Which AI companion is the best in 2026?

It depends on what you need. SAM leads on memory, emotional intelligence, and safeguarding. Replika leads on polish for casual companionship. Character.AI leads on persona variety. Kindroid leads on customisation.

Is SAM better than Replika?

For users who want long-term memory and emotional intelligence, yes. For users who want gamified daily streaks and casual chat, Replika may fit better.

Can I use ChatGPT as an AI companion?

ChatGPT is a brilliant assistant but it's not built for companionship. See our /ai-companion-vs-chatgpt cornerstone for the difference.

Best AI Companion 2026