Compare
Not another agent. Not just an app installer.
Ion is real apps that know each other, on your computer, with the AI you already pay for.
Side by side
| Chat agents (OpenClaw-style) | Self-hosted app installers | Cloud subscription apps | Ion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Stop renting apps you could own.
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. Ion’s apps are open source and run on your computer, powered by the AI plan you already pay for.
- No per-app subscriptions for Ion’s library.
- No second AI bill. Your Claude or ChatGPT plan does the work (its usage limits apply).
- Early access is free. Pricing hasn’t been announced.
Ion vs chat agents
Chat agents with memory are great at conversation. Ion 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, Ion gives it real apps to work with.
Ion vs self-hosted app installers
Self-hosted app installers put apps on your computer. Ion’s apps also know each other, your AI can answer across them and rewrite them, and you can share any app by email.
When Ion isn’t for you (yet)
- You don’t have a computer that can stay on. (A hosted version isn’t available yet; join the list anyway.)
- You need a native Android or Windows app. (Ion apps work in any browser today.)
- You want something with zero setup.
- You need off-site backup built in.
Get early access.
Invite-only, released in small waves. Free during early access.