Our Review of the 10 Best Character AI Alternatives for Roleplaying

Quick Summary

In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of a bunch of Character AI alternatives, focusing on customization, quality of interaction, emotional engagement, content accuracy, user-driven content, and more. Feel free to check out the DreamGen blog for more reviews and tutorials.

Looking for the Best Character AI Alternatives?

Back in 2023, Character AI absolutely exploded in popularity.

The platform offered the average person a fun, intuitive way to interact with AI-generated characters. And to this day, it remains one of the most widely used character AI tools on the market.

But Character AI isn’t perfect. It also isn’t your only option when it comes to AI character creation, roleplay, or story writing. So, in this DreamGen guide, we’re going to introduce you to some of the best alternatives to Character AI.

But first…

Why Listen to Us?

We designed DreamGen to be a place where writers, novelists, AI enthusiasts, and roleplayers can come together to explore the possibilities of AI in storytelling. Our team has extensively researched and tested various Character AI tools, and we’re excited to share our findings with you.

Now let’s explore some of the top options on the market.

What Is Character AI?

Character AI (or C.AI) is an AI chatbot platform that lets you create and chat with all kinds of characters.

There are bots for roleplays, language learning, trip planning, and more — all powered by Character AI’s proprietary LLM for responsive, personalized conversations.

Users can easily build characters with unique personalities, backgrounds, and storylines. The character builder is beginner-friendly, and the platform’s library of user-generated characters continues to grow.

Key Features

• Massive character library: Access thousands of user-generated chatbots. While quality varies, the wide selection is a plus.
• Realistic and dynamic responses: The LLM behind Character AI delivers natural conversations, making interactions smooth and engaging.
• Interactive roleplays: Create interactive roleplays with your characters — ideal for practicing conversation skills or casual entertainment.

Pricing

Character AI is free to use, but you’ll need to wait in a queue for popular bots. You may also have your response times throttled when the site gets busy during peak hours.

c.ai+ is a subscription that lets you skip queues and unlock faster response times for $9.99/month.

Pros

• Wide selection of chatbots
• Great interface
• Chat narration
• Uncensored interactions support

Cons

• Content restrictions
• Limited customization

Our Top 10 Character AI Alternatives

1. DreamGen
2. Replika
3. NovelAI
4. AI Dungeon
5. Crushon AI
6. Personality Forge
7. Botify AI
8. Anima AI
9. Janitor AI
10. Venus AI

1. DreamGen

First on our list? DreamGen—a sophisticated AI roleplay and storywriting platform for discerning creators.

DreamGen Scenario Gallery

DreamGen Role Play Interface

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Like Character AI, we offer pre-made characters and the ability to define your own with detailed backstories, personalities, and contexts. However, DreamGen goes further by providing a story-writing mode that enables collaboration with multiple AI characters to craft unique and engaging narratives.

Our interface is designed to give you full control over outputs, with a comprehensive settings menu for fine-tuning character personalities. Our proprietary, open-source models open up a world of possibilities for character interactions and story outcomes, all within a professional and tasteful environment.

Features

• Creative freedom: DreamGen respects your artistic vision without imposing arbitrary restrictions. We provide the tools and resources for you to explore any theme or genre, all while maintaining a professional atmosphere.
• Roleplay mode: Our AI roleplay mode offers a refined Character AI-like experience, perfect for serious writing exercises, in-depth character development, or engaging entertainment.
• Storywriting mode: Our storywriting mode allows you to define multiple characters, plot points, and outcomes. DreamGen's AI then collaborates with you to create a unique and compelling story.
• Customizable AI: Tailor the AI's writing style, tone, and personality to suit your needs, ensuring each story is as unique as its creator.
• Steer the plot and characters:  Be the director. Take control of both AI role-play and storytelling. You set the world, define character actions, guide plot twists or tone, and the AI follows your lead. 
• Diverse scenarios: Explore our library of pre-made roleplay and story scenarios, ranging from AI companion experiences to sci-fi adventures and fantasy quests, all presented in a tasteful manner.
• Multi-Character Roleplay: Unlike Character AI, you can create dynamic scenes with multiple AI characters in a single scenario on DreamGen. You can control how each one behaves, speaks, and interacts.

Pricing

DreamGen offers a generous free plan with access to all basic features. You can get more by opting for any of our affordable monthly plans: 

• Starter: Great when the smaller AI is all you need.
• Advanced: Leverage the best AI model and have better AI memory.
• Pro: Unlimited use of the best AI model and the largest AI memory.

