Alternatives · AI Assistants
Merlin alternatives
Merlin compared with 5 alternatives: Monica, Sider, ChatHub, Poe and ChatGPT.
Merlin's current pricing could not be confirmed from its own site. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 5, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| MerlinThis tool | Free plan | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Monica | Free plan · from $8.3/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Sider | Free plan · from $9.99/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| ChatHub | Free plan · from $14.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Poe | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| ChatGPT | Free plan · from $8/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from Merlin
- Free plan · from $8.3/mo
Monica
AI assistant with many models, built around a browser sidebar
- Monica also covers grammar & style.
Suits: People who want AI help inside the browser on any web page
- Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Sider
AI sidebar for the browser with many models and mobile apps
- Only Merlin lists a web app.
- Sider also covers grammar & style.
Suits: People who want an AI side panel on every browser tab
- Free plan · from $14.99/mo
ChatHub
Ask several AI models one question and compare answers side by side
- Merlin also covers AI agents.
Suits: Comparing how several AI models answer the same prompt
- Free plan · from $4.99/mo
Poe
One app for chatting with AI models from many different labs
- Only Merlin lists a browser extension.
- Merlin also covers AI agents.
Suits: Comparing many AI models without a subscription to each one
- Free plan · from $8/mo
ChatGPT
OpenAI's general-purpose AI assistant for chat, images and voice
- Only Merlin lists a browser extension.
- Merlin also covers AI agents.
Suits: General-purpose help with writing, questions and brainstorming
Limits worth knowing in Merlin
- Merlin's website answers automated readers with a security check, so its pricing page could not be read and paid plan prices are unverified.
- Store listings do not give a clear lineup: the US App Store lists Merlin Pro at $20.00 and Merlin Unlimited at $15.00 a month, and Google Play shows items from $3.49 to $499.99.
- The free plan is capped at up to 102 queries per day, and voice chat, premium tools and team collaboration are described as premium features.
- The US App Store also sells query top-ups that expire, such as 3,000 queries valid for 30 days at $4.99.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Merlin?
The alternatives to Merlin in this directory are Monica, Sider, ChatHub, Poe and ChatGPT. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Merlin.
Is there a free alternative to Merlin?
Yes. Monica, Sider, ChatHub, Poe and ChatGPT have a free plan alongside paid ones.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 5, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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