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Ello vs Sesame
Ello scores higher in our catalogue (4.0 vs 3.6), but the right pick depends on what you need: Sesame may suit you better on budget.
| Ello0 | Sesame0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.0 / 5 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Price | $11.58/mo | Free |
| Price band | $10–20/mo | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Price detail | 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. | Free during the research preview, on web and in the mobile app. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | No adult mode |
| Voice | Voice notes | Live calls |
| Images | No | No |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | No |
| Companion types | Any character | Female companion, Male companion, Non-binary |
| Platforms | iOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Runs locally | No | No |
Ello — our take
A well-executed, unambiguously safe AI companion for children.
- Purpose-built for children
- Strong privacy posture
- Backed by reading research
Sesame — our take
Started as a voice demo; now a mobile preview of four named agents that still lead the field on presence.
- Best voice presence we have heard
- Free during preview
- Conversational timing is excellent
Ello vs Sesame — common questions
Which is cheaper, Ello or Sesame?
Sesame is the cheaper of the two at Free, against $11.58/mo for Ello.
Which one has a free tier?
Only Sesame 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?
Ello: No adult mode. Sesame: 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.