How to choose an AI companion app
Short answer: choose an AI companion that remembers what you share, talks in the format you enjoy (text, voice or video), speaks your language, shows its full price up front with easy cancellation, lets you see and delete your data, and is honest that it is an AI. If an app fails one of these six points, keep looking.
The checklist: 7 questions to ask before you subscribe
- Does it remember you? A companion feels personal when it recalls your name, the people in your life and what you talked about last week. Ask whether memory is long-term or resets after each chat.
- Text, voice or video? Text is unlimited on many apps. Voice replies and personal videos feel closer, but are usually capped per month. Check the exact numbers included in the plan.
- Does it speak your language? Many apps are English-first. If you think and feel in another language, test a conversation in it before paying.
- Is the price clear? Look for a monthly price, a yearly option, what each plan includes and a cancel-anytime policy. Be careful with credit systems that hide the real cost.
- Can you control your data? You should be able to read the privacy policy, see what is stored and request deletion.
- Is it honest about being an AI? A good companion is clearly labelled as an AI character and never pretends to be a real human.
- Is it made for adults and for support, not therapy? A companion can listen and cheer you up. It should say clearly that it is not a replacement for professional help.
What to compare, at a glance
| Criterion | What to look for | Red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | Long-term memory you can review | Forgets everything after each chat |
| Formats | Clear monthly allowance for voice and video | “Unlimited” claims without details |
| Languages | Your language works in a real conversation | Only translated buttons, English replies |
| Price | Monthly and yearly price shown, cancel anytime | Price only visible after sign-up |
| Privacy | Readable policy, data deletion on request | No way to delete your data |
| Honesty | Clearly an AI character, adults only | Claims to be a real person |
How Lina Noa answers these questions
We build Lina Noa, so read this part as our own description, not a neutral review. Lina is a fully AI-generated companion for adults. She chats with long-term memory, replies with voice messages in her own voice and records personal videos that say your name. She speaks twelve languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Indonesia, Korean and Japanese. More on choosing an AI companion in your language.
The membership costs $19.99 per month or $72 per year and includes 100 chat messages, 1 personal video message and 3 voice messages every month, plus memory and daily check-ins. You can cancel at any time. Lina is operated by Culturetek Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, and you can read our privacy policy and terms before you sign up.
Frequently asked questions
What should a good AI companion app remember?
Long-term memory of things you chose to share, such as your name, people in your life and recurring topics, and a way to view or delete that data.
Is an AI companion with voice and video better than text-only chat?
It depends on how you like to talk. Voice and video feel more personal, but they are usually limited per month, so check how many voice or video messages a plan includes.
How much does an AI companion app cost?
Prices vary by app and plan. Compare the monthly price with what is included (messages, voice, video) and whether you can cancel at any time. As one example, Lina Noa costs $19.99 per month or $72 per year.
Should an AI companion say that it is an AI?
Yes. A trustworthy companion is clearly presented as an AI character and never pretends to be a real person.