Codex
For building things and working through a project
I think Codex is amazing. This site is one example of what we've been building with it. You can work through an idea, change the files, and keep going in the same project.
I'd start here if you want to make something and work alongside the agent. You'll still spend time giving it context, setting up tools, and explaining what good looks like.
Repeat work can run on a schedule, too. If a task needs files on your computer, the computer and desktop app need to stay on. The scheduled-task guide explains the options.
Explore Codex
Cowork
For work that lives in documents, spreadsheets, and folders
If you want help with a report or a pile of files, Cowork is a good place to start. You give it a job and choose the folders and tools it can work with.
There's still some setup. It needs your context, the right connections, and instructions about the result you want. I'd try giving it one useful job before deciding you need to build a separate agent.
It also supports recurring tasks, so a regular briefing or report doesn't necessarily need its own machine. See Cowork's scheduling guide.
Included with Claude Pro, $20/month when billed monthly. Cowork and plan details
Town
A personal assistant that gets involved quickly
I tried the trial and could immediately imagine it being useful. Onboarding was easy, and it started trying to help right away. I liked that it connected to my email.
What I didn't love was how much access I had to give it. I wanted more choice about what it could see. Sometimes I just want an agent to know who I've emailed and when, without reading the messages.
Town does have read-only routines and approval controls. Those let you limit what it does. Its Google connection can still read email contents. That's the distinction I'd pay attention to.
Starter is $15/month. A 14-day Pro trial is available. Town pricing / Visit Town
Devin
For handing off software work
I haven't tried Devin yet. Its pitch is that you can hand over a coding task and come back to review the result.
Devin Cloud packages the computer and workflow around the code: connecting to a repository, running tests, and opening a pull request. It can work on tasks in parallel and pick up work from tools like Slack and Linear.
If I already had Codex or Claude Code, I'd consider Devin for how easy it makes delegation. Those tools can also do background work. I'd want to see how much setup and checking Devin saves on a familiar coding task.
Pro is $20/month, with extra usage available to buy. Devin pricing
Instinct
A personal assistant you text or call
The onboarding asked for more information than I wanted to give up front. And I don't want another assistant in my text messages. That was enough for me to know it wasn't a fit.
It may suit you if you want an assistant that knows a lot about your day and is easy to reach by text. I'd decide how much you want to share before connecting everything.
TechCrunch reported privacy and security concerns in August. Instinct's policy was updated afterward and now describes training opt-out and deletion controls. Disconnecting an account and deleting its saved data are separate steps.
Visit Instinct / Current terms / Recent funding
Want to choose the model and run your own setup? Start with our guide or browse the starter packs.