Manus vs InfuseOS: Autonomous Computer-Use Agents vs Autonomous Productivity OS

Browser-native task execution vs a unified system-of-action across your work stack

The agent market is splitting into two execution models:

Computer-use agents that can operate like a human in a browser, clicking through UIs to complete tasks (even when APIs are limited).
Productivity OS agents that execute across your authenticated work tools with deeper context, governance, and repeatable operating rhythms.

Manus is commonly discussed in the first category. InfuseOS is built for the second.

What is Manus?

Manus is typically positioned in the “autonomous task execution” category: an agent that can complete tasks by operating software interfaces (often through the browser) rather than relying purely on structured API integrations.

The promise: broad execution surface. If a human can do it on a website, an agent can attempt it too.

What is InfuseOS?

InfuseOS is not a “computer-use” agent. It is built as a tool-native work execution layer.

Instead of navigating UIs like a human, InfuseOS is designed to execute through authenticated actions across your work systems with an emphasis on governance, permissions, and auditability, plus persistent context that keeps long-running work coherent across days and weeks (not just within a single browsing session).

The real difference (in one sentence)

Manus emphasizes “do it in the browser like a human”; InfuseOS emphasizes “run your work across domains with persistent context, verification, and OS-level control.”

First experience: a real-world test

Scenario: “Operations follow-through”

You want a system to:

Review a vendor email thread
Pull the latest contract from Drive
Update a tracker doc
Schedule a follow-up meeting
Notify a Slack channel
Create tasks with owners and due dates

Using a computer-use agent (Manus-style)

Strong when the workflow lives inside websites and UI steps
Executes by navigating pages, clicking, copying, pasting
Great for “there is no API” environments

Tradeoff: UI-based execution can be more brittle (UI changes, multi-step flows, permissions prompts).

Using InfuseOS

Designed for cross-domain workflows across your work tools
Optimized for recurring operational rhythms (daily, weekly, monthly)
Built around verification and persistent context to reduce repeat mistakes

Feature comparison: Manus vs InfuseOS

Category

Manus (computer-use agent category)

InfuseOS

Core identity

Autonomous computer-use / browser executor

Autonomous Productivity OS

Execution surface

Very broad via UI navigation

Broad via authenticated tool actions across domains

Best at

Tasks in web apps without APIs

Cross-domain work that needs context, coordination, and follow-through

Reliability profile

Can be brittle when UIs change

Designed around plan + execute + verify loops

Context

Often session-oriented

Persistent memory + knowledge graph

Governance

UI-based control patterns vary

Permissions, auditability, and user control designed as first-class

Operating rhythms

More ad hoc task execution

Built for scheduled workflows and repeatable “commands”

Where Manus is strong (why it matters)

“Universal executor” capability UI-based execution can reach places API-first automation cannot.
Fast prototyping of real-world tasks If the task is basically “go do what I would do in the browser,” computer-use agents can be compelling.
Works around integration gaps When connectors do not exist, UI operation can be a shortcut to value.

Where InfuseOS differentiates (especially for teams)

Work OS semantics vs browser steps InfuseOS is designed around work objects: people, projects, threads, docs, tasks, schedules, follow-ups, and communications, not just “click sequences”.
Persistent context that compounds InfuseOS is designed to retain durable context (preferences, relationships, writing style, project history) so execution improves over time.
Verification and iteration InfuseOS is built around verifying outcomes and iterating, which is key for trust when automation becomes autonomous.
Governance, permissions, audit For real workplace adoption, teams need visibility and control. InfuseOS is positioned to treat governance as part of the core product experience.

Which should you choose?

Choose Manus (computer-use agents) if you need:

Execution inside tools that do not expose APIs
A “use the browser like a human” approach
Broad reach across arbitrary web workflows

Choose InfuseOS if you need:

A unified agent across email, calendar, docs, tasks, and communications
Persistent context and writing-like-you output that improves over time
Verified execution and repeatable operating rhythms (scheduled workflows, one-command reuse)
Strong control and audit expectations for real work environments