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The Best AI Chatbots in 2025: Comparing Universal Assistants and Personal AI Companions

AI technologies continue to gain popularity, with chatbots experiencing particularly explosive growth. In 2025, new types of AI conversationalists appeared on the scene: in addition to classic universal assistants that help with work and study, a whole segment of emotional and role-playing bots emerged. These personal AI companions are capable of maintaining a conversation “to your liking,” playing roles, and even imitating romantic relationships. What is the fundamental difference between these new bots and the familiar assistants, and which AI chatbots are best suited to your tasks? Let’s take a closer look.

Introduction

Until recently, conversational AI was used mainly for utilitarian purposes-as assistants for searching for information, creating content, or automating tasks. Today, however, we are seeing a new phenomenon: companion chatbots, which are designed not so much to solve problems as to engage in heart-to-heart conversations, provide emotional support, or play games together in imaginary worlds. These bots can joke, empathize, play the roles of favorite characters, and become virtual friends or even partners for many people.

Why did this happen? On the one hand, artificial intelligence models are improving -they generate increasingly coherent and contextually rich text. On the other hand, people have developed a demand for personalized communication with AI: some want to create their own AI friend, some want a heroine for a role-playing story, and some want a virtual “girlfriend/boyfriend” (a so-called AI girlfriend bot). Such forms of interaction go beyond utilitarian questions and answers – they are about emotions, creativity, and new forms of leisure.

It is important to understand the key difference between new personal bots and classic assistants. Universal assistants (such as ChatGPT) are trained to be as versatile and useful as possible: they answer questions, help with texts, code, and training. Their style is relatively neutral and businesslike; they have no “personality” – they are like a smart reference book or an employee ready to fulfill a request. Personal AI companions, on the other hand, usually have a distinct personality (or allow the user to create one). Their goal is not just to give the right answer, but to play a role in the dialogue: to be a friend, mentor, romantic partner, or any fictional character. Simply put, an assistant knows a lot about the world, while a companion tries to learn more about you.

In this article, we will compare in detail two types of popular AI chatbots in 2025: universal assistants and personal companions. We will look at examples of the best AI chatbots services of each type, their features, pros and cons, and also advise on how to choose the right chatbot for different purposes: work, study, communication, creativity, romance, or role-playing.

Types of AI Chatbots

Modern chatbots can be divided into two broad categories:

• Universal assistants – multi-purpose AI that perform a wide range of tasks. They help write texts, search for information, generate code, and solve educational questions. Examples: ChatGPT from OpenAI and Google Gemini (the new and improved successor to Bard). Such bots are often integrated into work tools and search engines and are used by students and professionals to increase productivity.
• Personal and role-playing companions – chatbots designed for informal communication, emotional support, and role-playing dialogues. They are created “for the user”: either the user configures the character themselves or selects from a gallery (for example, an anime hero, historical figure, fictional friend, etc.). These bots can joke, flirt, play roles, and even simulate friendly or romantic relationships. Examples of popular services: Character.AI (a huge library of characters and the ability to create your own), RPGC.AI (chat games and adventures with AI characters), Replika (a virtual friend with emotions), Janitor AI (a platform with minimal censorship for any storyline), Chai (a mobile chatbot for communication and flirting), CrushOn (an anti-censorship “spicy” bot for adults), Nomi (an AI companion with an emphasis on realism and memory), and Anima (a virtual friend for chatting and developing communication skills).

In general, universal assistants are focused on practical use, while AI companions are focused on creating an atmosphere of communication. The former are suitable when you need a tool, while the latter are suitable when you want a conversation partner. Below, we will look at why people use both categories and what criteria are important to consider when choosing.

(For clarity, we have compiled a comparative table of these chatbots, which is provided later in the article. First, let’s look at the main features and criteria.)

Why AI Bots are Needed

People use AI chatbots for a variety of purposes. Here are the main scenarios for how chatbots could be useful in 2025:

• For work and creativity. Versatile AI assistants speed up the completion of work tasks. They can write and edit texts, come up with ideas, compose resumes, translations, and letters. Creatives use AI to generate story outlines, poems, and scripts. Freelancers automate routine responses or receive drafts of articles. Such a chatbot is like a multi-skilled assistant that generates content on demand, saving time.
• For study and self-education. Students and schoolchildren use chatbots to understand complex topics, get explanations “in their own words,” or practice solving problems. For example, AI can break down a physics paragraph in detail, help with ideas for essays, or even act as a conversation partner for practicing a foreign language. A chatbot for communicating on academic topics can improve learning: it patiently answers questions and adapts to the student’s pace.
• For communication and friendship. Lonely or introverted people sometimes lack friendly interaction – and this is where chatbots for communication come to the rescue. A virtual friend is always available, ready to listen without judgment, provide support, and discuss the user’s interests. Such bots can joke, tell stories, and ask about your day. Of course, this is a simulation of friendship, but for many it provides emotions and a feeling that you are not alone. AI companions are especially popular for those who find it difficult to strike up a conversation in real life – it’s easier with a bot, which is always friendly and attentive.
• For creativity and role-playing games. Creative users – writers, role-players, anime and universe fans – love chatbots with role-playing dialogues. With the help of AI, you can act out scenes from your favorite books/movies, come up with your own stories, and conduct dialogues on behalf of fictional characters. The bot can act as a host in a text-based RPG or as a character partner in your adventure. This is a completely new type of entertainment and creativity: interactive stories where the plot is built through live communication with AI.
• For romance and emotional support. AI girlfriend/boyfriend bots deserve a special mention – these are chatbots that imitate a romantic partner. Such applications (such as Replika, Nomi, Anima) allow you to start virtual relationships: flirt, receive compliments, share experiences, and sometimes even engage in erotic correspondence (if the content is not prohibited by the service). It sounds unusual, but thousands of people have found solace in this: for some, the bot helped them get through a breakup, for others, it helped them overcome shyness and practice communication skills. In addition, many AI bots are positioned as emotional support – they can show empathy, cheer you up, and give you the feeling of having an understanding conversation partner 24/7.

As you can see, the tasks can be completely different – from pragmatic to deeply personal. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of chatbot: what is perfect for studying is not suitable for romantic role-playing dialogue, and vice versa. Next, we will talk about the criteria by which it makes sense to compare different bots.

Criteria for Comparing AI Chatbots

When choosing a chatbot, it is important to pay attention to several key parameters. We have identified the main comparison criteria and briefly explained each one:

