Friends
Friends: A shared, customizable AI companion app for friends, couples and families. Ranked #30 of 35 in AI Companion Apps by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for shared pet-like companion experiences.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forShared pet-like companion experiences
- Free planYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Raise and personalize companions alone or with another person
- Persistent memory, widgets, mini-games and shared milestones
- Specialized companions support study, focus, self-care and habits
Where it doesn't
- The experience is limited to iOS and Android mobile apps
- Core companion depth does not include verified voice features
- Proactive messaging and image or video features are unverified
Our verdict on Friends
Friends is a freemium mobile AI companion app from SLAY GmbH, built around virtual companions named Pengu, Mellow and Bao. It is designed for people who want to raise an AI companion alone or with someone else, including couples, friends, siblings and families. Users can chat with companions, share progress, reactions, gifts and milestones, and check in through home-screen widgets. The free plan provides core features without a subscription, while Pengu Pass Individual Monthly adds an optional individual monthly subscription tier.
The app’s strongest area is shared companion raising. Friends can interact with companions together, personalize them with outfits, accessories, wallpapers and themed rooms, and use mini-games and rewards to create an ongoing routine. Companions adapt to interactions and remember past moments, giving the experience a sense of continuity. Mellow is positioned around studying and focus, while Bao supports self-care and habits, extending the app beyond a single virtual pet concept. This combination suits users who value personalization and social participation more than a standalone chat experience.
Friends is a focused mobile experience rather than a broad cross-platform assistant. It is available on iOS and Android, with widgets supporting quick check-ins, but desktop access is not part of the listed platform offering. The app also has a narrower companion feature set where voice, proactive messaging and image or video interactions are not established. Choose Friends if shared progression, memory, customization and lightweight support for study, focus or habits are priorities. Consider another AI companion app if richer media interaction or a more expansive assistant ecosystem matters more than social companion activities.
Your product? Our editors can test Friends in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Friends pricing
All 2 Friends plans and prices →
Friends fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Voice conversations | Not verified |
| Persistent memory | Yes |
| Proactive messages | Not verified |
| Mobile access | Both |
| Customization level | Extensive |
| Image or video chat | Not verified |
| Conversation limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | GDPR |
| Support | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | web.penguapp.co |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Friends
- Nomi AIA broad AI companion for users who value memory, customization, and voice.9.3
- KindroidA highly customizable companion with deep memory, multimodal chats, and proactive interaction.9.2
- ReplikaA mature all-round companion app with memory, voice, visuals, and relationship customization.9.1
See all Friends alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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