Qwen Chat vs TextGPT
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Qwen Chat 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
- Model switcher
- Deep thinking
- Web search
- Image and video generation
- Artifacts preview
- ChatGPT by text message
- Image generation via SMS
- Photo questions
- Choice of model tiers
- Web search
| Feature | Qwen Chat | TextGPT |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Alibaba's free assistant running the Qwen family of models | 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 | Alibaba | TextGPT |
| Based in | China | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Web search.
Pricing compared
Qwen Chat 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
Qwen Chat
- Free access to large Qwen models
- Many tools in one app
- Good multilingual support
- Data stored by a Chinese company
- Interface changes frequently
- Less polished mobile apps
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 Qwen Chat if you want:
- Free access to large Qwen models
- Many tools in one app
- Good multilingual support
Watch out: data stored by a chinese company.
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.
Qwen Chat vs TextGPT FAQ
What is the difference between Qwen Chat and TextGPT?
Qwen Chat: Alibaba's free assistant running the Qwen family of models. TextGPT: Use ChatGPT and AI image generation over plain SMS, no app needed. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is Qwen Chat or TextGPT cheaper?
Qwen Chat is completely free, while TextGPT is paid.
Do Qwen Chat and TextGPT have free plans?
Qwen Chat: Yes, fully free. TextGPT: No.
Who makes Qwen Chat?
Qwen Chat is made by Alibaba, based in China.
Who makes TextGPT?
TextGPT is made by TextGPT.
Which should I choose, Qwen Chat or TextGPT?
Choose Qwen Chat if you value free access to large qwen models and many tools in one app. Choose TextGPT if you value works on any phone and no app or browser needed.