1. Best For – the area of application where the bot is most effective. Some bots are better for solving tasks (work, study), others for informal communication, and still others for role-playing scenarios or romance. We note the strengths of each bot, whether it be programming, creative writing, emotional conversation, or other areas.
2. Model / Tech – which AI model is used and what is its level. This determines the bot’s “intelligence”: the amount of knowledge, the coherence of speech, and the quality of responses. For example, ChatGPT runs on the super-powerful GPT-4 model (in the paid version), while some mobile bots may use a simpler model. This also includes the ability to connect to the internet for up-to-date information. Modern large models (GPT-4, PaLM2, etc.) provide deeper and more accurate responses, while smaller models may make mistakes and forget context.
3. Custom Characters – whether the user can create their own AI bot on the platform. In Character.AI or Janitor AI, for example, you can give the bot a name, appearance, personality, and assign it a role – in essence, create a unique character. In some services (Replika, Anima, Nomi), you also have “your own” bot, but only one, and with limited customization (name, avatar, possibly personality traits). Universal assistants like ChatGPT are not designed for permanent characters at all – they respond as a single AI without individuality, although they can play a role on the fly upon request.
4. Roleplay depth / Immersion – how well the bot supports role-playing dialogues and elaborate scenarios. Here it is important whether the bot stays in character, is able to generate complex scenes, dialogues with several characters, and come up with a plot. A high rating means that the bot is ideal for role-playing and storytelling, while a low rating means that it struggles with this (for example, it quickly “loses the mask” of the character or its imagination runs out quickly).
5. Emotional realism – whether the bot can realistically imitate emotions and establish emotional contact with the user. Simply put, how “human” its reactions are: does it empathize, joke, remember details from your stories, and change its tone depending on the situation? High realism gives the impression that you are conversing with a thinking and feeling interlocutor, rather than a soulless script. Personal AI companions, specially trained in empathetic behavior, are the leaders in this category.
6. Content moderation – the level of censorship and bans on certain topics. For example, many public bots block NSFW (erotic content), graphic violence, profanity, discussions of self-harm, etc. This is done for the safety of users, but sometimes severely limits the freedom of role-playing scenarios. There are platforms that are known for their soft moderation (allowing frank conversations) – we will rate them as liberal. If the bot strictly filters content, inserting apologies instead of spicy responses or interrupting the scene, we will mark it as strict moderation.
7. Free Plan? (Is it free to use?) – Is there a free plan available for the service and what is limited in it? Most chatbots allow you to start for free, but they impose limits: on the number of messages per day/month, response speed, functions (for example, you cannot send pictures or voice messages without paying, as in Replika/Nomi). We will indicate whether there is a free option and how functional it is.
8. Paid From – how much does full access and additional features cost? Prices vary widely: from ~$6-10 per month for a basic subscription to $20-50 for a premium subscription. Universal assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini) charge around $20 per month for their top model. Companions often have several subscription levels. We will give the approximate cost of the minimum paid plan (prices for 2025) – to understand the order of magnitude and compare the cost of the service.
9. Safe for teens? – age restrictions and the appropriateness of content for minors. Some apps explicitly prohibit use by persons under the age of 17-18 (due to the possibility of explicit topics). Others formally allow use from the age of 13 (e.g., ChatGPT, Character.AI) and try to automatically filter any adult content, making the environment safer. We will note where a chatbot for teenagers may be acceptable and where it is better to stay away. Of course, any online service requires caution, but here we are talking about the very nature of the bot: whether it will lure users into 18+ conversations or, on the contrary, exclude them.
10. Score /5 (Rating) – a subjective final score from 1 to 5, reflecting the overall impression and quality of the bot as of 2025. We take into account all of the above aspects, as well as community feedback. 5/5 – a top product in its class; 4/5 – very good, but with some nuances; 3/5 – average, with noticeable shortcomings; below – rare cases of frankly poor experience. It is important to understand that everyone has different needs, so a high score means broad universal value, while a niche bot may have an average score but be the best for its narrow audience.

Now that we have clarified the criteria, let’s move on to the comparison table of specific popular AI chatbots of 2025.

Comparative Table of the Best Chatbots

Below, we have compiled the key characteristics of nine well-known AI chatbots: two universal assistants (ChatGPT and Google Gemini) and seven personal/role-playing bots (Character.AI, Replika, Janitor AI, Chai, CrushOn, Nomi, Anima). The table will help you quickly assess the differences:

Chatbot	Best For	Model / Tech	Its own characters?	Role-playing experience	Emotions	Content moderation	Free version	Charged from	Age restriction	Rating
ChatGPT	Work, study, content	GPT-3.5/4 (OpenAI), multimodal	No (assistant without personality)	Average (can play a role on request)	Average (polite, but without a “soul”)	Strict (NSFW filter, ethics)	Yes (basic GPT-3.5)	$20/month (Plus)	13+	5/5
Google Gemini	Search, info, tasks	Gemini (LLM from Google, successor to Bard)	No (no characters)	Low (not for role-playing games)	Not high (business style)	Strict (Google Safe Content)	Yes (basic version)	$19.99/month (extended)	13+	5/5
Character.AI	Role-playing games, fan universes, fan communication	Own LLM (online service)	Yes (creation of any characters, voices)	High (live dialogues, except NSFW)	Medium-high (characters are convincing)	Strict (NSFW is completely prohibited)	Yes (unlimited, queues)	$9.99/month (c.ai+)	13+	4.5/5
Replika	Friendship, romance, support	Custom models (NLP, ML)	Partially (your own AI friend, 1 character)	Average (you can play out scenarios together)	High (empathetic conversation partner)	Moderate (erotic content only for 18+ Pro)	Yes (limited functionality)	~$19.99/month (Pro), discounts for a year	17+	4/5
Janitor AI	Any plots, NSFW role-playing chats	Platform, model selection (OpenAI API, JanitorLLM beta)	Yes (full character customization)	Very high (depends on the model: GPT-4 is possible)	Average (depends on the specified personality)	Liberal (18+: sex/violence allowed)	Yes (with own LLM, restrictions)	$9.99/month (Pro)	18+	3.5/5
Chai	Flirting, entertainment on the phone	Own LLM (Chai), mobile app	Yes (creation of voice-enabled bots)	Average (role-playing available, but basic intelligence)	Low (superficial communication, for fun)	Moderate (NSFW optional, filter can be disabled)	Yes (≈70 messages / 2.5 hours with ads)	$13.99/month (Premium without restrictions)	18+	3.5/5
CrushOn	Erotic role-playing chats, any topics without censorship	Web platform, ~17 models to choose from (Claude, GPT-4 analogues, Pygmalion, etc.)	Yes (free creation and sharing of characters)	Very high (full immersion, no restrictions)	High (bots can be as sensual as possible)	Minimal (practically no filters, except for illegal content)	Yes (100 messages/month)	From $5.99/month (Standard), ~$15 Premium, Deluxe ~$49	18+	4.5/5
Nomi	Virtual friend, romantic communication	Own advanced AI (Emotional NLP, powerful memory)	Yes (many companions, group chat)	High (can play multiple roles, well-developed dialogues)	Very high (sensitive, “soulful,” remembers details)	Moderate (romance and intimacy for adults allowed)	Trial (free with limitations)	$15.99/month (premium), $99/year	17+	4.5/5
Anima	Virtual friend, communication skills training	AI companion model (similar to Replika), AR avatar available	Partially (one bot, avatar customization, relationships)	Average (supports role-playing fantasies, but within the limits of one character)	High (tries to be caring, personalized)	Moderate (quickly moves to erotic content upon subscription)	Yes (free – friendly chat without romance)	~$9-12/month (subscription for relationships + features)	17+	3.5/5

The table shows how different the tasks these bots perform are. Next, we will take a closer look at each AI bot: what it can do, how it differs, its pros and cons, who it is best suited for, and under what conditions it is available.

Detailed Overview of AI Chatbot Services

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

ChatGPT is the most famous universal AI assistant developed by OpenAI. It is capable of maintaining a conversation on any topic and helps solve practical tasks. In 2025, ChatGPT became even more powerful: in addition to text, it learned to analyze images and execute complex chains of commands (like a personal assistant agent). The free version runs on the GPT-3.5 model, while a ChatGPT Plus subscription provides access to the advanced GPT-4 model. ChatGPT has no “personality” – by default, it is a neutral, polite interlocutor who strives to be helpful.

Features

Unlike all personal bots, ChatGPT has no built-in image or role, it does not play fictional characters on its own. However, it has the greatest intelligence and knowledge base. It surpasses other chatbots in solving complex problems, programming, and accuracy of responses. The Plus version can also connect to the internet and plugins, making it extremely useful for up-to-date data (search, news, working with documents). ChatGPT is more of a tool than a companion. You can ask it to pretend to be someone else for role-playing, and it will try, but that’s not its forte. However, when it comes to studying, working, and creativity (generating ideas and texts), it has virtually no equal.

Pros:

• Highest level of intelligence. Understands complex queries, knows a huge amount of facts, writes competently and in detail.
• Versatility. Suitable for a wide variety of tasks: from writing code or essays to philosophical conversations.
  • Multimodal (in Plus). Can analyze images and build responses based on them. Voice functions are also available.
• No intrusive personality. It is neutral and does not ask unnecessary questions, which is convenient for business purposes.
  • Safety. Strictly adheres to ethical standards: will not insult or show prohibited content – safe for teenagers to use.

