Compare
Operly vs OpenAI dots: one always-on agent or a team
OpenAI announced dots on September 29, 2026: always-on agents inside ChatGPT. Operly is an AI team for business owners: a chief of staff and named team members you create, each with a job. Here is how they compare, using OpenAI’s own words.
Side by side
How they compare
| Feature | OpenAI dots | Operly |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Always-on agents in ChatGPT. You start with a primary dot, give it a name and make it your own | An AI team: a chief of staff plus named team members you create, each with a job |
| How many you get | One primary dot is included. OpenAI says it envisions teams of dots over time and that adding more dots will come later | Pro includes 3 seats and Business up to 20, one team member per seat |
| Where it works | Its own cloud computer and browser, plus the apps you connect. OpenAI says it connects to over 4,000 apps through plugins | Your connected inbox, calendar, files and apps. A workspace computer, on Pro and Business, that you can watch or take over |
| How you reach it | ChatGPT on desktop, web and mobile, plus Slack and Teams and voice calls. Texting is coming soon | The Operly web app, iPhone and Android, plus Slack, Telegram and push notifications |
| Approvals | Built-in rules for when to act and when to ask, Custom Rules you set, and auto-review. Some sensitive tasks, such as changing a password, always stay with you | Your team carries out the sends you ask for, so ask for drafts when you want to read first |
| Who can get it | Rolling out to ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium in eligible markets, with an Enterprise beta | Pro and Business plans |
| Price | The first dot is included with Pro or Business Premium at no extra cost. See OpenAI’s pricing page for current plan prices | Pro is $50 a month or $500 a year. Business is $200 a month or $2,000 a year |
| Built around | General work. OpenAI’s examples include engineering, product launches, research, sales and content | Running a small business: inbox and follow-up, tasks and calendar, content, with starter team members by profession |
Each has its strengths
Where OpenAI dots is the stronger choice
- Every dot has its own cloud computer and browser, and OpenAI says it connects to over 4,000 apps through plugins.
- It works where many people already work: ChatGPT, Slack and Teams, with voice calls.
- OpenAI is previewing specialist dots with their own identity and IT-managed access for organizations, starting with enterprise pilots.
- It sits inside ChatGPT, so one subscription can cover chat, research, coding work and your dot.
Where Operly is the better fit
- A team, not one agent: a chief of staff delegates to named team members, and you see each one’s status in your sidebar, such as Working or Needs you.
- Built for running a small business: starter team members by profession, an Approvals queue for drafts, a tasks board, a schedule, files and a content studio.
- Routines you write in plain English that start from a schedule, a new email or a calendar event, with a plan you read before you confirm.
- Usage you can see and control: one allowance for the whole team, one meter with its reset date, and extra usage only if you turn it on and set the cap.
- Prices are public, with team seats included.
Which should you use?
Choose a dot if
You already live in ChatGPT, Slack or Teams and want one capable always-on agent with its own computer.
Choose Operly if
You want an AI team organized around running a small business, with an inbox approvals queue, tasks, calendar and content tools.
Questions
What are OpenAI dots?
OpenAI describes dots as always-on agents in ChatGPT that have their own cloud computer, learn from feedback and can work toward your goals around the clock. They launched on September 29, 2026.
Can I have a team of dots?
OpenAI says you start with a primary dot and that it envisions teams of dots working together over time. It also says you will be able to add more dots in the future.
How is Operly different from a dot?
A dot is one agent you name. Operly is a chief of staff and named team members, each with a job, organized around running a small business.
Who can use dots today?
OpenAI says dots are rolling out in ChatGPT to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets, with an Enterprise beta that an admin turns on.
Your data. What is sent to AI companies, what we store and what you control, and how Operly is built, including the workspace computer.
Keep comparing
Next: Operly vs Claude → All comparisonsTake one thing off your plate today.
Start with the work that keeps coming back. Tell your chief of staff, and see how it feels to have it done.
Start delegating