The verdict
NovelAI is a polished subscription tool for long-form, uncensored story writing, paired with one of the best anime image models. It's writing-first, not a companion-chat app, and has no real free tier.
Best for story writing and anime art. For character companions, CrushOn; for anime images alone, SoulGen.
Pros
- Uncensored long-form writing
- Excellent anime image model
- Strong memory and style control
Cons
- No real free tier
- Writing-first, not companion chat
- Learning curve
NovelAI FAQ
Is NovelAI free? No; it is subscription-only from around $10/mo, with a limited trial.
Is NovelAI uncensored? Yes, its text generation is uncensored for fictional adult content.
Scored on the public six-point method, assessed from hands-on use where possible plus documented pricing, features and user reports · last updated July 2026.