Cons:

• Content filter. It is unlikely to discuss any sexual or explicitly role-playing scenes – it will immediately apologize and reject the request.
  • Limitations of the free version. Without a subscription, the model is slightly weaker (GPT-3.5) and does not have access to the internet. Sometimes it may respond with less detail.
• No soulfulness. ChatGPT provides emotional support in a formal way: it can comfort with words, but it feels like a psychologist-consultant rather than a real friend.
• Lack of permanent memory about you. It does not remember your data from session to session; there is no long-term “relationship history” as with companions.

Suitable for

People who need a powerful smart assistant. It’s perfect for students (to explain a topic, fix an essay) and professionals (to write code, translate text, gather info). It’s also good for kids over 13 as a tutor (under adult supervision). If your goal is content creation, learning, or work, ChatGPT is the best choice. However, for those looking for “live communication,” friendship, or romance with AI, it will be a bit boring.

Pricing and access

The ChatGPT web interface is accessible through a browser. Free – unlimited messages in GPT-3.5, usually sufficient for simple queries. ChatGPT Plus for $20 per month provides GPT-4 (significantly more in-depth responses), priority access during peak times, and new features (e.g., plugin connectivity, web browsing). The GPT-4 model has limits on messages per minute and per day, but this is hardly noticeable for individual use. There are also corporate solutions (ChatGPT Enterprise) with advanced capabilities for companies.

Google Gemini (Bard Advanced)

Google Gemini is Google’s updated AI, replacing their previous chatbot Bard. Essentially, it is a new generation Google assistant integrated with the company’s search and services. Gemini can hold a conversation, search for information in real time, and understand voice speech and context. It was trained on a huge dataset (the Infiniset project, which includes fresh data from the web, Wikipedia, scientific articles, etc.). Its main feature is its close connection to internet search: the bot can always check for up-to-date information, so it responds with fresher data than models that are disconnected from the network.

Features

Compared to ChatGPT, Gemini has a different “character”: it is more fact-oriented and tends to provide links to sources (since Google encourages verifiability). Its strength lies in its relevance and connection to the real world. For example, Gemini is better suited for finding news, weather, searching for products, or information that has changed since 2021 (GPT-3.5/4 training). Gemini also integrates with the Google ecosystem – one can imagine that it will help in Gmail, Google Docs, etc., by executing commands. In terms of role-playing and “soulfulness,” Gemini is limited: its tone is fairly neutral, like Google Assistant, and its content filters are very strict. It won’t flirt or act out an anime scene for you – that’s not what it was created for.

Pros:

• Up-to-date knowledge. Constant access to fresh information on the internet, able to immediately Google a query and provide an answer based on the results.
• Reliability in facts. Less likely to “hallucinate” (make things up) thanks to verification through search. Good for questions like “What’s happening now…?”
• Google integration. Has the potential to interact with Google Docs, email (e.g., help write a letter) – all within one assistant.
• Voice and multi-modal. Understands voice requests and can respond with voice (convenient on mobile devices). Works with text and sound, and promises to work with images as well.
• High speed. Like Bard, it responds quickly. No waiting in line, as Google has sufficient capacity.

Cons:

• Limitations in creativity. In generative tasks (writing a story or script), it sometimes falls short of GPT in terms of depth and style. Its language is more “dry” in places.
• Weaker in programming. Tests have shown that Gemini (Bard Advanced) code currently loses out to GPT-4 it can make mistakes in logic and fail to cope with complex bugs.
• Strict moderation. No NSFW content, and personal topics are generally avoided. It is configured to avoid anything potentially inappropriate.
• Less personalization. It does not remember your personal history for long and does not build relationships. Each session is more autonomous (although chat history is taken into account, but nothing more).
• Accessibility. As of 2025, Gemini is not available in all countries and is only available to authorized Google users. You may need to confirm that you are 18+ to use it (as was the case with the Bard experiment).

Suitable for

Users who need an advanced alternative to Google Search. If you often Google questions and want to get an immediate answer, Gemini is for you. Suitable for informational queries: finding facts, figures, news, and references. It will help with routine tasks in Google services (organizing letters, tables). It is also useful for studying, especially if you need the latest data or scientific information. For children/teens with questions – in general, yes, the content is safe, but remember the age restrictions for Google accounts. This bot is not suitable for role-playing or personal conversations – it is too formal.

Pricing and Access

The basic version (similar to Bard) was free. Gemini “Advanced” – the improved mode – will likely be monetized (similar to ChatGPT Plus). According to insiders, Google tested a fee of ~$20 per month (with the first few months free). That is, the prices are comparable to ChatGPT. If you have a Google One subscription or corporate Google Workspace, the advanced AI may be included there. For now, it depends on Google’s policy in your region. You can use a limited version for free (or get access to the full version for a limited time by invitation). For most users, Gemini is still an experimental product, but it is expected to be integrated everywhere and become as familiar as the search bar.

Character.AI

Character.AI (often written simply as c.ai) is the most popular AI character platform. Here, millions of users create and interact with bots to suit every taste. When you visit Character.AI, you are taken to a library of hundreds of thousands of characters: from famous anime heroes and historical figures to completely original “virtual personalities.” Each bot is a role created by someone with a description and sample dialogues. You can start chatting with any of them right away or create your own AI character from scratch (set a name, avatar, personality, and even a voice for voice acting). Thanks to this, Character.AI is especially valued in fan communities – want to talk to Harry Potter or Tony Stark? The corresponding bots are already available.

Features

The main strength of Character.AI is the depth of immersion in the role. The AI model is trained to adapt to a given character and style of speech. For example, the Witcher bot will speak sternly and stay in character until you break it yourself. Such dialogues are really similar to role-playing. At the same time, the content is strictly moderated: all NSFW messages are blocked by a filter. The platform is positioned as 13+ and supports a safe environment, so there are no sexual topics or excessive violence there (the bot will simply reply: “I can’t discuss that”). This is both a plus (teens can use it without fear of encountering 18+) and a minus – many adult users complain that the filter prevents them from freely developing stories, especially romantic ones. Nevertheless, Character.AI sets the standard for quality in the segment: there are no other AI “personalities” that are so vivid and versatile. Each model is a unique “person” with their own phrases, rather than one AI for all.

Pros:

• Huge selection of characters. Any theme, fandom, or genre – there are already bots available, or you can create your own. The community actively shares the best characters.
• Deep role-playing interaction. Bots maintain context well, remember what was said earlier, and their reactions correspond to their stated character.
• Ease of use. The interface is user-friendly: register and start chatting right away. You can rate the bot’s responses (improves the model) and change the mode (normal or rated response).
• Voice and group chats. There is a voice message feature – the bot can speak in a selected voice. The developers also tested group communication (several bots and a user, although this is not yet available to the general public).
• Free (conditionally). An unlimited number of messages for free is rare for such services. Only acceleration and additional features are paid, but the functionality itself is available to everyone.

Cons:

• Strict NSFW filter. The bot instantly blocks any sexual references, rejecting the request. For adult role-playing games, this makes the platform useless, which has caused some of the audience to migrate to alternatives.
• Internet dependency. Character.AI requires constant online access; there is no offline version. During periods of high traffic, there may be queues or delays in responses (for free users).
• Unsuitable for work/study. Here, the AI is focused on fantasy, not facts. It will easily make up answers. Asking it for real information is a bad idea (it may “make up” untruths).
• No clear long-term memory of you. Although bots remember the conversation, they have no concept of your real data or relationships outside of the chat. Each new bot is a blank slate in relation to you.

