Ensoul vs Nori

Ensoul is a local-first AI companion app that keeps a companion’s identity, memory, mood, and history as documents on the user’s device. It runs on Android, macOS, Windows, and the web. Users can connect directly to a provider or use one key to access Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, and open models. Memories from conversations can be reviewed, corrected, or deleted. Ensoul can import companions from documents, folders, files, character cards, notes, and chat exports, then export a folder containing identity, history, media, and tools. Listed features include group conversations between companions, generated images, and voice. Its folder tool can read coding-agent session stores from Claude Code, Codex, opencode, and DeepSeek Harness. The free plan requires users to bring their own model key and does not require an account. Hosted access is available through a 12.00 USD one-time contribution, which grants three months of sustained access. Desktop and mobile app data is stored locally; browser data and API keys are kept in that browser’s local storage. The maker describes Ensoul as early software built by one person.

Nori is an AI companion for reflection, emotional support, memory, accountability, and personal growth. Users can talk with it by voice or text and switch between those formats. Nori says it can identify emotional patterns, energy shifts, recurring stressors, and behavioral trends from conversations and check-ins. Its tools include habit tracking, streaks, reminders, progress tracking, and adaptive accountability. It can retain context such as birthdays, events, goals, milestones, and relationship information. Rise With Nori combines morning reflection, calendar awareness, planning, and accountability, with authorized links to Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, Apple Health, and Apple Music. Nori asks permission before sending information to OpenAI for processing; users can decline or withdraw consent. Users can manage connections, request data access or deletion, and delete their accounts. The Free plan costs nothing and includes daily conversations, basic memory, reflections, check-ins, and mood tracking. Plus costs $14.99 a month. Nori is for everyday support, not a medical or mental-health professional.