An increasing number of agents can now be texted directly, eliminating the need to download another app.
These text-based agents can receive requests, remember the context of conversations, connect with existing apps and services, and perform various tasks for users. This includes scheduling appointments, organizing calendars, researching trips, sending emails, making reservations, shopping online, and setting reminders for important tasks days in advance.
Instinct, valued at $10 billion following a recent $1 billion funding round, is currently one of the leading AI agents, although many competitors are also emerging in this space.
The following are noteworthy options, featuring agents for personal assistance, family management, travel, and workplace efficiency.
Ask Proxy
Ask Proxy sets itself apart by aiming to “think like a woman,” meaning it anticipates user needs before they are expressed. This chatbot can assist with gift suggestions, event planning, and weekend activities, helping to manage calendars and reminders. Users can also share photos for assistance, such as decorating ideas for gatherings.
Taking a proactive approach, Ask Proxy alerts users of important tasks they might overlook or introduces them to new activities and places. A work-specific version aims to expedite employee productivity while safeguarding personal data.
The personal version is priced at $1 daily, while business plans start at $15 per employee monthly for larger companies and $23 for smaller teams.
Ask Proxy operates via SMS, accessible by texting “start” to 820-732-2625.
Caddy
Caddy transforms unorganized information on your phone into actionable insights. Integrated within iMessage for Apple users and RCS for Android users, it eliminates the need for a separate app.
Caddy helps manage tasks like adding appointments to calendars or tracking lists of items to buy without losing any details. It identifies actionable items from conversations and emails, such as events or follow-ups.
Currently, Caddy is in public beta as of April 2026.
Comma
Comma excels in task management across both personal and professional domains. It autonomously tracks tasks to completion while checking its outcomes and suggesting next steps, all while maintaining context throughout different interactions.
Accessible via messaging apps like Signal and Telegram, Comma provides daily updates and highlights urgent matters, along with summarizing recorded discussions. The service is free to initiate and open source.
Fambot
Fambot acts as a family-oriented AI assistant, centralizing various household activities like school communications, meal planning, and scheduling into a cohesive plan.
Available on mobile and via text, Fambot sends nightly updates about upcoming tasks and events. Moreover, it supports interaction through SMS, where families can check details or make adjustments.
Currently in beta since early September 2026, Fambot has raised $3.5 million during its pre-seed phase, offering free access during the testing period with plans for a subscription pricing model akin to Netflix.
Folk
Folk serves as a versatile AI assistant accessible via iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram. It can remember user context, manage reminders, provide information research, and perform practical tasks like dining reservations.
Notably, Folk operates on its own cloud infrastructure, allowing it to run code and undertake complex tasks instead of merely answering questions. It entered beta in May 2026 and remains free, although a Pro version is available for $8.33 monthly for unlimited task execution.
Instinct
Instinct gained significant media attention after securing $350 million at a valuation of $2.5 billion, followed by a substantial $1 billion funding round that pushed its valuation to $10 billion.
This always-available assistant can act on behalf of users, engaging via text and voice while integrating with existing services and apps such as email and calendar. Early users have employed Instinct for various tasks, from travel planning to grocery shopping.
In a recent update, Instinct has begun issuing dedicated email addresses for users to facilitate account management without cluttering personal inboxes. The agent can utilize this email to register for services, communicate with businesses, and manage requests. There are also plans for call functionalities.
Currently, Instinct remains in private beta.
Iris
Iris, powered by Hermes Agent, allows users to assign tasks directly through iMessage. It connects with various apps and manages tasks while recalling relevant past interactions to keep the user informed.
Martin
Martin functions as a general-purpose personal assistant through SMS and several other platforms, assisting with tasks including calendar management, email correspondence, reminders, and more. It also actively communicates on behalf of users, with monthly subscriptions beginning at $21.
Maverick
Maverick serves as an AI companion embedded in text messaging, aiding users in organizing daily tasks, correcting typos, managing subscriptions, and coordinating events. It boasts numerous integrations, facilitating interactions across platforms like Discord and Google Drive.
Currently in beta, Maverick is free to use on iMessage, with a Pro version available for €27 per month, allowing for extensive task management.
Miso
Miso is tailored for travel assistance, combining AI-driven trip planning with support from a dedicated human travel team. It operates via iMessage, allowing users to book flights while considering personal preferences and rewards.
Ohai
Ohai helps families manage everyday tasks and information flow. Through messaging, it can convert communications into schedules and reminders, organizing calendars and chores among family members.
It comes with a free basic version, with higher tiers available based on family size starting at $9.99 monthly.
Ollie
Ollie focuses on bringing together information spread across various family communication channels, aiming to synchronize task lists and calendars. Notably, it is one of the few family-focused AI assistants to achieve SOC 2 compliance, ensuring a secure experience.
Ollie debuted in June 2026, offering a free tier alongside paid subscriptions that start at $25 monthly for up to 150 messages.
Orbits
Orbits functions as a household AI assistant that manages group calendars, lists, and conversations while performing various tasks such as web searches and bookings.
It sends reminders for household chores and helps coordinate duties among family members, backed by notable investors.
Pally
Pally connects with users through popular messaging services, assimilating information from various platforms to assist in managing plans and other essential tasks.
A free plan is available, and Pally is compatible with iMessage, RCS, and Telegram.
Poke
Poke serves as a general assistant for various tasks, including health management, home automation, and planning activities. It gained attention by becoming the first AI agent approved on the Apple Messages for Business platform.
The service was notably acquired by Cognition in a major deal.
Rene
Rene focuses on being the ideal contact person, handling tasks and reminders through natural conversation. It retains context across discussions, providing relevant updates and actions based on earlier dialogues.
Rene also features a built-in browser and can create presentations and graphics.
Skye
Skye operates as an “agentic home screen” for iPhone, providing contextual information and updates based on user habits through audio briefings and reminders.
The company behind it has secured significant initial funding and is in the beta testing phase.
Stanley
Stanley aids content creators by helping to brainstorm ideas, turning them into posts, and maintaining consistent publishing schedules across various platforms like Instagram.
It provides features like a content calendar and scheduling tools to enhance the content creation process.
Szn
Szn facilitates task coordination through a streamlined conversation, allowing users to send various forms of information for the assistant to process.
The service has successfully managed numerous tasks for businesses across multiple countries, showcasing its operational capabilities.
Tab
Tab enables users to outsource everyday activities via familiar messaging systems, handling tasks from ordering groceries to finding gifts.
Recent funding has led to a notable valuation for the company, which aims to redefine how users interact with assistants.
Tomo
Tomo differentiates itself by allowing users to include it in group messages, fostering collaboration for scheduling and organization.
It offers a range of features for organization and reminders, with subscription options beginning at $19.99 per month.
Town
Town focuses on professional tasks, providing users with an AI assistant that adapts to their work patterns and handles repetitive tasks across various platforms.
The service recently secured considerable funding to support its growth.
Underdog
Underdog prioritizes user privacy by running entirely on personal devices instead of the cloud. The initial beta supports several operating systems with plans for broader compatibility.
The company intends to offer the app for free, without future advertising.
Wajo
Wajo’s consumer agent, Fo, is designed to complete everyday tasks by itself, using its unique identity with a separate email and phone number to manage interactions.
Fo launched in September 2026, offering free access while providing larger workloads and custom service options through a Pro subscription model.
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