Backyard AI vs Series
Which Companions AI tool is better in 2026?
Backyard AI
Unfiltered text and voice chats with AI characters and lorebooks
Series
The first AI social network that lives entirely inside iMessage
Side-by-side
Series is the more established option (raised $5.1M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Backyard AI | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Unfiltered text and voice chats with AI characters and lorebooks | The first AI social network that lives entirely inside iMessage |
| Foundedi | — | 2024🏆 |
| HQi | — | New Haven, US |
| Employeesi | 1-10 | 1-10🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 57🏆 | 53 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $5.1M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | — | Pre-Seed · Apr 2026 |
| 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 Backyard AI and Series.
| Capability | Backyard AI | Series |
|---|---|---|
| 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 53)
- Offers a free trial
🔵 Strengths of Series
- Has raised more capital ($5.1M vs Undisclosed)
- Newer company (2024)
Which should you choose?
Choose Series 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 Series if you want the most established option — it has raised $5.1M, 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 Series — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Backyard AI is the leaner option; Series has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Backyard AI cheaper than Series?
No — Series's cheapest paid plan is Free, while Backyard AI's is Free.
Do Backyard AI and Series offer free plans?
Backyard AI: Yes, has a free plan. Series: Yes, has a free plan.
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