OpenAI Dots arrived with a lot of noise. Strip it away and owners ask me the same practical questions: is it on my plan, how do I start, can my team use it in Slack, and how does it stack up against other agents?
Here are straight answers, as of October 2026, using only what OpenAI has announced. No prices, no hype — and where Dots aren’t the right fit, I’ll say so without knocking them.
Want the full explainer first? Read the OpenAI Dots overview, or compare every mainstream agent on the best AI agents hub. If you’d like an agent set up around your real processes with you, see how Chief works.
Straight answers
What are OpenAI Dots?
Dots are always-on personal agents from OpenAI, announced at DevDay on September 29, 2026 and powered by GPT-6 Astra. You set goals and they pursue them continuously in the background. Read the OpenAI Dots overview for the full picture.
Are Dots available on my plan?
As of October 2026, Dots are available in ChatGPT on certain paid plans in eligible markets. Plans change, so check OpenAI’s current plan page for your account before you plan a rollout.
How much do Dots cost?
I don’t publish prices on this site — they change too often to stay accurate. Check OpenAI’s current plan page.
What's the difference between a primary Dot and a specialist Dot?
You start with a primary Dot you can name — your first, general agent. OpenAI also describes specialist Dots for narrower jobs and teams of Dots working together. Get the primary one reliable before you add specialists.
Dots vs Muse — which should I use?
They suit different situations. Muse, from Meta, is my pick for personal life: it works inside WhatsApp and acts across your apps with per-app permissions and confirmations. Dots fit best if you already live in ChatGPT, Slack or Microsoft Teams. See Muse and compare.
Can I message Dots in Slack or Microsoft Teams?
Yes. OpenAI says you can message Dots through Slack, Microsoft Teams and other workplace platforms, and text messaging has been announced as coming. The team rollout plan is on Dots for teams.
Can a Dot have its own login?
Yes — OpenAI says individual Dots can be given their own identities, credentials and tools. Use that to give each Dot only the access its job needs, separate from any person’s account.
Where do I launch a Dot?
From ChatGPT or Codex, on eligible plans. Then name your primary Dot and give it one clear goal. The first-week plan is on how to use ChatGPT Dots.
Are Dots safe for business data?
Safety comes from your setup. Give each Dot least access, require human approval for anything sent to customers, money or deletions, and follow a written AI policy. OpenAI has also said it’s working with Microsoft on Agent 365 security controls; check those against your own IT requirements.
Why aren't Dots one of your picks?
My picks — Grok Business for business, Muse for personal, Claude for building your own — fit how I run my companies and my family life. That’s not a knock on Dots. For teams already in ChatGPT, Slack or Teams, Dots may be the most natural fit. The reasoning is on the best AI agents hub.