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Character.AI vs Poe
Character.AI edges Poe on our editorial score (4.4 vs 3.8), but Character.AI is the stronger pick if you want live voice calls, while Poe fits better if voice notes matter more.
0| Character.AI0 | Poe0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.4 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Price | $7.92/mo | $16.67/mo |
| Price band | Under $10/mo | $10–20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Price detail | c.ai+ $9.99/mo or $94.99/yr (~$7.92/mo). Free chat is unlimited but carries ads, a daily swipe cap and a Charms currency. A cheaper (c.ai) lite tier exists but its price varies by region. | Premium $19.99/mo or $199.99/yr (~$16.67/mo); four other point-metered tiers run $4.99-$249.99. Free tier: a small daily compute-point allowance. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | Live calls | Voice notes |
| Images | Yes | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Runs locally | No | No |
Character.AI — our take
The default starting point: unmatched variety and the most generous free tier in the category.
- 20M+ community characters
- Unlimited free text chat
- Best-in-class prose quality
Poe — our take
The flexible pick: switch models per conversation, including companion-style bots.
- Many models in one subscription
- Huge community bot library
- Build and share your own bots
Character.AI vs Poe — common questions
Which is cheaper, Character.AI or Poe?
Character.AI is the cheaper of the two at $7.92/mo, against $16.67/mo for Poe.
Which one has a free tier?
Both do — you can try either without paying.
Which remembers conversations better?
Both keep context across sessions. The practical difference is elsewhere: voice support differs between them.
Which handles adult content differently?
Character.AI: No adult mode. Poe: Optional mature mode. This directory is SFW — we record whether a mature mode exists so you know before signing up, and we describe no explicit material.