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SillyTavern vs Chai

SillyTavern scores higher in our catalogue (4.3 vs 3.8), but the right pick depends on what you need: Chai may suit you better on price and features.

Visit SillyTavernVisit Chai
SillyTavern0Chai0
Editor score4.3 / 53.8 / 5
PriceFree$11.25/mo
Price bandFree$10–20/mo
Free tierYesYes
Price detailFree and open source under AGPL-3.0. You pay only for whichever model API you connect.Premium ~$13.99/mo or $134.99/yr; Ultra ~$29.99/mo. Free tier: ~70 messages per 2.5 hours.
Adult contentOptional mature modeOptional mature mode
VoiceLive callsVoice notes
ImagesYesNo
VideoNoNo
MemoryYesNo
Custom charactersYesYes
Companion typesAny characterAny character
PlatformsDesktop, WebiOS, Android
Runs locallyYesNo

SillyTavern — our take

If you want total control and zero subscription, this is where the advanced users live.

  • Complete control over prompt and memory
  • Works with local or hosted models
  • Free forever

Chai — our take

Low-friction and cheap to try, but the free message cap makes Premium near-essential.

  • Huge bot library
  • Very easy to start
  • Cheaper annual plan

SillyTavern vs Chai — common questions

Which is cheaper, SillyTavern or Chai?

SillyTavern is the cheaper of the two at Free, against $11.25/mo for Chai.

Which one has a free tier?

Both do — you can try either without paying.

Which remembers conversations better?

SillyTavern retains context across sessions; Chai keeps context only within a session.

Which handles adult content differently?

SillyTavern: Optional mature mode. Chai: 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.