# Character AI Chat & RPG vs Self

The clearest difference is ads: Self at none against Character AI Chat & RPG's shown. Self also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Character AI Chat & RPG's advantage is ratings volume (23 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Character AI Chat & RPG sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Self sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Self holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Character AI Chat & RPG has 23 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Character AI Chat & RPG ships an update every 3 days, Self every 2 days. Both last shipped on November 13, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Character AI Chat & RPG | Self |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/character-ai-chat-and-rpg-lyra/id6779721485/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-insert-simulation/id6814698219/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **23** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 107 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LyraVega Tech, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/6779721487) | [Make Your Wish LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1788054192) |

## What reviewers say

### Character AI Chat & RPG

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/character-ai-chat-and-rpg-lyra/id6779721485)

Create and experience interactive stories powered by AI. Explore hundreds of pre-made adventures or build your own worlds and characters. Every choice shapes your unique narrative.

**Highlights:** Interactive AI-driven stories, Create custom characters and worlds, Hundreds of original story genres, Choice-based narrative progression, Resume stories from any point, AI-powered storytelling

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nova | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Lyra+ | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Lyra Pro | $19.99 | per 7 days |
| Lyra+ | $19.99 | per month |
| Supernova | $19.99 | per 7 days |
| Nova | $19.99 | per month |
| Supernova | $39.99 | per month |
| 200 Stars | $2.79 | one-time |
| 500 Stars | $6.99 | one-time |
| 1,000 Stars | $13.99 | one-time |


### Self

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/self-insert-simulation/id6814698219)

This AI-powered app lets you rewrite existing novels and webtoons by altering characters, plot points, and endings. Create your own 'IF stories' and immerse yourself in new narratives based on your favorite works.

**Highlights:** Rewrite existing novels and webtoons, Customize character roles and genders, Alter plot points and endings, Immersive self-insert experience, AI-generated text stories, Interactive real-time story unfolding

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 500 Volts | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Volts | $9.99 | one-time |
| 3000 Volts | $29.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 Volts | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Character AI Chat & RPG free?

Character AI Chat & RPG is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Self free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Character AI Chat & RPG or Self?

Self is rated higher. Character AI Chat & RPG averages 4.7 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while Self averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Character AI Chat & RPG or Self have ads?

Character AI Chat & RPG shows ads; Self does not.

### Which is updated more often, Character AI Chat & RPG or Self?

Character AI Chat & RPG ships an update every 3 days, and Self every 2 days. Most recently, Character AI Chat & RPG was updated on November 13, 2026 and Self on November 13, 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.*