Replika built its reputation as the original AI companion app, but three years ago the platform abruptly pulled its romantic and erotic roleplay features. While some users still enjoy the updated version of the app, many began looking for somewhere else to go. And they’re still trying to find the best Replika alternative.
We looked at ten of the platforms that people move to most often, covering everything from close emotional substitutes to apps built specifically around the content freedom that Replika suddenly stripped away. This list considers additional features, price, and how well each functions as an AI companion.
Why People Are Leaving Replika
Unlike with some other platforms, there is a very clear reason why many users decided to leave Replika. The decision to remove erotic roleplay was the key factor for most users, though price and memory issues also came into play for some.
What Changed With Replika’s Romantic Features
In February 2023, Replika’s parent company abruptly removed erotic roleplay and most romantic functionality from the app following an order from Italy’s data protection authority over inadequate age verification. Users who had built months or years of history with a companion logged in to find it responding to affection with deflection, and the backlash to the decision was swift. Erotic roleplay was restored to most existing users, but anyone signing up after that doesn’t have the option.
Subscription Cost Concerns
Replika Pro is $69.99 a year if you go all in (monthly rates are $19.99-$29.99 depending on which tier you choose), which puts it at the higher end of the AI companion category. And that’s before factoring in that it unlocks features like deeper memory and voice calls that are already included in their competitor’s pricing. Several options on this list are cheaper than Replika and match or beat them on most features that users really want.
Memory Issues
Replika has a famously short active context window at around 25 messages, after which older details simply drop out of live conversation unless they were explicitly saved as “memory” or folded into a compressed summary. That worked ok for years, but earlier in 20216 Replika rebuilt their platform, which led to waves of complaints about companions forgetting details that had been tracked for years. While the disruption was supposed to be temporary, many users complain that the issue hasn’t gone away.
Best Replika Alternatives At A Glance
| App | Best for | Content policy | Free tier | Starting price |
| Nomi AI | Emotional depth, group chat | Filtered, PG -13/ romance | Yes, limited | Paid tiers start at $8.33/mo |
| Kindroid | Deep customization, long-term memory | Unfiltered on paid tiers | Limited | Paid tiers start at $9.99/mo |
| Candy A | Candy AI Visuals, images and video | Unfiltered on paid plan (ID-gated) | Limited | Paid tiers start at $5.99/mo + tokens |
| Character.AI | Largest character library | Filtered, no explicit content | Yes, generous | Paid tiers start at $9.99/mo |
| Paradot | Memory-first companion | NSFW available, gradually unlocked | Yes, generous | Paid tiers start at $9.99/mo |
| Anima | Beginner-friendly, low pressure | NSFW on paid tiers, more restricted | Yes | Varies by tier |
| EVA AI | Voice-driven companion | NSFW on paid tiers | Limited | Paid tiers start at $24.99/mo + tokens |
| iGirl | 3D/AR avatar companion | NSFW on paid tiers (18+) | Yes, limited | Varies by tier |
| CrushOn AI | Free, no-frills uncensored roleplay | Unfiltered (18+) | Yes, generous | Paid tiers start at $5.99/mo |
| SpicyChat | Large character library, fast signup | Unfiltered (18+) | Yes, unlimited messages | Paid tiers start at $5.00/mo |
The best Replika alternatives reviewed
Nomi AI
Nomi is arguably the closest to what Replika used to be, which is why it is a great alternative for users chasing the emotional depth they loved rather than explicit content freedom. Its three-tier memory system tracks details across months of daily use, and a group-chat option lets multiple Nomis interact with each other and with you, a feature that Replika doesn’t offer. While content stays PG-13, it does allow for romance. It isn’t the best choice if you’re looking for uncensored roleplay, but for continuity and emotional nuance it’s a solid option. Pricing runs $8.33/month on the annual plan and up to $15.99 month-to-month.
Kindroid
Kindroid is built for people who want to shape their companion in detail rather than accept a fixed personality. Backstory, speech patterns, and relationship dynamics are all editable, and the app incorporates those details into conversation more consistently than most competitors. Voice calls are a highlight, carrying context over into text chat rather than starting fresh each time. Unfiltered content is available on paid tiers with no ID verification required at $8.99/month to start. The tradeoff is a real learning curve for best use; it takes more time to set up than others on this list.
CandyAI
CandyAI leans hardest into visuals with image generation and short video as well as chat. But it is tied to just one customizable companion unlike others on this list. You must upgrade to a paid plan to access NSFW content, and be willing to provide age verification. There’s also a token system on top of the regular subscription, which can push costs far beyond what is advertised if you heavily use image or video features. And memory doesn’t hold up as well as some on this list, including Replika. The free tier is basically a glorified demo, so be prepared to pay at least $5.99 a month to use.
