Contop

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What Contop is

Contop is an open-source remote compute agent for controlling a desktop from a phone. It streams the screen in real time and accepts voice or text input, allowing the agent to carry out tasks autonomously. Its tools can run terminal commands, interact with the screen and Chrome, and read, edit, or search files; the maker lists 33 built-in tools for commands, screen control, file management, and workflow automation. Users can create reusable skills from prompt instructions, YAML workflows, Python tools, or combinations of these. Supported AI providers include Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic, and OpenRouter, with per-role model selection. Connections can use LAN, Tailscale, or Cloudflare Tunnel, with automatic path discovery and fallback. The site says phone-to-desktop traffic is end-to-end encrypted with DTLS and does not pass through third-party servers. Risky commands may be blocked, sandboxed, or held for user approval, and session logs can record prompts, commands, tools, and results. Desktop downloads for Windows, macOS, and Linux require Python 3.12 or later. Android is listed through Google Play, while iOS is marked as coming soon. Contop is available under the MIT license.

Who it suits

Contop may suit people who want to control a desktop from a phone or provide remote support. It also offers reusable skills and safety controls for command execution.

What it does well

Supports screen, Chrome, terminal, and file actions.
Lists 33 built-in tools.
Risky commands can require user approval.
Phone-to-desktop traffic uses end-to-end DTLS encryption.

What to know first

Desktop downloads require Python 3.12 or later.
iOS is listed as coming soon.
Development requires a supported AI provider key or eligible subscription.

Getting started

Open the Contop website.
Install the desktop app for Windows, macOS, or Linux; Python 3.12 or later is required.
Pair the phone and desktop using the QR code.
Install the Android app through Google Play; iOS is marked as coming soon.

Verdict

Contop combines phone-based desktop control with customizable skills and command safeguards. Check the Python requirement for desktop downloads and the listed iOS availability before choosing it.

Questions

Is Contop free?

Contop is listed as free and open source under the MIT license.

Which platforms does Contop support?

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android are listed. Android is available through Google Play, while iOS is marked as coming soon.

Which AI providers are listed?

The site lists Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic, and OpenRouter. It describes using API keys or existing subscriptions and selecting models by role.

Does Contop require a provider account or key?

The repository README says development requires at least one supported LLM API key or an eligible existing provider subscription.

How does Contop connect a phone to a desktop?

It describes LAN, Tailscale, and Cloudflare Tunnel paths, with automatic path selection and fallback.

What safeguards are available for desktop actions?

Dangerous commands may be blocked, sandboxed in an isolated Docker container, or held for user approval. Session logs can record prompts, commands, tools, and results.

Facts from Contop's own pages

AI providers: Contop lists Google Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic, and OpenRouter, with API keys or supported existing subscriptions. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Audit logs: The security section describes session logs containing timestamps, prompts, classified commands, tools used, and execution results. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Built-in tools: The maker lists 33 built-in tools for commands, screen control, file management, and workflow automation. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Connections: Contop describes LAN, Tailscale, and Cloudflare Tunnel connection paths, with automatic path selection and fallback. · contop.app, 2 Oct 2026
Connectivity: The site describes LAN, Tailscale, and Cloudflare Tunnel connection paths, with automatic path discovery and fallback. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Credential handling: The site says API keys and subscription preferences are configured on desktop, transferred by QR pairing, and stored encrypted on the phone. · contop.app, 2 Oct 2026
Customization: Users can create reusable skills as prompt instructions, YAML workflows, Python tools, or combinations of these. · contop.app, 2 Oct 2026
Custom skills: Users can create reusable skills as prompt instructions, YAML workflows, Python tools, or combinations of these. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Desktop actions: The agent can run terminal commands, control the screen, automate Chrome, manage files and windows, and launch applications. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Desktop requirements: The download section lists Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop builds and requires Python 3.12 or later. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Encryption: The maker says phone-to-desktop traffic is end-to-end encrypted with DTLS and that data does not pass through third-party servers. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Execution safeguards: The site says risky commands can be sandboxed, forbidden commands blocked, and destructive actions held for user approval. · contop.app, 2 Oct 2026
Execution safety: The site says dangerous commands are classified and may be blocked, sandboxed, or held for user approval; risky commands run in an isolated Docker container. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
License: The site identifies Contop as open source under the MIT license. · contop.app, 2 Oct 2026
Mobile availability: The download section lists Android via Google Play and says the iOS app is coming soon. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Notable requirement: The repository README says development requires at least one supported LLM API key or an eligible existing provider subscription. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Open-source license: The site states that Contop is open source under the MIT license. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Product: Contop describes itself as an open-source remote compute agent that lets users control a desktop from a phone with real-time screen streaming, voice or text input, and autonomous task execution. · contop.app, 3 Oct 2026
Support use case: The site presents remote support as a use case and describes it as support without asking users to follow complex steps. · contop.app, 2 Oct 2026

Where Contop stands on Freedom251

AI Computer Use Agents#18 of 24
AI Personal Assistants#48 of 54