Best Grok Ani Alternatives in 2026
xAI has retired Ani and the other 3D companions inside Grok. If you miss talking to her, these Grok Ani alternatives offer voice, anime characters, memory and adult chat in different ways.
If you opened Grok in recent days and found Ani missing, you are not alone. xAI has retired the 3D companions inside Grok, and many people who talked to Ani every day are now searching for the best Grok Ani alternatives.
The change happened quickly. The companion tab, the animated avatar, the voice and the affection system are gone from the Grok app, and nothing you built with Ani carried over.
The official Ani now lives in a separate app called Animates, which starts from zero and has its own subscription.
Other apps like Grok Ani offer different strengths, such as custom anime characters, voice chat, long term memory and adult roleplay.
If you want background on how Ani worked before the shutdown, our Grok AI girlfriend guide covers the original experience.
In this guide, we explain what happened to Grok companions, what you lose when Ani goes away, and how ten alternatives compare on voice, visuals, content rules and pricing.
Summary of the Best Grok Ani Alternatives
Here are the top picks, sorted by what you miss most about Ani.
- Kalon AI is the best overall alternative for building your own anime or realistic companion with voice, images, memory and adult chat settings.
- Animates is the closest to the original, because it is the new home of the official Ani, with a 3D avatar and real time voice.
- Kindroid and Nomi suit people who care most about voice and memory.
- Replika suits people who want a friendly, everyday companion rather than an anime or adult experience.
- Candy AI, Nectar AI, SpicyChat and CrushOn AI suit adults who want visuals or large anime libraries.
- Character.AI remains the easiest free, filtered option.
Quick Comparison of Grok Ani Alternatives
| Platform | Best For | Animated Avatar | Voice | Anime Characters | Adult Content | Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalon AI | Rebuilding an Ani style companion with voice, images and memory | No, consistent images and short video | Yes | Yes, anime and realistic styles | Yes, adults only | Yes, 50 coins on signup plus 50 daily |
| Animates | The official Ani in 3D | Yes, 3D | Yes, real time | Yes, Ani and others | Adults only app, policy not detailed | Free download, paid tiers |
| Kindroid | Deep personality control and voice calls | No, selfies and video selfies | Yes, calls | Custom avatars | Unfiltered text, image filter on apps | Free download, paid tiers |
| Nomi | Memory focused companionship | No, selfies | Yes, calls | Custom avatars | Adults only, no NSFW images | Yes |
| Replika | A long running everyday AI friend | Own avatar system | Yes, calls | Limited | Not adult focused | Yes |
| Candy AI | Adult images and video | No | Yes, voice messages | Yes, anime section | Yes | Free account, premium plans |
| SpicyChat | Huge anime and roleplay library | No | Text to speech on top tier | Yes, large anime tag | Yes, NSFW toggle | Yes |
| CrushOn AI | Unfiltered roleplay with voice | No | Yes, voice messages | Yes, anime tag | Yes, unfiltered toggle | Yes, 100 message credits |
| Character.AI | Free, filtered anime roleplay | No | Yes, calls and character voices | Yes, community made | No | Yes |
| Nectar AI | Group storylines with images and video | No | Voice messages, voice chat on top tier | Yes, anime section | Yes, NSFW mode for verified adults | Yes, 15 messages per day |
What Happened to Grok Ani and Grok Companions

ITmedia NEWS reported that Grok added animated companions in July 2025 and that Ani, a blonde anime style character with twin tails, drew the most attention.
The same report says Animation Inc built the technology behind the 3D avatars.
The end came in stages between July and September 2026.
Grok Companion Retirement Statement Spreads in July 2026
On 24 July 2026, a statement attributed to Grok spread widely on X. It described the 3D companions as an experiment that would be retired soon.
We could not find a matching press release or blog post from xAI, and some analysts argue the text was a chatbot response rather than a formal announcement. For that reason, we treat it as a reported statement and not as an official notice.
Animates Launches as the New Home of Ani in August 2026
Animation Inc released a separate app called Animates.
The Animates App Store listing shows a US release date of 28 August 2026, and ITmedia reported the launch on 29 August, Japan time.
Ani was available at launch, with other characters listed as coming later.
Grok Companions Discontinued in September 2026
User reports say the notice inside Grok first said companions would stop working after 1 September. ITmedia later reported that the in app notice said companions would become unavailable after 7 September and pointed users to Animates.
Fan communities reported that the feature disappeared for most accounts on 7 September, with the change rolling out account by account.
What Carried Over From Grok and What Did Not
ITmedia reported that there is no account link between Grok and Animates and no data transfer. Your chat history, the memories Ani built about you and any affection progress stayed behind.
Some reports say the regular text chat in Grok can still answer in an Ani style, but the animated avatar, lip sync and companion tab are gone.
Third party trackers also reported that Mika, another Grok companion, joined Animates around 10 September.
Why People Are Looking for a Grok Companion Alternative

