Quillroll
My adventures

NovelAI vs AI Dungeon

Both turn AI into interactive fiction, but they're built for different people. NovelAI is a writing tool you can play with; AI Dungeon is a game you can write with. Here's how they compare.

Prices checked November 2026 (NovelAI's documentation and AI Dungeon's App Store listing).

Side by side

NovelAIAI Dungeon
Built forWriting, with fine controlPlaying adventures
Free optionTrial: 50 text generationsFree tier
Paid plansTablet $10, Scroll $15, Opus $25 a monthAdventurer $9.99, Champion $14.99, Legend $29.99, Mythic $49.99 a month
MemoryLorebooks and memory you manage; largest context on OpusStory cards and memory; longer context on higher tiers
Starting a storyBlank page or your own promptLarge library of player-made scenarios
ContentAdults, few restrictionsAdjustable content settings
ExtrasImage generation, text-to-speechMultiplayer, scenario sharing

Choose NovelAI if

  • You're writing long fiction and want to steer style, tone and memory yourself.
  • You're happy to learn lorebooks and generation settings to get better results.
  • You also want image generation in the same subscription.

Choose AI Dungeon if

  • You want to jump into an adventure quickly, often from someone else's scenario.
  • You want a free tier to play on before paying.
  • You want to share scenarios or play with others.

Or, if you just want to play

If what you want is a game rather than a writing tool, Quillroll is a simpler, cheaper option: each turn has three choices or a box for your own move, the game tracks health and inventory, and a running summary keeps the story consistent. Free daily turns, Pro $7.99/month or a one-time $4.99 pack. It stays PG-13 and doesn't let you choose models. You can also play with friends on Discord. For more options see AI Dungeon alternatives and NovelAI alternatives.

Questions

Is NovelAI better than AI Dungeon?

For writing, usually yes: NovelAI gives more control over memory and style. For playing an adventure, AI Dungeon is easier to start and has far more ready-made scenarios. Neither is better at everything.

Which is cheaper?

AI Dungeon, because it has a free tier and its first paid plan is $9.99/month. NovelAI has no free tier after its trial and starts at $10/month.

Which has better memory?

Both sell longer memory on higher plans. NovelAI's top tier, Opus ($25/month), has about 28,000 tokens of context. AI Dungeon's longer context comes with its Legend ($29.99) and Mythic ($49.99) plans.

Is there a cheaper option than both?

If you mainly want to play, Quillroll has free daily turns and a $7.99/month Pro plan, or a $4.99 one-time pack. It tracks health and inventory and keeps a running story summary, but stays PG-13 and doesn't offer model settings.

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