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
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Alternatives to Backyard AI
8 sites worth considering instead of Backyard AI, pulled from the categories it appears in and ordered by our editorial score. For reference, Backyard AI costs $9/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 |
| Nomi AI Memory that survives months, across up to ten companions | $8.33/mo | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| Replika The original AI friend, built around emotional connection | $5.83/mo | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| Wysa A clinically grounded wellbeing companion | $8.33/mo billed yearly | Yes | No | Yes | vs |
| SoulChat Six hand-written companions with long-term memory, free to try without an account | $9.99/mo | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| Coze ByteDance’s no-code bot builder | $9/mo | Yes | No | Yes | vs |
| DeepSeek An open-weight model with a surprisingly strong free chat | Free | Yes | No | Yes | vs |
Side by side
All 68 alternatives pagesSillyTavern
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
Nomi AI
4.2
Memory that survives months, across up to ten companions
The memory benchmark. If continuity is your main requirement, this is the one to beat.
$8.33/moMatureVoice calls+4
Replika
4.1
The original AI friend, built around emotional connection
Still the strongest product for people who want one companion and a real feeling of continuity.
$5.83/moVoice callsMemory+2
Wysa
3.9
A clinically grounded wellbeing companion
A companion that is honest about being a tool rather than a relationship.
$8.33/mo billed yearlyMemory
SoulChat
Not rated yet
Six hand-written companions with long-term memory, free to try without an account
A deliberately hand-authored cast of six rather than a community character library — you trade variety for characters that keep one consistent voice.
$9.99/moMatureVoice notes+4
Switching from Backyard AI — common questions
What are the best alternatives to Backyard 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 Backyard AI for the same use case.
Is there a free alternative to Backyard AI?
Yes — Character.AI, SillyTavern, Nomi AI, Replika, Wysa, SoulChat, Coze, DeepSeek have a free tier you can use before paying anything.
How much does Backyard AI cost compared with the alternatives?
Backyard AI is $9/mo. The alternatives above range from $0 to $9.99 a month.