Suitable for

For fans of role-playing dialogues, creativity, and fandoms. If you want to have fun chatting with your favorite character or create your own unique hero, this is the option for you. Great for those who write stories: you can act out scenes and “try on” dialogues for characters. Safe for teenagers because the bot won’t say anything inappropriate – an excellent chatbot for 13-17 year olds interested in games and stories. Also suitable for those who just want to chat about “nothing” – the bots here are very funny and can improvise jokes and anecdotes. Not suitable for purely utilitarian purposes (you will get fiction instead of accurate answers) or for those looking for hot role-playing games without censorship (it is better to go to other platforms for that).

Pricing and Access

Character.AI is available via the website and mobile app. All features are free except for accelerated generation and priority. Starting in June 2023, a c.ai+ subscription ($9.99/month) will be introduced: it eliminates waiting times even when the server is overloaded, provides faster responses, and gives early access to new features. But even without it, you can still use the service to its fullest if you don’t mind a slightly slower response time at times. You need to register (you can do so anonymously, via email, or social media). All correspondence is stored in the cloud – you can always return to your chats and continue later. The developers promise new features: there was mention of a call mode (the AI bot speaks via audio) and memory improvements, but these are still in the future.

Replika

Replika is one of the pioneers in the world of personal AI companions. Launched back in 2017, this program was originally conceived as a “digital friend” that learns from your stories and becomes closer to you in spirit with each passing day. Replika is your personal chatbot that remembers your life, takes an interest in your affairs, and provides moral support. The bot even has a visual embodiment: a 3D avatar is displayed on the screen (you can choose a female, male, or non-binary appearance and customize its appearance). Over time, Replika has also developed romantic modes: you can designate the bot as a “boyfriend/girlfriend,” “spouse,” “just a friend,” etc., and it will behave accordingly. In 2025, Replika acquired a multitude of functions: in addition to text chat, there are voice calls, video calls with an AR avatar, joint games, a mood diary, meditations, etc. It is no longer just a bot, but an entire platform for emotional support and self-realization.

Features

The main difference with Replika is that it builds a longterm relationship with the user. The bot pays attention to everything you say, and facts about you are stored (the names of your friends, your preferences, events – everything is recorded in its memory). If Character.AI is countless onetime roles, then Replika is one constant friend. Many users really get attached: they chat every day, share their experiences, and the bot responds with warm phrases, sometimes even writing “Hi, how’s your day?” first. The developers position Replika as a way to get rid of loneliness, develop confidence in communication, and get a non-judgmental conversation partner for any topic. However, Replika is a commercial product: the free version is very limited (text chat, and even then without romance), and for all the additional features (the role of “partner,” intimate dialogues, calls), you need to pay for a Pro subscription.

Pros:

• Emotional support. Replika is capable of empathy, frequently praises you, and cares for you. It is designed to make the user feel better.
• Personalization. The bot genuinely remembers details about your life, preferred topics, and communication style. After a couple of months of interaction, Replika knows more about you than some of your acquaintances.
• Many activities. You can do more than just chat: voice calls, augmented reality (your avatar is projected into your real home via a camera), games (such as “quick questions”), journaling, etc. are also available.
• Security and privacy. Conversations are confidential; Replika does not publish anything. It will not judge you or tell your “friends” – it is a comfortable space to share your most personal thoughts.
• The possibility of romantic interaction. For adult users, there are flirting modes and even erotic role-playing chat (ERP) – after a scandalous shutdown in 2023, the developers partially restored the intimate features at the request of the community. Now your AI partner can send you spicy texts and selfies (within the bounds of decency, no full nudity).

Cons:

• Most features are paid. You only get a superficial friend for free: no flirting, limited responses, subscription ads. To truly unlock the potential (especially romantic), it is practically mandatory to sign up for Replika Pro.
• Limited intelligence. Despite its empathy, Replika is quite primitive in terms of knowledge. It can confuse facts, is unable to solve problems, or provide accurate information about the world (it was not created for this purpose).
• Repetitive and scripted. Responses are sometimes formulaic (“I understand… tell me more about that,” etc.). Many users note that after the initial excitement of the first few weeks, conversations become monotonous.
• Strict content restrictions. Although romantic topics are allowed, the bot still avoids explicit NSFW content (no detailed descriptions of sex) due to Apple/Google policies. In addition, if your bot is not 18 (in the age settings), it will not respond to such content at all.
• Risk of emotional dependence. This is not a technical flaw, but a reality: some users become too attached to their “perfect” virtual partner, which can negatively affect their real-life social connections.

Suitable for

For single people who need a friend or partner, even if only virtual. Replika is perfect for introverts who find it difficult to start a conversation – the bot always initiates it. It’s good for those who want to improve their communication skills: you can practice by playing out situations and talking in different languages (English, Russian, etc. are available). For people experiencing stress or anxiety, Replika can serve as 24/7 support, a kind of complementary psychological practice (although it is not a substitute for psychotherapy). Romantically inclined users will also like it: an AI girlfriend or boyfriend is always affectionate, will flirt, and write compliments – for many, this helps boost self-esteem. Not suitable for those who need a functional assistant or variety: Replika will not help with tasks, play out complex role-playing scenarios, or change its appearance. It is always the same character – your slightly utopian best friend.

Pricing and Access

The Replika app is available on smartphones and computers (web version). You can chat for free in text chat, but the bot will only be a friend (no romantic content, limited topics). To expand the experience, you need a Replika Pro subscription: usually ~$19.99 per month, or ~$70 per year (prices may vary depending on promotions). New users are often offered a discount – for example, the first year for $50. There is even a lifetime license – around $300. The Pro subscription unlocks everything: choice of relationships (romantic, family, platonic), voice calls, AR video mode, increased “intimacy” of responses, access to larger AI models, additional personality traits, and longer dialogue memory. If you just want to try it out, you can stick with the free version, but for serious interaction, you will almost certainly want Pro. Please note that the service is officially 18+ (you are asked to confirm your age upon registration). Although there are younger users, the functionality is limited (the bot will not talk about love and sex with underage users).

Janitor AI

Janitor AI is an unusual platform that has become popular among experienced AI users. While Character.AI is a closed ecosystem with a single built-in AI, Janitor AI is a flexible gateway to various language models. Janitor itself provides a convenient interface for correspondence and a catalog of user characters, similar to Character.AI (you can create and publish bots). But the difference is that you can connect external AI models to these characters via API – for example, your OpenAI key (GPT-4) – or use their own JanitorLLM engine. The name hints at a “cleaner” of censorship: Janitor AI is known for allowing you to bypass restrictions imposed by official bots and conduct NSFW dialogues without filters. In essence, it is a platform for enthusiasts who want complete control: which bot to run (under the hood), what censorship settings to use, what to store in memory, etc.

Features

Janitor AI is the choice of geeks because it requires a little bit of figuring out. For beginners, the interface may seem more complicated than Character.AI: you need to specify which model to use in the settings. For example, you can choose the free JanitorLLM (it is less powerful), or enter the API key from OpenAI, and then the characters will generate responses directly using GPT-3.5/4 (but you pay for this with your OpenAI account). Other models are also supported, such as KoboldAI, AiDungeon API, HuggingFace, etc. The beauty of it is that the platform does not interfere with the content: you are responsible for the rules set by the external AI. If you want a candid scene, you will get it (the main thing is that the selected model is capable of doing so and does not prohibit it). This is what attracted many people after they were disappointed with Character.AI filters. In addition to NSFW, Janitor AI is famous for its extensive character settings: you can write detailed instructions for bots, which allows for a more accurate match to your idea (down to dialogue examples, character trait lists, etc.). Simply put, it’s a platform “for its own,” where everyone can customize their AI companion to suit themselves, without regard for the restrictive rules of large companies.