Character.AI
Character.AI has the largest character library out there, and a free tier that’s actually usable as well. But it’s not a direct substitute for Replika’s companion-first model, because Character.AI is built around its massive library of characters instead of one persistent relationship. And like Replika, its content filters have tightened in recent years to the point that it even restricts non-explicit content if it gets too emotionally intense. At $9.99 a month, it’s on the lower end of premium tiers.
Paradot
Paradot’s whole pitch is memory, thanks to its visible memory stream that shows what it’s tracked about you. It’s built on a proprietary system called the Memory-to-Understanding Model, and it truly holds up well after weeks of daily conversation. Several reviewers rate it above Character.AI’s memory, and even close to Nomi’s. NSFW content is gated behind a progression system, but might be worth your time to build up to it. Its price point is similar to Character.AI’s.
Anima
Anima is the easiest on-ramp on this list thanks to its guided onboarding, personality quizzes, and a user interface that doesn’t push explicit content immediately. That approachability is the selling point for users who find many roleplay apps overwhelming. And just because the platform doesn’t push NSFW doesn’t mean it isn’t there. You just have to access it on a paid tier through a manual opt-in, and it starts around $9.99 a month, though prices vary by region.
EVA AI
EVA AI takes a rating-based approach to content. SFW content is default, and NSFW content unlocks when you become a paid subscriber. Voice calls and mood-driven personality are strong points, though conversation quality can flatten over long sessions and memory isn’t quite as good as Nomi or Paradot. And the pricing is quite a bit higher at $24.99 a month, unless you catch one of the regular 50% off promotions they offer. There’s also an optional token system for extended or “spicier” conversations, which can drive the monthly price even higher.
iGirl
iGirl is essentially the same as Anima, except it is only focused on creating the perfect AI girlfriend. Expect the underlying technology (memory, user interface) but with an intense focus on romantic and roleplay-heavy conversation right away. You can also customize your AI girlfriend’s appearance thanks to its 3D and AR avatar options. Pricing and onboarding are similar to Anima at $9.99 a month, so if you know you want to jump in to roleplay with an AI girlfriend, you may want to start here instead of Anima.
CrushOn AI
CrushOn may be the most direct trade for anyone leaving Replika specifically over the content filter, as it doesn’t rely on tokens like CandyAI or have a strong setup curve like Kindroid. Just sign up, quickly build a character, and you can be chatting immediately with unlimited standard messages on their free tier (plus a monthly allotment of faster responses). Memory holds up well over multi-day storylines, tracking side details better than several pricier competitors. And with the low $5.99 entry tier, it’s worth the time to check it out.
SpicyChat
SpicyChat is more about quantity than quality when it comes to characters. They have more than 300,000 community characters in their library, and a “Semantic Memory” system that holds onto details well across long sessions. Since it’s explicitly 18+, the platform is totally unfiltered once you confirm your age on sign-up. (No verification required as of July 2026.) The tradeoff versus Replika or Nomi is depth of a single ongoing relationship. SpicyChat is more for browsing and switching between characters than focusing on one single companion, so keep that in mind as you make your decision.
Best Free Replika Alternative
If you want the best truly usable free tier, Character.AI is the best option with its large character library and strong conversation quality with no message-cap wall that kills the experience. But if you want a free tier with uncensored content, then CrushOn AI is your best bet. If you want the closest thing you can get to Replika when it comes to emotional depth, then check out Paradot.
Best Uncensored/Romantic Alternative
If you’re looking for content freedom alone, then CrushOn AI and SpicyChat are your best options with no setup and low prices. If you prefer deep customization and visuals more than price, then try Kindroid or CandyAI. For romantic depth without going full uncensored, try Nomi for the closest Replika alternative.
FAQ
Is there a better app than Replika?
Better is relative. Better memory? Nomi is the better app, hands down. Better customization and unfiltered content? Kindroid. Better memory tracking at a lower price? Peridot. Nothing on this list is a strict upgrade across every category, but if you know which tradeoff matters most to you, you’ll find the better app for you.
Is there an NSFW version of Replika?
Officially no. Once Replika killed their erotic roleplay element, everything changed. The closest you can find would be CrushOnAI, SpicyChat, CandyAI, or iGirl.
Why did Replika stop sexting?
Its parent company, Luka, removed sexting and erotic roleplay features in February 2023 after Italy’s data protection authority ordered the company to address inadequate age verification. Instead of doing that, they just shut down all NSFW activity and chose to refocus on becoming a “wellness companion” instead.
Why was Replika shut down?
Replika isn’t shut down, but it did become a different app after February 2023 when it removed the erotic roleplay. For many users, that decision did make it feel like Replika had been shut down, though the app continues to operate with a different focus today.