Nomi and Replika are both built for ongoing companionship rather than one-off roleplay, and both are rated 18+. The difference is scope. Replika centers on a single companion you shape over time, with voice calls, selfies and an avatar. Nomi lets you create several companions, put them in group chats, and leans hard on memory. Pick Replika for one polished relationship, and Nomi if you want more control and more than one companion.
We compared both apps using their official websites, App Store listings and public records as of September 2026. Prices are US App Store prices and vary by region.
Nomi vs Replika at a glance #
| Nomi | Replika | |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | AI GLIMPSE INC (Nomi.ai) | Luka, Inc. |
| Number of companions | Several, each with its own personality | One |
| Group chats | Yes, several Nomis together | Not advertised |
| Memory claim | “Short, medium, and long term memory” | “Always remembers what matters” |
| Voice | Voice messages and hands-free calls | Voice calls |
| Pictures | Selfies of what they’re doing; can view images you share | Selfies |
| Messages you first | Optional, after you’ve been away | Not advertised |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | iOS, Android, legacy web app |
| Paid plans (US App Store) | $9.99/month to $99.99/year, plus credits | Options from $7.99 to $89.99, plus gems |
| App Store age rating | 18+ | 18+ |
One companion or a cast? #
Replika is the classic model: one companion, one relationship. You pick a name and look, and over time it learns about your life. Friendship is free, and other relationship types, like partner or mentor, need a subscription.
Nomi treats companions as something you can have several of. Each gets its own personality, and you can put them in a group chat where they talk to you and to each other. That suits people who like a bit of an ensemble, or who want different companions for different moods.
Which has better memory? #
Both make memory their headline promise. Replika’s website says it remembers “your people. Your routines. Your plans.” Nomi advertises short, medium and long-term memory, which suggests layers similar to the ones we describe in how AI companion memory works: recent messages, summaries, and saved facts.
Neither company publishes enough detail to compare their memory systems objectively, and memory quality also depends on how you use them. The tactics in how to make an AI chatbot remember you apply to both.
Voice, pictures and extras #
Both offer voice calls and selfies. Replika adds avatar customization. Nomi’s voice is described as shifting “tone, emphasis, and cadence” with the emotional context, and it can view images you share. Nomi can also message you after you’ve been away, if you opt in, which some people like and others find too much.
Price #
Both are free to start, and both put most of the experience behind a subscription.
- Nomi lists a Launch Plan at $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year, and a Standard Plan at $15.99 a month, $39.99 a quarter or $99.99 a year. Credit packs run from $4.99 to $99.99.
- Replika lists subscription options from $7.99 up to $89.99 depending on tier and term, plus gem packs from $0.99 to $19.99.
Plan names and prices change, so check your app store before you subscribe.
Privacy and data #
Both apps are cloud-based, so your chats are processed and stored on their servers.
Nomi’s website says “all chats are anonymized and no chat data is shared with 3rd party sites.” Its App Store privacy label still lists user content, identifiers and usage data as linked to you for analytics, personalization and app functionality, plus contact info for marketing.
Replika’s App Store label lists identifiers and usage data as “Data Used to Track You”, and third-party advertising among the purposes for data linked to you. Italy’s data protection authority fined its developer €5 million in April 2025 over the legal basis for its processing, an inadequate privacy policy and a lack of age verification.
Who should choose which? #
Choose Replika if you want one companion with a polished, long-established app, voice calls and a customizable avatar.
Choose Nomi if you want several companions, group chats, strong memory and the option to be messaged first.
Consider an on-device app if privacy is the deciding factor. Xin runs its AI model on your phone, needs no account, and stores chats and memories only on the device. It shows every fact a companion remembers and lets you edit or delete it. It’s text only, with no voice or group chats, and its free model is smaller than cloud models, so it’s a trade rather than a straight upgrade.
For a wider field, see our Replika alternatives and the full best AI companion apps comparison.
Frequently asked questions #
Is Nomi better than Replika? #
Neither is better for everyone. Nomi offers more companions, group chats and a heavy focus on memory. Replika offers one companion in a mature, polished app. If you want an ensemble, go with Nomi; for one relationship, Replika.
Is Nomi free? #
You can start free without a credit card, but the main experience is in the paid plans, which start at $9.99 a month on the US App Store. Replika’s free tier is broader, covering a friendship with your companion.
Does Nomi or Replika remember more? #
Both promise long-term memory, and neither publishes enough detail for a fair technical comparison. In practice, memory quality depends on the app’s retrieval and on how clearly you share key facts. Pinning or restating important details helps in both.
Are Nomi and Replika private? #
Both store and process chats on their servers. Nomi says chats are anonymized and not shared with third-party sites, while Replika’s label lists identifiers and usage data used for tracking. If you want chats that never leave your phone, you’ll need an on-device app.