I get asked “which one should I actually download” more than any other question, so here is my current answer. This is a shortlist, not a directory. Everything below I have used myself, and I re-test the top few every couple of months because these apps change fast. If you are brand new to all this, read what an AI companion even is first, then come back.
The short version
If you want one recommendation and nothing else: start free, work out which type you want, then pay for a specialist. The categories reward completely different things, so the “best” app depends entirely on what you are after.
How I ranked these
Same checklist every time. Conversation quality over a long session, not a demo. Memory, tested on purpose by dropping a detail and checking days later. Real pricing once features are in use. And how the app handles your data. Scores are out of 10 and reflect the whole experience.
Comparison at a glance
| # | App | Best for | Free tier | My score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Candy AI | Visual romantic chat | Trial only | 9.7 |
| 2 | Selira AI | Free all-rounder | Usable free | 9.6 |
| 3 | Secrets AI | Character roleplay | Taster only | 9.6 |
| 4 | OurDream | Visual content and video | Credits | 9.5 |
| 5 | Darlink AI | Build-your-own girlfriend | Limited | 9.4 |
| 6 | Nomi AI | Long-term memory | Usable | 9.3 |
| 7 | Nectar AI | Roleplay with images | Limited | 9.2 |
| 8 | CrushOn AI | Unrestricted roleplay | Daily messages | 9.1 |
| 9 | Soulkyn | Uncensored plus images | Limited | 9.0 |
| - | Dream Companion | Deep customization | Limited | 9.0 |
| - | AI Peeps | Customizable companions | Usable | 8.9 |
| - | JOI AI | Chat plus voice | Yes | 8.9 |
| - | GirlfriendGPT | Variety, looser guardrails | Limited | 8.9 |
1. Best for visual, romantic chat: Candy AI
Candy AI leans into the visual side of romantic companionship and does it better than most. Chat quality is solid rather than spectacular, but the overall package is polished and the romance flows naturally. Pricing is the main gripe, since the free tier is really a demo. I put it fully through its paces in my Candy AI review, including where the money actually goes.
2. Best free all-rounder: Selira AI
Selira AI is the one I point people to when they want something genuinely capable without paying on day one. The free tier is usable rather than a locked demo, the companion stays in character across a long session instead of drifting, and the memory holds detail well enough that conversations build over time instead of resetting each visit. It is privacy-friendly too, and keeps uncensored options on the table if you want them.
The one caveat is that it does not lunge straight at adult content, the buildup is gradual, which most people prefer but a few will find slow. For a free start that still does nearly everything well, it is easily a 9.6/10 for me.
3. Best character roleplay: Secrets AI
Secrets AI is a character-based roleplay app with an optional adult mode. The chat holds character well and the creation tools give you real control, which is why it earns a top spot. Full write-up in my Secrets AI review.
4. Best for visual content and video: OurDream
OurDream is the visual-first option here, and the one that actually does video generation, not just images. If moving visuals are the reason you are looking, it is worth a try. I go deeper in my OurDream review.
5. Best build-your-own girlfriend: Darlink AI
Darlink AI leans into building a customizable AI girlfriend with image generation in the mix. Customization and visuals are the draw, with conversation as the weaker link. More detail in my Darlink AI review.
6. Best long-term memory: Nomi AI
Nomi AI is the memory pick, and it is the closest thing I have found to a companion that genuinely remembers you across weeks. If continuity matters more to you than visuals, it belongs high on your list. Full detail in my Nomi AI review.
Also worth a look
A few more apps earned real testing time and belong in the conversation, even if they sit just below the top picks.
Nectar AI bundles roleplay chat and image generation in one place, which is convenient if you want both under one login. Detail in my Nectar AI review.
CrushOn AI is unrestricted roleplay with a big, active community and a huge character library, and the chat holds a scene without constant filter interruptions. Full detail in my CrushOn AI review.
Soulkyn pairs an uncensored companion with genuinely good image generation in one app, so you get freedom and visuals under one login. More in my Soulkyn review.
Dream Companion is for people who want deep character customization and, importantly, a companion that holds the character you built instead of drifting. More in my Dream Companion review.
AI Peeps pairs customizable companions with a genuinely usable free tier, so you can test it properly before paying. Full write-up in my AI Peeps review.
JOI AI is the one to look at if you want voice alongside chat. The text is average, but the voice adds something real. More in my JOI AI review.
GirlfriendGPT leans on a very large character library with looser guardrails than mainstream apps like Character.AI, and the chat stays coherent enough to enjoy. Full write-up in my GirlfriendGPT review.
Who should pick what
- You are new and unsure: start with a free roleplay app like Character.AI, then specialize.
- You want emotional depth: Replika, and pay for it.
- You want it to remember you: Nomi AI.
- You want visuals and romance: Candy AI.
- You are on a budget: see the best free AI girlfriend apps.
- You want a capable free start: Selira AI.
One habit that saves money and regret
Whatever you pick, spend two minutes locking down your privacy before you get deep into conversations. Separate email, no real personal details, and a quick read of what the app stores. It is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy, and almost nobody does it.