Replika Alternatives (2026): Companion Apps Compared

Replika has been around for years, and a lot of people have a story about it. Maybe you've drifted away from it, maybe you want a different style of chat, or maybe you're a parent trying to understand what your teenager is using. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of other apps worth knowing about.

Here are nine Replika alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. I've taken each description from the app's own website or app store listing, so please check the current details there before you download. I couldn't confirm a tenth app from official pages, so I've left it out rather than pad the list. For general assistants instead of companions, see my guide to AI agents that are free to try.

Replika alternatives at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or app store listing shows a free way in, such as a free download or a free tier. Trial only means you can try it before committing. Offers change, and free versions usually come with limits, so confirm on the app's own page.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Chai	Character platform	Building and sharing AI characters on your phone	Yes
Character.AI	Character chat	Chatting with characters you create or find	Yes
Hello History	Learning chat	Talking with simulated people from history	Yes
Kindroid	Custom companion	Shaping a companion with its own backstory	Trial only
Nomi	Memory companion	Companions that remember you, with voice and group chats	Yes
Paradot	Personal AI friend	A friendly AI being for daily conversation	Yes
Pi	Personal AI	Talking something through in a calm style	Yes
Talkie	Character chat	Community characters with a memory section	Yes
Tolan	Guide companion	A friendly guide that says it isn't human	Yes

Nine apps to chat with instead of Replika

Chai

Best for: People who like building characters and chatting with ones that others have made, on iOS or Android.

Character.AI

Best for: Anyone who wants a huge range of characters to talk to, with controls for age assurance and parental settings.

Hello History

Best for: Curious people, students and history fans who would rather question a person from history than chat with a friend persona.

Kindroid

Best for: People who want to write their companion's personality and backstory, then talk by text, voice or video.

Nomi

Best for: People who want a companion with strong memory, voice chats and group chats with several characters at once.

Paradot

Best for: Anyone who wants an AI friend for daily conversation, described by its makers as a listener and a creative partner.

Pi

Best for: People who want to vent, prepare for a hard conversation or practise a language in a calm, conversational style.

Talkie

Best for: People who want to browse community-made characters and keep track of what the chat should remember.

Tolan

Best for: Anyone who would like a friendly guide for everyday life from a team that says its companion doesn't pretend to be human.

What to look for when you move on from Replika

Moving on is easier when you know what you want. Think about what you liked most. If it was the steady, friend-like tone, look for an app built around memory and daily check-ins. If it was the personality, look for one where you write the character yourself. If you mostly wanted somewhere to think aloud, a calm personal assistant style may fit better than a character.

• Memory. Does the app remember what you told it last week, and can you edit or clear that memory?
• Voice and video. Some apps are text-first, others feel like a call.
• Characters. Pre-made characters give you variety. Writing your own gives you control.
• Tone. Try a short chat and notice whether the replies feel supportive without being pushy.

Age limits, chat privacy and support for companion app switchers

Each app sets its own age rules, and many carry adult ratings in the app stores, so read the rating and terms before anyone downloads. Parents, please look at this first if a young person might use the app.

Think about privacy too. Switching apps means starting a new set of stored chats, voice notes and photos. Before you leave an app, find out whether you can delete your data, and keep personal details such as passwords and private information about other people out of every chat.

An AI companion isn't a substitute for professional support. It can be a friendly place to talk, but it can't replace a qualified professional or the people in your life. If you're struggling, please reach out to someone who can help in person. This is general guidance, not medical advice.

Questions to settle before you switch companion apps

• Can I export or delete my old chats before I leave?
• What does the new app keep, and for how long?
• Which features were part of my old routine, and are they free here?
• Does the app make clear that it's an AI?
• Are there content controls, and who sets them?
• Will I be comfortable if someone sees my screen?

If you're a business owner wondering whether a chat assistant could help your customers, that's a separate job. You can ask about working with an AI consultant in the UK to talk it through.

Trying two companion apps side by side

The easiest way to compare is to give two apps the same harmless starter, such as asking for a few ideas for a weekend or help planning a conversation. Notice which reply feels warmer, which one asks sensible follow-up questions, and which settings are easiest to find.

Keep notes short. After a few days, ask yourself which one you opened without thinking about it, and which one left you feeling a bit worse. That's a useful signal, and you can drop an app at any time.

Why a smaller companion app can be worth a try

Smaller apps often do one thing well, such as voice, reflection or a certain style of character. They also change quickly, so look at the update date, read the help pages and keep the first conversations light.

Do you make an AI companion app or a character chat app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

A short checklist before you leave your old companion app

Download nothing in a hurry. Read the age rules and the privacy page of your shortlist, test each with something harmless, and only then decide where to spend your time.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of Replika?

You could try another companion app, a character chat app or a calm personal assistant. Which suits you depends on whether you want memory, voice, characters or something more reflective.

Are there free alternatives to Replika?

Several of these apps have a free download or a free tier, with limits. The table on this page shows each app's free plan status, and each app's own page has the current details.

Can I move my chats from one companion app to another?

Usually not. Most apps keep chats inside the app, so check whether you can export or delete them before you leave.

Are AI companion apps suitable for children?

Many are rated for adults. Check each app's age rating and terms, and talk with young people about what they use.

Can an AI companion replace talking to a person?

No. It can be a friendly place to talk, but it isn't a substitute for professional support or for people in your life.