NovelAI vs DreamGen
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. DreamGen has the lower starting price: about $8 a month, against $10 for NovelAI.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Story continuation
- Lorebook
- Custom presets
- Anime image generation
- Encrypted story storage
- Story co-writing
- Role-play scenarios
- Steerable instructions
- Scenario sharing
- Open models
| Feature | NovelAI | DreamGen |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI storytelling and image generation with flat-rate unlimited text | AI story writing and role-play with models tuned for fiction |
| Category | Writing | Writing |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $10/mo | $7.83/mo |
| Free plan | No, trial available | Yes |
| Made by | Anlatan | DreamGen |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
DreamGen has the lower starting price: about $8 a month, against $10 for NovelAI.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Tablet
$10/mo
- Unlimited text generations
- Monthly Anlas for images
Scroll
$15/mo
- Longer AI memory
- Monthly Anlas for images
Opus
$25/mo
- Longest AI memory
- Unlimited normal-size images
- Monthly Anlas included
3 plans
Starter
$7.83/mo
- 5,000-token context window
- Unlimited basic and premium models
Advanced
$19.35/mo
- 15,000-token context window
- Extra daily credits
Pro
$48.30/mo
- 30,000-token context window
- Up to 60% off third-party models
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
NovelAI
- Unlimited text on paid plans
- Strong privacy approach
- Deep control over generation
- Steeper learning curve
- Less guidance on structure than Sudowrite
DreamGen
- Models built for fiction
- Fine control over each turn
- Open-weight models available
- Interface aimed at enthusiasts
- Less structure for full novels
Which one should you choose?
Choose NovelAI if you want:
- Unlimited text on paid plans
- Strong privacy approach
- Deep control over generation
Watch out: steeper learning curve.
Choose DreamGen if you want:
- Models built for fiction
- Fine control over each turn
- Open-weight models available
Watch out: interface aimed at enthusiasts.
NovelAI vs DreamGen FAQ
What is the difference between NovelAI and DreamGen?
NovelAI: AI storytelling and image generation with flat-rate unlimited text. DreamGen: AI story writing and role-play with models tuned for fiction. Both are writing tools.
Is NovelAI or DreamGen cheaper?
DreamGen has the lower starting price: about $8 a month, against $10 for NovelAI.
Do NovelAI and DreamGen have free plans?
NovelAI: No, trial available. DreamGen: Yes.
Who makes NovelAI?
NovelAI is made by Anlatan, based in United States.
Who makes DreamGen?
DreamGen is made by DreamGen.
Which should I choose, NovelAI or DreamGen?
Choose NovelAI if you value unlimited text on paid plans and strong privacy approach. Choose DreamGen if you value models built for fiction and fine control over each turn.