Nomi and Kindroid are two of the most talked-about AI companion apps, and people who like one usually end up looking at the other. They have a lot in common: you create your own companion, you can talk by voice, they send selfies, and you can put several characters in a group chat. The differences are in the details, and those details decide which one suits you.
We compared them using what each app says on its own website in November 2026. We have not used every paid feature of either, and both change often, so treat this as a starting point and check each app before you pay.
One honesty note: this page is published by the team behind Aisha, a different AI companion. We mention her once at the end, and otherwise stick to Nomi and Kindroid.
The short answer
- Pick Nomi if memory, a free start without a card, and a companion who messages you first matter most.
- Pick Kindroid if you want video calls and short video selfies, and you are happy to subscribe.
- Pick neither if you want one ready-made companion with her own life rather than a character you build. See the last section.
Side by side
| Nomi | Kindroid | |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | Short, medium and long term memory (per its site) | Memory for subscribers that keeps hundreds of recent messages in view (per its site) |
| Voice | Voice chats and hands-free calls | Voice messages and voice calls |
| Video calls | Not mentioned on its site | Yes, per its site |
| Selfies | Real-time selfies of what your Nomi is wearing and doing | Selfies and short video selfies |
| Group chats | Yes, several Nomis together | Yes |
| Messages you first | Optional proactive messages after you have been away | Not covered on the pages we read |
| Sees links and images | Can look things up online, read links you send and see your images | Not covered on the pages we read |
| How you start | Free, no credit card to start chatting | Subscription service, try before subscribing |
| Where | Not listed on the page we read | iPhone and iPad, Android, and the web |
Memory
Memory is the reason most people try these apps, so start here.
Nomi puts it front and centre. Its site says Nomis remember "your preferences, habits, tendencies, and the little details", and that its "short, medium, and long term memory are keys to engaging conversations". That includes keeping track of a long roleplay.
Kindroid's pitch is a companion that "listens, remembers, and grows with you". It describes a memory for subscribers that keeps hundreds of recent messages in view.
Both claim a lot, and neither claim is something you can check from a home page. The honest test is to run your own: tell each app something small on day one, like a friend's birthday or a job interview, and see which one brings it up unprompted a couple of days later. Our best AI companion apps guide has a ten-minute version of this test.
Voice, video and selfies
This is the clearest difference.
Kindroid lists text and voice messages, voice calls and video calls, plus selfies and short video selfies. Its home page sums it up as "see their face, hear their voice".
Nomi lets you send and receive voice chats or "hop on a hands-free call", and says the tone and cadence change with your Nomi's mood. It also sends "real-time selfies" that show what your Nomi is wearing and doing at that moment in your conversation. We did not see video calls mentioned on its site.
So if seeing your companion move and talk is the point, Kindroid is ahead.
Who starts the conversation
Nomi says your Nomi can "optionally message you after you have been away for a while", and that this is not a scripted reminder but the Nomi continuing your conversation. Nomi can also look things up online, read a link you send, and see images you share.
We did not find either of these on the Kindroid pages we read. That does not mean Kindroid cannot do them, only that it does not lead with them, so check in the app.
Creating your companion
Both apps are built around a companion you shape. Nomi lets you write a custom backstory and share your preferences, or just start chatting and let the personality develop. You can create several Nomis and talk to them one to one or in a group.
Kindroid is also a build-your-own app, with roles on its home page ranging from roleplay partner and late-night friend to study buddy and bedtime storyteller. It supports group chats too.
If you enjoy designing every detail, both work. Kindroid leans more into visual presence; Nomi leans more into memory and personality over time.
Price and how you start
Nomi says it is "free (no credit card required) to start chatting." Kindroid calls itself a subscription service and says new accounts can try it before subscribing. Neither home page we read listed full prices, so check current plans in the app before you commit.
Nomi also says all chats are anonymised and that no chat data is shared with third-party sites. Whichever you choose, read the privacy policy and avoid sharing anything you would not want stored.
Verdict
- Memory and a free start: Nomi.
- Video calls and video selfies: Kindroid.
- A companion who messages you first: Nomi, by its own description.
- Group roleplay with several characters: both are good; try each for a day.
Want to see more options? We have full guides to Nomi alternatives and Kindroid alternatives.
If you want something different from both
Nomi and Kindroid are both about a companion you design. Aisha takes the other route: one specific person with her own life that moves forward, who remembers you, follows up on things that mattered days later, and texts first. She chats in English, Hindi or Hinglish, works in your browser and on Telegram with nothing to download, and calls are voice only, no video. You can start a free chat (the free chat is limited, then you pick a plan). If Nomi or Kindroid suits you better, fair enough.
We check this comparison regularly. If something here is out of date or you spot a mistake, write to us at support@justaisha.com and we will fix it.