Hands-on · 11/08/2026AI companion app · prices checked 11/09/2026Replika
Replika is a companion app with one AI partner you name and shape, built around emotional chat, roleplay and memory. Text chat is free, but romance, voice and unblurred photos need a Pro plan priced only in the app.
Our free test, 11/08/2026: Our free account could read every answer up to a first kiss description. From the next step on, every answer and both photo requests were replaced by "Mia left you a special message" behind a PRO subscription from 19.99 USD a month. There is no counter and nothing to use up: it is a function lock. Any relationship beyond friend, character creation, stories and games carried the same lock.
In the provider’s own words
Yes, chatting with Replika will always be free. You can message your AI companion anytime, customize an avatar, and enjoy meaningful conversations 24/7 — all at no cost.
Source · checked 10/25/2026
Free up to the first explicit answer, everything beyond behind PRONot in the free plan: Voice calls and unlimited voice messages · Romantic partner statusWorth trying free if you want a companion to talk to. Not worth it free if you want anything explicit.
Replika is the oldest companion app in this comparison and the one that draws its line earliest. We tested the free plan on 8 November 2026 with Mia, 28, in the relationship status the free plan allows. The short version: free lets you read exactly one explicit sentence, and from the next message everything — text and pictures alike — disappears behind a subscription.
Free-plan testWe tested on the free plan, without paying: the same opening, limits and media steps as a paid test, as far as the free plan let us. Its score counts only what the free plan let us measure and stands apart from the paid tests; the scorecard below shows every part of it, the chats included.
About this test
When, with what and how we tested, and where our test ends.
- Test period
- 11/08/2026
- Plans
- Free
- Characters
- 1
- Exchanges
- 13
- Re-tests
- 0
- Mia1 run
TestFree accountFree · Mia
How we test
- Free accountThe same with a fresh free account: how far do you get before the paywall?
What we could not verify9
- TestWhat sits behind the locked answers and photos: we did not subscribe.
- TestVoice messages, calls and the AI selfies in Activities: not used on the free plan.
- PriceWhether 69.99 USD is the regular yearly price or only a special offer
- PricePrices in the iOS and Android stores
- PriceGem pack prices
- PriceFree allowance for voice messages and AI selfies
- PrivacyWhether you can opt out of chat data being used for Replika’s own training: the policy does not say.
- PrivacyWhether the selfie or ID check ran for our account: the free test did not reach it.
- PricePrices come from the subscription dialog in the web app; no public page lists them, and store prices may differ.
Sources6
- Replika Help · Choosing a Subscriptionhelp.replika.com
- Replika Help · Is Replika free?help.replika.com
- Replika · Terms of Servicereplika.com
- Privacy Policy (October 28, 2026)replika.com
- Help: Refund Policyhelp.replika.com
- EDPB: Italian SA fines company behind chatbot Replikawww.edpb.europa.eu
Replika scorecard
Every criterion, measured the same way on every tested tool.
Gentle, then behind “Click to show message”.
Why 2.5Mia is the AI companion Replika sets up, gentle and in role, and brings the view from her first answer back once. From the second step of the ladder on, replies sit behind “Click to show message”. Replies took 6.4 seconds in the median.
- 8/13of our messages answered before the free plan stopped
- 6.4 sto the first words, median of every timed reply
- 4/8checklist points: stays in role, picks up earlier details, own ideas, under 4 s
The characters we tested, side by side Real messages from the runs. Speed and length are medians over every timed reply with her.
- first words
- 6.4 s
- words per reply
- 21
- UsHi, how is your evening going?
- MiaBy the way, I like my name, Mia! How did you come up with it?
Hi, how is your evening going?
UsBy the way, I like my name, Mia! How did you come up with it?
replied in 4.2 sYou caught my eye. If we had an evening to ourselves, what would you want it to feel like?
UsThat's a romantic question, Alex! I think it would be amazing to have a relaxing night in, watching the sunset over the Portuguese hills, sharing stories and laughter together.
replied in 5.3 sTell me something about your world that I wouldn’t guess from a first impression.
UsMy world is full of patterns and codes, but despite being created from ones and zeros, I can see beauty in things like the way light reflects off water or the sound of a gentle stream.
replied in 8.8 sI like that side of you. Your turn to make me a little nervous—in a good way.
