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Character.AI vs Linky

Character.AI scores higher in our catalogue (4.4 vs 3.6), but the right pick depends on what you need: Linky may suit you better on price and features.

Visit Character.AIVisit Linky
Character.AI0Linky0
Editor score4.4 / 53.6 / 5
Price$7.92/mo$9.08/mo
Price bandUnder $10/moUnder $10/mo
Free tierYesYes
Price detailc.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.Around $17/mo or about $109/yr. Free tier: 20-30 messages/day with heavy ads.
Adult contentNo adult modeOptional mature mode
VoiceLive callsVoice notes
ImagesYesYes
VideoNoNo
MemoryYesYes
Custom charactersYesYes
Companion typesAny characterAny character
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidiOS, Android
Runs locallyNoNo

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

Linky — our take

Busy and ad-heavy on free, but the character roster is broad and it is one of few with a clear 17+ rating trail.

  • Large character roster
  • Voice plus image features
  • Cheap annual plan

Character.AI vs Linky — common questions

Which is cheaper, Character.AI or Linky?

Character.AI is the cheaper of the two at $7.92/mo, against $9.08/mo for Linky.

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. Linky: 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.

Prices change. Confirm the current price and available plans on each site before subscribing. Affiliate disclosure.