Home / Compare
Character.AI vs Showrunner
Character.AI edges Showrunner on our editorial score (4.4 vs 3.6), but Character.AI is the stronger pick if you want live voice calls and long-term memory and image sharing, while Showrunner fits better if voice notes or video matter more.
0| Character.AI | Showrunner | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.4 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Price | $7.92/mo | Free |
| Price band | Under $10/mo | Free |
| 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. | Free to generate during open access; subscription announced but no public price list (2026-09-30). |
| Adult content | No adult mode | No adult mode |
| Voice | Live calls | Voice notes |
| Images | Yes | No |
| Video | No | Yes |
| Memory | Yes | No |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| 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
Showrunner — our take
From the makers of South Park-style simulation: prompt a show, get watchable episodes with characters and plots.
- Full episodes, not just text
- Series with recurring characters
- Free generation window
Character.AI vs Showrunner — common questions
Which is cheaper, Character.AI or Showrunner?
Showrunner is the cheaper of the two at Free, against $7.92/mo for Character.AI.
Which one has a free tier?
Both do — you can try either without paying.
Which remembers conversations better?
Character.AI retains context across sessions; Showrunner keeps context only within a session.
Which handles adult content differently?
Character.AI: No adult mode. Showrunner: No adult mode. This directory is SFW — we record whether a mature mode exists so you know before signing up, and we describe no explicit material.