A growing group of AI helpers take requests by text message, with no new app. Prices run from free to $1 a day, so it pays to check what each one connects to.
A growing number of AI helpers can now be texted like a person, with no new app to download. TechCrunch rounded up the most notable ones, from general assistants to tools built for families, travel and work.
You text the agent what you need. It can remember context, connect to apps you already use and finish tasks for you. An agent is an AI that takes actions, not one that only answers questions. Examples include scheduling an appointment, researching a trip, sending an email, making a reservation, shopping online or reminding you about something days later.
Instinct is the buzziest name. It raised $1 billion in September 2026, which values it at $10 billion. Earlier it raised $350 million at a $2.5 billion value. You can text or talk to it and link email, calendar and Google Workspace. The company says early users planned trips, bought groceries, booked tickets and canceled subscriptions.
Iris, powered by Hermes Agent, takes tasks through iMessage and follows up on its own. Martin is described as a general-purpose personal assistant.
Look at cost first. Fambot is free in its beta, which began in early September 2026, but expects to charge roughly the price of a Netflix subscription later. Ask Proxy also has a work version at $15 per employee per month for large companies and $23 for teams under 49 people.
Then look at what each tool connects to. Fambot links to Gmail, Google Calendar, Outlook and WhatsApp, with Apple Calendar planned. Comma can reach your browser, computer and files. Caddy, Fambot and Folk are all in beta, meaning early test versions.
The material does not say how well any of these tools perform or how they handle your personal data. Details on Martin were not available.
Before texting an AI helper, check its price and exactly which email, calendar and files it can reach, since several are still in beta.
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