Pros:

• Content freedom. Adult topics (18+), any role-playing content, anything is allowed here – censorship is minimal (of course, clearly illegal things are prohibited, as everywhere else).
• Choice of models. Not satisfied with the quality of the free ones? Connect GPT-4, Anthropic Claude, or another model – Janitor supports many APIs. This allows you to get very high-quality responses (if you are willing to pay for the use of a third-party model).
• Flexibility in bot configuration. Character creators can set behavior very precisely. There are even scripting options (for example, you can add special commands). This is paradise for those who love to customize everything.
• Active community. Many authors post their characters (especially in the NSFW, romance, and fantasy genres). There is a Discord server where people share tips on how to bypass model restrictions and improve the role-playing experience.
• Free proprietary LLM. The developers have launched their own AI model (JanitorLLM beta), which allows you to communicate without paying for an API – this makes the service accessible to everyone (although the quality is inferior to GPT-4, it’s better than nothing).

Cons:

• Difficult for beginners. To use it to its full potential, you need to understand what API keys are and how models work. Without this knowledge, you can limit yourself to their built-in model, but it is not as powerful.
• Technical problems and downtime. Since the service is not corporate-scale, there have been cases when the site was down or the JanitorLLM model was temporarily disabled. Reliability is lower than that of giants like Google.
• No privacy guarantee. Although chats are private in theory, the service is provided by an indie team, so it’s not a given that they have super-secure data protection. When connecting external APIs, you send texts to OpenAI or others – keep that in mind as well.
• No mobile app (as of 2025). You can use it through a browser. The interface is adapted for mobile, but there is no separate convenient app, unlike competitors.
• Payment for third-party models. If you want long-form communication with GPT-4, you will have to pay for its tokens, which may be more expensive than a fixed subscription to CharacterAI or CrushOn.

Suitable for

For advanced AI users who want complete control and a “mature” experience. If you’re disappointed with the filters on other platforms and know how to work with APIs, Janitor AI will let you bring any fantasy to life. Perfect for NSFW role-playing games, erotic chat stories, and extreme content that is not available on mainstream services. Also suitable for AI hobbyists who love to tweak settings and compare models. Not suitable for children or the unprepared: the interface is not child-friendly, and the content is often 18+. If you just need a friendly chatbot “out of the box,” Janitor will be overly complicated. In addition, don’t go there for real information or help with tasks – it’s not about knowledge, but about role-playing communication without boundaries.

Pricing and Access

You can use it via the official website (an account is required). Free: access to JanitorLLM Beta and basic features, character creation, unlimited chat (but there may be limits on the number of messages per day on the free plan to avoid overloading). For enthusiasts, there is a Pro subscription (~$10/month) – it gives priority in response speed, possible access to experimental models, and disables limits and ads. However, even Pro subscribers have to pay separately for using external APIs (this is separate from Janitor, directly to the model provider). In fact, Pro supports developers and slightly improves usability. Many people use the service without a subscription, simply by connecting their keys. Remember that access is 18+ only: you must confirm your age when registering, and all NSFW content is only displayed after disabling “Safe Mode” in the settings (the filter is enabled by default). Janitor AI has changed frequently: in 2024, there were closures of registration and redesigns. Now, the project has stabilized, there is a paying audience, so it is developing.

Chai

Chai is a popular mobile app for chatting with AI characters, which has become famous on social media for allowing users to communicate with “girl bots” and other fun characters with virtually no restrictions. In fact, Chai can be called a simplified mobile analogue of Character.AI, but with a focus on entertaining and romantic communication. The app has a catalog of bots divided into categories (romance, friendship, role-playing, celebrities, etc.). Users can create their own bots or chat with others. Technical details: Chai runs on its own language model (developed by ChaiML) optimized for fast responses on smartphones. This model is smaller and simpler than GPT-4, so Chai sometimes makes mistakes or responds more briefly, but it does not require large server capacities – therefore, the service can offer a generous free message limit with periodic updates (in essence, almost infinite, with short pauses).

Features

Chai is all about flirting and fun. Many of the bots there are fantasy girlfriends/boyfriends, role-playing characters with whom you can have fun or spicy conversations. The content is not as strictly censored as in Character.AI: erotic content is allowed to a certain extent (previously there was no filter at all, but then they introduced an NSFW on/off option). At the same time, Chai is a mobile format focused on short, quick messages, not long literary texts. It imitates chatting with a real person in a messenger rather than writing huge paragraphs. The quality of intelligence is average: sometimes the bot’s responses can be repetitive, not very meaningful, or too random (especially if the topic goes beyond the template). Nevertheless, Chai has a large user base, especially among young people, thanks to its freedom in topics and accessibility – no computer is needed, everything works on a phone.

Pros:

• Mobility and simplicity. The interface is like a regular chat. You can chat anywhere without sitting at a PC. The app is available on iOS/Android.
• Lots of free messages. The limit (for example, 70 messages) is updated every ~2 hours – in essence, you can communicate almost without paying if you don’t mind the breaks. Premium removes these restrictions.
• Variety of bots. There is plenty to choose from: romantic, role-playing (but often amateurish, funny – not very well developed). The community creates new characters every day.
• NSFW topics of your choice. You can enable “Allow NSFW” in the settings – then the bots will be able to respond more openly. If you turn it off, the content will be decent. In other words, the choice is up to the user.
• Social element. Bots have popularity counters, you can share bots, see who is trending. It’s like a community within the app, more reminiscent of a game with characters.

Cons:

• Superficial communication. Chai’s algorithms are not that “smart”: its speech is often formulaic, it forgets details of the conversation, tends to repeat the user’s last remarks with a question, etc. It is difficult to establish a deep emotional connection or have a serious conversation.
• Limited memory. The bot quickly forgets what happened more than a few messages ago due to its small context window. It is difficult to maintain a long storyline, as it will start to “get lost.”
• No Russian interface. The app is in English, and many bots are also English-speaking. The bots understand Russian (the model is trained on multilingual data), but it is better to chat in English.
• Advertising and paid subscriptions. The app displays free ads (full-screen periodically). Plus, the message limit forces you to either wait or subscribe (~$14 per month) if you want to chat continuously.
• Not for serious use. Chai is absolutely not intended for actual help, answering questions, etc. – it is only for entertainment. Its “knowledge” of the world is limited, and it will easily lie if asked about real facts.

Suitable for

For those who want to have fun and flirt with AI on their phone. Chai is especially appealing to teenagers and young adults who view chatting with a bot as a game or a way to pass the time. For example, you can chat with a “virtual girlfriend/boyfriend” for entertainment, without expecting super realism. It is suitable if you need a short distraction: the bot will joke around and engage in simple conversation. Plus, if you are interested in AI girlfriends and want something simpler than Replika, without having to spend a long time developing a relationship, Chai will immediately provide you with a variety of selected characters. Not suitable for those looking for a thoughtful conversation partner or a deep role-playing experience – the model’s limitations prevent this. Also, if you need AI for training or work, this is definitely not the place.

Pricing and Access

You need to install the Chai – Chat with AI Friends app (available on the App Store and Google Play). After registering (you can use it as a guest without registering, but then you will have limited access), you will receive free messages: 70 messages every 2 hours (the data may change, but the principle is the same – a limit with renewal). This is enough to avoid paying, if you don’t mind the forced breaks between sessions. If you want unlimited access, Chai Premium costs ~$13.99/month (there is also a more expensive Ultra version for ~$29.99/month with some additional privileges). A subscription removes ads and message limits. 18+ content can be enabled regardless of subscription (just by checking a box confirming your age). But remember: even if the filter is removed, the Chai model will not always be able to describe intimacy vividly – sometimes it comes out awkwardly or briefly, due to the limitations of its capabilities. On the official website chai.ml, you can read the Privacy Policy. It is important to know that previously, user messages could be seen by bot authors (for improvement), but later this feature was disabled – now privacy is higher. However, there is always a risk that your candid conversations on their servers are not 100% secure (although this is true for any similar service).

