Aethris vs Backyard AI
Which Companions AI tool is better in 2026?
Aethris
AI companion experience built around lifelike conversational characters
Backyard AI
Unfiltered text and voice chats with AI characters and lorebooks
Side-by-side
Aethris and Backyard AI look closely matched across funding and pricing — feature fit will likely decide.
| Metric | Aethris | Backyard AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI companion experience built around lifelike conversational characters | Unfiltered text and voice chats with AI characters and lorebooks |
| Foundedi | — | — |
| HQi | — | — |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 1-10 |
| Neuron scorei | 18 | 57🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Latest roundi | — | — |
| Valuationi | — | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✓ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | Free |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Aethris and Backyard AI.
| Capability | Aethris | Backyard AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Aethris
- Strong in AI Companions
🔵 Strengths of Backyard AI
- Higher Neuron score (57 vs 18)
Which should you choose?
Choose Backyard AI if price matters most — it starts at Free, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Companions tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Backyard AI if you want the most established option — it has raised Undisclosed, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Aethris vs Backyard AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Aethris is the leaner option; Backyard AI has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Aethris cheaper than Backyard AI?
No — Backyard AI's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Aethris's is Free.
Do Aethris and Backyard AI offer free plans?
Aethris: Yes, has a free plan. Backyard AI: Yes, has a free plan.
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