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 Poe
8 sites worth considering instead of Poe, pulled from the categories it appears in and ordered by our editorial score. For reference, Poe costs $19.99/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 |
| Talkie AI Voice-forward character roleplay with collectible cards | $9.99/mo | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| Backyard AI A polished desktop app for local companions | $12/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 Poe — common questions
What are the best alternatives to Poe?
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 Poe for the same use case.
Is there a free alternative to Poe?
Yes — Character.AI, SillyTavern, Kindroid, Text generation web UI, PolyBuzz, Risu AI, Talkie AI, Backyard AI have a free tier you can use before paying anything.
How much does Poe cost compared with the alternatives?
Poe is $19.99/mo. The alternatives above range from $0 to $12 a month.