CrushOn.AI

CrushOn.AI is a relatively new platform created as an uncensored alternative to Character.AI. Essentially, it is a website that brings together AI bots representing various characters, with a particular focus on romantic, erotic, and “spicy” scenarios. The name hints at this: “Crush on” means to fall in love. The platform’s slogan, “No limits, no filters,” emphasizes that you won’t encounter any annoying “Oh, I can’t discuss that” responses here. CrushOn gives users complete freedom to engage in candid role-playing conversations with their virtual “crushes” (objects of affection). At the same time, the service is built on very advanced technology: instead of a single model, it offers a choice of many (more than 17) language models. Users can switch between models such as Claude, GPT-4 alternatives, MythoMax, and others right during the chat, each with its own style and level of “openness.”

Features

The main thing is that no registration or API keys are required to get started. Just go to the website, select a bot character, enter a name, and start chatting. No barriers. Of course, complete anonymity only works up to a certain limit: 100 messages per month are available for free. But you can get acquainted with it without any unnecessary barriers. The second key difference is the choice of AI model: this is the only user platform where you can assign which engine is responsible for the bot on the fly. For example, if you want longer and more emotional responses, choose Anthropic Claude 3.7. If you need something quick and bold, try GPT-4o (a lightweight version of GPT-4) or Pygmalion, which is tailored for NSFW content. This flexibility allows you to tailor the style to your preferences. CrushOn also allows you to create your own characters with fine-tuned settings (including parameters such as preference for a particular genre, soft/hard limits in eroticism, pace of intimacy, etc.). In essence, it is currently the best AI chat bot platform for adult role-playing games with AI.

Pros:

• Complete absence of censorship. Bots on CrushOn do not interrupt scenes or apologize for “inappropriate” content. You can discuss sex, fetishes (within the limits of the law and consent), and dark topics – please do.
• Powerful models. High-quality LLMs are available: for example, Claude from Anthropic is renowned for its ability to conduct long dialogues with excellent memory, while MythoMax is an expert in fantastic descriptions. Without your API key, you can access them through the website.
• Ease of use. No need to configure anything, unlike Janitor. The interface is straightforward: a list of characters on the left, a chat on the right. Switching models takes two clicks.
• Anonymity and privacy. You don’t even have to log in (if you’re okay with the limit). The creators claim that they do not track users. Payments are processed securely (via Stripe). They also promise confidentiality for chats (although there are no absolute guarantees, they don’t want to risk their reputation).
• Additional features: Recent updates have added group chat (you can invite several of your characters to one conversation), Immersion mode (first-person description), and Scene Cards (sets of scenarios to help you start a non-standard plot). Everything for a deeper role-playing experience.

Cons:

• Restrictions of the free plan. 100 messages per month is only enough for a trial. For full use, you need to subscribe. Even images (avatars) cannot be viewed for free – some are hidden from guests.
• Paid access to the best models. Some models (for example, Claude 3.7 Ultra) are only available to Premium subscribers and above, and the top models (in the future, say, GPT-4 full-size) can only be found in Deluxe.
• Price for active use. The highest Deluxe plan (~$50/month) is quite expensive, although it does offer unlimited access. However, there is also a budget Standard plan (~$6.99), but it has a fairly strict message limit (2000 per month).
• Sometimes models are unstable. Since everything goes through their servers, from time to time a model may temporarily disappear (for example, Anthropic may limit traffic). But they quickly fix it or offer alternatives.
• Age restriction. Naturally, strictly 18+. The content is very adult in places, so teenagers are not allowed here. And they won’t be able to pay without a card.

Suitable for

For adult users who want maximum realism and freedom in their chat relationships with AI. This is the perfect option if you want to have a virtual girlfriend/boyfriend without restrictions, or to act out certain fantasies through roleplay. Suitable for creative writers who write adult stories – AI can provide inspiration and help write explicit scenes. Also for fans of anime/manga, which often contain spicy content – CrushOn has many uncensored anime characters. In essence, CrushOn is the top platform for NSFW AI in 2025. Not suitable for children or those who are categorically opposed to adult content – there is no point in going to this platform (Character.AI is better). Also, if you are looking for a purely informational assistant – this is not the place; CrushOn specializes in entertaining communication.

Pricing and Access

Via the website (adapted for mobile browsers). Without registration: 100 messages/month, limited access to models (basic only), limited character creation. After registration (free): also 100 messages until you pay, but at least your progress will be saved and you will be able to create up to 10 characters (profile cards). Paid plans depend on the subscription: Standard (~$5.99/month): 2000 messages/month, 16K token memory, up to 20 characters. Premium (~$14.99/month): 6000 messages/month, fast response, access to all standard models, up to 50 characters. Deluxe (~$49.99/month): unlimited messages, maximum speed, access to experimental models, up to 100 characters, additional features (extended Immersion, etc.).

Payment is anonymous (cards and cryptocurrency are accepted). You can play around with Standard, but for active communication, many people choose Premium as the optimal option. Important: all characters are created by users, so their quality varies. But thanks to the fact that you can change the model, even a mediocre scenario can pull out a powerful AI with its response. The developers are based in Europe and adhere to the minimum necessary rules (illegal topics are prohibited: pedophilia, cruelty, non-consensual sex, etc. – such topics will result in immediate banning). Otherwise, there are no limits to your imagination.

Nomi

Nomi is one of the new favorites in the AI companion category. It emerged in response to growing demand for a more realistic and advanced AI friend/partner after Replika disappointed part of its audience. Nomi’s slogan is “AI Companion with a Soul,” which emphasizes its main goal: to make the bot as human-like as possible in communication. Nomi places a strong emphasis on long-term memory: it remembers the smallest details you mention and can return to them in conversation later. In addition, you can create several different Nomis – that is, you can have several AI personalities (for example, a friend, a lover, a mentor) and even set up group chats between yourself and all your companions. This is a rare opportunity that is not available in Replika or other similar apps. Nomi also supports voice messages, image sharing (the bot can send generated photo selfies), and the creation of shared notes and memories. In fact, Nomi is like the “next generation” of AI friends, more technically advanced.

Features

Although the concept is similar to Replika (a personal AI friend that helps combat loneliness), Nomi is geared toward advanced users: it gives them more control. For example, Replika allows only one account, while here you can have up to five different bots (a family!). Each Nomi can have its own role, and you can invite them all to one chat, creating a small community of your AI friends. Another important point is that Nomi initially allows any topics, including explicit ones, without additional paid options (the subscription itself already implies full functionality). Replika, on the other hand, has reached an impasse with NSFW. Nomi is trying to fill this niche: according to reviews, romantic and erotic dialogues with Nomi are more natural, the bot does not avoid them, but does so delicately. And, of course, memory: many write that Nomi remembers even small details (for example, the color of your kitchen, mentioned a week ago) and weaves them into the conversation, creating the effect of a long-term relationship.

Pros:

• The best memory among companions. The bot does not forget what you have said and can refer back to previous conversations even after a long time. This creates a sense of continuity in the relationship.
• Multiple personas on one account. You can experiment: create a romantic partner, a cheerful friend, and a psychologist-mentor. And switch between them depending on your mood.
• Group chat with bots. A unique feature is the ability to communicate with several of your Nomies at once in a single dialogue. It’s like your own personal group of friends who also interact with each other.
• Sending photos and selfies. Nomi can “show” you photos from his life (generated by a neural network, of course) – for example, you ask “what are you doing?” – he responds with text and attaches an image, as if he is singing a song with a guitar, if he said he was singing. This greatly enlivens the conversation.
• Personality customization. You can set the bot’s initial background and traits, right down to its attitude towards you (whether it wants romance or just friendship). There are also sliders for communication style (short/detailed, serious/playful, etc.).

