Character.AI
4.4
Millions of community characters with unlimited free text chat
The default starting point: unmatched variety and the most generous free tier in the category.
$7.92/moVoice callsMemory+3
Alternatives to Chub AI
8 sites worth considering instead of Chub AI, pulled from the categories it appears in and ordered by our editorial score. For reference, Chub AI costs $20/mo.
| Site | Price | Free tier | Voice | Memory | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character.AI Millions of community characters with unlimited free text chat | $7.92/mo | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| SillyTavern The self-hosted frontend the power users all run | Free | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| Kindroid Deep character builders with phone-grade voice calls | $9.99/mo | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| Text generation web UI The standard interface for running local models | Free | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| PolyBuzz Unlimited free text chat across 20M+ characters | $9.90/mo | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| Risu AI Browser-based character chat with card importing | Free | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| Backyard AI A polished desktop app for local companions | $12/mo | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| Poe One subscription for many models and community bots | $19.99/mo | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
Side by side
SillyTavern
4.3
The self-hosted frontend the power users all run
If you want total control and zero subscription, this is where the advanced users live.
FreeMatureVoice calls+5
Kindroid
4.2
Deep character builders with phone-grade voice calls
The best pick for people who will actually fill in the backstory — lazy setup buys you a chatbot.
$9.99/moMatureVoice calls+5
The standard interface for running local models
Not a companion app, but the plumbing most local companion setups are built on.
FreeMatureVoice notes+4
PolyBuzz
3.9
Unlimited free text chat across 20M+ characters
The closest thing to Character.AI with a looser filter — as long as you accept an older model on free.
$9.90/moMatureVoice notes+3
Risu AI
3.9
Browser-based character chat with card importing
A lighter alternative to SillyTavern that runs in a browser tab with no install.
FreeMatureVoice notes+4
Switching from Chub AI — common questions
What are the best alternatives to Chub AI?
8 sites from the same categories are listed above, ordered by our editorial score. We match on category rather than on marketing claims, so what you see is what competes with Chub AI for the same use case.
Is there a free alternative to Chub AI?
Yes — Character.AI, SillyTavern, Kindroid, Text generation web UI, PolyBuzz, Risu AI, Backyard AI, Poe have a free tier you can use before paying anything.
How much does Chub AI cost compared with the alternatives?
Chub AI is $20/mo. The alternatives above range from $0 to $19.99 a month.