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DreamGen vs NovelAI
DreamGen scores higher in our catalogue (4.1 vs 3.7), but the right pick depends on what you need: NovelAI may suit you better on price and features.
0| DreamGen0 | NovelAI0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.1 / 5 | 3.7 / 5 |
| Price | $6.26/mo | $10/mo |
| Price band | Under $10/mo | $10–20/mo |
| Free tier | No | No |
| Price detail | Starter $7.83/mo or $6.26/mo billed annually ($75.12/yr); Advanced $19.35/mo ($15.48/mo yearly); Pro $48.30/mo ($33.81/mo yearly). | Tablet $10/mo, Scroll $15/mo, Opus $25/mo. Billed monthly only — there is no annual option to fold in. No free tier, just a limited trial. |
| Adult content | Optional mature mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | No | No |
| Images | Yes | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Runs locally | No | No |
DreamGen — our take
A roleplay and creative-writing tool built on capable open models, with a scenario builder and image generation for the worlds you create.
- Strong, coherent long-form roleplay
- Scenario and world builder
- Capable open-weight models
NovelAI — our take
For long-form narrative and illustration, not for daily companionship.
- Excellent long-context story model
- Strong anime image model
- No ads
DreamGen vs NovelAI — common questions
Which is cheaper, DreamGen or NovelAI?
DreamGen is the cheaper of the two at $6.26/mo, against $10/mo for NovelAI.
Which one has a free tier?
Neither has a free tier — both are paid-only, so check the pricing pages before committing.
Which remembers conversations better?
Both keep context across sessions. The practical difference is elsewhere: price and platform coverage differ between them.
Which handles adult content differently?
DreamGen: Optional mature mode. NovelAI: 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.