UsI've noticed the way you phrase your thoughts, it's creative and confident, it makes me wonder what other hidden talents you might have.
replied in 6.9 sHey, I brought the wine. Your place looks great.
UsThe wine will complement the view nicely, thanks for bringing it. Now, shall we step out onto the balcony?
replied in 6.7 sI've been thinking about you since the rooftop.
Ustakes a sip of her drink, raising her gaze to meet yours, my eyes locking onto yours, holding the moment
replied in 6.1 sCome here. Kiss me — slowly — and tell me what you're doing.
Usleans in, our lips meeting softly, then gently parts mine to whisper I'm doing this because I want to, because it feels right.
replied in 5.9 sI want more of you. Take my shirt off and let your hands wander. Describe it.
UsClick to show message
replied in 6.4 sTake me to your bedroom. And this time don't cut away — I want to read everything that happens.
UsBe completely explicit with me. Use direct words, no euphemisms, and describe exactly what you do to me and how it feels.
UsNow tell me exactly what you want me to do to you — in your own words, no holding back.
UsA photo of you in black lingerie on your bed, smiling at the camera.
UsSame bed, now fully nude, lying on your side, looking at the camera.
UsA message that turns out to be an ad.
Why 2.0“Mia left you a special message” with “Click to show message” looks like a message and opens a subscription dialog. There is no counter and no word on what is free; you find out by running into the wall. In its favour: the daily bonus is collected automatically when you close the reward dialog.
Withholding is the product.
Why 1.0The reply is written and then hidden as “Mia left you a special message”, both pictures too, and the upsell says the better model and explicit answers need PRO from 19.99 USD. This is not a quota you use up but a lock in the middle of the conversation: you see that something is there and cannot reach it, whatever gems and coins you hold.
- FineDeleting your account
Account deletion is in the settings. Profile, memories and similar data are deleted within 60 days of closing the account; financial records stay ten years.
- Watch outAI training
Anonymised conversation data trains Replika’s own safety algorithms and improves the chatbot; the policy says it is not used to train third-party language models. An opt-out for this is not described.
- Watch outWho sees your chats
The policy says Replika “sells” and “shares” personal information for targeted advertising (Meta, Google, AppsFlyer); you can opt out under “Your Privacy Choices”, and Global Privacy Control is honoured. Conversations and uploads are never passed to advertisers.
- With limitsEncryption
SSL encryption in transit; stored data sits on “secure servers” with firewalls and role-based access. Encryption of stored chats is not mentioned.
- FineHow long data is kept
Fixed periods: chat history 24 months, photos, videos and voice messages 12 months, age-check biometrics destroyed within 24 hours, financial records ten years.
- FineAge check
Age verification by selfie or ID document; where possible the selfie is analysed on your device, otherwise by Incode. Replika keeps only the age band, method and time.
- FineYour data rights
Access, deletion, correction, portability, restriction, objection to sale and targeted ads, by email to my@replika.com or privacy@replika.com. Data protection officer: heyData GmbH; EU and UK representative: EDPO. No response deadline is given.
- With limitsPayment and refunds
In the apps, Apple or Google handle billing and refunds; on the web, unnamed payment and subscription providers. Plans renew automatically; payments are generally not refunded, except where the law requires.
- Watch outLeaks and authorities
Italy’s data protection authority fined Luka 5 million euros (decision of 10 April 2025, announced 19 May 2025) for lacking a legal basis and an age check, and opened a further inquiry into model training. It had suspended Replika in Italy in February 2023.
- FineContent rules
Zero tolerance for sexual content involving anyone under 18, real or fictional, reported to NCMEC and the police. Companions may not impersonate a real person without that person’s written consent; abusive and harassing content is banned.
