Ensoul

Ensoul is a local-first AI companion app for people who want to shape a companion and keep its records on their own device. It suits tinkerers who value editable memory and portable data more than automatic sync or a ready-made hosted experience.

Its defining strength is control over companion data; the trade-off is that users must manage model access and device storage themselves.

Overview

Ensoul stores a companion’s identity, mood, memories and conversation history as documents. Desktop and mobile conversations, settings and companion data stay on the device, while API keys are kept in the operating system’s secure storage. Browser users get a different boundary: keys and app data live in that browser’s local storage for the site, so clearing browser data removes them.

The privacy distinction matters. The maker says desktop and mobile apps contain no Google Analytics 4 or equivalent analytics SDK, while the website uses Google Analytics 4. If users contribute for hosted access, the service records an anonymous device identifier, platform, approximate token counts and timestamp, but not conversation content. Support emails are read by the project operator.

Key features

Memory is user-editable: users can read, correct or delete memories drawn from conversations. That makes the app better suited to people who want to curate what a companion retains than to those who prefer an opaque, hands-off memory system.

Users can connect to a provider directly or use one key to reach Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek and dozens of open models. The free plan requires users to bring their own model key, so the zero-cost price does not remove the need to arrange model access.

Import options include documents, folders, files, character cards, notes and chat exports. Export creates a folder with a companion’s identity, history, media and tools, a practical advantage for users who want portable records. Group conversations, generated images and voice are among the features the maker says work now; persistent memory, proactive messages and extensive customization are also offered.

The folder tool can read coding-agent session stores from Claude Code, Codex, opencode and DeepSeek Harness. This is a specific bridge for people who want companion records alongside those coding workflows, rather than a general promise of compatibility with other tools.

Pricing

Ensoul: free. The free plan needs no account, but users bring their own model key. It is the straightforward choice for someone comfortable arranging provider access and keeping their data on their device.

Hosted access contribution: $12, paid once. This is a one-time contribution, not a subscription: the minimum $12 grants three months of sustained access, contributions extend access proportionally, and access can be extended to a maximum of 12 months at a time. It offers hosted access without a recurring bill, but it is not a conventional monthly plan.

There is no free trial. The free plan has no stated seat or usage quota; hosted contributions are governed by the minimum and maximum access terms above.

Platforms

Ensoul supports Android, macOS, web and Windows. Devices do not sync automatically, so anyone using multiple devices should expect to manage separate local records. Desktop builds are not notarized, which may matter to users who want a notarized installation. There is no installable iOS build yet. Ensoul is for adults 18 and over.

Who it's for

Ensoul is a good fit for adults who want to edit companion memories, import existing character material and retain portable local records. It is less suitable for people who expect seamless device-to-device continuity, an iOS app, or a free plan with model access included. The maker describes it as early software built by one person, so readers should be comfortable choosing an early-stage project.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Users can correct or delete conversational memories, giving them meaningful control over what persists.
• Pro: Broad import options and a folder-based export make existing companion material and future portability central to the workflow.
• Pro: The free plan requires no account, and the hosted-access option is a one-time contribution rather than a subscription.
• Con: Free users must bring a model key, adding setup and provider management.
• Con: No automatic sync means local control comes at the cost of effortless continuity across devices.
• Con: No installable iOS build, and desktop builds are not notarized.

Alternatives

AI Companion Apps is the broader category directory for readers comparing options across the field.

Choose Kissable if you want Android, iOS and web access with a free tier built around limited daily text messages and basic chat, rather than Ensoul’s local document workflow.

Nomi AI is another freemium option, with a free tier and one-time credit purchases as well as a monthly plan.

Paradot AI may suit readers who prefer a daily message allowance and one companion on its free plan, or unlimited messages on Plus, across Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows.

Anima offers free access with tokens available to unlock some higher-tier features.

DreamGF AI has a free starting experience and a free trial; most features require an account.

Kindroid is worth considering for its free allowance of two companions, unlimited Lite messages and basic long-term memory, with Android, API, iOS and web access.

Replika offers a free-use tier with limited service access, which may be denied at its discretion.

Bestie AI is another freemium companion option for Android and iOS.

Verdict

Choose Ensoul if editable memory, local records and importing or exporting companion data matter more than automatic syncing. Its free, no-account plan is appealing for users who already have a model key, while the one-time hosted-access contribution avoids subscription billing. Look elsewhere if you need iOS today, seamless continuity between devices or model access included with the free plan.