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SoulChat vs Backyard AI
Backyard AI scores higher in our catalogue (3.8 vs ), but the right pick depends on what you need: SoulChat may suit you better on price and features.
SoulChat — our own app. Free to try, no account needed for your first messages.
| SoulChatSponsored · Partner | Backyard AI0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | — | 3.8 / 5 |
| Price | $9.99/mo | $9/mo |
| Price band | Under $10/mo | Under $10/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Price detail | VIP $9.99/mo, $29.99/quarterly, $119.99/yr — flat, no coins. Free tier: 5 messages before you register, then 25/day. | Free local tier. Hosted cloud: Standard $12/mo or $9/mo billed yearly; Pro $35/mo or $26/mo billed yearly. |
| Adult content | Optional mature mode | Optional mature mode |
| Voice | Voice notes | Voice notes |
| Images | Yes | Yes |
| Video | No | No |
| Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Custom characters | Yes | Yes |
| Companion types | Female companion, Any character | Any character |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Desktop, iOS |
| Runs locally | No | Yes |
SoulChat — our take
A deliberately hand-authored cast of six rather than a community character library — you trade variety for characters that keep one consistent voice.
- Free tier needs no account at all — 5 messages before you sign up
- Six companions with one fixed voice each, plus your own custom characters
- In-chat selfie generation with a free daily quota, plus group chat with spatial audio
Backyard AI — our take
The easiest way to run a local companion without touching a terminal.
- Friendly desktop app
- No setup knowledge required
- Character card ecosystem
SoulChat vs Backyard AI — common questions
Which is cheaper, SoulChat or Backyard AI?
Backyard AI is the cheaper of the two at $9/mo, against $9.99/mo for SoulChat.
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: price and platform coverage differ between them.
Which handles adult content differently?
SoulChat: Optional mature mode. Backyard AI: 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.