 is the safe default for most users. IronClaw is the right choice when 'audit log + mandatory approval + tighter sandbox' is non-negotiable. The two are not really competing for the same job.
Notes
- IronClaw was forked in March 2026 from OpenClaw 2026.2 by ex-OpenClaw maintainers.
- Plugin compatibility between the two is partial — IronClaw rejects plugins without a declared threat model.
- Migration path from OpenClaw to IronClaw is documented; tooling is improving.
Going deeper
For the full landscape report including hosting economics, security posture and regulatory context, see the 2026 landscape report. For the OpenClaw-specific history, see the complete OpenClaw timeline.
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