Define what free must include for you: account requirement, message limits, media limits, cancellation, and data deletion.
Free can describe several different limits
A service may use free to mean a preview, a limited message allowance, selected characters or temporary credits. Verify the current entry conditions on the service itself and do not assume a search-result snippet still matches the checkout flow.
Write down whether a card is required, what triggers an upgrade, and whether unused credits expire. Keep screenshots of material terms you rely on, but do not upload private chat content into a comparison record.
Check privacy before the first message
Use a non-identifying fictional scenario for an initial check. Avoid legal names, addresses, health records, transition history, credentials, financial details and another person's intimate information.
Read the current privacy and deletion documentation before sharing anything sensitive. A free tier is not evidence that data collection is minimal, and encryption or security should never be assumed when the documentation is unclear.
Compare the paid boundary without stale prices
If the free limit is reached, pause before paying. Check the exact renewal cadence, token rules, cancellation route and refund language displayed at that moment rather than relying on a fixed price copied here.
A useful free option should still provide visible controls, an understandable exit and respectful handling of names and pronouns. More messages do not compensate for missing consent, privacy or reporting safeguards.
How to read the evidence
Company pages below support only the company’s own current statements. They do not establish independent safety, effectiveness or universal behavior.
Features, prices and policies can change. Check the current linked page at the moment you decide, save important terms, and keep unknown details marked as unknown.
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission AI companion inquirywww.ftc.gov
- Candy AI terms of servicecandy.ai
- Candy AI privacy policycandy.ai
Compare the checklist before creating an account.
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