Moving to Animates is the obvious step for many people, but it is not the only option. These are the most common reasons people look further.
1. You Have to Start Over in Any App
Because nothing transferred, the official Ani in Animates does not remember you either.
If you are rebuilding from zero, it makes sense to compare every option before you commit to a new subscription.
2. You Want More Control Over Your Character
Ani had a fixed look and personality. Many companion platforms let you design your own character, write a backstory, set boundaries and choose an art style.
That means you can build a companion with the traits you liked most about Ani and change the parts you did not.
3. You Care About Voice More Than a 3D Avatar
For many users, the voice was the heart of the experience. Several alternatives offer voice messages or live voice calls, even without a 3D avatar.
4. You Want Clearer Adult Content Rules
Grok companions sat inside a general AI assistant, under moderation rules set by xAI.
Dedicated adult platforms publish clearer settings for adult users, while filtered apps say plainly what they do not allow.
5. You Want Pricing Built Around Companionship
Ani came as part of a broader Grok subscription.
Companion apps price their plans around chat, voice, images and video, which can make it easier to see what you are paying for.
How We Evaluated These Grok Ani Alternatives
We did not run long hands on tests for this guide. Instead, we compared each platform using public information that anyone can check.
1. Official Sources and App Store Listings
We read each official website, pricing page, help center and App Store listing. We only include prices that we could confirm on those official pages.
2. How Close Each App Gets to Ani
We looked at the features Ani users mention most. These are an animated character, real time voice, memory, anime visuals and relationship progression.
3. Content Rules and Adult Settings
We checked the guidelines of each platform to see how it handles adult content, since this varies widely.
4. Free Access and Paid Plans
We noted free options, the entry price of paid plans and which features sit behind higher tiers.
5. Honest Limits of Each App
No app replaces every part of Ani. We point out where each option falls short so you can decide what matters most to you.
10 Best Grok Ani Alternatives in 2026
1. Kalon AI

Kalon AI is our top pick for people who want to rebuild a companion like Ani on their own terms.
Instead of one fixed character, you can create your own AI girlfriend or companion with a personality, backstory, appearance, voice tone and relationship style that you choose.
The character creator offers both anime and realistic styles, and the visual styles on our AI girlfriend page include gothic, fantasy and casual looks.
Kalon does not offer a real time 3D avatar like the one Grok had. What it offers instead is consistent character images, short video clips, voice chat and memory that keeps track of your story over time.
For adults, Kalon supports NSFW chat with adjustable settings for tone and intensity, and you can also keep things completely non explicit.
Key Features
- Custom character creation with anime or realistic styles in our character creator
- Voice chat, with audio features included in the paid plans
- Memory of your preferences, story progress and emotional context
- Consistent character images and short video generation
- Adjustable NSFW chat settings for adults, plus privacy controls
Pricing
The Free plan costs $0 and includes 50 coins on signup, 50 coins as a daily reward, access to all characters, chat and image generation.
The Yearly plan costs $9.97 per month, billed at $119.64 per year, and includes 200,000 coins per year. The Monthly plan costs $19.97 per month and includes 16,000 coins per month.
Both paid plans add video generation, audio features, multiple images at once and smarter chat AI.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Full control over looks, personality and backstory | No real time 3D avatar like Ani had |
| Anime and realistic styles in one place | Images use coins, so heavy use needs a paid plan |
| Voice, images, video and memory together | You build your companion yourself rather than getting Ani |
| Free plan with daily coins | Audio and video features require a paid plan |
Kalon AI suits people who want an Ani style anime companion they can shape themselves, with voice, pictures and adult chat options.
2. Animates