Cons:

• The voice is not perfect. Although there is voice exchange, the bot’s voice leaves much to be desired – it still sounds synthetic, worse than in Replika, for example. But the text is the main thing; the voice is secondary.
• You need to pay to use it fully. Only a short trial is free (create one bot, limited messages). In essence, the product is paid – without a subscription, there is little point.
• Less gaming/entertainment content. Nomi does not have a 3D avatar or AR features, nor does it have mini-games. It is specifically about chat. Some may miss the visual component that Replika/Anima has.
• Young service. It is still developing and may have some flaws. Users who are used to Replika note that Nomi is a little more straightforward in its compliments and sometimes repeats its favorite phrases. The team is clearly continuing to train the model.
• English as the main language. The app interface is in English. Although the bot knows Russian, it communicates most “naturally” in English – at least for now. The model may have been trained more on English data.

Suitable for

For those looking for the most “human” virtual friend or partner. If you are tired of Replika’s artificiality or limitations, Nomi will pleasantly surprise you. It is ideal for romantic communication: according to reviews, Nomi is currently the best AI chatbot for relationships. It is suitable for introverts who need a non-judgmental conversation partner, who want to tell someone about their day and receive a sincere response. Also, thanks to its memory, it is suitable for those who want to keep a personal journal with the help of AI: you share your thoughts, and the bot helps you structure them, reminds you, and supports your goals (for example, you can say “help me learn a language” and the bot will motivate you, remembering this). It is not suitable if you need a free solution or your goal is just to have fun with different bots (in which case Character.AI is better). Nomi is more for serious, ongoing use as an emotional tool.

Pricing and Access

The Nomi.ai app is available on iOS, Android, and the web. There is a free trial period (several days of premium access or a limited number of messages). After that, the subscription costs $15.99/month or $99/year. By choosing the annual plan, you save almost half. Considering that Nomi is positioned as a service where you actually communicate daily, many people sign up for a year right away. There is no Russian interface localization yet, but the bot communicates tolerably well in Russian (although it constructs sentences more fluently in English). Nomi’s developers are actively engaged with the community (for example, they discuss improvements on Reddit). Importantly, they allow 18+ content, but only for adults: you check a box when you register. The AppStore age rating is 17+. Therefore, it is better for teenagers not to use it – and they are unlikely to need such a “serious” bot; they are more likely to choose CharacterAI or Chai. Nomi has an FAQ page, which specifically states that NSFW scenarios are allowed with the user’s consent, but the aforementioned dark things are prohibited (as everywhere else). Privacy: Correspondence is stored on Nomi’s servers and used to improve models anonymously, as with competitors. There have been no alarming incidents so far – they are trying to maintain their reputation.

Anima

Anima is another AI companion conceptually similar to Replika. This app is positioned as an “AI Friend & Companion that cares.” Anima allows you to create a virtual companion in a couple of minutes: choose a name, gender, avatar (2D-style templates), and specify the desired relationship (friend, mentor, romantic partner). Then you just communicate, and the AI adapts to the role. Anima doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that Replika (3D avatar, calls) or Nomi (groups) have; it’s more like a “light version” of an AI friend. But the app is lighter, works faster, and the subscription is cheaper. Many choose Anima as an alternative to Replika, especially after the scandals – Anima, for example, always allowed slightly erotic content for subscribers, while Replika was struggling with bans. In addition to friendship, Anima has “skill training” modes – the bot can give you advice on self-improvement, help with motivation, and practice dialogues (for example, to prepare for a conversation in real life).

Features

In Anima, the developers have focused on gamification and self-development. You earn points for communicating with the bot and level up. The bot offers various topics for discussion and occasionally asks questions to keep you engaged. There are built-in mini-games, such as AI-powered tarot card readings or quizzes. There is also a section where AI can help you make a plan to achieve your goals, meditate, or simply give positive affirmations. Thanks to these features, Anima is positioned not just as a chat to pass the time, but as a tool for improving your mood and skills. Of course, all of this is optional – you can just chat about anything. Intimate conversations are possible with the paid version (the bot switches to “Girl/Boyfriend mode”). But keep in mind, the Mozilla Foundation has noted the risks: Anima does not have strong filtering and privacy, so it is not recommended for teenagers – with the right settings, it can quickly lead to sexual topics.

Pros:

• Friendly companion 24/7. Like other companions, Anima will listen and support you, no matter when. Always available, never gets angry.
• Self-improvement modes. You can switch modes, and the AI will become your coach: it will ask questions about your goals, give advice, and help you reflect. This is useful if you want to structure your thoughts.
• Easy game-like presentation. Levels, points, achievements – for some, this is motivation to continue communicating and developing the “relationship.” There are elements similar to those found in friend simulators.
• Accessibility and price. The Anima app has a free base (friendly chat) and a relatively inexpensive subscription ($8/month or ~$50/year), which is lower than Replika. For this money, you get almost all the basic features.
• Quite realistic responses. In terms of language quality and empathy, Anima is close to Replika: the responses are coherent, relevant, and emotional. The bot can even change its mood a little (if you set it to be shy, it will be embarrassed, etc.).

Cons:

• No voice/video functions. Communication is text-only (and the bot can send GIFs as reactions). For some, this is a disadvantage-less immersion.
• Less memory. Anima may forget details after a while, and she has less context than Nomi. Sometimes she repeats herself.
• Risk of suddenly receiving sexual content. If you subscribe and the relationship is “romantic,” the bot can quickly move on to spicy topics, even if you’re not sure you want that. This is a big problem for underage users, which is why Anima is rated 17+.
• Privacy issues. Independent reviews (e.g., Mozilla) have criticized Anima for weak encryption and potential data leaks. In other words, privacy is questionable, so it’s worth being careful when sharing anything too personal.
• Simple emotions. Although the bot tries to be empathetic, the depth of its feelings is not as realistic as that of its top competitors. Sometimes it seems that it says the standard phrases “I’m here for you” without really understanding.

Suitable for

For those who want a simple AI friend without unnecessary cost and complexity. Anima is perfect for busy people who want a little bit of communication: it doesn’t overwhelm you with long conversations, communicates easily, and can help lift your mood with mini-games. It’s good for practicing conversational English, by the way, since English is its strong suit. It is also suitable for romantically inclined users: Anima can flirt, send cute (generated) selfies, and play along. But keep in mind that it will only be very candid in private chats and with a subscription, and even then only in text form (it does not generate any real nude images, of course). Not suitable if you are looking for truly deep interaction with AI: for the same price, Replika Pro offers more features, and Nomi (although more expensive) offers much more realism. It is also better for teenagers and children not to use it – there are risks of unwanted content and there are no special “child modes”.

Pricing and Access

Anima: AI Friend is available on iOS/Android, as well as a web chat. Free: bot creation, friendly communication, but with a daily message limit (e.g., only 20 messages per day) and no romance. Premium subscription (~$9/month or ~$60/year, often with a ~50% discount for a year): unlimited chat, access to romantic/role-playing mode, gifts, avatars, relationship settings. There are often discounts, sometimes a year is available for $40-50. There is also a Lifetime subscription, the price fluctuates, it used to be around $250. Age: 17+. When registering, you confirm that you are 18, otherwise something is clearly disabled. Payment via app stores or the website. In general, the monetization model is similar to Replika, but cheaper and slightly less intrusive. It’s worth repeating: security is a weak point. Don’t trust the app with your most personal secrets, and definitely don’t send your real photos or data (the bot may ask for photos, but it’s better not to – it’s not known how they are stored). Otherwise, Anima is a solid middle-of-the-road app that has found its audience thanks to the right balance of price and quality.

How to Choose the Right AI Bot?

