The AI world is buzzing over Manus AI, a new multi-agent assistant developed by Chinese startup Butterfly Effect. Being compared to DeepSeek and other leading AI models, Manus is promising something entirely different—a general AI agent that doesn’t rely on a single model but instead combines multiple AI systems like Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Qwen, and independent agents to handle various tasks.
The hype is real, and access is extremely limited, creating a black market where beta invitation codes are being resold for over ₹12 lakh. But is Manus really worth all this frenzy? Here’s what you need to know.
What makes Manus different from ChatGPT & DeepSeek?
Unlike ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, which operate as single models, Manus AI claims to be a multi-agent system, meaning it uses multiple AI models together to solve complex tasks. This allows it to handle a broader range of requests, potentially making it more capable than existing AI assistants.
While companies like OpenAI and Google have explored multi-agent AI, Manus is positioning itself as the first general AI agent, which, if true, could be a game-changer in how AI is used for productivity, automation, and problem-solving. However, since it's still in beta, real-world performance remains untested for most users, leaving many skeptical about whether it truly outperforms other AI assistants.
Invitation codes are selling for a fortune
Because Manus AI is still in beta, access is strictly invite-only. The company has given out only 100-500 invitation codes, primarily to social media influencers, creating a wave of exclusivity. This has led to a thriving resale market, where some people are selling their beta invitations for 50,000 to 100,000 yuan (₹6 lakh to ₹12 lakh+).
On Xianyu, a popular second-hand goods marketplace, a Manus AI invitation code recently sold for over ₹12 lakh, according to China Daily. While some see this as a clever marketing strategy, Manus AI’s partner Zhang Tao insists that no marketing budget was allocated, claiming that the invite system is due to limited server capacity rather than an intentional scarcity tactic.
Will Manus be the next DeepSeek?
While DeepSeek AI has become a major player in the lightweight AI model space, experts believe Manus operates in a completely different category. Instead of focusing on compact models that run on phones, Manus aims to be a more intelligent, multi-model AI agent that can handle enterprise-level automation and real-world task execution.
Analysts believe that for Manus to succeed at scale, it will need massive computing power, robust technical stability, and strong regulatory compliance. If it can meet these challenges, it could become a major force in AI-driven enterprise automation. However, with Manus still in its early stages, many remain skeptical about its long-term potential.
How to get access to Manus AI (without paying ₹12 lakh)
If you’re interested in trying Manus AI, there’s still a way to apply for free—if you’re patient. Here’s how:
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Visit the Manus AI website and find the “Try Manus” button.
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Click on “Apply for Access” and submit your email.
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Provide a detailed explanation of why you want to use Manus (applications are manually reviewed).
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If selected, you’ll receive an invitation code via email.
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Use the code to sign in and explore Manus AI.
Manus also allows users to submit task ideas for its demonstration gallery, so if you’re lucky, your request might be chosen for testing.
Is Manus AI overhyped or the future?
With sky-high demand, invitation codes selling for lakhs, and claims of a revolutionary AI approach, Manus AI is certainly one of the most talked-about new AI tools. However, its true capabilities remain untested for most users, and whether it can match or surpass DeepSeek, OpenAI, or Google’s AI advancements is still unclear.
The question is—is Manus AI truly groundbreaking, or just another overhyped AI project? Only time will tell. Would you pay ₹12 lakh for early access, or would you rather wait?
