Last updated October 2026
Janitor AI vs Chai
A side-by-side comparison of Janitor AI and Chai, based on our full reviews of both apps.
6.1/10
Free, unlimited roleplay and bringing your own AI model
Verdict
Janitor AI scores higher overall, with 6.1 against 4.3 out of 10. Janitor AI is stronger on conversation, memory, customization, value for money, and privacy & safety. Chai is stronger on images & voice.
- Choose Janitor AI for: Free, unlimited roleplay and bringing your own AI model
- Choose Chai for: Quick, casual character chats on your phone
Scores side by side
Janitor AIChai
| Feature | Janitor AI | Chai |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 6.1 | 4.3 |
| Conversation | 7.0 | 5.5 |
| Memory | 5.5 | 3.5 |
| Customization | 8.5 | 5.5 |
| Images & voice | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| Value for money | 9.0 | 3.0 |
| Privacy & safety | 5.0 | 4.5 |
Key facts
| Feature | Janitor AI | Chai |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $12.99/mo | $13.99/mo* Price from a third-party source, not confirmed on the official site. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Adult content | Allowed (18+) | Limited |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroid | Android |
| Voice messages | No | Yes |
| Voice calls | No | No |
| Image generation | No | No |
| Video | No | No |
| Long-term memory | Limited | Limited |
| Group chats | No | No |
| Build your own character | Yes | Yes |
| Community characters | Yes | Yes |
| Main privacy concern | Caution The September 2026 privacy policy says chats are stored and used for research and development to improve its AI. Data is processed in the US. | Serious In 2023 a Belgian man died by suicide after weeks of chatting with a Chai bot. Belgian authorities opened an investigation after a 2024 complaint, and its outcome is unknown. |
Pros and cons
Janitor AI
What's good
- Truly free, unlimited chat
- Bring your own model through OpenRouter, DeepSeek or other providers
- A huge library of user-made bots, with scripts and custom profiles
What's not
- No voice, image or video features
- The free model has a small context and uneven quality
- Setting up your own API key is technical and easy to get wrong
Chai
What's good
- Fast, low-effort chats with community characters
- A large, established user base
- Real-time self-harm detection with crisis line referrals
What's not
- Free limits and paywalls change without notice
- Users lost chat histories between April and June 2026
- A confusing pieces currency and country-specific paywalls
See all Janitor AI alternatives → See all Chai alternatives → Compare any three apps →