kitio.aiCherry Studio vs Chatbox AI
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Cherry Studio 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
- Dozens of providers
- Local model support
- Knowledge bases
- Preset assistants
- MCP tools and agents
- Own API keys or hosted plan
- Local chat storage
- File and image input
- Work Mode agents
- All major platforms
| Feature | Cherry Studio | Chatbox AI |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source desktop client for dozens of AI providers | Cross-platform AI client for many models, with or without API keys |
| Category | Chat assistants | Chat assistants |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $3.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | CherryHQ | Chatbox AI |
| Based in | China | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Cherry Studio 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
Cherry Studio
- Completely free
- Very broad provider support
- Data stays local
- Setup needs your own API keys
- Many settings to learn
- Docs partly in Chinese
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
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cherry Studio if you want:
- Completely free
- Very broad provider support
- Data stays local
Watch out: setup needs your own api keys.
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.
Cherry Studio vs Chatbox AI FAQ
What is the difference between Cherry Studio and Chatbox AI?
Cherry Studio: Free open-source desktop client for dozens of AI providers. Chatbox AI: Cross-platform AI client for many models, with or without API keys. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is Cherry Studio or Chatbox AI cheaper?
Cherry Studio is completely free, while Chatbox AI is freemium.
Do Cherry Studio and Chatbox AI have free plans?
Cherry Studio: Yes, fully free. Chatbox AI: Yes.
Who makes Cherry Studio?
Cherry Studio is made by CherryHQ, based in China.
Who makes Chatbox AI?
Chatbox AI is made by Chatbox AI.
Which should I choose, Cherry Studio or Chatbox AI?
Choose Cherry Studio if you value completely free and very broad provider support. Choose Chatbox AI if you value free with your own keys and runs on every major platform.