Pros

• Unrestricted creative exploration within a professional interface that doesn't look like an adult content site
• Advanced scenario crafting for serious writers
• Personalized narratives and precise plot control
• Open-source models (available on HuggingFace)
• Affordable pricing with a free tier
• API access and SillyTavern integration

Cons

• Limited built-in scenarios (but growing library)
• No mobile app, only accessible via a mobile-optimized website.

DreamGen stands out as the mature choice for creators who value both creative freedom and a professional environment. Unlike platforms that either censor content or focus on explicit material, DreamGen offers a balanced approach—allowing exploration of mature themes when narratively appropriate, without judgment or restrictions, all within a tasteful and sophisticated platform.

2. Replika

Replika is an AI companion platform that’s designed to learn from and adapt to its users' interests, personalities, and communication styles. While it’s different from Character AI in many ways, it’s a great alternative if you’re looking for immersive, personalized conversations and interactions.

Features

• Mental health features: Replika is a companion chatbot first and foremost. It offers features to support users' mental health, like prompts that encourage self-reflection and exercises designed to boost your mood.
• Detailed memory: The platform is known for its ability to remember details about your life and previous conversations, making for a more personalized experience. It offers a great diary feature that’s easy to add to and edit.
• Customizable avatar: Replika also offers a customizable avatar that can be changed to reflect your mood or style. This adds a fun and personal touch to your conversations.

Pricing

Replika has a limited free plan and the following paid plans:

• Monthly Plan ($19.99/mo): Advanced interaction modes
• Annual Plan ($5.83/mo): Same features as in the monthly plan but at a reduced annual rate.
• Lifetime Plan (A one-time payment of $29.99): Lifetime access to all Pro features.

Pros

• Diary feature
• Dynamic conversations
• Clean, smooth interface
• Visual avatar for the character

Cons

• Many users experience performance issues
• Strict content restrictions
• Limited functionality on the free plan

3. NovelAI

NovelAI is a bit different from Character AI. The main focus is on helping writers with their creativity by generating stories, not directly chatting with characters. That said, they do offer character-creation tools and a pretty big library of pre-made scenarios that function pretty much like a Character AI chatbots.

Features

• Storyteller mode: This mode lets you write long-form stories with the help of AI. Define characters, plot points, twists, and behaviors with a unique AI-powered editor that generates text suggestions for you.
• Text adventure mode: This mode is more like a standard chatbot or roleplay scenario. You can chat with AI characters and guide the story in different directions based on prompts categorized as either “Do” or “Say”.
• Scenario library: Access a pretty sizable library of pre-made scenarios that range from fantasy to sci-fi to romance, perfect for those who want a quick story fix without having to come up with all the details themselves.
• Anime art generation: Create stunning anime-style images with powerful AI. Enjoy exquisite quality, fast generation, and highly accurate, detailed results. Perfect for bringing your characters and stories to life with vivid, professional-grade visuals.

Pricing

NovelAI offers a free trial that gives you limited access. Beyond that, there are three paid plans across three categories: Writer, AI Artist, and Both. 

• Subscriptions start at $10/month (Tablet), $15/month (Scroll), and $25/month (Opus) across all categories. 
• All plans include text generation, memory expansion, image generation access, Anlas discounts, and bonus Anlas. 
• Higher tiers offer unlimited images and advanced models like Llama 3 Erato 70b for richer writing and art creation.

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• Adapts to specific voices and tones
• Great editor

Cons

• Limited AI  memory (context window) leads to poor outputs
• Outdated AI models

4. AI Dungeon

AI Dungeon is an innovative text-based adventure game powered by AI, offering a unique and immersive storytelling experience. Unlike traditional text-based games with pre-written storylines, AI Dungeon dynamically generates content in response to the player’s input.

You can create your own scenarios or browse a library of user-created scenarios, just like with Character AI.

Features

• Interactive chat mode: The game’s AI can engage in dialogue, making it a potential companion for those seeking parasocial interactions. Its ability to adapt and respond to inputs can simulate conversations with fictional characters or imagined personalities.
• Creative freedom: Without a fixed narrative structure, fan-fiction writers can explore alternative storylines, character developments, and “what if” scenarios without constraints.
• Strong memory system: AI Dungeon uses Auto Summary and Memory Bank to recall important details, such as character names, events, and relationships, and retrieves them when relevant. This ensures your story stays consistent, even in long adventures.

Pricing

AI Dungeon has a tiered pricing model with free and premium subscription options.

