Choosing between Replika, Chai, Character AI, Crush AI and other AI companion apps is tough. We tested all major chatbot AI and companion app options to help you pick the best one in 2026. Our top pick: SFM AI.
1. SFM AI – Secret Friend Match (Our Top Pick)
SFM AI is our number-one AI companion app and girlfriend AI for 2026. It combines friend AI, companion AI, romance and roleplay in a single private app.
- Best overall: girlfriend AI + companion + friend AI + roleplay
- Voice calls in 10 languages
- High privacy, encrypted chats
- Free to start, generous free tier
- Customisable AI partner personality and avatar
Score: 9.5/10 — See full comparison →
2. Character AI
The most popular AI companion chatbot with 368,000 monthly searches. Great for creative roleplay and a huge library of characters — but limited romance and girlfriend AI mode.
- Massive character library
- Good for roleplay and fan AI
- Content moderation restricts intimacy
Score: 8.5/10 — SFM AI vs Character AI →
3. Linky AI
AI companion chat app with a growing user base. Good for casual AI conversations and virtual friends — text-focused; no voice calls; limited girlfriend AI mode.
Score: 7/10 — SFM AI vs Linky AI →
4. Replika
The original AI companion and soulmate AI. Strong on emotional connection and wellness, but romance features are locked behind a paid subscription.
Score: 7.5/10 — SFM AI vs Replika →
5. Crush AI
Growing romance and girlfriend AI app (+50% YoY). Good for crush AI interactions, voice limited; companion depth more limited than SFM AI.
Score: 7/10 — SFM AI vs Crush AI →
6. Chai
Simple chatbot AI companion. Easy to use, community bots, but no girlfriend AI or romance mode. Fine for casual friend AI chat.
Score: 7/10 — SFM AI vs Chai →
7. Polybuzz
Social AI roleplay platform with a large character catalog. Fun for creative scenarios — not designed for intimate girlfriend AI or companion experience.
Score: 7/10 — SFM AI vs Polybuzz →
Overall Comparison
| App | GF AI | Companion | Roleplay | Privacy | Free | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ SFM AI | Yes | Yes | Yes | High | Yes | 9.5 |
| Character AI | Partial | Yes | Yes | Med | Yes | 8.5 |
| Linky AI | Partial | Yes | No | Med | Ltd | 7.0 |
| Replika | Paid | Yes | Partial | High | Ltd | 7.5 |
| Crush AI | Yes | Partial | No | Med | Ltd | 7.0 |
| Chai | No | Yes | No | Med | Yes | 7.0 |