How to join Manus — the new AI assistant everyone is talking about

Manus AI logo on smartphone screen
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manus is generating significant buzz in the artificial intelligence world, earning comparisons to DeepSeek and attracting praise from tech luminaries. Developed by Chinese startup Butterfly Effect, this new AI assistant has quickly become a hot topic.

Unlike ChatGPT, Claude, and other single-model systems, Manus claims to be the "world's first general AI agent" by using multiple AI models working in tandem — such as Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Qwen, and various independent agents to tackle a wide range of tasks.

This multi-agent approach potentially gives Manus capabilities beyond what we've seen in conventional AI assistants. However, as with any new AI system generating this level of hype, it's worth approaching these promises with healthy skepticism until you can try it yourself.

Currently in beta, Manus requires an invitation to access. Here's how to join this new AI assistant and what you can explore while waiting for approval.

How to sign up for Manus AI

1. Visit the Manus website

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Go to the Manus AI webpage. The homepage features extensive information about the system and an introductory video. Look for the Try Manus button located directly beneath the video and click it.

2. Apply for beta access

(Image: © Tom's Guide )

Since Manus is still in beta testing, you must request access. Click the Apply for Access button to begin the application process.

3. Submit your application

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Enter your email address and provide a brief explanation of why you want to use Manus.

Be specific here about why you want to join Manus, as applications are manually reviewed. Once you're finished, click Submit Request.

4 Wait for your invitation code

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

If your application is approved, you'll receive an email containing an invitation code. Once received, return to the sign-in page and enter this code to access the platform.

What to do while waiting for access

Explore use case demonstrations

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

While waiting for your invitation, the Manus site offers a detailed showcase of its capabilities through interactive demonstrations. To find it, go back to the main webpage and scroll down.

These "use cases" provide step-by-step replays of Manus handling various tasks, giving you a preview of what to expect.

The demonstrations span several categories:

  • Featured
  • Research
  • Life
  • Data Analysis
  • Eduction
  • Productivity
  • WTF

Review examples from users

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

The site also features a section showing how other users already use Manus, providing additional insight into its real-world applications beyond the curated demos.

This can help you determine if Manus suits your particular needs.

As with any new AI system, especially one invitation-only, it's important to remember that the demonstrations are likely showing Manus in its best light.

When you gain access, test it thoroughly across different use cases to evaluate its capabilities against the considerable hype it's generating.

Submit a task suggestion

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Manus also allows potential users to submit task ideas. Click Let Manus try my task under the heading in the previous step.

Then, simply describe what you'd like it to do for you and submit your request.

If selected, your task might be featured in their demonstration gallery, and you'll get to see how Manus would handle your specific request.


And that's it—you’re ready to join Manus! While your invitation code is on its way, please take a moment to explore our other AI articles.

For ChatGPT users, don't miss the 5 mind-blowing ChatGPT prompts you’ll wish you knew sooner and ChatGPT's scheduled task feature is a game changer — 5 prompts to try first. And for those interested in Gemini, here are 9 prompts to get started.

Category
Arrow
Arrow
Back to MacBook Air
Brand
Arrow
Processor
Arrow
RAM
Arrow
Storage Size
Arrow
Screen Size
Arrow
Colour
Arrow
Storage Type
Arrow
Condition
Arrow
Price
Arrow
Any Price
Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Manus logo on phone next to AI
Manus AI is the new challenger to DeepSeek — everything you need to know
Manus and ChatGPT
I just tested Manus vs ChatGPT with 5 prompts — here's the winner
Manus vs. DeepSeek logos
I just tested Manus vs. DeepSeek with 7 prompts from Gemini — here's the winner
The DeepSeek AI logo is seen on a smartphone held in the hand
How to join DeepSeek AI — getting started with ChatGPT's rival
Claude AI on smartphone
5 mind-blowing prompts to get the most out of Claude
ChatGPT logo on MacBook Pro M4
OpenAI now integrates with Notes, Quip, and Notion — here’s what’s new
Latest in AI
Slack
ChatGPT could soon work with Slack and Google Drive to make office life a bit easier
Gemini and ChatGPT logos on a phone
Forget ChatGPT Canvas — I just tried Gemini Canvas and I'm floored by the difference
Gemini screenshot image
Gemini just became the ultimate collaborator — everything you need to know about this huge new upgrade
Glok vs. Claude logo for AI madness
I tested Grok vs. Claude with 5 prompts to crown a winner
Google Assistant logo on a smartphone screen
Google Assistant is losing features to make way for Gemini — here's what's just been axed
ChatGPT app on iPhone
I didn't think I'd have any use for ChatGPT Deep Research — 7 ways it's improved my daily life
Latest in How To
Woman changing bedding
How to get rid of bed bugs and dust mites from your bedding and pillows if a hot wash isn’t an option
How to delete TikTok
TikTok has rolled out a vital new security feature — here's how to use it
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
With iOS 18 you can set up custom voice trigger phrases for your iPhone — here's how
iPhone 16 Pro Max shown in hand
You can change your iPhone's default browser — here's how
Shutterstock Sora image
5 must-try Sora prompts for creating incredible AI videos
Ninja Air Fryer
Air fryer dos and don'ts — 7 safety tips for everyday use