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Ello vs TextGen
Ello scores higher in our catalogue (4.0 vs 4.0), but the right pick depends on what you need: TextGen may suit you better on budget.
| Ello0 | TextGen0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 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 and open source. |
| Adult content | No adult mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | Voice notes | Voice notes |
| Images | No | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | iOS | Desktop, Web |
| Runs locally | No | Yes |
Ello — our take
A well-executed, unambiguously safe AI companion for children.
- Purpose-built for children
- Strong privacy posture
- Backed by reading research
TextGen — our take
Formerly text-generation-webui: not a companion app, but the plumbing most local companion setups are built on.
- Supports nearly every local model
- Active extension ecosystem
- Free and open source
Ello vs TextGen — common questions
Which is cheaper, Ello or TextGen?
TextGen is the cheaper of the two at Free, against $11.58/mo for Ello.
Which one has a free tier?
Only TextGen has a free tier; Ello is paid-only.
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?
Ello: No adult mode. TextGen: 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.