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Pi vs Ello
Pi edges Ello on our editorial score (4.0 vs 4.0), but Pi is the stronger pick if you want live voice calls, while Ello fits better if voice notes or custom characters matter more.
0| Pi0 | Ello0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Price | Free | $11.58/mo |
| Price band | Free | $10–20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Price detail | Free, with no usage limit and no paid tier — no card required. | Free 14-day trial, then $14.99/mo or $139/yr (~$11.58/mo). A means-tested low-income rate drops the monthly price to $0.99. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | No adult mode |
| Voice | Live calls | Voice notes |
| Images | No | No |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | No | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS |
| Runs locally | No | No |
Pi — our take
Completely free, genuinely warm, and no upsell wall. Not a roleplay product, but an excellent listener.
- Entirely free with unlimited voice
- Consistently rated the most empathetic free model
- No ads
Ello — our take
A well-executed, unambiguously safe AI companion for children.
- Purpose-built for children
- Strong privacy posture
- Backed by reading research
Pi vs Ello — common questions
Which is cheaper, Pi or Ello?
Pi is the cheaper of the two at Free, against $11.58/mo for Ello.
Which one has a free tier?
Only Pi has a free tier; Ello is paid-only.
Which remembers conversations better?
Both keep context across sessions. The practical difference is elsewhere: voice support differs between them.
Which handles adult content differently?
Pi: No adult mode. Ello: 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.
Prices change. Confirm the current price and available plans on each site before subscribing. Affiliate disclosure.