The 6 best AI friend apps and who they’re for

Finding an AI friend online who isn’t looking to be more than just a friend can be tricky. After reviewing countless options, Himala has singled out the six best AI friend apps that promise just friendship.

To help you navigate the rapidly expanding—and increasingly accepted—landscape of AI friendships, which now boasts hundreds of millions of active users, Himala has compiled a list of the top AI friend apps.

The blurry line between AI friendship and intimacy 

First, a note on the slippery slope of AI romance and intimacy. 

Many AI chatbots can wander into more intimate or erotic territory—even if they aren’t explicitly marketed that way—because they adapt to real-time cues and learned patterns. Lacking a rigid standard for what’s acceptable and with language often open to interpretation, these chatbots can drift into romantically inclined exchanges simply by following the user’s lead.

We have intentionally steered clear of those platforms, aiming instead to spotlight apps built around platonic companionship where guidelines are clear and moderation is strong.

How we made our picks

We read a substantial stack of major tech reviews and established, reputable publications, including The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The New York Times, Forbes, PCMag, and Medium. 

Then, we applied three key criteria:

1. Non-romantic focus

2. Strong user feedback and multiple reputable reviews

3. High-quality conversation and usability

Replika: The Christopher Columbus of AI friends for the committed

Himala award: The best all-around AI friend for your phone

Customizable avatar: Yes

Cost: Optional paid upgrades for more advanced features

Age limit: +18

Languages: All languages 

Replika is widely celebrated as the brave who first set foot on the uncharted shores of AI friendship and made it mainstream. 

Launched in 2017, years before the major chatbot boom, Replika was initially inspired by a personal project of founder Eugenia Kuyda, who sought to create a chatbot that preserved the personality and memories of a close friend who had passed away. Since then, Replika has evolved into a full-fledged platform where anyone can create a virtual companion designed to learn, adapt, and engage in conversation with increasing nuance over time.

Replika is best for users who…

• Are looking for highly personalized conversations. Replika tailors its dialogue to your communication style, gradually learning your quirks and preferences for more authentic back-and-forths. While many chatbot apps do this, Replika goes a step further and just does it better.

• Want to self-reflect. Replika comes with built-in journaling prompts, mood check-ins, and self-awareness exercises, making Replika a go-to for users looking to track emotional patterns and personal growth.

• Enjoy avatar customization. Replika’s 3D avatar feature lets you shape your AI friend’s appearance in numerous ways, reminiscent of creating a Sim in The Sims.

• Appreciate a gentle tone. Replika is engineered to be empathetic and supportive, emphasizing kindness and comfort more than the typical task-oriented chatbot. Many reviewers rate Replika’s empathy as its strongest asset, noting that its friendly tone and consistent engagement can help users feel genuinely understood.

Pros

• Can be a good tool for self-growth

• High levels of empathy and a kind tone

• Very customizable 

• Great at adapting to and with you

Cons

• Might be overwhelming for new users

• Can’t provide professional mental health support

Disclaimer on Replika

With paid subscriptions, users may unlock more romantically inclined or suggestive interactions. However, that is only for those who choose that route, and even then, it is relatively mild. 

The Friend AI Pendant: The wearable AI friend for the tech-savvy (TBA)

Himala award: The best wearable AI friend (Yet to be released)

Customizable avatar: Probably not

Cost: about $99

Age limit: N/A

Languages: Likely English for a start

The Friend AI Pendant, set to be released globally in 2025, takes the experience beyond screen-based interaction into everyday wearables. Roughly the size of an AirTag, it’s designed to rest comfortably around your neck—a lightweight puck, essentially—so you can chat with your AI friend online, hands-free and on the go. 

The Friend AI Pendant offers an “always-with-you” AI friend by blending conversational intelligence with discreet, aluminum-edged hardware. Rather than automating or optimizing tasks, it simply hangs around like a friend would, delivering spontaneous responses.

The Friend AI Pendant is best for users who…

• Prefer not to over-depend on their phones. While you’ll still need your phone for initial setup and ongoing connectivity, the Friend AI Pendant’s wearable design means you can carry on voice-driven conversations without constantly digging into your pocket. 

• Prefer immediate, non-prompted interaction. The pendant captures and responds to spoken cues in real-time—depending on how you set it up—making conversations feel more spontaneous and intuitive than purely text-based exchanges. You can also chat with your AI friend via text if you so choose. 

• Are early adopters. If you relish getting your hands on cutting-edge devices—especially those that feel straight out of a “Black Mirror” episode—this is it. The Friend AI Pendant offers a glimpse into what wearable AI friendship might look like as the technology matures and becomes more widely available.

Pros

• Voice-activated tech that seems to actually work seamlessly

• Always-on AI adapts to your habits for more tailored support

• Easy setup

• Natural-sounding voice

• Sleek design

• Removable convenience: You can easily take off the pendant whenever you want.

Cons

• Potential battery limitations

• A device that’s always listening can raise questions about data security

• Without a screen, the AI relies solely on voice, which may limit certain interactive features

• Background sounds could interfere with voice commands and responses

Disclaimer on The AI Friend Pendant

The Friend AI Pendant is not yet available for purchase or widespread testing. As such, the details presented here are based on preliminary information and may be subject to change once the product officially launches.

