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OpenAI Dots vs ChatGPT Agent: What's Different?

OpenAI dots vs ChatGPT agent: dots are always-on and remember you between conversations, while ChatGPT agent completes a task you start. Compared side by side.

Unofficial guide · Last updated Sep 30, 2026Independent guide, not affiliated with OpenAI

Short answer

ChatGPT agent does a task when you ask, using its own virtual computer. OpenAI dots is built to stay on: it has its own cloud computer, keeps context between conversations, works in the background and messages you in ChatGPT, Slack or Teams. A dot can also start Codex and ChatGPT Work tasks for you.

The main difference

ChatGPT agent is something you start for a task. It works on its own virtual machine, handles multi-step jobs and reports back when it's done. When the task ends, so does the work.

A dot is meant to stay running. OpenAI says it "can take on ongoing responsibility and keep making progress between conversations."

Side by side

	OpenAI dots	ChatGPT agent
How you use it	Ongoing; talk to it any time	You start a task and wait for the result
Works in the background	Yes, including proactive research	Mostly while a task runs
Memory	Remembers context and forms its own memories	Follows ChatGPT's normal memory
Where you reach it	ChatGPT, Slack, Teams; texting in limited beta	ChatGPT
Own computer	Yes, a cloud computer and browser	Yes, a virtual computer
Plans	Pro, Business Premium; Enterprise beta	Check OpenAI's plan page

We have not run both side by side. The ChatGPT agent column comes from public descriptions, so check OpenAI's pages before you rely on it.

Codex and ChatGPT Work

A dot can hand work to Codex or ChatGPT Work. Those tasks use your plan's limits the same way they normally do. Talking to your dot doesn't.

Which one do you need?

If you want a single job done now, a one-off agent task may be enough. If you'd rather have an assistant that keeps up with your feedback, calendar or projects between conversations, that's the case dots is designed for. See what dots can do →

Not sure you can use dots at all? Check the eligibility checker →

FAQ

Does a dot replace ChatGPT agent?

OpenAI hasn't said so. It describes dots as a new way to work with AI that stays on and gets to know you. Both exist as separate features.

Is dots the same as Codex?

No. Codex is OpenAI's coding tool. A dot can start and manage Codex tasks for you, and those tasks count toward your usage limits as usual.

Do I need Pro for ChatGPT agent too?

Check OpenAI's plan page. Dots needs Pro or Business Premium.

Sources

Last verified Sep 30, 2026

GetOpenAIDots is an independent, third-party guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by OpenAI. Facts on this page are checked against official sources where possible; unverified claims are marked accordingly.