# Layla (Cloud) vs Castmates

The clearest difference is rating: Castmates at 4.2 against Layla (Cloud)'s 3.5. Castmates also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly) and review sentiment (50% vs 29%). Layla (Cloud)'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Castmates sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Layla (Cloud) asks for nothing beyond the download.

Castmates holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 5 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of Layla (Cloud)'s written reviews are positive against 50% of Castmates's.

Layla (Cloud) ships an update monthly, Castmates every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Layla (Cloud) | Castmates |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/layla-cloud/id6764344419/reviews) | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/castmates-ai-characters/id6785844694/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 28.6% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 188 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Layla Network Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1700641179) | [JOSIP MARKOVIC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1807732819) |

## What reviewers say

### Layla (Cloud)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/layla-cloud/id6764344419)

Create and connect with a personalized AI companion. This app allows you to craft a unique friend with a custom backstory and memories, offering deep conversations and visually generated art. It adapts to your interactions, becoming a supportive confidante or creative partner.

**Highlights:** Personalized AI companion creation, Customizable backstory and memories, Deep, adaptive conversations, Art-generated companion visuals, Image and link analysis, Regular updates and improvements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Castmates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/castmates-ai-characters/id6785844694)

Engage in private, AI-powered roleplay directly on your device. Create custom characters or interact with a diverse cast across various genres, with stories that remember your past interactions. Enjoy offline play and complete privacy as your conversations never leave your phone.

**Highlights:** On-device AI for complete privacy, Offline functionality, 32 pre-made characters across 8 genres, Custom character creation, Persistent memory for story continuity, Pre-made and custom scenarios

**Features:** iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Castmates Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| Castmates Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Castmates Lifetime | $44.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Layla (Cloud) free?

Layla (Cloud) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Castmates free?

Castmates is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Layla (Cloud) or Castmates?

Castmates is rated higher. Layla (Cloud) averages 3.5 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Castmates averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Layla (Cloud) or Castmates have ads?

Neither Layla (Cloud) nor Castmates shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Layla (Cloud) or Castmates?

Layla (Cloud) ships an update monthly, and Castmates every 3 days. Most recently, Layla (Cloud) was updated on October 28, 2026 and Castmates on October 28, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*