NovelAI vs CustomGPT
A comprehensive 2026 comparison to help you choose the right AI tool for your needs. We tested both extensively.
Quick Verdict: NovelAI vs CustomGPT
After extensive testing, **NovelAI** comes out ahead with a 4.5/5 rating. It's the better choice for most users, especially those focused on Adult fiction writing, storytelling, anime art. However, CustomGPT remains competitive and may be preferable if you prioritize Business chatbots, customer service, knowledge bases.
NovelAI edges out CustomGPT with superior overall performance and features that make it the better choice for most users in 2026. With a 4.5/5 rating, it excels particularly in Adult fiction writing, storytelling, anime art.
Try NovelAI FreeFeature Comparison Table
Side-by-side comparison of key features and capabilities
When to Use NovelAI vs CustomGPT
Choose NovelAI When You Need:
- Adult fiction writing, storytelling, anime art
- Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing
Choose CustomGPT When You Need:
- Business chatbots, customer service, knowledge bases
- Better quality content writing and creative tasks
- Faster response times for time-sensitive work
- Testing capabilities with a free tier before committing
In-Depth Analysis: NovelAI vs CustomGPT
Performance & Capabilities
In our comprehensive testing for 2026, we evaluated both NovelAI and CustomGPT across multiple dimensions including coding tasks, creative writing, reasoning problems, and general conversation quality. NovelAI emerged as our top pick with an overall rating of 4.5/5.
NovelAI handles coding tasks well, making it suitable for basic programming assistance. In comparison, CustomGPT also performs well in this category.
Pricing & Value
When it comes to pricing, both tools offer free tiers, making them accessible for testing. For paid plans, NovelAI is more affordable at $10/month compared to $49/month.
Use Cases & Target Audience
NovelAI is particularly well-suited for Adult fiction writing, storytelling, anime art. Its strengths make it ideal for professionals who need and reliable AI assistance.
CustomGPT, on the other hand, excels at Business chatbots, customer service, knowledge bases. Users who prioritize fast response times, complex reasoning, will find it particularly valuable.
NovelAI Pros & Cons
Pros
- Minimal content filters
- Kayra 13B and Erato 70B models
- Anime image generation
- Advanced TTS
- Large context window
Cons
- Learning curve for new users
- Image credits (Anlas) required
CustomGPT Pros & Cons
Pros
- No-code chatbot builder
- Train on your own data
- Great for customer service
- Easy to deploy on websites
- MIT case study validation
Cons
- Not for coding tasks
- Limited customization vs building from scratch
- Pricing can add up with usage
Best For: NovelAI
Adult fiction writing, storytelling, anime art
Best For: CustomGPT
Business chatbots, customer service, knowledge bases
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NovelAI vs CustomGPT
Is NovelAI better than CustomGPT in 2026?
Based on our benchmarks and analysis, NovelAI performs better overall with a rating of 4.5/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs - NovelAI excels at Adult fiction writing, storytelling, anime art, while CustomGPT is better for Business chatbots, customer service, knowledge bases.
What is the price difference between NovelAI and CustomGPT?
NovelAI offers a free tier and costs $10/month for paid plans. CustomGPT offers a free tier and costs $49/month for paid plans.
Which is better for coding: NovelAI or CustomGPT?
Both tools can assist with coding tasks. Check our detailed comparison above to see benchmark results.
Can I use NovelAI and CustomGPT for free?
NovelAI does offer a free tier with limited features. CustomGPT does offer a free tier with limited features. Both tools offer trial periods or limited free access for new users.
Which AI has a larger context window: NovelAI or CustomGPT?
Context window sizes vary by model tier. Check the comparison table above for specific details.
Is NovelAI faster than CustomGPT?
Both tools offer competitive response times. Speed may vary based on your location and the complexity of your requests.
Which is better for writing content: NovelAI or CustomGPT?
Both AI tools are capable of generating quality content. Your choice may depend on your specific writing style preferences.
Do NovelAI and CustomGPT support image generation?
NovelAI does not have built-in image capabilities. CustomGPT does not have built-in image capabilities. For dedicated image generation, consider specialized tools like DALL-E or Midjourney.
Which AI should beginners choose: NovelAI or CustomGPT?
For beginners, we recommend starting with either - both offer free tiers to experiment. NovelAI has a slightly better overall user experience based on our testing.
Can I switch from NovelAI to CustomGPT easily?
Yes, switching between AI tools is straightforward since they use similar prompting interfaces. Your conversation history won't transfer, but you can export important outputs. Many professionals use both tools depending on the task - NovelAI for Adult fiction writing, storytelling, anime art and CustomGPT for Business chatbots, customer service, knowledge bases.
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Ready to Get Started?
Both tools offer free tiers or trials. Try them out and see which one works best for your workflow in 2026.