Anthropic Computer Use
API that lets Claude see your screen, move your cursor, and control any desktop app.
Visit Anthropic Computer Use Claude API rates (~$0.50–$3 per typical task)
What is Anthropic Computer Use?
Anthropic Computer Use is an API capability that gives Claude (any Claude 4 model) the ability to see screenshots of a real desktop, decide what to do, and emit mouse and keyboard actions your code executes. Unlike OpenAI Operator, it controls any desktop application — not just browsers. Pricing is standard Claude API rates.
Key features
- Controls any desktop application (not just browsers)
- Standard Claude API — no separate billing
- Open-loop architecture — your code executes the actions
- Multi-app workflows (Sheets + Notion, etc.)
- Works with Sonnet, Opus, or Haiku
Pros
- Far more flexible than browser-only agents
- You stay in control of what actions get executed
- Embeddable in your own product
Cons
- Requires writing code (Python or Node)
- Slow (2–5 seconds per click)
- Reliability tops out around 75% on real tasks
Best for
Developers automating desktop workflowsBuilders embedding AI agents in their own productQA engineers testing legacy apps without APIs
Read more
Alternatives to Anthropic Computer Use
Productivity
OpenAI Operator ★
Hosted browser agent that books flights, fills forms, and shops online for you.
Browser agent
PaidIncluded with ChatGPT Pro ($200/mo)
Released January 2025
Productivity
Browser Use
Open-source AI agent that controls a browser like a human would.
Browser agent
FreemiumOpen source (BYO key), Cloud from $30/mo
Released November 2024
Coding
Devin ★
The first AI software engineer — runs your codebase end-to-end.
AI engineer
PaidCore $20/mo (limited ACUs), Teams $500/mo
Released March 2024