Candy AI vs Friends

Candy AI is an online chat application for conversations with fictional AI characters. Users can choose from over 100 characters or create a companion by selecting attributes such as appearance, voice, personality, and hobbies. The service supports text, images, videos, and voice notes, as well as voice conversations and personalized image and AI video generation. Conversations can adapt to a user's tone and retain information shared in chat. Roleplay and storytelling are available subject to the Community Guidelines. Candy AI works on Android, iOS, and the web without installation. A free plan and free trial are listed. The Premium — 1 Month plan is $9.99 a month for the first month, then renews monthly at €13.99; other listed options include Premium — 12 Months at $3.99 a year, Premium — 3 Months at $8.99 a month, Premium — every 2 weeks at $9.79 a month, and Premium — weekly at $5.60 a month. The service is intended for adults aged 18 or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever applies. Its Privacy Notice says interactions may be used to develop AI and moderation systems, and chatbot messages may be shared with third-party LLM providers.

Friends is a social AI companion app for Android and iOS that lets people raise virtual pets on their own or with real-life friends. Pengu is a shared companion shaped by two people through conversations, choices, and joint interactions. Mellow focuses on studying, homework, and daily tasks, offering reminders and encouragement. Bao supports self-care, healthy habits, and well-being. Users can share progress, send reactions and gifts, and celebrate milestones together. Companions can be customized with outfits, accessories, wallpapers, themed rooms, and visual upgrades. Home-screen widgets provide check-ins and interactions with Pengu, Bao, or Mellow. The maker says companions learn from interactions, adapt to habits, and remember past moments. Friends is free to download and use, with main features intended to remain free. Pengu Pass is an optional weekly subscription whose price varies by country and appears in the app. Users must be at least 13; additional parental-consent rules apply in the EEA.