The rapid evolution of generative AI has sparked intense interest in tools like Manus AI, a multimodal AI assistant renowned for its ability to execute complex, context-aware tasks.
A critical question among users and developers alike is: “Is Manus AI free to use?”
Based on current information, Manus AI is not currently free to use and remains in a closed beta phase requiring invitation codes for access.
1. Access Permissions & Invitation Code System
- Manus AI is currently in closed beta, and users must apply for invitation codes via its official website. Due to limited server capacity, the team is gradually releasing codes. Over 2 million applicants have already registered, leading to inflated resale prices for codes (reportedly up to 1,400–98,000 USD on secondary markets).
- The developers explicitly state that no official paid channels exist for acquiring codes and warn against scams. Priority is given to existing users during beta testing, with plans to expand access incrementally.
2. Commercialization & Future Pricing Models
- No official pricing has been announced, but founder Xiao Hong mentioned early-stage commercialization efforts. Potential models include subscription-based plans or pay-per-task fees (e.g., ~$2 per task). Costs may scale with task complexity or usage volume.
- The team’s prior product, Monica (an AI browser plugin), adopted a freemium model with free basic features and paid upgrades. Manus AI may follow a similar tiered strategy.
3. Technical Costs & Potential Free Features
- Manus AI relies on computationally intensive multi-model collaboration (e.g., Claude, Tongyi Qianwen) and cloud infrastructure, resulting in high operational costs. While no free tier exists now, analysts speculate that basic functionalities (e.g., simple task execution) might become free post-launch to attract users and refine the product.
- The team has also hinted at plans to open-source portions of its technology, which could enable community-driven free/low-cost alternatives.
Summary
As of now, Manus AI requires an invitation code and is not free. Future commercialization may introduce tiered pricing or limited free features. For updates, monitor the official website or social media channels.