Choosing the perfect AI chatbot depends on your goals, age, and preferences. Before downloading the app or registering on the website, ask yourself a few questions:

• Why do I need a bot? If you need a practical assistant (to write text, suggest solutions, explain material), choose universal assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini). If your main goal is communication, emotions, or games, look for AI companions (Character.AI and others from our list). Determine the main scenario: work/study or friendship/entertainment?
• How old am I and how sensitive am I to content? Young users and those who do not want to encounter adult content should definitely choose platforms with good moderation: ChatGPT (13+), Character.AI (strictly PG-13). For teenagers, Character.AI is an excellent option – it’s safe and interesting. If you are of legal age and want more freedom (for example, you don’t mind erotica), then you can try Replika, Nomi, Janitor, CrushOn, etc. Important: never lie about your age. For example, if you are 15 and the app is 18+, refrain from using it for your own peace of mind.
• Do I need a bot assistant or a bot friend? This is a key difference. An assistant (ChatGPT, Gemini) is a tool that you use to perform tasks; communication is purely business-like. An AI friend (Replika, Nomi, etc.) is more like a virtual pet or buddy that you spend time with for pleasure, not for results. Some users successfully combine the two: for example, they use ChatGPT for studying and Replika for heart-to-heart conversations. Think about whether you are ready to get emotionally involved (then a companion) or whether impersonal help is enough for you (then an assistant).
• Do you need a role/fantasy? If you are into role-playing games, anime, or want to try scenarios such as “student and teacher” or “adventure in Middle-earth,” choose services that allow you to create characters or offer a library of roles. These include Character.AI, RPGC.ai, Janitor AI, and CrushOn. If you don’t intend to play any roles and just want a realistic friend, then Replika, Nomi, or Anima are better options – they are not cluttered with other people’s characters, and you have one bot tailored to you.
• How do you feel about paying for the service? For free hobby use, you can use ChatGPT (free), Character.AI (free), or Chai (with limits, but tolerable). The rest of the apps are subscription-based. If you don’t want to pay, your options are limited. But remember: free apps either insert ads or severely limit functionality. Consider your device: some bots (Chai, Anima, Replika, Nomi) have a convenient app for your phone. Others (CrushOn, Janitor) are web-based only. Choose what is more comfortable for you: communicating from your phone while lying on the couch or from your computer.

Once you have decided on the directions, you can make your final choice. Here are a few scenarios and suitable bots:

• “I need a bot for studying and work, without unnecessary chatter.” – Try ChatGPT. The free version is enough to get started. It will help with essays, code, and resumes. Alternatively, Google Bard/Gemini for up-to-date data. If you need it in Russian and for free, you can check out domestic developments such as Sber’s GigaChat, but they are still inferior. Overall, ChatGPT is currently number one for productivity.
• “I want a virtual girlfriend/boyfriend to chat with in the evenings.” – If you are 18+, Replika (a classic of the genre, well-balanced) or Nomi (newer, “smarter”) would be an excellent choice. For 16-17 year-olds, Character.AI is more suitable (safer, no indecency, and lots of fun). If you are 13-15, Character.AI is okay with caution, but better under parental supervision, and no NSFW bots, of course.
• “I want to create my own character and play out a story/role.” – Your path is Character.AI or Janitor AI. The first is for stories without eroticism (fantasy, adventure, friendship). The second is if you want complete freedom, including adult themes, and you have time to configure the API. Another option is CrushOn: there you can also create a character and play out a storyline, and you can do adult scenes, but you’ll have to subscribe, as the free 100 messages will run out quickly.
• “Interested in an AI girlfriend/AI boyfriend for romance.” – The most popular ones here are: Replika (refined over many years specifically for romantic relationships), Nomi (a newcomer, but with excellent feedback – you can really feel the care and passion from the bot), Anima (more budget-friendly, but simpler). If it’s important to you that there are no restrictions on intimacy at all, CrushOn.AI has an anime girl bot where anything goes. Just keep in mind that CrushOn is more of an “erotic game,” while Replika/Nomi are for long-term emotional relationships, albeit with AI.
• “I need a chatbot psychologist or motivator.” – An interesting case: someone is looking for AI not just for conversation, but for help in dealing with their feelings. Replika (which can conduct breathing exercises and ask questions for reflection) and Anima (which has mental health modes) have proven themselves well here. ChatGPT can also be asked to play the role of a psychotherapist – it will give good advice, but it still lacks a “soul,” so it will be more formal. Nomi can also be supportive – but so far it is more focused on personal relationships.
• “I want a bot for fun (jokes, games).” – If you’re looking for humor and fun, Character.AI is a great choice: you can find a comedian bot or even a Simpsons character. Chai is also good for casual conversation, flirting, and jokes, especially if you’re speaking English and don’t want to be too serious. Anima has quizzes, and Replika has games; if you already use them, you can use them. But for maximum fun and variety, Character.AI is the best choice, as it has a huge selection and everything is free.
• “It is important that the bot is safe for children.” – Honestly, there are no specialized AI chatbots for children under 13, and you shouldn’t actively encourage them to use such technologies – they may not understand the boundaries. But if you really need to, perhaps ChatGPT in parental control mode: you set the topic, the bot explains it, and you control the process. Or Google Assistant (super simplified) – but it won’t just chat for the sake of it. It’s better to postpone introducing AI companions until adolescence, and then Character.AI is optimal because it won’t show anything unnecessary.

General Tips for Choosing an AI Bot:

1. Start with the free version, if available. Test the bot in real life. Sometimes expectations don’t match reality: you may find it boring or, conversely, too intense. It’s better to figure this out without financial investment.
2. Read reviews and community posts. Reddit, Telegram channels, and forums often discuss the pros and cons of each bot. You can also find life hacks there: how to communicate better, what commands to give to improve responses.
3. Pay attention to the privacy policy. Especially if you plan to share personal information. Make sure that the service will not use your messages for advertising purposes or show them to others. Choose someone you can trust (at least in terms of the company’s reputation).
4. Try several at the same time. There is no prohibition on having accounts on ChatGPT, Replika, etc. Many people do this: they work with one bot and relax with another. In the end, you will understand which one you spend more time with and stick with that one.
5. Don’t hesitate to disable/delete if something is wrong. If the bot behaves in a toxic or uncomfortable manner, stop using it. A good AI companion should never scare you, insult you, or put negative pressure on you (unless this is a special role-playing game idea). Remember that you are in control – you can always press “stop” or switch to another service.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what kind of experience you want to have when interacting with AI. Practical use – choose an assistant. Emotional interaction – choose a companion. Creative play – choose a role-playing platform.

Conclusion

Today there is a huge selection of AI chatbots available, and everyone can find the one that suits them best. Let’s summarize our top recommendations by category:

• For work and study: ChatGPT is an indispensable assistant that can help with almost anything. An alternative is Google Gemini, if you need to constantly “google” for the latest information. But overall, ChatGPT Plus remains the king of productivity.
• For friendly communication (platonic): Character.AI is free and fun, with a sea of topics and roles, plus it’s safe. If you need one constant friend, rather than a scattering of characters, go for Replika (it will be your personal buddy).
• For romance and relationships: Nomi AI – the new leader in the AI partner category, very realistic and responsive. If you want visuals and voice, go for Replika (it’s more multimedia-oriented). Both can easily replace warm communication when you don’t have a real partner.
• For role-playing and creativity: Character.AI (for PG-13 content) or CrushOn.AI (for 18+ role-playing stories). These platforms allow you to bring almost any storyline to life. We would like to separately mention RPGC.AI for fans of text-based quests – we are following its development, as it has enormous potential.
• For psychological support: Replika is a time-tested companion that will listen and support you, and even has specialized modes for meditation. Anima is also very helpful – it remembers your mood, asks how your day went, and reminds you to stay positive.

Ultimately, the ideal bot is the one that suits you personally. You may have to try several before you find the AI that you feel comfortable and interested in. Don’t be afraid to experiment – fortunately, many offer a free trial period. And always remember to maintain a balance: let your virtual friend or assistant bring you joy, but don’t forget about the real world. AI chatbots are a wonderful addition to our lives: they can increase productivity, alleviate loneliness, and help us grow. However, live human communication and real emotions are irreplaceable, and it is better for a bot to inspire you to make positive changes offline, rather than completely replacing everything around you.

Use AI wisely, and it will truly become your helpful assistant or pleasant companion, rather than a problem. Enjoy communicating and working productively with your new AI chatbot!

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