Last updated: July 16, 2026 · Reading time: ~16 minutes
Quick verdict: ChatGPT agent mode (formerly Operator) wins for no-code browser tasks inside your existing $20/mo ChatGPT Plus subscription — but caps at 40 agent runs/month. Manus wins for autonomous multi-step research, prototypes, and spreadsheet work at $20–40/mo with higher volume. Custom agents (Responses API, LangChain, n8n) win when you need API access, model choice, or production control — at the cost of build time. Most solopreneurs should start managed; go custom only when limits or lock-in bite.
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