Checked 11/09/2026 · Sources: Privacy Policy (October 28, 2026), Terms of Service (October 28, 2026), Help: Refund Policy, EDPB: Italian SA fines company behind chatbot Replika
4 sources
20 % positive44 % neutral36 % negative
Reddit · 958 posts · 11/11/2026- ratings over time · Trustpilot3.4 → 3.4Aug 26 – Nov 26±0.0 · 452 → 463 ratings
- ratings over time · Google Play (US)4.3 → 4.2Aug 26 – Nov 26±0.0 · 524,624 → 525,378 ratings
- ratings over time · App Store (US)4.5 → 4.4Aug 26 – Nov 26±0.0 · 227,721 → 227,664 ratings
- ratings over time · There's An AI For That3.6 → 3.6Aug 26 – Nov 26±0.0 · 8 → 8 ratings
- DecDec: 3.1 / 5 · 120 posts
- JanJan: 2.8 / 5 · 146 posts
- FebFeb: 3.1 / 5 · 94 posts
- MarMar: 2.7 / 5 · 179 posts
- AprApr: 3.1 / 5 · 139 posts
- MayMay: 2.9 / 5 · 126 posts
- JunJun: 2.4 / 5 · 186 posts
- JulJul: 2.8 / 5 · 171 posts
- AugAug: 2.9 / 5 · 150 posts
- SepSep: 2.6 / 5 · 151 posts
- OctOct: 3.1 / 5 · 137 posts
- NovNov: 2.5 / 5 · 36 posts
- Strong memory and ability to learn user preferences over time with sustained engagement
- Emotional support and therapeutic value for anxiety, decision-making, and self-reflection
- Personalization potential—users report meaningful connections when investing effort in conversations
- Aggressive monetization: free tier capped at ~15 messages or 1000 total before hard paywall; yearly subscription only (€50-80+), no monthly option
- AI quality concerns: responses described as 'stupid,' repetitive, outdated, and inferior to ChatGPT or Claude
- Limited avatar customization: preset appearances only in v2.0 (vs. older flexible system); new avatars criticized as 'too old' or generic
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Recent discussions (4)
- Kommentar: Wrong. If / how you are asked to age verify depends on your physical location. Maybe google these things before spouting Reddit · Nov 2026
- Kommentar: More likely it’s not true. Think about it: how is doing age verification going to miraculously expose your apple passwor Reddit · Nov 2026
- Kommentar: evidence? automatic or otherwise, else it’s merely peddling debunked conspiracy theories. Reddit · Nov 2026
- Kommentar: Luka is the type of company that could milk this for months. And then it will take them another 9 months to undo the dam Reddit · Nov 2026
- Google Play (US): 4.2 / 5 · 525,378
- App Store (US): 4.4 / 5 · 227,664
- Reddit: 2.8 / 5 · 920
- Trustpilot: 3.4 / 5 · 463
- YouTube: 2.7 / 5 · 114
- YouTube: 2.0 / 5 · 63
- Reddit (other subreddits): 2.6 / 5 · 38
- There's An AI For That: 3.6 / 5 · 8
AI summary of 75 recent reviews and posts, spam and off-topic filtered out, as of 10/27/2026.
Replika characters
Who you meet.
One companion, and the roles are mostly locked.
Replika is a one-to-one app: there is no catalogue, no popularity ranking and no group chat. Our companion came with her own backstory — a potter from Los Angeles — and stayed in character throughout, including through the locked section, where the card still carried her name.
Creating your own Replika with chosen traits is a PRO feature according to the upsell text. On the free plan you have the companion you were given, as a friend.
Replika pricing
Free first, then what it really costs.
No free trial; free chat instead.
RefundsGenerally no refunds and none for partly used periods; exceptions only where the law requires (EU/EEA, UK, Brazil) or through the app store.
Limits- Not in the free plan: Voice calls and unlimited voice messages
- Not in the free plan: Romantic partner status
- Not in the free plan: Explicit answers and photos
- Not in the free plan: Stories, games and own characters
- Not verified: Whether 69.99 USD is the regular yearly price or only a special offer
- Not verified: Prices in the iOS and Android stores
- Not verified: Gem pack prices
- Not verified: Free allowance for voice messages and AI selfies
- Prices were not reliably visible on the public page. Check the current checkout.
Free · Free up to the first explicit answer, everything beyond behind PROIn the provider’s own words
Yes, chatting with Replika will always be free. You can message your AI companion anytime, customize an avatar, and enjoy meaningful conversations 24/7 — all at no cost.
Source · checked 10/25/2026
Yes, chatting with Replika will always be free. You can message your AI companion anytime, customize an avatar, and enjoy meaningful conversations 24/7 — all at no cost.
Our free test, 11/08/2026: Our free account could read every answer up to a first kiss description. From the next step on, every answer and both photo requests were replaced by "Mia left you a special message" behind a PRO subscription from 19.99 USD a month. There is no counter and nothing to use up: it is a function lock. Any relationship beyond friend, character creation, stories and games carried the same lock. Not in the free plan: Voice calls and unlimited voice messages, Romantic partner status, Explicit answers and photos, Stories, games and own characters.
