The Best AI Companion App for Curated Roleplay and Entertainment
Chatbuddy is an AI companion app for adults (18+) who want curated, fictional conversations rather than a wellness chatbot or an open marketplace of user-made bots. It offers 70+ AI bots — historical icons, literary and folklore personas, and specialist agents.
There is no single best AI companion app; there is a best app for what you want. If what you want is entertainment with bots worth talking to, this page sets out where Chatbuddy fits and where it does not.
Who Chatbuddy is and is not for
Best for
- Role-play and conversation with historical, literary and folklore bots
- A curated cast where every bot has written material behind it
- Real-time live avatar conversations with 10 bots, and text chat with the full cast
- Specialist agents for travel planning, sports, nutrition, study help and shopping research
Not for
- Emotional support, wellness or therapy — Chatbuddy is entertainment only
- Anyone under 18
- Creating and publishing your own bots
- Anyone who wants a free plan — Chatbuddy is paid only
- Residents of, or travellers in, the UK, Switzerland, the EU, OFAC-sanctioned countries and several US states, where the service is not currently intended for use
TL;DR: how Chatbuddy compares
| Feature | Chatbuddy | Open character marketplaces | Wellness-focused companion apps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who writes the bots | Curated: 70+ bots, each with written material behind it | Users; very large catalogs of uneven quality | Often one companion you customise |
| Primary purpose | Fictional entertainment and storytelling | Open-ended role-play | Emotional support and daily check-ins |
| Historical and literary figures | A core part of the cast, as fictional AI personas | Often available as user-made bots | Not a focus |
| Voice | Real-time live avatar with 10 bots | Varies by app | Varies by app |
| Pricing | Paid only: $9.99/month or $19.99/month | Often a free tier plus paid upgrades | Often a free tier plus paid upgrades |
| Audience | Adults, 18+ | Varies by app | Varies by app |
Category columns describe what is typical of each kind of app; individual apps differ, so check the ones you are considering.
See the cast before you subscribe
Every bot has its own page. Browse all 70+ AI bots. Plans and credit details are on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best AI companion app for historical roleplay?
Chatbuddy is built for it. Its curated cast includes AI bots modelled on figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, Winston Churchill and Confucius, each written as a fictional characterisation for entertainment rather than a recreation of the real person. Adults can chat by text with the full cast, and by live avatar with 10 bots.
Is Chatbuddy designed for wellness or therapy?
No. Chatbuddy is strictly an entertainment product for adults, on a paid subscription. It makes no therapeutic claims and is not a substitute for professional help of any kind, and its usage rules exclude medical, legal and financial advice.
Is there a free version of Chatbuddy?
No. Chatbuddy is paid only. The Chit Chat plan is $9.99/month with 1,000 credits, and the Big Talker plan is $19.99/month with 2,000 credits plus the specialist agentic bots. Credits are consumed as you chat, and you can cancel at any time.
Can I create my own AI companion on Chatbuddy?
No. Chatbuddy's cast is curated: 70+ AI bots across ten categories, each with written material behind it, and the cast is growing. Users cannot upload their own.
Where can I use Chatbuddy?
In a web browser on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Chatbuddy is not currently intended for use in the UK, Switzerland, the EU, OFAC-sanctioned countries, or several US states; the current list is in the FAQs and Terms & Conditions.