Xiaoice: The creative AI friend for Chinese speakers (or those looking to learn)

Himala award: The best AI friend for creative endeavors (especially if you speak Chinese)

Customizable avatar: No

Cost: Optional paid upgrades for more advanced features

Age limit: +18

Languages: Predominantly Chinese, with limited support for Japanese and English

Originally an experimental project from Microsoft’s Asia Labs, Xiaoice rose to prominence through its uncanny ability to hold engaging, culturally aware conversations. Today, it boasts over 660 million registered users and is beloved for weaving poetry, empathy, and creative flair into everyday chats. Although Xiaoice remains most popular in Chinese-speaking communities, it has explored other languages (including Japanese and English) to varying degrees, allowing users worldwide to experience its signature warmth and sensitivity in AI companionship.

Xiaoice is best for users who…

• Appreciate an artistic chat. From crafting poems to spinning imaginative replies, it excels at injecting creativity into everyday conversation.

• Primarily speak Chinese. Though it supports other languages, Xiaoice’s strongest features and largest user base remain in Chinese-speaking regions.

• Prefer a rich, cultural experience. Xiaoice often references cultural touchpoints, weaving them seamlessly into chats to create a more immersive environment.

Pros

• Poetry generation and imaginative storytelling keep chats vibrant and fresh

• 660 million+ users worldwide and frequent updates

• Great for bilinguals or those looking to learn Chinese

Cons

• Non-Chinese speakers may miss out on Xiaoice’s best features

• Data collection inevitably remains a concern with such a large user base

• Potential repetitive content

• Language and cultural nuances may be inconsistent in non-Chinese regions

Disclaimer on Xiaoice 

Though Xiaoice is known for empathy and creativity, it isn’t built for romantic or adult content. Its adaptive nature, however, may lead to deeper emotional chats if user prompts steer in that direction.

Woebot: The virtual CBT coach for those in need

Award: Best AI friend for mental health (though only available in the United States)

Customizable avatar: No

Cost: Free (but must be allocated by a health professional)

Age Limit: 18+ (with a teen version for ages 13–17)

Languages: English

Woebot sets itself apart by blending the conversational flair of AI with clinically backed CBT principles. This AI-powered companion adopts the easy warmth of a supportive friend, delighting in helping you feel like yourself again. Thanks to sophisticated natural language processing, Woebot converses with a striking degree of humanity.

Woebot is offered as an extension of professional care and requires an access code provided by a licensed mental health provider. This setup ensures the bot’s features align with a broader treatment plan while maintaining a clear boundary between casual self-help and clinically supervised therapy.

Woebot is best for users who…

• Are looking for evidence-based support. Woebot uses clinically backed techniques to guide users through exercises that help manage stress and improve emotional well-being.

• Want a guided, structured approach to mental health. Ideal for busy schedules, Woebot’s brief, targeted check-ins fit easily into day-to-day life without requiring lengthy appointments.

• Users seeking low-commitment, 24/7 mental wellness check-ins. By requiring an access code from a licensed provider, Woebot complements existing treatment plans and maintains a clear boundary between casual self-help and clinically supervised care.

Pros

• Clinically informed approach

• Friendly, natural dialogue

• Free with professional allocation

• Integrated into existing care plans

Cons

• Primarily available in the US

• Not a full substitute for therapy

• Requires access code from a professional

• Limited to text-based interactions

Disclaimer on Woebot

Woebot is not a substitute for professional care. It is only available to US users and must be approved by a healthcare professional.

ChatGPT—the versatile AI friend for casual conversationalists

Himala award: The best AI friend for casual users

Customizable avatar: No

Cost: Optional paid upgrades for more advanced features

Age limit: 13+

Languages: All languages 

Although ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, isn’t explicitly marketed as a personal “AI friend,” it’s widely recognized as one of the most advanced general-purpose chatbots available. 

Thanks to its sophisticated language model, ChatGPT can adapt to a broad array of prompts—including those that frame it as an AI friend online rather than a pure research tool. In this way, it can serve as a sort of “trial run” for users curious about what AI friendship might feel like without committing to a dedicated AI friend app.

ChatGPT is best for users who…

• Are looking for casual conversations. Although it’s not built for friendship, ChatGPT’s robust conversation skills can still offer a basic level of digital company—minus the emotional support tools found in apps like Replika or Woebot.

• Crave flexibility. ChatGPT handles everything from casual chit-chat to in-depth research, catering to users who value a multi-purpose chatbot.

• Prefer a highly responsible environment. The strict guidelines help maintain safer conversations.

Pros

• Highly versatile

• Sophisticated language

• Strict guidelines

• Continuously updated

Cons

• No dedicated emotional support

• Knowledge cutoffs

• Possible misinformation

• Less personalized than dedicated friend apps

Snapchat My AI—the AI friend for young people

Himala award: The best AI friend for young people

Customizable avatar: Yes

Cost: Free

Age limit: 13+

Languages: All languages 

Many of Snapchat’s users are under 25, making Snapchat My AI especially appealing to younger audiences seeking quick, informal chats.

Powered by OpenAI’s technology and embedded right in the app, Snapchat’s My AI can exchange messages much like a regular Snap friend—allowing you to send text, ask quick questions, or even involve it in photo captions or snaps for a playful twist. Although it’s far from a full-fledged AI confidant, its seamless integration into Snapchat’s ecosystem has caught the eye of those who prefer casual, ephemeral interactions.

Snapchat My AI is best for users who…

• Want lighthearted, short-form interaction. Quick, short-lived chats fit right into Snapchat’s hallmark style, perfect for users who prefer bite-sized engagement over lengthy conversations.

• Are already on Snapchat. My AI is built directly into the app, making it a convenient choice for those who regularly snap and chat with friends.

Pros

• Seamless integration

• Minimal setup

• Fun, casual banter

• Family-friendly filters

• Supports voice messages, photos (snaps), and emojis

Cons

• Limited depth

• No dedicated emotional support

• Must use Snapchat

• Occasional inaccuracies