Kerlig vs Poke (Interaction Co.)
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Kerlig | Poke (Interaction Co.) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS desktop app | Messaging apps (iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, RCS) |
| Pricing | Paid license (no free tier) | Free tier + Pro ($19/mo) + Ultra ($199/mo) |
| Key Integrations | 350+ AI models, local models, docs/PDF | Notion, Oura, Gmail, Outlook, TripIt, Todoist |
| Best For | Writing emails/Slack messages, document analysis | Task automation, calendar/email management via chat |
| Setup | Requires own API keys | No API keys needed; connects to messaging apps |
| Latest News | 2.6.0: Save attachments as Markdown | June 2026: @poke.com emails, Apple Messages verified |
Choose Kerlig if you’re a macOS professional who writes daily in email/Slack and wants granular control over AI models (including local). Choose Poke if you prefer a chat-based assistant that manages your email, calendar, and health data hands‑free across messaging apps, especially if you value a free tier and proactive automations.

AI personal assistant that lives in your texts — Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram, and RCS
Visit WebsiteWhat real users say: Kerlig vs Poke (Interaction Co.)
Not marketing copy and not our opinion — a structured sweep of public discussion (reviews, forums, communities and video comments), showing what people praise and what they complain about for each tool.
Kerlig
25 mentions across 2 sources · 43% positive — mixed
Bluesky, Lemmy
What users praise
- • Native macOS app with global hotkey for instant access.
- • Supports 350+ models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, local, etc.
- • One-time purchase model—no recurring subscription fees.
- • On-device Apple Foundation Model support for privacy.
What frustrates them
- • Very limited community feedback to validate claims.
- • Only macOS—no Windows, Linux, or mobile support.
- • Requires bringing your own API keys and paying tokens.
- • Buzz appears mostly from the developer, not organic users.
Researched Jul 5, 2026
Poke (Interaction Co.)
19 mentions across 1 sources · 7% positive — critical
YouTube
What users praise
- • Integrates directly into iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, and RCS.
- • Handles email, calendar, reminders, and web search from chat.
- • Verified source citations for web results increase trust.
- • Deep integrations with Notion, Oura, Gmail, Outlook, TripIt.
What frustrates them
- • No community feedback on Reddit, HN, or other major platforms.
- • Premium pricing at $19-$199/month may be steep.
- • Workflow setup (Poke Recipes) may confuse new users.
- • Edge-case file handling like spreadsheets is unproven.
Researched Jul 17, 2026
Who should pick which
- Busy professional writing daily emails/SlackPick: Kerlig
Kerlig’s native macOS integration, tone personalization, and support for 350+ models (including local) make it ideal for crafting professional communications quickly.
- Health enthusiast using OuraPick: Poke (Interaction Co.)
Poke’s direct Oura integration allows you to check sleep/readiness/activity via messaging without opening the Oura app.
- Researcher analyzing documentsPick: Kerlig
Kerlig supports chat with PDFs, webpages, and images, plus deep research models and clickable citations.
- Automation‑minded user wanting life on autopilotPick: Poke (Interaction Co.)
Poke’s Recipes and proactive automations (Pro/Ultra) handle email, calendar, reminders, and travel via chat.
- Developer wanting local modelsPick: Kerlig
Kerlig supports Ollama and LM Studio, enabling fully offline AI usage with privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kerlig vs Poke (Interaction Co.): which should you choose?
Choose Kerlig if you’re a macOS professional who writes daily in email/Slack and wants granular control over AI models (including local). Choose Poke if you prefer a chat-based assistant that manages your email, calendar, and health data hands‑free across messaging apps, especially if you value a free tier and proactive automations.
Do I need API keys for Kerlig?
Yes, you must provide your own API keys from providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.
Does Poke have a free tier?
Yes, Poke offers a free tier. Pro is $19/mo and Ultra $199/mo.
Can Kerlig run offline?
Yes, through local AI models via Ollama or LM Studio.
Which messaging apps does Poke support?
Apple Messages, WhatsApp, Telegram (excl. Italy/Brazil), and RCS.
Does Kerlig include email management?
No, it focuses on composing emails and Slack messages, not managing inboxes.
Can Poke create tables/charts?
Yes, from data or images.
Is Kerlig web‑based?
No, it’s a native macOS desktop app only.
Does Poke integrate with Notion?
Yes, supports pages, databases, and docs.
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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
