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SillyTavern vs Chai
SillyTavern edges Chai on our editorial score (4.3 vs 3.8), but SillyTavern is the stronger pick if you want live voice calls and long-term memory and image sharing, while Chai fits better if voice notes matter more.
0| SillyTavern0 | Chai0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.3 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Price | Free | $11.25/mo |
| Price band | Free | $10–20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Price detail | Free and open source under AGPL-3.0. You pay only for whichever model API you connect. | Premium ~$13.99/mo or $134.99/yr; Ultra ~$29.99/mo. Free tier: ~70 messages per 2.5 hours. |
| Adult content | Optional mature mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | Live calls | Voice notes |
| Images | Yes | No |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | No |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Desktop, Web | iOS, Android |
| Runs locally | Yes | No |
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
Chai — our take
Low-friction and cheap to try, but the free message cap makes Premium near-essential.
- Huge bot library
- Very easy to start
- Cheaper annual plan
SillyTavern vs Chai — common questions
Which is cheaper, SillyTavern or Chai?
SillyTavern is the cheaper of the two at Free, against $11.25/mo for Chai.
Which one has a free tier?
Both do — you can try either without paying.
Which remembers conversations better?
SillyTavern retains context across sessions; Chai keeps context only within a session.
Which handles adult content differently?
SillyTavern: Optional mature mode. Chai: 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.