Overview
Manus is a general-purpose AI Agent product that can autonomously complete complex multi-step tasks—from information search and data analysis to file processing and code writing. It works like a versatile digital assistant operating independently in the background. You only need to describe the task, and Manus will autonomously plan steps, execute operations, and deliver results.
Manus attracted significant attention upon its release and is regarded as an important milestone in the productization of AI Agents. It can handle tasks across multiple tools and platforms, truly realizing the vision of 'completing complex work with a single sentence.'
📌 Major Equity Changes in 2026:
- 4/27: Chinese regulatory authorities did not pass the foreign investment security review for Meta's proposed acquisition of Manus for over $2 billion, and the acquisition plan was suspended
- 5/24: Manus shifted to preparing for a Hong Kong listing plan
- 6/20 - 6/24: A consortium of investors including Sequoia China, ZhenFund, Tencent, etc., completed the equity acquisition of Manus, reportedly totaling approximately 13.5 billion RMB, returning Manus's equity structure to domestic capital dominance
This is one of the most closely watched capital events in the domestic AI Agent field in 2026. Currently, the Manus team's headquarters remain in Singapore, but equity control has returned to domestic investors. The product continues to iterate, with approximately 22 million global monthly visits.
🚀 Product Iteration: On 2026-09-28, Manus 2.0 was released, bringing the new Cascade agent harness, Cloud Computer, and Automations, along with Manus Studio for professional creation and Cue, a new personal agent application.
Key Features
- Autonomous Task Execution: Understands complex instructions and autonomously plans and executes multi-step tasks
- Information Search and Analysis: Autonomously searches the internet, collects information, and performs comprehensive analysis
- File Processing: Creates various files such as documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Code Writing: Writes and runs code to complete tasks such as data processing
- Multi-Tool Integration: Calls multiple tools within a single task to collaborate and achieve goals
- Task Transparency: Displays the task execution process and thought chain in real-time
- Cascade Agent Harness: New agent harness introduced in Manus 2.0 (2026-09-28)
- Cloud Computer: Cloud-based computer environment introduced in Manus 2.0 (2026-09-28)
- Automations: Automation capability introduced in Manus 2.0 (2026-09-28)
- Manus Studio: Professional creation tool introduced in Manus 2.0 (2026-09-28)
- Cue: New personal agent application introduced in Manus 2.0 (2026-09-28)
Use Cases
- Complex information research requiring multiple steps
- Data collection and generation of analysis reports
- Competitive analysis and market research
- Batch processing of files and documents
- Automated data processing and format conversion
Pros
- High autonomy: True 'give task, wait for result' experience
- Strong multi-step task processing capability
- High task transparency: See what the AI is doing
- Broad functional coverage: Search, analysis, coding, files all in one
- Good Chinese language support: Developed by a domestic team
Pricing
Manus is currently in a limited release phase, offering a free trial quota. The complete pricing plan has not yet been announced, but it is expected to offer pay-per-use or monthly subscription options.
Summary
Manus represents the future form of AI Agents—tell it what to do, then wait for the results. For complex multi-step tasks (research, data analysis, report generation), it is closer to the definition of an 'automation assistant' than ChatGPT. It is recommended to use it as an efficiency tool. With the 2026-09-28 release of Manus 2.0, the product adds the Cascade agent harness, Cloud Computer, Automations, Manus Studio for professional creation, and Cue, a new personal agent application, further expanding its autonomous execution capabilities.
Version History
- Manus for Business launches with enterprise and team editions, paid seats from USD 20 per month (2026-10-14): In October 2026, Manus introduced Manus for Business with enterprise and team editions, with paid seats starting at USD 20 per month. The team edition targets collaborative use, while the enterprise edition extends seat scale and administrative controls.
- Manus 2.0 is released, including the new Cascade agent harness, Cloud Computer, and Automat. (2026-09-28): Manus 2.0 has been released, including the new Cascade agent harness, Cloud Computer and Automations, Manus Studio for professional creation, and Cue, a new personal agent application.