Manus AI Agent Shifts to Paid Subscription
The newly launched Manus AI agent has taken a bold step towards commercialization by transitioning to a subscription model. The Beijing-based startup behind Manus has introduced two pricing tiers: a $39-per-month option and a $199 upgraded version, aligning itself with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro. Despite still being in its beta testing stage, Manus has drawn significant attention for its promise to do more than just respond to prompts—it can perform complex tasks for users.
Manus AI: A New Way to Work
The Manus AI agent is designed to perform various tasks for users. Unlike traditional AI models that respond to queries, Manus acts as an agent capable of handling intricate jobs. The $199 premium subscription allows users to run up to five tasks simultaneously, offering more computation credits and greater flexibility. The basic version of Manus will remain free, providing users with limited access to the tool.
The Manus AI is built on existing large language models, including Anthropic’s Claude family. It leverages these models to perform jobs that typically require human intervention, making it a powerful productivity tool.
A Slick Launch and Comparisons to DeepSeek
Manus made a splash with a slick video demonstration of its capabilities, leading to comparisons with DeepSeek. DeepSeek, a service that shook Silicon Valley with its performance, is known for rivaling the best models from OpenAI and Meta Platforms. Manus, which entered the market recently, has attracted attention for its similar ambitions and strong capabilities.
The aggressive move to monetize the Manus AI agent so early in its development marks a sharp contrast to the ongoing user acquisition race in China. Competitors like DeepSeek R1, Alibaba Group, and Tencent Holdings have also ramped up efforts to dominate the market, intensifying the AI pricing war.
Also read: China’s DeepSeek Launches Upgraded V3 Model
Butterfly Effect’s Investment Plans
Manus is backed by Butterfly Effect, a company in talks to raise funds at a valuation of at least $500 million. Current investors include ZhenFund and HSG, formerly known as Sequoia China. These funding efforts suggest that Manus could continue to grow rapidly in the highly competitive AI space.
Manus AI’s shift to a subscription-based model signifies the company’s rapid commercialization efforts. With aggressive pricing, powerful capabilities, and plans for further investment, Manus is positioning itself as a serious contender in the AI market.
