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Character.AI vs Ello
Character.AI scores higher in our catalogue (4.4 vs 4.0), but the right pick depends on what you need: Ello may suit you better on price and features.
| Character.AI0 | Ello0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Price | $7.92/mo | $11.58/mo |
| Price band | Under $10/mo | $10–20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| 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 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 | Yes | No |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS |
| Runs locally | No | No |
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
Ello — our take
A well-executed, unambiguously safe AI companion for children.
- Purpose-built for children
- Strong privacy posture
- Backed by reading research
Character.AI vs Ello — common questions
Which is cheaper, Character.AI or Ello?
Character.AI is the cheaper of the two at $7.92/mo, against $11.58/mo for Ello.
Which one has a free tier?
Only Character.AI 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?
Character.AI: 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.