Zo vs Manus
Manus AI made waves as an autonomous agent that can execute multi-step tasks across the web. It represents a real step forward in AI capabilities. But there's a fundamental architectural difference between Manus and Zo that shapes what each can do.
Browser Sandbox vs. Real Server
Manus operates through a Docker-based sandbox with a headless Chrome browser. It can browse the web, fill forms, and interact with websites on your behalf. This is impressive for web automation.
Zo gives you an actual Linux server. Your AI doesn't just browse—it has a full computing environment with:
A real file system that persists
The ability to install any software
Full code execution in any language
The power to host websites and services
SSH access for you and your tools
As one user put it: "Zo is touching upon something profound: the shift from Chat-based AI to true Agentic Computing. By giving the AI access to a server-side environment rather than just a browser window, you are unlocking real power."
Task-Based vs. Workspace-Based
Manus is designed around discrete tasks. You give it a prompt, it spins up a sandbox, executes the task, and returns results. Each task consumes credits, and your context resets between sessions.
Zo is a persistent workspace that grows with you:
Files you create stay there
Configurations persist
Projects build on each other
Your AI learns your preferences over time
Credit Limits vs. Your Own Server
Manus uses credit-based pricing:
Free tier: 300 daily credits
Basic ($19/mo): 1,900 monthly credits
Plus ($39/mo): 3,900 monthly credits
Pro ($199/mo): 19,900 monthly credits
With Zo, you get your own server with no per-task limits. Run as many tasks as you want. Leave processes running overnight. Host services 24/7. It's your computer.
Reliability and Availability
Manus has faced significant growing pains:
Server overload causing task creation failures
Crashes when processing large text volumes
Looping errors and inconsistent results
Daily usage limits during peak demand
Zo gives you dedicated resources. Your server doesn't compete with other users. No credit limits, no "high service load" errors—just your own computing environment, available when you need it.
What You Can Actually Build
Manus excels at web-based tasks: research, form filling, data extraction from websites. But its browser-centric architecture has limits.
On Zo, you can:
Run any software. Install databases, servers, development tools—anything that runs on Linux.
Build persistent projects. Create applications that run continuously, not just one-off tasks.
Host services. Deploy websites, APIs, webhooks that stay online.
Self-host tools. Run n8n, code-server, media servers, and more.
Process data at scale. Work with large files, databases, and compute-intensive tasks.
Privacy and Control
Manus collects data to execute tasks autonomously, raising questions about data storage, access, and usage. The platform is developed by a Singapore-based company with Chinese founders, which some users cite as a concern for sensitive data.
With Zo:
Your files live on your server
You control what your AI can access
Your data doesn't train external models
You can sync files from your local machine
Multiple AI Models
Manus uses its own orchestration layer over foundation models. You don't choose which model handles your task.
Zo gives you access to all leading AI models—GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and more. Choose the right model for each task, or let your AI pick based on the work at hand.
The Bigger Picture
Manus represents one vision of AI agents: autonomous task runners that work through browser automation. It's useful for specific workflows.
Zo represents another vision: giving AI a real computer to work with. Not a sandboxed browser session, but persistent server-side infrastructure that enables fundamentally different capabilities.
The shift from "AI that browses" to "AI that computes" is the difference between an assistant that can fill out web forms and one that can build, deploy, and maintain real software systems.
Get Started
Ready for AI with a real computer? Try Zo Computer and experience what agentic computing can be.