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DeepSeek vs TextGen
DeepSeek edges TextGen on our editorial score (4.3 vs 4.0), but TextGen is the better fit if you want voice notes and image sharing and custom characters; DeepSeek has no clear edge there.
0| DeepSeek0 | TextGen0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.3 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Price band | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Price detail | Free to use; API billed per token (DeepSeek-V4-Flash ~$0.15-$0.60 per 1M tokens). | Free and open source. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | No | Voice notes |
| Images | No | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | No | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Desktop, Web |
| Runs locally | No | Yes |
DeepSeek — our take
Not a companion, but its free, capable chat and long memory make it a credible daily AI friend.
- Free with no usage cap
- Strong reasoning and coding
- Long conversation memory
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
DeepSeek vs TextGen — common questions
Which is cheaper, DeepSeek or TextGen?
They cost the same on our recorded numbers (Free).
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: price and platform coverage differ between them.
Which handles adult content differently?
DeepSeek: 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.