kitio.aiNovelcrafter vs Hellowriter
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Novelcrafter has the lower starting price: about $4 a month, against $12 for Hellowriter.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Codex for story details
- Chapter planning grid
- AI scene drafting
- Series and universes
- Bring-your-own API key
- Chapter drafting
- Character and world tracking
- Images for every scene
- Audio read-aloud
- Book export
- Free writing tools
| Feature | Novelcrafter | Hellowriter |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Novel planning and writing app with bring-your-own-key AI | Illustrated AI story generator with characters and worlds |
| Category | Writing | Writing |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | $4/mo | $12/mo |
| Free plan | No, 21-day trial | No, trial available |
| Made by | Novelcrafter | Hellowriter |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Novelcrafter has the lower starting price: about $4 a month, against $12 for Hellowriter.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Scribe
$4/mo
- Unlimited books
- Series and universes
- Basic review features
Hobbyist
$8/mo
- Everything in Scribe
- AI with your own API key
Artisan
$14/mo
- Everything in Hobbyist
- Chat features
- Advanced review features
Specialist
$20/mo
- Everything in Artisan
- Collaborative writing and teams
- Priority support
3 plans
Author
$12/mo
- 2,000 energy per month
- Standard writing and images
- Characters and world
Series
$36/mo
- 6,000 energy per month
- Advanced writing and images
- Suited to novels and series
Studio
$96/mo
- 16,000 energy per month
- Premium writing
- Highest-quality images
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
Novelcrafter
- Low starting price
- Choose any AI model
- Strong worldbuilding tools
- Setting up API keys takes effort
- AI usage billed separately by providers
Hellowriter
- First page viewable without sign-up
- Keeps characters and world consistent
- Pictures and audio included
- Monthly energy does not roll over
- Better writing models need higher plans
- Free allowance is only 150 energy
Which one should you choose?
Choose Novelcrafter if you want:
- Low starting price
- Choose any AI model
- Strong worldbuilding tools
Watch out: setting up api keys takes effort.
Choose Hellowriter if you want:
- First page viewable without sign-up
- Keeps characters and world consistent
- Pictures and audio included
Watch out: monthly energy does not roll over.
Novelcrafter vs Hellowriter FAQ
What is the difference between Novelcrafter and Hellowriter?
Novelcrafter: Novel planning and writing app with bring-your-own-key AI. Hellowriter: Illustrated AI story generator with characters and worlds. Both are writing tools.
Is Novelcrafter or Hellowriter cheaper?
Novelcrafter has the lower starting price: about $4 a month, against $12 for Hellowriter.
Do Novelcrafter and Hellowriter have free plans?
Novelcrafter: No, 21-day trial. Hellowriter: No, trial available.
Who makes Novelcrafter?
Novelcrafter is made by Novelcrafter.
Who makes Hellowriter?
Hellowriter is made by Hellowriter.
Which should I choose, Novelcrafter or Hellowriter?
Choose Novelcrafter if you value low starting price and choose any ai model. Choose Hellowriter if you value first page viewable without sign-up and keeps characters and world consistent.