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Character.AI vs TextGen
Character.AI edges TextGen on our editorial score (4.4 vs 4.0), but Character.AI is the stronger pick if you want live voice calls, while TextGen fits better if voice notes matter more.
0| Character.AI0 | TextGen0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 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. |
| 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 | 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
TextGen — our take
Formerly text-generation-webui: not a companion app, but the plumbing most local companion setups are built on.
- Supports nearly every local model
- Active extension ecosystem
- Free and open source
Character.AI vs TextGen — common questions
Which is cheaper, Character.AI or TextGen?
TextGen 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. TextGen: 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.