In lieu of downloading yet another application, an increasing number of agents can now be contacted via text, much like conversing with a regular individual. Users can send a message detailing their needs, and these agents are capable of retaining context, integrating with existing applications and services, and executing tasks on the user’s behalf. This functionality may include scheduling appointments, organizing calendars, researching travel options, sending emails, making reservations, shopping online, or providing reminders for future tasks. While Instinct currently stands out as one of the most talked-about AI agents, boasting a valuation of $10 billion following its recent funding round of $1 billion, numerous other contenders are also vying for attention in this arena. Below are some of the most prominent options available, ranging from versatile personal assistants to agents tailored for families, travel, and professional use.
Caddy
Caddy serves as an AI assistant that consolidates information scattered across a user’s device into actionable items. It operates within iMessage for iPhone users and RCS for Android users, eliminating the need for a separate application or inbox to monitor. For example, if an email contains an appointment that needs to be added to a calendar, or if a friend sends a shopping list, Caddy connects to calendars and conversations to identify actionable items. It can add events to calendars, set reminders, track follow-ups, and even conduct research on behalf of the user. Caddy has been in public beta since April 2026.
Comma
Comma is engineered to manage tasks across both professional and personal spheres. This assistant ensures tasks are completed, verifying its own work and determining when a task is finished. Completed tasks are presented for review when decisions or approvals are required. It proactively alerts users and suggests subsequent steps. Comma operates across a user’s browser, computer, and files, while remaining accessible remotely through messaging platforms such as Signal, Telegram, and WeChat. It retains context and memory across devices and conversations, providing daily briefings, flagging urgent issues, and summarizing recorded calls. Comma is free to start and is open source.
Fambot
Fambot functions as an AI-powered “chief of staff” for families, designed to coordinate the various aspects of family life, including school communications, sports activities, meal planning, calendars, and other daily responsibilities, into a cohesive plan. The service is accessible through both an app and text messages. Fambot is available on iOS and Android devices as well as the web, allowing families to interact via SMS. Each night, Fambot automatically sends a summary of the next day’s events, including to-dos and details such as school uniform or packing requirements. Parents can respond to these messages to ask questions, verify information, or adjust their calendars. Currently, Fambot integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, Outlook, and WhatsApp, with plans to support Apple Calendar in the future. The company launched in beta in early September 2026 and has secured $3.5 million in pre-seed funding. The service is free during the beta phase, but Fambot anticipates implementing a subscription model akin to that of Netflix.
Folk
Folk is an AI assistant accessible through iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram. It has the capability to remember personal context, manage reminders, conduct research, track flights, handle emails, and perform real-world tasks such as making restaurant reservations. A notable feature of Folk is that it operates on its own private cloud infrastructure. It can execute code and carry out multi-step tasks rather than merely engaging in conversational responses. Folk launched its beta in May 2026, and while it is available for free, a Pro subscription is offered at $8.33 per month for users who desire unlimited background task execution.
Instinct
Instinct first garnered attention after securing $350 million at a valuation of $2.5 billion. In September 2026, it raised an additional $1 billion, elevating its valuation to $10 billion. This always-available agent can perform actions on behalf of users rather than just answering queries. Users can interact with Instinct via text or voice and link it to their existing applications and services, including email, calendars, Google Workspace, and more. The company reports that early users have utilized Instinct for a variety of tasks, from trip planning and grocery shopping to booking tickets and canceling subscriptions. In September, Instinct began providing users with dedicated email addresses for their assistants, enabling the agent to create and manage accounts on behalf of users without cluttering their personal inboxes. The agent can use this address to sign up for services, contact businesses, follow up on requests, and manage tasks requiring an email account. However, this level of autonomy has raised concerns regarding privacy and security. Additionally, the company has started rolling out support for making phone calls. Currently, Instinct is in private beta.
Iris
Powered by Hermes Agent, Iris is designed to allow users to delegate tasks directly through iMessage. Users can connect their preferred applications and assign tasks with a simple message. The agent then navigates the necessary steps while retaining relevant context from previous interactions. It is also programmed to follow up with users proactively rather than waiting for subsequent requests.
Martin
Martin is a versatile personal assistant accessible via SMS, phone, WhatsApp, email, Slack, and its own iOS application. It aids in managing calendars, emails, reminders, tasks, notes, and communications. Additionally, it can act on behalf of users by sending messages or making phone calls, while providing daily summaries of pending tasks. Its subscription plans start at $21 per month, positioning it on the higher end of the pricing spectrum.
Miso
Miso adapts the personal assistant concept specifically for travel purposes. It operates through iMessage, combining AI trip planning with support from a dedicated travel team. Users can arrange flights via messaging while Miso considers their travel preferences, loyalty points, and other priorities. Miso also provides travelers with access to trip details and flight updates, along with personalized recommendations.
Ohai
Ohai is another family assistant aimed at helping households manage the continuous flow of information and tasks associated with daily family life. Users can send messages, forward emails, or make voice requests, and the assistant can convert these inputs into schedules, reminders, and plans. It can also coordinate calendars, household chores, and meals among multiple family members. A free basic option is available, alongside various subscription plans based on family size, starting at $9.99 per month.
Ollie
Similar to other family-oriented agents, Ollie aims to consolidate the information families already possess, which is often dispersed across school messages, calendars, task lists, and group chats. Ollie seeks to unify these elements and maintain synchronization. It can track calendars, emails, reminders, tasks, and other household details, delivering pertinent information to users via text. Its primary distinction from other agents is its achievement of SOC 2 compliance, a widely recognized security standard, making it one of the first mainstream family-focused AI assistants to do so. Launched in June 2026, Ollie offers a free tier, as well as paid plans starting at $25 per month for 150 messages, with a $100-per-month plan accommodating up to 1,000 messages.
Orbits
Orbits features an AI assistant focused on household management. It operates through both the Orbits app and text messaging, consolidating calendars, lists, and conversations while executing tasks for users. This may include web searches, making purchases, booking restaurants, changing appointments, and requesting quotes for household services. Furthermore, Orbits can remind family members about chores, communicate with service providers, and assist in coordinating responsibilities beyond the immediate household. The platform is backed by investors such as Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) Speedrun fund, N49P, and Garage Capital.
Pally
Users can engage with Pally as they would with a friend, granting it access to the applications they rely on. The assistant can integrate information across services such as WhatsApp, Gmail, calendars, and Google Drive, aiding users in tracking plans, receipts, dates, files, and other details. A free plan is available, offering features like 15 minutes of calls per month, while paid plans include $25 per month for 30 minutes of calls and $100 per month for 60 minutes.
Poke
Poke debuted in March 2026 as a general-purpose assistant accessible through text messaging. It can manage tasks related to calendars, planning, health and fitness, smart-home controls, photos, and other daily activities. Poke gained particular recognition in June 2026 when Apple approved it as the first AI agent on the Apple Messages for Business platform. A month later, its parent company, The Interaction Company of California, was acquired by AI coding startup Cognition in a deal valued in the low nine figures.
Rene
Rene is an AI personal assistant designed to serve as a user’s “best contact” rather than merely another productivity tool. It operates through text and can transform natural language conversations into tasks, reminders, summaries, and other follow-up actions. Rene maintains context throughout conversations, enabling
