Friends review
A shared, customizable AI companion app for friends, couples and families.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Friends pros and cons
- 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
Friends fact sheet, pricing and score →
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