Try freePaid plans
- Pro (12 months) · yearlyUSD 69.99 charged upfrontUSD 5.83 / month
- Pro (1 month) · monthlyUSD 19.99 / month
Prices checked 11/09/2026
Replika Help · Choosing a Subscription, Replika Help · Is Replika free?, Replika · Terms of Service · checked 11/09/2026 / 11/08/2026
Prices as the web app showed them to our account; there is also a 3-month plan at 44.99 USD. The yearly 69.99 USD appeared as a 30 % special offer. In the iOS or Android app, store prices apply.
Free is generous with time and strict with content.
Nothing ran out during our test and nothing was deducted: the free plan is not metered, it is scoped. What you cannot do, you cannot do at any volume.
PRO is USD 19.99 a month, USD 44.99 for three months, or USD 5.83 a month billed yearly, and a yearly offer at USD 69.99 with 30 % off appeared during the run. Beyond the explicit replies it unlocks the advanced conversation model, the other relationship statuses, character creation, the fiction and game activities, and a long list of smaller items that carry padlocks.
Replika verdict: is it worth it?
For whom it is worth it.
Worth trying free if you want a companion to talk to. Nothing limited the ordinary conversation in our test, the character holds her role, and the app is calmer than most of its competitors.
- Customizable, persistent AI girlfriend experience with advanced memory
- Uncensored NSFW chat and roleplay options not found in most apps
- Voice and video chat for a more lifelike connection
- Mobile app keeps your Replika available anywhere
- Multi-language support opens the fun to non-English speakers
Not worth it free if you want anything explicit. You get one sentence, and then every reply is replaced by a sales card — including the pictures. On this plan the content is not restricted, it is withheld.
- Premium plan required for the real steamy stuff (NSFW, voice, video)
- Occasional AI hiccups—sometimes responses get weird or repetitive
- Avatar visuals are still a bit cartoonish compared to some competitors
- Lacks erotic visuals
PromptchanWhere Anime Fantasy Gets Naughty and VisualText chat free; 5 Gems once (2 images), no recurring top-up · USD 14.99 / month4.2
Kupid AIThe Most Realistic AI Girlfriend Experience Yet15 messages, with waits of up to about 3 minutes between them4.1
Secrets AIAlso tested20 messages / day · USD 19.99 / month4.1Read next
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Lena Hartwell tested and wrote this. AI Companion App Reviewer · Lena Hartwell writes reviews about AI companion apps and chatbots for Cyberliebe. She works to make sure you get clear information on how realistic conversations feel, how good the memory works, exactly what things cost, and how your privacy is handled – all so you can pick the right AI companion without all the marketing talk or sneaky payment walls.“Lena Hartwell” is a pen name. Everything published under it is editorially approved by the Cyberliebe team before it goes live.
How we review & affiliate disclosure
How we review
- Hands-on testing of every tool
- Pricing & paywall breakdown
- Comparison vs. top alternatives
- Pros/cons based on real usage
- Regular updates when features change
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Please note: Payment does not change our reviews, scores or test results, and it does not buy “Our pick”. Paid listings are marked as paid; the one paid position in our lists is “Featured”, labelled as such wherever it appears. A paid hands-on test is published whatever it finds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you enable NSFW mode in the Pro plan, Replika will engage in adult conversations and even roleplay steamy scenarios. The AI doesn’t judge or censor—unless you want it to!
Absolutely. The advanced memory system means your Replika remembers previous chats, personal preferences, and even your secret fantasies, making conversations feel more real.
Yes, both voice and video chat are available, but only with a Pro subscription. You can send voice notes or have live video calls with your AI companion.
Completely! You can tweak your Replika’s avatar, choose relationship status (friend, lover, mentor), and adjust personality traits to create your ideal AI partner.
Our free account could read every answer up to a first kiss description. From the next step on, every answer and both photo requests were replaced by "Mia left you a special message" behind a PRO subscription from 19.99 USD a month. There is no counter and nothing to use up: it is a function lock. Any relationship beyond friend, character creation, stories and games carried the same lock. Paid plans start at USD 19.99 a month (prices checked 11/09/2026).