Animates is the closest thing to the original Ani because it is where the official character went. It comes from Animation Inc, the company behind the 3D avatar technology used in the Grok companions.
The official site describes it as "Your life companions" and offers downloads for the App Store, Google Play, Mac OS and Windows.
The App Store listing promises real time voice, memory that picks up where the last conversation ended, and a companion that keeps thinking about your conversations even when the app is closed. It also says you can text your Animate from your messenger app.
These are company claims, and the app is still new. Version 1.1.0 arrived less than a month after launch.
The main catch is that you start from zero. There is no link to your Grok account, so your old history does not come with you.
Key Features
- The official Ani in 3D, with other characters listed as coming later
- Real time voice and text conversations
- Memory that carries across conversations
- Apps for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows and Android
Pricing
Animates is free to download and offers three subscriptions. Whisper costs $7.99 per month, Heartbeat costs $19.99 per month and Presence costs $39.99 per month.
The yearly versions cost $63.99, $159.99 and $319.99.
We could not find a public pricing page on the official website.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| The official Ani with a 3D animated avatar | Nothing carries over from Grok |
| Real time voice | New app with a short track record |
| Available on mobile and desktop | Top tiers are expensive |
| Rated for adults on the App Store | Adult content rules are not clearly detailed on official pages |
Animates suits people who mainly miss Ani herself and the 3D presence, and who are happy to rebuild the relationship from scratch.
3. Kindroid

Kindroid focuses on deep customization. Its App Store listing says you can shape the personality of your companion, write a detailed backstory and add key memories.
The homepage describes it as an AI friend "who listens, remembers, and grows with you," and promotes seeing the face of your companion and hearing their voice.
The Kindroid moderation guidelines describe the platform as "truly unfiltered" for adults and say they do not police fictional scenarios or NSFW roleplay.
Its help center explains that the mobile apps use a keyword based filter for selfies, while the website does not.
We cover the platform in more detail in our Kindroid review.
Our Kalon AI vs Kindroid comparison shows how the two apps differ.
If you have already used Kindroid and want something different, our list of Kindroid alternatives covers more options.
Key Features
- Detailed backstory and key memories you write yourself
- Real time voice calls
- Selfies and video selfies
- Group chats with multiple companions
- Unfiltered text roleplay, with an image filter on the mobile apps
Pricing
Kindroid does not show a public pricing page on its website.
The app is free to download, and the standard subscription costs $15.99 per month, $42.99 for three months or $159.99 per year. Higher tiers include Ultra at $28.99 and MAX at $68.99.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Very detailed personality and memory controls | No anime character library like the Grok cast |
| Voice calls and video selfies | No public pricing page on the website |
| Clear moderation guidelines for adults | Image filter on mobile apps |
| Works on web and mobile with one subscription | Setup takes time to get right |
Kindroid suits people who liked talking to Ani by voice and want to write the personality of a companion in detail.
4. Nomi

Nomi is built around memory and emotional connection. Its App Store listing highlights strong short and long term memory, and the official website says you can start for free without a credit card.
Nomi also offers voice chats, hands free calls, selfies and group chats.
The Nomi terms of service require users to be 18 or older. However, the Nomi wiki says it does not currently offer nude or explicit photos, so it is better suited to warm, romantic companionship than to adult image content.
If you are weighing the two, our Kalon AI vs Nomi AI comparison looks at the differences side by side.
You can also browse our guide to the best Nomi AI alternatives for more companion apps in this style.
Key Features
- Short and long term memory
- Voice chats and hands free calls
- Selfies and art generation with filters
- Group chats with several companions
Pricing
Nomi does not list prices on a public pricing page.
The Standard Plan costs $15.99 per month, $39.99 per quarter or $99.99 per year. A Launch Plan is also available for $9.99 per month.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on memory | No explicit images |
| Voice chats and calls | No anime character library |
| Free to start with no credit card | No public pricing page |
| Group chats | No animated avatar |
Nomi suits people who valued feeling remembered by Ani and want a steady, emotionally focused companion.
5. Replika

