Updated April 2026
Claude's memory feature, rolled out free for all users in March 2026, offers project-scoped memory with import from ChatGPT. It is a significant improvement over ChatGPT's global memory. However, it only works within Claude — your memory does not follow you to other tools.
| Feature | Claude Memory | Alma |
|---|---|---|
| Memory scope | Project-scoped (max 5 projects free) | Environment-based (unlimited on paid plans) |
| Cross-platform | Claude only | Web, MCP, VSCode, SDK, REST API |
| AI identity | Styles + Project instructions | Soul Engine (structured blocks: identity, personality, rules, expertise, context) |
| Memory types | Flat text preferences | Memories + Episodes + Procedures (three-layer architecture) |
| Memory search | Conversation search | Hybrid semantic + keyword with scoring |
| Import/Export | Import from ChatGPT only | Import from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, CSV. Export JSON/PDF/DOCX/XLSX |
| LLM model | Claude models only | Claude models (Haiku, Sonnet, Opus) with BYOK option |
| Price | Free (basic) / Pro $20/mo | Free tier / Pro from $19/mo |
If you use multiple AI tools (Claude + ChatGPT + Cursor + VSCode), Alma gives you one persistent memory across all of them. If you want structured AI identity beyond simple instructions, the Soul Engine offers a complete cognitive framework.