Claude Cowork

What Claude Cowork actually is

• A separate mode next to 'Chat' in the message box: you pick 'Cowork' to start a task instead of a conversation
• It works autonomously and multi-step. Claude splits complex tasks into subtasks, coordinates parallel workstreams and keeps going without a conversation timing out. You approve the approach up front and steer during execution
• It reads, edits and creates real files in folders and tools you point it at, instead of describing how you would do it. Output is finished spreadsheets with formulas, presentations and documents
• Sessions run remotely in the cloud (beta), so a task keeps running with your laptop closed. Start at your desk and check progress on mobile later
• Desktop (macOS, Windows, ChromeOS, Linux) is the primary interface. Web on claude.ai and mobile on iOS and Android are in beta and rolling out in stages, starting with the Max plan
• Organisations can connect Cowork to tools such as Google Drive, Gmail, DocuSign and FactSet, and roll out domain-specific plugins for financial analysis, engineering or HR
• Scheduled and recurring tasks are supported

Limits and catches

• It eats noticeably more of your usage limit than ordinary Chat. Anthropic publishes no figure, only the advice to watch Usage, batch tasks and keep simple things in Chat
• The web and mobile versions are still in beta and roll out gradually per plan, starting at Max, so what you see can differ from what someone else sees
• No access for free users. Testing it requires a Pro subscription at $20 per month as a minimum
• The split with Claude Code is functional: Claude Code is for software engineering, Cowork aims at broader office work such as reorganising files, turning receipts into an expense sheet, or first drafts from notes

What does Claude Cowork cost?

No. Cowork is exclusive to the paid Claude plans (Pro, Max, Team, Enterprise), and free users have no access to it.

Prices verified July 2026, we re-check every 60 days.