Character.AI vs Selira AI: which AI companion app is better?

Our verdict

For a Character.AI user who is tired of the filter, Selira AI is the closest like-for-like swap on price. Free text chat has no cap on either app. Selira AI's free plan adds 2 custom companions and allows explicit chat, but it keeps chat history for only 3 days, so long stories fade unless you pay. Lite costs $3.60 a month yearly or $7.99 month to month and adds 75 image or video credits. Selira AI also says it does not train AI models on your chats.

Character.AI wins on voice and reach. It has free two-way voice calls, which Selira AI lacks, official iPhone and Android apps, and a library of millions of user-made characters, including fandom and anime roles. Selira AI is a browser app. Character.AI's c.ai lite costs $4.99 a month, but adult content stays off on every tier. The Selira AI free plan guide explains the 3-day history limit.

Character.AI vs Selira AI side by side

How they score

• Conversation7.68.9
• Memory8.58.5
• Pictures and video6.98.9
• Voice8.56.9
• Value6.67.8
• Trust6.46.4

First bar Character.AI, second bar Selira AI. How the scores work.

Price and free plans

Selira AI is cheaper: its lowest plan works out at $3.60 a month against $4.99 for Character.AI. Character.AI costs $4.99 month to month. Selira AI costs $7.99 month to month, so paying yearly saves 55%.

Character.AI free plan: Unlimited messaging with full ads, basic memory, 15 memory pins and a daily taste of premium chat styles. Selira AI free plan: Unlimited text chat, 2 custom companions, chat history kept 3 days, no monthly image or video credits.

Features compared

Both apps offer pictures, voice notes, group chats and a character builder. Only Character.AI offers live voice calls. Only Selira AI offers video and 18+ chat.

Memory: Character.AI is listed as long-term, Selira AI as long-term.

Who runs them, refunds and billing

Character.AI is run by Character Technologies, Inc., United States (Menlo Park, California address). Selira AI is run by Sria Digital B.V., Netherlands (KvK 42008045). Character.AI refunds: Payments are non-refundable except where required by law; app store purchases are refunded through Apple or Google. Selira AI refunds: Non-refundable except where law requires; technical problems reviewed within 14 days.