What companion apps typically cost
Across the 12 platforms we currently review, paid plans start between $9.99 and $15 per month, and our top-ranked pick is free to start. The headline price rarely tells the whole story, though: what differs between platforms is what that base plan actually unlocks, and how quickly heavy use pushes you into add-on purchases. Our pricing comparison lays the plans side by side.
Subscriptions vs tokens and credits
Most platforms charge a flat monthly subscription for chat, then meter expensive features — image generation, video, voice — with tokens or credits. Watch for three things: whether unused credits expire, whether the advertised price is an annual-billing rate disguised as a monthly one, and what the renewal price is after any intro discount. We note all three in reviews when they apply.
What free tiers really include
We label free access three ways: a genuine free tier you can actually evaluate the product with, limited free access that gates the core features, and no free tier at all. In the current lineup, MyLovely.ai and Kupid AI offer the most genuinely usable free starts. If you want to test without entering payment details, start with our no-credit-card guide or the broader free companion apps guide.
How to avoid overpaying
Start free where a real free tier exists, and only upgrade once you know you will use the metered features. Check the renewal price before subscribing, not after. If image or video generation is your priority, compare the per-month generation quotas rather than the headline price — a cheaper plan with tight quotas can cost more in practice. Current promotional pricing is tracked on our deals page.