Backyard AI vs NovelAI
Which Companions AI tool is better in 2026?
Backyard AI
Unfiltered text and voice chats with AI characters and lorebooks
NovelAI
AI storytelling and anime image generation from studio Anlatan
Side-by-side
Backyard AI and NovelAI look closely matched across funding and pricing — feature fit will likely decide.
| Metric | Backyard AI | NovelAI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Unfiltered text and voice chats with AI characters and lorebooks | AI storytelling and anime image generation from studio Anlatan |
| Foundedi | — | 2021🏆 |
| HQi | — | — |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 1-10 |
| Neuron scorei | 57🏆 | 25 |
| 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 trial |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Backyard AI and NovelAI.
| Capability | Backyard AI | NovelAI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Backyard AI
- Higher Neuron score (57 vs 25)
- Offers a free plan
🔵 Strengths of NovelAI
- Newer company (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose NovelAI if price matters most — it starts at Free trial, 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 NovelAI 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
Backyard AI vs NovelAI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Backyard AI is the leaner option; NovelAI has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Backyard AI cheaper than NovelAI?
No — NovelAI's cheapest paid plan is Free trial, while Backyard AI's is Free.
Do Backyard AI and NovelAI offer free plans?
Backyard AI: Yes, has a free plan. NovelAI: Free trial only.
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