Chatpad AI vs Poke (Interaction Co.)
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Chatpad AI | Poke (Interaction Co.) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Function | Custom UI for ChatGPT via API key | AI assistant in messaging apps |
| Privacy | Local-only data, open-source | Cloud-based assistant |
| Integrations | None (standalone ChatGPT UI) | Email, Calendar, Notion, Oura, etc. |
| Self-hosting | Yes (Docker, source) | No |
| Newest Feature | N/A | Apple Messages verified, @poke.com email |
| Best For | Privacy-focused developers | Multi-app automation from chat |
Chatpad AI and Poke serve completely different needs: Chatpad is a privacy-first, open-source UI for ChatGPT power users who value data sovereignty, while Poke is a proactive AI assistant that lives in your messaging apps and automates email, calendar, and health tracking. Choose Chatpad if you want full control and lower costs with your own API key; choose Poke if you want an integrated assistant that handles life admin across multiple apps without coding.

AI personal assistant that lives in your texts — Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, and RCS
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Privacy-conscious developerPick: Chatpad AI
Chatpad is open-source, self-hostable, and stores all data locally, with no server-side logging—ideal for those who want full control over their ChatGPT interactions.
- Busy professional managing multiple appsPick: Poke (Interaction Co.)
Poke connects email, calendar, Notion, Oura, and more within messaging apps, automating tasks and reducing app-switching for $19/mo.
- Solo founder on a tight budgetPick: Chatpad AI
Chatpad is free (only pay API costs), and with a self-hosted instance you can minimize recurring expenses.
- Health enthusiast tracking Oura dataPick: Poke (Interaction Co.)
Poke directly integrates with Oura to query sleep, activity, and readiness via chat, which Chatpad cannot do.
- User without coding skillsPick: Poke (Interaction Co.)
Poke requires no API key or self-hosting; just sign up and chat. Chatpad requires technical setup to self-host or at least API key configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chatpad AI vs Poke (Interaction Co.): which should you choose?
Chatpad AI and Poke serve completely different needs: Chatpad is a privacy-first, open-source UI for ChatGPT power users who value data sovereignty, while Poke is a proactive AI assistant that lives in your messaging apps and automates email, calendar, and health tracking. Choose Chatpad if you want full control and lower costs with your own API key; choose Poke if you want an integrated assistant that handles life admin across multiple apps without coding.
Can Chatpad AI use other AI models besides ChatGPT?
No, Chatpad is designed specifically as a UI for OpenAI's ChatGPT. It does not support other models like Claude or Gemini.
Does Poke work on desktop?
Poke is primarily a messaging-based assistant; it works inside WhatsApp, Telegram, iMessage, and RCS on mobile and desktop versions of those apps, but does not offer a standalone desktop app.
Is Chatpad AI really free?
Chatpad itself is free and open-source. However, you must supply your own OpenAI API key, and you pay OpenAI for usage based on their pricing.
Can I self-host Poke?
No, Poke is a cloud service. There is no self-hosting option.
What integrations does Poke support?
Poke integrates with Gmail, Outlook, Notion, Oura, TripIt, Todoist, and messaging platforms Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, and RCS.
Does Chatpad have an export feature?
Yes, Chatpad supports conversation export and import in JSON format.
Can Poke automate recurring calendar events?
Yes, Poke's calendar management includes scheduling and checking availability; with Recipes (Pro/Ultra) you can set up recurring events and automations.
Which tool is better for privacy?
Chatpad AI is significantly better for privacy because it's open-source, can be self-hosted, and stores all data locally. Poke processes data on its cloud servers.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
