ChatGPT vs NovelAI
A side-by-side comparison of ChatGPT and NovelAI for writers — pricing, features and where each one earns its place.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings.
| ChatGPT | NovelAI | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | The ubiquitous AI assistant for brainstorming and drafting. | A subscription AI storyteller with deep control and privacy. |
| Editorial rating | ★★★★☆4.2editorial | ★★★★☆4.2editorial |
| Pricing | Free; Plus ~US$20/mo | from US$10/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Trial only |
| Good for | Fiction, Copywriting, Academic | Fiction |
| Categories | Drafting, Brainstorming | Drafting, Brainstorming |
| Models | GPT | Proprietary (Erato, Kayra) |
| Platforms | web, desktop, mobile, api | web |
ChatGPT
Pros
- Free and ubiquitous
- Versatile across writing tasks
- Huge ecosystem of custom GPTs
Cons
- Generic — not fiction-tuned
- Prose can sound formulaic
- No manuscript organisation
NovelAI
Pros
- Fine-grained creative control and memory
- Privacy: encrypted and unfiltered
- Active, dedicated community
Cons
- Less guided UI than Sudowrite
- Best results need prompt skill
- No ongoing free tier
Our verdict
ChatGPT and NovelAI are evenly matched on our editorial score (4.2/5). Choose ChatGPT for free and ubiquitous, or NovelAI for fine-grained creative control and memory. ChatGPT is the cheaper place to start.
Frequently asked questions
- Is ChatGPT or NovelAI better?
- In our editorial assessment ChatGPT scores 4.2/5 versus NovelAI's 4.2/5. ChatGPT stands out for free and ubiquitous, while NovelAI is worth a look for fine-grained creative control and memory. The right choice depends on your workflow — see the breakdown above.
- Which is cheaper, ChatGPT or NovelAI?
- ChatGPT has the more affordable entry point. ChatGPT: Free; Plus ~US$20/mo. NovelAI: from US$10/mo. Pricing changes often, so confirm current plans on each vendor's site.
- Do ChatGPT or NovelAI have a free version?
- ChatGPT offers a free tier, while NovelAI has a free trial. You can start there before committing to a paid plan.
Read the full reviews: ChatGPT · NovelAI · all comparisons