kitio.aiChatbox AI vs SillyTavern
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. SillyTavern is completely free, while Chatbox AI is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Own API keys or hosted plan
- Local chat storage
- File and image input
- Work Mode agents
- All major platforms
- Character cards
- World Info lorebooks
- Group chats
- Many API backends
- Extensions for TTS and images
| Feature | Chatbox AI | SillyTavern |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cross-platform AI client for many models, with or without API keys | Open-source local frontend for roleplay with any LLM backend |
| Category | Chat assistants | Chat assistants |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $3.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Chatbox AI | SillyTavern community |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
SillyTavern is completely free, while Chatbox AI is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- Free for light use
Lite
$3.99/mo
- Light study and everyday work
- Compute points for chat and search
Pro
$19.99/mo
- 12M compute points (6x base)
- Standard models
- Up to 5 devices
Pro+
$39.99/mo
- 30M compute points (15x base)
- For intensive work
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Chatbox AI
- Free with your own keys
- Runs on every major platform
- Cheap hosted plans
- Points system needs tracking
- Fewer team features
- Interface less polished than rivals
SillyTavern
- Works with almost any model
- Chats stay on your machine
- Very deep customization
- Requires local install and setup
- Busy interface for beginners
- You manage API costs yourself
Which one should you choose?
Choose Chatbox AI if you want:
- Free with your own keys
- Runs on every major platform
- Cheap hosted plans
Watch out: points system needs tracking.
Choose SillyTavern if you want:
- Works with almost any model
- Chats stay on your machine
- Very deep customization
Watch out: requires local install and setup.
Chatbox AI vs SillyTavern FAQ
What is the difference between Chatbox AI and SillyTavern?
Chatbox AI: Cross-platform AI client for many models, with or without API keys. SillyTavern: Open-source local frontend for roleplay with any LLM backend. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is Chatbox AI or SillyTavern cheaper?
SillyTavern is completely free, while Chatbox AI is freemium.
Do Chatbox AI and SillyTavern have free plans?
Chatbox AI: Yes. SillyTavern: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Chatbox AI?
Chatbox AI is made by Chatbox AI.
Who makes SillyTavern?
SillyTavern is made by SillyTavern community.
Which should I choose, Chatbox AI or SillyTavern?
Choose Chatbox AI if you value free with your own keys and runs on every major platform. Choose SillyTavern if you value works with almost any model and chats stay on your machine.