Character.AI
4.4
Millions of community characters with unlimited free text chat
The default starting point: unmatched variety and the most generous free tier in the category.
$7.92/moVoice callsMemory+3
Alternatives to Linky
8 sites worth considering instead of Linky, pulled from the categories it appears in and ordered by our editorial score. For reference, Linky costs $9.08/mo.
| Site | Price | Free tier | Voice | Memory | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character.AI Millions of community characters with unlimited free text chat | $7.92/mo | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| SillyTavern The self-hosted frontend the power users all run | Free | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| Pi The most empathetic free AI, with unlimited voice | Free | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
| Text generation web UI The standard interface for running local models | Free | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| XOMI Character depth built around an AI boyfriend | $7.99/mo | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| PolyBuzz Unlimited free text chat across 20M+ characters | $9.90/mo | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| Risu AI Browser-based character chat with card importing | Free | Yes | Voice notes | Yes | vs |
| Talkie AI Voice-forward character roleplay with collectible cards | $9.99/mo | Yes | Voice calls | Yes | vs |
Side by side
SillyTavern
4.3
The self-hosted frontend the power users all run
If you want total control and zero subscription, this is where the advanced users live.
FreeMatureVoice calls+5
Pi
4.0
The most empathetic free AI, with unlimited voice
Completely free, genuinely warm, and no upsell wall. Not a roleplay product, but an excellent listener.
FreeVoice callsMemory
The standard interface for running local models
Not a companion app, but the plumbing most local companion setups are built on.
FreeMatureVoice notes+4
XOMI
4.0
Character depth built around an AI boyfriend
One of very few sites that treats male companions as the main product rather than an afterthought.
$7.99/moVoice notesMemory+2
PolyBuzz
3.9
Unlimited free text chat across 20M+ characters
The closest thing to Character.AI with a looser filter — as long as you accept an older model on free.
$9.90/moMatureVoice notes+3
Switching from Linky — common questions
What are the best alternatives to Linky?
8 sites from the same categories are listed above, ordered by our editorial score. We match on category rather than on marketing claims, so what you see is what competes with Linky for the same use case.
Is there a free alternative to Linky?
Yes — Character.AI, SillyTavern, Pi, Text generation web UI, XOMI, PolyBuzz, Risu AI, Talkie AI have a free tier you can use before paying anything.
How much does Linky cost compared with the alternatives?
Linky is $9.08/mo. The alternatives above range from $0 to $9.99 a month.