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
Home / Roleplay & story / TavernAI
TavernAI
3.8
The original open-source tavern frontend for character roleplay
TavernAICompareVisit TavernAI ↗
Our verdict. The grandfather of the tavern scene, now at version 2: free, open-source, plug in any model and any card. Best for: Open-source character chat with your own AI model.
Capability profile
What it actually shipsA quick read of the features this product ships today, scored from real catalogue fields — not an opinion. Voice is three tiers (live calls, voice notes, or none); everything else is shipped or not. The full breakdown is in the table below and on the comparison pages.
Editor score: 3.8 / 5. Best for Open-source character chat with your own AI model.
At a glance
Compiled from public sources — pending verificationPrice
Free
Free and open-source. Costs depend on the AI backend you connect (local model or API key).
- Free tier: usable without paying
- Price band: Free
- Regional pricing varies by country — confirm the amount at checkout
- Not hand-checked yet — how we test
Prices come from public pricing pages and change often. What you pay depends on your region and the plan you pick.
- Price details
- Free and open-source. Costs depend on the AI backend you connect (local model or API key).
- Companion types
- Any character
- Voice
- None
- Images & video
- None
- Memory
- Session-only context
- Custom characters
- Yes
- Runs locally
- No — cloud only
- Adult content
- Optional mature mode — the product has an optional mature mode we do not cover on this site
- Visual style
- Anime
- Platforms
- Web · Desktop
Price history
Our own price-tracking dataset — updated every time we re-check the catalogueTracking since 30 Sept. As we collect more snapshots, the trend line fills in here. See the full price-tracking dataset →
What it does well
- Free and open-source forever
- Works with any model or API key
- Huge ecosystem of character cards
Where it falls short
- Setup is more technical than consumer apps
- No hosted companion experience
Tags
Categories
Alternatives to TavernAI
Full comparisonSillyTavern
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
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
TavernAI — common questions
Is TavernAI free?
Yes — TavernAI has a free tier you can use without paying. Free and open-source. Costs depend on the AI backend you connect (local model or API key). This entry has not been hand-checked yet, so the price is labelled as unverified on the card above.
How much does TavernAI cost?
Free (Free). Free and open-source. Costs depend on the AI backend you connect (local model or API key). Companion pricing changes often and varies by region, so confirm the amount at checkout. This entry has not been hand-checked yet, so the price is labelled as unverified on the card above.
Does TavernAI remember previous conversations?
No — TavernAI keeps context only within a session, so earlier conversations are not carried forward.
Does TavernAI have an adult mode?
TavernAI has an optional mature mode that can be switched off. This directory covers the product itself and does not describe explicit content.
Which platforms does TavernAI run on?
TavernAI is available on web, desktop.
Reader reviews
Loading…Before you buy. We publish prices from public pricing pages and label anything we have not personally checked. Prices on companion sites change often and regional pricing varies, so confirm the final amount at checkout. Affiliate disclosure. Spotted a wrong price? Tell us.