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Character.AI vs SillyTavern
Character.AI edges SillyTavern on our editorial score (4.4 vs 4.3), but the two are close on features — SillyTavern is cheaper at Free (~$8/mo less), so default to it unless you prefer Character.AI's branding.
0| Character.AI0 | SillyTavern0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.4 / 5 | 4.3 / 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 and open source under AGPL-3.0. You pay only for whichever model API you connect. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | Live calls | Live calls |
| Images | Yes | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Desktop, Web |
| Runs locally | No | Yes |
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
SillyTavern — our take
If you want total control and zero subscription, this is where the advanced users live.
- Complete control over prompt and memory
- Works with local or hosted models
- Free forever
Character.AI vs SillyTavern — common questions
Which is cheaper, Character.AI or SillyTavern?
SillyTavern 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?
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. SillyTavern: 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.