China’s Manus AI Now a Subscription Service – Is $39 a Good Deal?

As of March 2025, China’s Manus AI has officially transitioned into a subscription-based AI service, with its Starter Plan priced at $39 per month. With increasing buzz around AI agents that can automate complex tasks, professionals and enthusiasts alike are wondering: Is Manus AI worth the price? In this article, we break down everything you need to know about Manus AI’s subscription model, performance, and whether it offers real value at $39.

China’s Manus AI Now a Subscription Service

So, is $39 a good deal for Manus AI? For developers, cybersecurity experts, and power users looking for a budget-friendly autonomous agent, the answer is a resounding yes. It provides just enough power to automate and accelerate workflows without the steep price of enterprise alternatives.

Still, Manus is not perfect. Occasional errors, a learning curve, and language limitations might slow some users down. But if you’re looking to supercharge your productivity and test the waters with AI agents, Manus offers a compelling, cost-effective entry point.

What is Manus AI?

Manus AI is an autonomous AI agent designed to help users accomplish complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention. Developed by the Chinese startup Monica, Manus is gaining attention for its ability to act like a digital assistant that goes beyond chatbots.

Unlike traditional AI tools like ChatGPT, Manus AI focuses on automation – from writing code and analyzing vulnerabilities to generating documents and interacting with live systems. Think of it as hiring a digital freelancer who works 24/7 without fatigue.

Why the Subscription Model?

Launching a subscription model is a logical step for Manus AI as it scales. The $39/month Starter Plan offers entry-level access to powerful features, including:

• 3,900 monthly credits to run tasks
• Two concurrent task executions
• Stable resource allocation
• Priority usage during peak times
• Extended input/output length for more detailed conversations

This pricing tier sits between free, limited-access AI tools and enterprise-level solutions like Devin AI, which can cost up to $500/month.

How Does It Compare to Other AI Services?

Let’s break down how Manus stacks up against competitors:

Manus AI vs. ChatGPT Pro

Manus AI vs. Devin AI

Verdict: Manus AI offers a balanced middle ground between affordability and functionality.

Real-World Applications of Manus AI

Professionals are using Manus AI in creative and practical ways:

• Cybersecurity Experts: Manus has been used to simulate website penetration testing, generate vulnerability reports, and even create interactive dashboards.
• Developers: Users report that Manus can create full-stack apps, generate code, and debug in real-time.
• Writers & Researchers: With extended context memory, Manus can draft long documents, perform literature reviews, and even cite sources.

One Reddit user described Manus as “the closest thing to hiring a junior developer who never sleeps.”

Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Manus AI

1. Visit https://manus.im
2. Create an account with an email and basic credentials.
3. Choose your plan – free trial or Starter/Pro tiers.
4. Familiarize yourself with the interface and available task templates.
5. Launch your first agent using built-in workflows or custom instructions.
6. Monitor usage and manage your monthly credit allotment.

New: Manus AI Community & Support

Manus has recently launched a user forum and Discord server where subscribers can:

• Ask questions and get support
• Share workflows and automations
• Suggest new features

This move helps build a stronger developer community, much like what Hugging Face and OpenAI have done. You can join via links on the official site.

Security & Compliance

Security-conscious users will appreciate that Manus claims to follow standard encryption protocols, store data securely, and ensure that task data is sandboxed. However, as always:

• Avoid uploading sensitive data.
• Use a secure network.
• Regularly review Manus’ Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable compared to enterprise-grade AI agents
• Strong automation capabilities
• Excellent for technical users and devs
• Extended memory and stable access
• New support channels for users

Cons:

• Not ideal for beginners with no tech background
• Occasional hallucinations or fictitious data
• Limited support documentation in English
• No real-time internet access (currently simulates data)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Manus AI free?

Manus offers limited access for free users, but core features require a subscription starting at $39/month.

2. What are “credits” in Manus AI?

Credits represent how much compute power or resource time your task will use. Simple tasks use fewer credits; complex workflows consume more.

3. Is the $39 plan enough for regular use?

For most individual developers and hobbyists, yes. Power users might need the $199 Pro plan.

4. Can I use Manus for business purposes?

Yes, many users deploy Manus for client work, internal tools, and research. Just ensure you comply with Manus’ terms of service.

5. How does it handle data privacy?

Manus claims to comply with standard data protocols but always review their Privacy Policy.

6. Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Yes, subscriptions can be cancelled from the dashboard. You retain access until the end of your billing cycle.