Character.AI review

Character.AI is the default pick for character chat because of its scale: the sign-up page advertises access to 10M+ Characters, all created by users, from fictional heroes to study helpers. Its Character Creation tools let you write a personality and backstory and give the character a voice, and you can move between text chat and live voice calls in the same app. Creators can share characters and follow other creators, so there is always something new to try. The help center states that the service is free to use. On the US App Store, Character.AI Lite is listed at $4.99 and Character.AI+ at $9.99, with a yearly Character.AI+ option at $94.99, and Charms packs from $0.99 sit on top. The app is rated 18+ in the US store, and the help center itself reminds users that Characters can invent facts and links. Memory and companion features are less of a focus than on Nomi or Kindroid. We compared documented features and published prices rather than testing the app.

Who it is for

fans who want the largest catalog of ready-made characters

Price

Free to use; Character.AI Lite listed at $4.99 and Character.AI+ at $9.99 on the US App Store, or $94.99 a year.

Character.AI Lite $4.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Millions of user-generated AI Characters, with 10M+ Characters advertised on the sign-up page
• Character Creation tools to set a personality, backstory and a voice
• Switch between text chat and live voice calls with a Character
• Share your Characters with the community and follow creators
• Paid tiers: Character.AI Lite and Character.AI+, plus Charms packs from $0.99

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The help center says Character.AI is free to use
• Strength: Two paid tiers, Lite at $4.99 and Character.AI+ at $9.99 on the US App Store
• Strength: Character.AI+ costs $94.99 a year, less than 12 monthly payments
• Weakness: The US App Store listing is rated 18+
• Weakness: Charms are a separate in-app currency on top of subscriptions
• Weakness: The help center warns that Characters make things up

Key facts

• Free plan: Yes, free to use
• Paid tiers: Character.AI Lite, Character.AI+
• Character.AI+ yearly: $94.99 on the US App Store
• Catalog: 10M+ Characters

Where it ranks

Character.AI is No. 1 in our Best AI Roleplay Chatbots verdict.