Here’s a quick breakdown of their pricing structure:

• Adventurer ($9.99/mo): Unlimited basic image generation
• Champion ($14.99/mo): 760 credits per month
• Legend ($29.99/mo): 1650 credits for ultra image or text generations
• Mythic ($49.99/mo): Unlimited speed-boosted Premium AI text models

Pros

• Unique immersive narratives
• Great scenario library
• Remembers names, events, relationships
• Works on web and mobile

Cons

• Best features locked behind paywall
• Limited personality control for characters

5. Crushon AI

Crushon AI offers unrestricted, filter-free conversations with AI chatbots on unfiltered topics, allowing users to create and personalize their characters. The platform accommodates significant character customization and supports a wide range of expressions. This level of freedom is particularly appealing for those looking to explore different facets of character development or engage in more mature themes.

Features

• Tolerance for diverse interests: CrushOn AI’s openness to all sorts of kinks and its tolerance for unfiltered characters make it a safe space for users to express themselves freely and explore their interests without judgment.
• Enhanced environment function: The “enhanced environment” feature has additional functionalities or settings that could enrich the user experience and interaction with AI characters.
• Character customization: The platform provides tools for customizing characters, allowing users to tailor their AI companions according to specific traits, backgrounds, or storylines they wish to explore.

Pricing

Crushon AI offers the following plans:

• Free: 100 messages/mo
• Standard ($5.99/mo): Custom characters
• Premium ($14.99/mo): Access community characters
• Deluxe ($49.99/mo): Unlimited messages

Pros

• Uncensored environment
• Customizable settings
• Wide selection of characters
• Supports images in chats

Cons

• Some users report subscription cancellation & refund issues
• Extreme focus on uncensored content

6. Personality Forge

Personality Forge is a lesser-known AI chatbot platform that allows users to create and interact with virtual characters with distinct personalities. We’ll be the first to admit that the UI isn't exactly inspiring, but many of chatbots are well-designed and fun to chat with.

Features

• Interactive storytelling: The platform’s storyteller chatbots can engage in interactive storytelling, allowing fan-fiction writers to test out dialogues and scenarios with their characters.
• Emotional responses: Chatbots on Personality Forge can exhibit emotional responses, providing a more realistic and engaging experience for those seeking parasocial interactions.
• Language skills: The chatbots can be programmed with various language skills, allowing for nuanced and varied conversations that can cater to different storytelling needs and social interactions.

Pricing

Personality Forge is free to use.

Pros

• A wide range of AI personalities
• Interesting generations

Cons

• Most bots are fairly basic
• Dated user interface

7. Botify AI

Botify AI is a conversational AI chatbot platform that offers users the unique opportunity to engage in lifelike conversations with various AI-powered characters. These characters range from celebrities and historical figures to fantasy entities, providing diverse and immersive experiences.

Features

• Immersive roleplay: Botify AI facilitates immersive roleplay experiences, allowing users to dive into scenarios and narratives that can be both entertaining and emotionally fulfilling.
• Open-ended conversations: The platform’s capacity for open-ended conversations enables users to steer dialogues in any direction, fostering creativity and developing complex, evolving narratives.
• Real-time translations and sentiment analysis: Botify AI enhances conversations with features like real-time translation and instant sentiment analysis, ensuring smooth, efficient, and impactful interactions.

Pricing

Botify AI offers two categories of paid plans: 

• Ultra Plans: Weekly at $2.14 per day and Yearly at $0.22 per day. 
• Premium Plans: Weekly at $1.14 per day and Yearly at $0.08 per day.

Pros

• Offers creative freedom and control
• Supports unlimited role-play
• Suitable for uncensored chats

Cons

• Expensive for what you get
• Only supports one-on-one chats

8. Anima AI

Anima AI is an AI companion platform that offers users a unique and interactive experience through friendly chats, roleplay, and communication and relationship skills development. It stands out as a virtual friend who genuinely cares, allowing users to grow emotionally and socially.

Features

• Emotional intelligence: Anima.AI is designed to focus on emotional intelligence, aiming to understand and respond to the user’s feelings and thoughts, making it more than just a conversational AI.
• Personal growth: Beyond entertainment, Anima.AI emphasizes personal development, helping users improve their communication and relationship skills through interaction with a virtual companion.
• Roleplay: For fan fiction writers and those interested in parasocial interactions, the roleplay feature allows users to engage in creative and imaginative scenarios, potentially inspiring writing, or simply enjoy a form of escapism.

Pricing

Anima offers a free version with basic features. Premium plans unlock unlimited messaging and advanced roleplay options:

• Monthly Plan ($9.99/mo): Unlimited chat and more customization.
• Annual Plan ($39.99/yr): Full premium access at a lower yearly rate.

