Manus: China's New AI Chatbot Offers Free Credits and Deep Research Capabilities

Manus: The Latest Chinese AI Chatbot

Manus, a new Chinese AI chatbot, has officially launched to the public, offering users 1,000 free credits upon sign-up. Launched in March 2025, Manus is being hailed by some as the "next big thing" in AI, with capabilities that rival or even surpass those of ChatGPT and DeepSeek 1

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Deep Research and Comprehensive Reporting

What sets Manus apart is its focus on deep thinking and in-depth responses. Similar to ChatGPT's Deep Research mode, Manus compiles extensive reports for each query, showing its working processes and providing a timer 2

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. This approach allows for thorough research and detailed analysis on a wide range of topics.

For instance, when asked about the future of Tesla, Manus conducted extensive research and produced four different reports 1

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. Similarly, a stock evaluation for Quadrise, a company manufacturing synthetic biofuels, resulted in a comprehensive analysis that included insights into stock price, company outlook, products, and overall potential 2

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Versatility and Agentic Capabilities

Manus is not just a chatbot; it's being touted as a "general AI agent" capable of performing various tasks autonomously 2

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. It can handle everything from creating games based on current news scenarios to data analysis and educational applications 1

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. The AI can also assist with practical tasks, such as booking train tickets, although the efficiency of such tasks compared to human execution may vary 2

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Pricing and Credit System

While the initial 1,000 credits are free, they tend to deplete quickly. A simple query about a website used about 50 credits, while a more complex stock analysis consumed around 250 credits 2

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. For continued use, Manus offers two paid plans:

1. Manus Starter (Beta): $39/month for 3,900 credits and the ability to run two tasks concurrently.
2. Manus Pro (Beta): $199/month for 19,000 credits, five simultaneous tasks, and additional features like High Effort mode 1

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Censorship and Content Policies

Unlike DeepSeek, which reportedly refuses to answer questions about sensitive topics in Chinese history, Manus appears to have no such censorship issues. When asked about the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, Manus produced a full report drawing from various sources, including those that disagree with the official narrative 1

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User Experience and Reception

Initial user reports have been largely positive, with many describing Manus as their best AI experience so far. The detailed reports and thorough research capabilities have impressed users, although some encountered problems during the initial sign-up process 1

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As Manus continues to gain traction, it represents another significant player in the rapidly evolving AI chatbot landscape. Its emphasis on deep research and comprehensive reporting, combined with its agentic capabilities, positions it as a potentially powerful tool for various applications in business, research, and everyday tasks.