Replika alternatives: what to use instead, and what changes
What Replika is
Replika describes itself as an AI friend to do life with: you create a character, talk to it, and build a relationship over time. The app is available for iOS and Android, and there is a web version as well.
The App Store listing mentions messaging, voice calls and video. There is more than one paid tier: the company's help centre has separate articles for Replika Pro and for the more expensive Replika Ultra.
What the official documents say
- Age. The terms of service state plainly that people under 18 are not authorised to use the service.
- Account deletion. The terms describe deletion as irreversible, after which data associated with your use of the service is removed permanently.
- Data retention. The privacy policy says some data is kept for up to 60 days after deletion, and financial records for longer, as the law requires.
- Where it may be used. The terms forbid use from countries under a US embargo.
Why people look for an alternative
The reasons repeat: the subscription, the separate app, or simply wanting a voice conversation without setting up one more account. Sometimes it is the opposite: people want something smaller and calmer than a full relationship simulator.
Compared with a companion inside Telegram
Replika's details come from its own pages as of 20 September 2026.
| What we compare | Replika | Companion AI |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | iOS and Android apps, plus a web version | Inside Telegram, nothing to install |
| Getting started | Install the app and register | Open the bot in Telegram |
| Voice | Voice and video calls in the app | Voice replies, and it understands your voice messages |
| Payment | Subscription, Pro and Ultra tiers | One-off message packs, no subscription |
| Trying it | A free tier inside the app | Free messages for every new user |
| Deleting data | Account deletion, some data kept up to 60 days | Erase the history any time, automatic deletion after 90 days without messages |
Other alternatives worth knowing
Besides messenger-based companions there are other app-based ones: Character.AI with user-made characters, Nomi and Kindroid with voice and video calls. All of them are separate apps with a subscription. There is a detailed look in the articles on Character.AI and on Nomi, Kindroid and Talkie.
How to try the Telegram one
Open @CompanionVoiceBot in Telegram and send a message. There is no registration and the first messages are free. The character answers with text or voice, understands your voice messages, and never pretends to be human: asked seriously, it says it is an AI.
Payment is one-off packs of messages, paid with Telegram Stars, which work anywhere. Nothing renews by itself.
FAQ
Is there a free alternative to Replika?
Most companions have a free tier or free trial messages, including Companion AI, where new users start with free messages.
What does Replika cost?
It has paid Pro and Ultra tiers. Current prices are shown in the app and depend on your store's country.
Does Replika have an age limit?
Yes. Its terms of service state that people under 18 are not authorised to use it.
What happens to my chats if I delete my Replika account?
By its documents, deletion is irreversible; some data is kept up to 60 days and financial records longer.
Can I move my conversation to another service?
No. A conversation stays with the service it happened in.
What is different about a companion inside Telegram?
No install, no separate account, and payment inside the messenger with no subscription.
Does it answer with a real voice?
Yes, replies can come as voice messages with intonation and pauses.
Do I need a subscription?
Not for Companion AI: you buy a pack of messages when you need one.
Sources
- Replika: official site (accessed 20 September 2026)
- Replika: terms of service (accessed 20 September 2026)
- Replika: privacy policy (accessed 20 September 2026)
- Replika on the App Store (accessed 20 September 2026)