Pros

• Roleplay and gamification
• Deep empathy and understanding

Cons

• Limited free version
• Can’t have multi-character chats

9. Janitor AI

Janitor AI is a customizable chatbot platform focused on roleplay and storytelling. It allows you to create AI-powered characters with distinct personalities and conversational styles. Similar to Character AI, you can engage with user-generated characters or build your own, but with more flexibility and control over model choice.

Features

• Custom character creation: Janitor AI lets users design characters with unique traits, backstories, and behaviors, offering high levels of personalization.
• Multi-model support: Users can integrate different language models like OpenAI’s GPT-4 or KoboldAI depending on performance and budget preferences.
• Browser-based platform: No downloads or installations needed. Everything runs smoothly in-browser.
• NSFW by design: While Janitor AI includes a "Limited" and "Limitless" mode toggle, most characters are designed with unfiltered interactions in mind, making it best suited for adult-oriented roleplay.

Pricing

Janitor AI is entirely free to use if you create a character using the JanitorLLM Beta. Additionally, if you connect via OpenAI’s API, you’ll receive a $5 free trial, covering roughly 500 messages. After that, usage charges apply based on the model selected, with rates differing for input and output tokens

Pros

• High level of character customization
• Supports multiple AI models for flexibility
• Large, active community with many character options

Cons

• Technical setup can be complex for some models
• Requires discretion due to content flexibility
• Long queues when using the free model

10. Venus AI

We round up our list with Venus AI, a flexible, user-driven alternative to Character AI. It allows detailed character creation and adaptive conversations without heavy restrictions. Ideal for writers and roleplayers who want more control over their interactions and narrative direction.  

Features

• Custom character creation: Venus AI lets users define detailed character profiles, including personality traits and backgrounds.
• Character variety: Choose from a wide selection of pre-designed characters, spanning fictional and historical figures.
• Platform integration: Venus AI can be used across different environments, supporting storytelling, education, and casual interactions.

Pricing

Venus AI offers the following options: 

• Free Plan:  Limited AI access, 5 personas, 3 lorebooks, low-priority responses.
• Monthly Plan ($14.95/month): High-priority responses, unlimited access, 5 personas, unlimited lorebooks, dynamic memory (coming soon).
• Annual Plan ($152.49/year): Monthly benefits at a discounted rate.

Pros

• Detailed character customization
• Responsive conversations that adapt to user inputs
• Broad range of character choices

Cons

• Unfiltered content may not be suitable for all users
• Requires internet connection to operate

Comparison of the Best Character AI Alternatives

If you’re looking for the best Character AI alternatives, here’s a quick comparison of top platforms to help you decide.

While every platform offers something unique, DreamGen stands out for users who want true creative freedom, multi-character roleplay, and full control over their storytelling experience.

Factors to Consider When Looking at Character.AI Alternatives

• Customization and character creation: It is vital to easily create and customize characters, including setting their name, personality traits, tone of voice, and appearance.
• Quality of interaction: The platform should offer high-quality, human-like interactions. This includes the AI’s ability to understand and respond to user inputs naturally and engagingly, enhancing the parasocial relationship.
• Emotional engagement: The alternative should facilitate emotional engagement, allowing users to form deeper connections with the characters.
• Content accuracy: For fan-fiction writers, the accuracy of AI-generated content is crucial. The platform should be capable of maintaining consistency with the characters’ backstories, relationships, and interests, especially when these elements are critical to the narrative.
• User-driven content: Users must be able to contribute to and influence the development of AI characters. This includes editing responses, rating interactions, and possibly contributing to the character’s knowledge base to improve accuracy and relevance.
• Community and sharing: A platform that offers a community aspect where users can share their creations, get feedback, and interact with others can enrich the experience.
• Privacy and consent: The platform’s policies on confidentiality, consent, and intellectual property rights are essential, considering using real people's likenesses or characters from copyrighted material. Users should be aware of how the platform handles these issues.
• Multilingual support: For a global user base, support for multiple languages can make the platform more accessible and inclusive, allowing users to interact with characters in their preferred languages.

Other factors to consider include safety and moderation. Due to the potential misuse, the platform should have robust safety measures and moderation policies to protect users and prevent abuse.

DreamGen Is the Best Character AI Alternative

The landscape of Character AI alternatives offers diverse options for creative writing, role-playing, and personal development. Each platform caters to different needs and interests within the AI-assisted storytelling realm.

For those seeking a mature platform that balances creative freedom with professionalism, DreamGen stands out as the premier Character AI alternative. Our platform offers enhanced editor functionality and steerable AI within a tasteful, judgment-free environment. This allows you to explore complex narratives and characters without restrictions, all while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Ready to elevate your interactive storytelling experience? Sign up for DreamGen and start crafting sophisticated, engaging narratives today.