Short answer
AI Engine is the more established choice (90,000+ installs, 4.9 rating) and is cheaper for many sites, with yearly and lifetime licences. AI Puffer is easier if you don't want an API key, because it runs on its own credits, but its paid plans are monthly per site.
Side by side
| AI Engine | AI Puffer (formerly AI Power) | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Meow Apps (Jordy Meow) | senols (AI Puffer) |
| How it connects to WordPress | Plugin using your own AI API key | Plugin with credits or your own AI key |
| Starting price | Free; Pro from $59/year | Free; from $9.99/mo |
| Free option | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Site owners and developers wanting a flexible chatbot and AI toolkit with their own API keys, or a free MCP bridge for Claude/ChatGPT. | Users wanting a chatbot plus MCP with the option to skip API keys. |
| Without your own API key | No, a key is required | Yes, with Puffer credits |
| Paid plans | From $59/year, lifetime options | From $9.99/month per site |
| WordPress.org | 90,000+ installs, 4.9/5 | 10,000+ installs, 4.6/5 |
Pick AI Engine if…
- You're comfortable creating an OpenAI or Anthropic key
- You run several sites
- You want knowledge bases and AI forms
Pick AI Puffer (formerly AI Power) if…
- You want to start without an API key
- You run one site
Full reviews
AI chatbots & automationAI EngineThe popular all-in-one AI plugin: chatbots, content and image tools, AI forms and a built-in MCP server, using your own API key.Free; Pro from $59/year · free optionAI chatbots & automationAI Puffer (formerly AI Power)Chatbot, content writer, image tools and an MCP server, using its own credits or your provider keys.Free; from $9.99/mo · free option
Prices and features checked November 2026 from each vendor's own site. See each review for sources.