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Head-to-head · AI Computer Use Agents

Coasty vs OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Coasty #1 in AI Computer Use Agents 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Coasty
OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) #8 in AI Computer Use Agents 8.5/10 Paid ✓ 5 of 5 features Visit OpenAI

Coasty leads on 1 check, OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCoasty · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly Coasty

Coasty scores higher on our rubric for ai computer use agents: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Coasty offers free plan; OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) doesn't.

Coasty is the better fit for teams needing managed, programmable computer-use runs. OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) is the better fit for developers building API-based computer-use agents.

  • Coasty fits best

    Teams needing managed, programmable computer-use runs

  • OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) fits best

    Developers building API-based computer-use agents

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Side by side

Feature Coasty 9.2/10 Visit ↗ OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.5
Ranking #1 in AI Computer Use Agents #8 in AI Computer Use Agents
Best for Teams needing managed, programmable computer-use runs Developers building API-based computer-use agents
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $19/mo $3/unit usage-based
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Cloud
Platforms Web, Windows, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Docs Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Coasty 5/5 · OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) 5/5
Desktop app control ✓ ✓
Browser control ✓ ✓
Screen understanding ✓ ✓
Human approval controls ✓ ✓
API access ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms Windows, Linux, web, API web, Windows, macOS, Linux, API
Deployment Hybrid Hybrid
Our review
Pros
  • Controls desktops, browsers, terminals, files, and external screens
  • Versioned workflows support branching, loops, retries, and parallel runs
  • REST APIs, schedules, webhooks, and human approvals support operations
  • Controls browsers and operating systems with mouse and keyboard actions
  • Supports screenshots, function calling, and Responses API integration
  • Adds human confirmations and safety checks for sensitive actions
Cons
  • Enterprise pricing uses custom credits rather than a published price
  • The broad automation scope may exceed simple browser-only needs
  • Managed-step billing can vary with task volume
  • No free plan is available
  • The model remains a research preview
  • Non-browser use requires particular human oversight
Our verdict

Coasty is a computer-use agent and API for automating multi-step work across graphical desktop applications, web browsers, terminals, documents, email, and business workflows. It is aimed at developers and organizations building browser,…

Read the review →

OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) is a specialized model for developers building agents that operate graphical interfaces. It interprets screenshots, generates mouse and keyboard actions, interacts with browsers, and handles…

Read the review →
  1. CoastyAI Computer Use Agents 9.2Free plan
  2. OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA)AI Computer Use Agents 8.5Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Coasty — where it wins

    • Controls desktops, browsers, terminals, files, and external screens
    • Versioned workflows support branching, loops, retries, and parallel runs
    • REST APIs, schedules, webhooks, and human approvals support operations

    Where it doesn't

    • Enterprise pricing uses custom credits rather than a published price
    • The broad automation scope may exceed simple browser-only needs
    • Managed-step billing can vary with task volume

  • OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA) — where it wins

    • Controls browsers and operating systems with mouse and keyboard actions
    • Supports screenshots, function calling, and Responses API integration
    • Adds human confirmations and safety checks for sensitive actions

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • The model remains a research preview
    • Non-browser use requires particular human oversight
  • Coasty9.2/10 · Free plan

    A programmable computer-use platform with managed machines, workflows, approvals, and APIs.

    Visit CoastyFull verdict →
  • OpenAI Computer-Using Agent (CUA)8.5/10 · Paid

    A capable API-first computer-use model for developers who can manage preview-stage limitations.

    Visit OpenAIFull verdict →

More comparisons

All AI computer use agents comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update