The Machine vs OpenAI Dots

Dots picks some, in OpenAI’s cloud. The Machine: all of it.

Dots researches the apps you connect in the background and picks what to read, from a cloud computer OpenAI runs. The Machine reads every new message, on your own server in the EU or your own computer.

The Machine giving a thumbs up

Coverage depends on the sources you connect, their collection limits and your noise filters. Collected signals stay queued for review; large backlogs can take more than one review.

The Machine

OpenAI Dots

Where your data lives

✓The Machine: Your own server in the EU, or your own computer

✕Dots: A cloud computer run by OpenAI

Covers all your mail, calendar and chats

✓The Machine: Every new message from every source you connect

–Dots: Background research in apps you connect, picking what to read

Trains AI on your chats

✓The Machine: Never. We have no AI of our own.Your AI provider’s own setting applies

–Dots: Personal: your setting decides. Business, Enterprise: off by default.

Take it with you

✓The Machine: Everything in one file. Import it at home or on another host.

–Dots: ChatGPT’s export doesn’t mention dots. None in Business.

Open source, run it yourself

✓The Machine: Yes, AGPL-3.0. Free on your own computer.

✕Dots: No

Pick your AI

✓The Machine: Yes: OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini and more, or a local model at home

✕Dots: OpenAI’s GPT-6 Astra

Works with other people’s assistants

✓The Machine: Yes, on The Machine Network: friends, family and team

✕Dots: Not today. OpenAI plans teams of your own dots.

Cost

–The Machine: Free on your own computer, or €25 a month hosted, excl. VAT, 7 days free. Plus your AI plan.

–Dots: ChatGPT Pro ($100 to $500 a month, not in the EU) or Business Premium

Using ChatGPT with apps and scheduled tasks yourself? See The Machine vs your own ChatGPT setup.

Based on their public information as of 22 October 2026: Introducing dots, Dots privacy FAQ, Getting started with your dot, ChatGPT Pro plans, ChatGPT data export. Something changed? Tell us.

More than a reader

And beyond reading everything

Open source

Read the code and run it yourself.

Read more →Graph

The people and companies it learned from your messages.

Read more →Work Fleet

Your team’s Machines ask each other and hand work off.

Read more →The Machine Network

Friends, family and colleagues, end-to-end encrypted.

Read more →

Try it

Tap the buttons

A card as it reaches your phone, ready for your yes. Made-up data, nothing is sent.

Get your Machine Try the demo

Hosted: €25 a month, excl. VAT. 7 days free, cancel any time. Free: try the demo or run it yourself.

More comparisons · How we keep it safe

Try it: tap Do it

The MachineDemo · nothing is sent

Follow up with Alex about pricing

Alex asked about the annual plan on Tuesday and hasn’t had a reply. Their trial ends Friday. I can draft a short answer with the numbers.

Source: email from Alex · Tue 13 Oct