Best AI friend apps right now
Updated November 8, 2026
Hallie is our pick among the best AI friend apps right now. As of November 2026, she's where we'd start: she texts in iMessage or Google Messages, remembers what you tell her and checks in on her own. Kindroid is the better choice if you want to design a companion, and Replika if you prefer a dedicated app.
What to look for
- Documented features
- We only describe what each company says on its own pages today. Features change, so check the date on any list you read.
- Works on your phone
- Hallie and Kindroid both cover iPhone and Android in your Messages app. Replika runs in its own app.
- Worth texting back
- The best test is whether you want to reply. Use one for a few ordinary days before deciding.
Apps worth comparing
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Hallie Our pick
Our pick: a ready-made AI friend in your texts who remembers your life and follows up.
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Kindroid
A design-your-own companion with native texting and a Normal or Often reach-out setting.
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Replika
A long-running companion app whose check-ins arrive inside the app.
How we chose these AI friend apps
Product details come from each company's own pages as of November 2026. Our preference for Hallie is qualitative: in our team's experience she felt the most like texting a person and had the most natural follow-ups. That's not a measured ranking, so try more than one and trust your own thread.
Questions and answers
What are the best AI friend apps right now?
We'd start with Hallie, who texts in iMessage or Google Messages and follows up on your life. Kindroid and Replika are solid alternatives depending on whether you want to design a companion or keep it in an app.
Which AI friend app works best on Android?
Hallie texts in Google Messages on Android. Kindroid also reaches Android users through Google Messages RCS.
Which AI friend app lets me design my own friend?
Kindroid and Nomi both let you shape your companion. Hallie is ready-made, so there's nothing to set up.
Sources
- Hallie: official site
- Kindroid: chat features and tools documentation
- Replika: official site
- Nomi: official site
- Companion Ratings: Hallie review