kitio.aiDoubao vs TextGPT
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Doubao is completely free, while TextGPT is paid.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Voice calls
- Image and video generation
- Document reading
- Browser extension
- Photo questions
- ChatGPT by text message
- Image generation via SMS
- Photo questions
- Choice of model tiers
- Web search
| Feature | Doubao | TextGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | ByteDance's assistant, the most used AI chat app in China | Use ChatGPT and AI image generation over plain SMS, no app needed |
| Category | Chat assistants | Chat assistants |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | $12 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | No |
| Made by | ByteDance | TextGPT |
| Based in | China | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Photo questions.
Pricing compared
Doubao is completely free, while TextGPT is paid.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
240K credits
$12 one-time
- About 120 default questions
- Text and image use
480K credits
$24 one-time
- About 240 default questions
- Text and image use
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
Doubao
- Very capable Chinese-language assistant
- Natural voice conversations
- Many free creative tools
- Built mainly for users in China
- Interface mostly in Chinese
- Companion features were removed
TextGPT
- Works on any phone
- No app or browser needed
- Transparent credit math
- Long answers use several SMS segments
- No conversation memory yet
- Prepaid credits only
Which one should you choose?
Choose Doubao if you want:
- Very capable Chinese-language assistant
- Natural voice conversations
- Many free creative tools
Watch out: built mainly for users in china.
Choose TextGPT if you want:
- Works on any phone
- No app or browser needed
- Transparent credit math
Watch out: long answers use several sms segments.
Doubao vs TextGPT FAQ
What is the difference between Doubao and TextGPT?
Doubao: ByteDance's assistant, the most used AI chat app in China. TextGPT: Use ChatGPT and AI image generation over plain SMS, no app needed. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is Doubao or TextGPT cheaper?
Doubao is completely free, while TextGPT is paid.
Do Doubao and TextGPT have free plans?
Doubao: Yes, fully free. TextGPT: No.
Who makes Doubao?
Doubao is made by ByteDance, based in China.
Who makes TextGPT?
TextGPT is made by TextGPT.
Which should I choose, Doubao or TextGPT?
Choose Doubao if you value very capable chinese-language assistant and natural voice conversations. Choose TextGPT if you value works on any phone and no app or browser needed.