Does ChatDev or Factory AI have a free plan?

ChatDev is a paid tool. Factory AI is available for free. Always verify current pricing directly with the vendor.

ChatDev vs Factory AI

Q: Can I use ChatDev and Factory AI together?

Yes, many teams use both tools together for different purposes. Use the Stack Builder section above to combine ChatDev and Factory AI with other tools and save your AI toolkit.

Comprehensive side-by-side comparison — features, pricing, performance, and more.

Updated May 2026

ChatDev

OpenBMB

Build software autonomously with a virtual company of AI agents

0.0(0)

OPEN_SOURCE

85% data quality

Factory AI

The San Francisco AI Factory Inc.

Agent-Native Software Development: Droids that work everywhere you do

0.0(0)

FREEMIUM

94% data quality

Trust & Reliability

ChatDev

Trust data not available yet

Factory AI

Uptime:99% of all Scheduled Availability Time

Users:1K-10K

Customers (per vendor):EY, Nav, Clari

GDPR

Overall Winner: Factory AI

7.2/10 vs ChatDev at 4.8/10

Leads in:

Customizability

Output Quality

Support

AI Comparison Summary

ChatDev

4.8

avg score

Factory AI

7.2

avg score

Factory AI leads overall — particularly in Ease of Use and Customizability and 1 more.

Based on 6 dimensions

How scores are calculated

Overall Winner

Factory AI

7.2 / 10

ChatDev

Best For

Automating software development workflows for developers

Researching collective intelligence in AI agents

Rapid prototyping of software ideas

Learning about multi-agent system design

Not Ideal For

Non-technical users seeking a no-code software builder

Large-scale enterprise software development projects

Users unwilling to manage API keys and local Python environments

Factory AI

Best For

Automating complex coding tasks for developers

Streamlining CI/CD pipelines with self-healing builds

Managing large-scale code migrations and refactors

Delegating incident response and bug fixes for engineering teams

Not Ideal For

Non-technical users seeking no-code automation solutions

Individuals or small teams with very limited budgets (no free tier)

Organizations requiring SOC 2 Type II certification specifically

* Verdict is based on our algorithmic scoring of publicly available data. Learn about our methodology

ChatDev is best for

🤖Automation & Agents7.3

Factory AI is best for

✍️Writing & Content8.0💬Chat & Conversation8.0🔍Research8.0

Filter by your use case:

Pros & Cons

ChatDev

Pros

Open-source and highly customizable, allowing for extensive modification
Simulates a complete software development lifecycle with distinct agent roles
Generates functional and runnable software projects
Provides a clear framework for studying multi-agent collaboration
Easy to set up and run locally with Python and an OpenAI API key

Cons

Requires Python knowledge and command-line interface familiarity
Dependent on external LLM providers like OpenAI, incurring API costs
No graphical user interface for non-technical users
Generated software complexity is limited by LLM capabilities and prompt engineering
Lacks built-in version control or advanced project management features

Factory AI

Pros

Integrates seamlessly into existing developer workflows and tools (IDEs, CI/CD, Slack, Jira)
Supports a wide range of state-of-the-art coding models, offering model agnosticism
Provides consistent memory and context across different platforms and sessions
Enables massively parallel execution of agents for large-scale operations
Offers robust enterprise-grade security, compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 42001), and audit logging
Allows for human oversight and final approval in agent-driven workflows

Cons

Requires technical expertise for full utilization and integration into complex dev environments
SOC 2 certification is Type I, not Type II, which might be a limitation for some enterprises
No explicit free tier, only paid 'Pro' and 'Max' plans before Enterprise
Relies on existing tools and workflows, which might require initial configuration

Weighted Score — Adjust What Matters to You

Pick a profile or drag sliders — scores and radar update instantly on the right.

Quick profiles:

Ease of Use5

Output Quality5

Value for Money5

Customizability5

Support & Ecosystem5

Integration Power5

Dimension Comparison

ChatDev

4.8

/ 10

Factory AI

7.2

/ 10

Clear winner

Dimension Breakdown

Ease of Use

How easy it is to get started and use daily

ChatDev

3.0

Factory AI

6.0▲ +3.0

Output Quality

Quality and accuracy of generated results

ChatDev

6.0

Factory AI

7.0▲ +1.0

Value for Money

Cost vs. features and output quality

ChatDev

8.0▲ +1.0

Factory AI

7.0

Customizability

Calculated

Ability to tailor to specific needs

ChatDev

2.0

Factory AI

9.0▲ +7.0

Support & Ecosystem

Documentation, community, and support quality

ChatDev

6.0

Factory AI

7.0▲ +1.0

Integration Power

Calculated

Ability to connect with other tools and workflows

ChatDev

4.0

Factory AI

7.0▲ +3.0

Calculated = derived from verified integration count and API/open-source signals. AI = LLM-assessed from public website content. Methodology

Data is sourced from public information and vendor websites. It may not always be up-to-date — verify pricing and features directly with the vendor before purchasing.Report inaccuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, ChatDev or Factory AI?

Both are strong options. ChatDev has a rating of 0.0/5 (0 reviews), while Factory AI has a rating of 0.0/5 (0 reviews). The best choice depends on your specific use case, budget, and workflow requirements.

Is ChatDev cheaper than Factory AI?

ChatDev starts at free (open_source model). Factory AI starts at $20/month (freemium model). Use the Cost Calculator above for a detailed estimate.

What are the main differences between ChatDev and Factory AI?

ChatDev — "Build software autonomously with a virtual company of AI agents". Factory AI — "Agent-Native Software Development: Droids that work everywhere you do". Key differences include their pricing models, platform support, integrations, and technical capabilities. See the Feature Comparison table above for a complete side-by-side breakdown.

Can I use ChatDev and Factory AI together?

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