What is CHAI?
CHAI is a consumer platform for conversational AI characters. Users can create their own AI characters, called ChatAIs, and chat with them, with the goal of making AI conversation social and entertaining as well as factually useful. The app is available on iOS and Android, and the company says a web version is coming soon.
Behind the app, CHAI develops its own in-house large language models rather than relying only on open-source ones. The company describes using reinforcement learning from human feedback, reward models trained on user signals, and model blending, where several LLMs are combined at the conversation level. Its page reports a GPU cluster of over 1.4 exaflops serving hundreds of in-house LLMs. In practice, users can build characters, start stories, and keep conversations going with them.
Key features
- Create custom AI characters (ChatAIs)
- Chat with AI characters
- Build and play AI stories
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- In-house LLMs tuned for engagement
Who is it for
- Consumers looking for entertaining AI conversations
- Users who enjoy creating characters and stories
- Fans of social AI companions
Pros and cons
- Large user base, reported at over 10M active users
- Users can create their own characters
- Models tuned for engagement and conversation depth
- Web version is listed as coming soon
- Page does not describe a free plan or pricing
CHAI pricing
The vendor does not publish prices in a readable form (often pricing is shown only after signing in).
Is CHAI free?
The vendor does not state this clearly on the homepage or pricing page.
CHAI alternatives
| Tool | Price from | Free plan | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 Grok | 30 USD/mo | yes | Chatbots & AI assistants |
 DeepSeek | 0.02 USD | ? | Chatbots & AI assistants |
 PolyBuzz | not listed | yes | Chatbots & AI assistants |
 Nomi | not listed | yes | Chatbots & AI assistants |
 Open WebUI | not listed | yes | Chatbots & AI assistants |
 ChatGPT | 34,99 PLN/mo | yes | Chatbots & AI assistants |
FAQ
What is CHAI used for?
Consumer app where users chat with and build their own AI characters and interactive stories, aimed at entertainment and social engagement.
Is CHAI free?
The vendor does not state this clearly on the homepage or pricing page.
How much does CHAI cost?
The vendor does not publish prices publicly or requires sign-in.
What are the best CHAI alternatives?
Closest alternatives: Grok, DeepSeek, PolyBuzz, Nomi, Open WebUI.
Data checked October 12, 2026 on the vendor website (chai-research.com).