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Character.AI vs Perplexity
Character.AI scores higher in our catalogue (4.4 vs 4.0), but the right pick depends on what you need: Perplexity may suit you better on price and features.
0| Character.AI0 | Perplexity0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Price | $7.92/mo | $16.67/mo |
| Price band | Under $10/mo | $10–20/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| 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 tier (unlimited quick searches, 5 Pro queries/day). Pro $20/mo or $200/yr (~$16.67/mo); Max $200/mo. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | No adult mode |
| Voice | Live calls | Voice notes |
| Images | Yes | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | No |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| 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
Perplexity — our take
Less a companion, more a research sidekick, but its free tier and cited answers make it a handy daily AI.
- Cited sources on every answer
- Strong free tier
- Fast, focused answers
Character.AI vs Perplexity — common questions
Which is cheaper, Character.AI or Perplexity?
Character.AI is the cheaper of the two at $7.92/mo, against $16.67/mo for Perplexity.
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. Perplexity: 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.