Manus AI Launches Publicly With 1,000 Free Credits
Manus, a widely anticipated Chinese artificial intelligence tool, has now launched with open access to the public. Upon signing up, users receive 1,000 free credits, offering a chance to explore its capabilities firsthand. Previously available only to those on a waitlist, Manus can now be accessed by anyone through its website or mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Described by many as the “next DeepSeek,” Manus stands out for its detailed reporting and agentic capabilities. It not only processes queries but also takes initiative, performing complex research tasks independently. While some early users faced sign-up issues, those have now been largely resolved. Consequently, public access appears to be fully rolled out.
Impressive Research Capabilities, but Limited Free Use
Though Manus may not seem revolutionary compared to ChatGPT, users have praised its thoroughness. For instance, it’s capable of producing detailed reports, performing data analysis, and even creating games based on current events. In practice, however, the 1,000 free credits don’t go far. After only two queries, around 500 credits were used—particularly when a complex question, such as forecasting Tesla’s future, demanded extensive analysis.
To its credit, Manus explains its process step by step and delivers multiple versions of the output. That level of transparency is rare and appreciated. Yet, if you plan on using Manus regularly, be prepared to pay. The free tier serves more as a sampler than a full experience.
Freedom of Information and Subscription Plans
One striking feature is Manus’s willingness to address politically sensitive topics. For example, when asked to report on the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, Manus generated a complete report referencing multiple independent sources. This marks a significant contrast to DeepSeek, which has been known to sidestep similar inquiries entirely.
Users who exhaust the free credits have two subscription choices. The Starter plan is priced at $39 per month, offering 3,900 credits and the ability to run two tasks at once. For more demanding users, the Pro plan at $199 per month provides 19,000 credits and allows five concurrent tasks. Although not inexpensive, the plans reflect the tool’s professional potential.
With its rich features and minimal censorship, Manus positions itself as a powerful AI contender. Whether it’s worth the subscription will depend on how deeply you want to integrate it into your workflow.
