An open-source alternative to OpenAI dots
OpenAI dots is an always-on agent that works on its own cloud computer. Sidemates is the open-source alternative that works on yours.
Last updated 2 October 2026. Details about OpenAI dots come from its public pages (linked below) and can change. If something is out of date, tell us. See the full comparison with the other options.
What OpenAI dots is
OpenAI announced dots at DevDay on 29 September 2026: an always-on agent with its own cloud computer and virtual browser, plugins for thousands of apps, and read-only access until you approve actions. It is included with ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium, with one dot on Pro, and it was not offered in the EEA, UK or Switzerland at launch.
Side by side
| Sidemates | OpenAI dots | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Your Mac | Its own cloud computer with a virtual browser |
| Price | Free and open source (MIT). You pay only for the AI you choose. | Included with ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium; one dot on Pro |
| Your Mac's Mail, Calendar, Notes and files | Yes, in your own apps | No (cloud apps through plugins) |
| How many agents | A team of named teammates, each with its own browser and workspace | One agent per dot |
| Works while your computer is off | No. It works while your Mac is on, and keeps the Mac awake for scheduled jobs. | Yes |
| Where it is offered | Wherever your Mac works | Not in the EEA, UK or Switzerland at launch |
| Source code | Open (MIT) | Closed |
When to choose which
Choose OpenAI dots if you…
- want an agent that keeps working while your computer is off
- want it managed for you with nothing to install, and already pay for ChatGPT Pro or Business Premium
- are happy for your work to run on OpenAI's servers
Choose Sidemates if you…
- want the agent to work in your own Mail, Calendar, Notes, Messages and folders
- want to be asked before it sends, buys or changes anything, or to switch that off for a teammate you trust
- want free, open-source software instead of another paid app
- live in the EEA, UK or Switzerland, or want software you can read
Try Sidemates
On a Mac (macOS 13 or later), one line installs it. No administrator password, and the installer checks the download's fingerprint. Read the installer first if you like.
curl -fsSL https://sidemates.app/install.sh | sh
Then connect an AI (a free Gemini key is enough to start) and make your first teammate, or add a ready-made one from the gallery. Source code and docs: github.com/PrisacariuRobert/sidemates.
Questions
Is Sidemates a free alternative to OpenAI dots?
Yes. Sidemates is free, MIT-licensed software. You pay only for the AI you connect, and free options exist (a Google Gemini key or a free Nous Portal plan). It does not run in the cloud, so it works while your Mac is on, not while it is off.
Does Sidemates work in Europe?
Yes. It runs on your own Mac, so it works wherever your Mac does, including the EEA, UK and Switzerland, where OpenAI dots was not offered at launch.
Can Sidemates use my Mac's Mail and Calendar?
Yes. Teammates can read your Apple Mail, Calendar, Reminders, Notes, Contacts and Messages and search folders you choose, and they ask before they change anything.