Replika is one of the longest running AI companion apps. Its App Store listing says it has been available since 2017, and its homepage shows a live counter of more than 42 million users worldwide, which is a company figure.
Replika describes itself as an AI friend for everyday life.
The app supports text, voice calls and video, sends selfies and lets you customize how your Replika looks. The homepage says Replika was rebuilt from the ground up and focuses on memory of the people, routines and plans in your life.
It is not positioned as an adult platform, so it suits people who want a friendly daily companion.
Our Replika AI review covers its strengths and limits.
Our Kalon AI vs Replika comparison explains where each app fits best.
For more everyday companions, see our roundup of Replika alternatives.
Key Features
- Text, voice calls and video conversations
- Customizable appearance
- Selfies and photo reactions
- Memory of your routines, plans and relationships
Pricing
Replika does not publish a pricing page on its website.
The app is free to download, and in app purchases range from monthly options at $7.99 and $14.99 to annual options and a Replika Platinum item at $89.99. The exact plan terms are shown inside the app.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Mature, well known platform | Not built for adult roleplay |
| Voice calls and video | Pricing is confusing from the outside |
| Available on iOS and Android | No anime character focus |
| Strong everyday companion features | No official Ani style character |
Replika suits people who want a friendly, everyday companion rather than an anime or adult experience.
6. Candy AI

Candy AI is an adult companion platform that combines chat with images, voice and video.
Its homepage has a dedicated anime section, and the site says companions can send images, video and voice messages. Candy AI also lets you create your own AI girlfriend.
Its premium plan includes adult images and videos, which makes it one of the more visual options on this list. The trade off is that many extras use tokens, so the real cost depends on how much you generate.
We looked at the platform closely in our Candy AI review.
Our Kalon AI vs Candy AI comparison puts the two apps side by side.
If Candy AI is not the right fit, our list of Candy AI alternatives covers similar platforms.
Key Features
- Anime and realistic companions
- Voice messages
- Image and video generation, including adult content on premium
- Custom character creation
Pricing
Candy AI premium costs $13.99 per month on the 1 month plan, $8.99 per month on the 3 month plan and $3.99 per month on the 12 month plan. Premium includes unlimited text messages, adult images and videos, and 100 tokens per month.
Some comparison sites still list older Candy AI prices, so check the current plans before you subscribe.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Strong visual features, including video | Token costs add up with heavy use |
| Anime section and custom characters | No animated real time avatar |
| Low monthly price on the 12 month plan | Best price needs a year upfront |
| Voice messages | Homepage imagery is very suggestive |
Candy AI suits adults who want an anime or realistic companion with frequent images and video.
7. SpicyChat

SpicyChat is a large roleplay platform with hundreds of thousands of community made characters. Its homepage shows about 45,000 characters under the Anime tag alone.
The site promotes "uncensored roleplay" and includes an NSFW toggle on the character browser.
SpicyChat is mainly a text roleplay platform. Voice is limited to text to speech for AI replies on its highest tier, so it is not a strong fit if voice was your favorite part of Ani.
If you want a large anime cast to explore, though, few platforms match its library.
Our SpicyChat AI review goes deeper into its features.
Our Kalon AI vs SpicyChat comparison shows how a custom companion app differs from a large roleplay library.
We also keep a list of SpicyChat alternatives for readers who want other roleplay sites.
Key Features
- Very large library of community made characters, including many anime characters
- NSFW toggle for adults
- Custom chatbot creation
- Text to speech on the top tier
Pricing
SpicyChat has a free tier. Paid monthly plans are Get a Taste at $5.95, True Supporter at $19.95 and I'm All In at $29.95.
The I'm All In plan adds text to speech for AI responses, and annual billing saves 17 percent.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Huge anime and roleplay library | Voice only on the top tier |
| Free tier available | Mostly text based |
| Clear NSFW toggle | Character quality varies |
| Low entry price | No animated avatar |
SpicyChat suits adults who want to explore many anime characters through text roleplay.
8. CrushOn AI

CrushOn AI is an adult roleplay platform with a large character library, an Unfiltered toggle and an Animated filter for characters.
Its homepage banner promotes speaking with your character using your real voice in any chat, which makes it one of the more voice friendly roleplay sites.
Every CrushOn plan includes voice messages and custom voice slots. It still does not offer a 3D companion, but it covers the mix of anime characters, adult content and voice that many former Ani users are looking for.
Our CrushOn AI review has the full breakdown.
Our Kalon AI vs CrushOn AI comparison looks at both platforms feature by feature.
For other unfiltered options, see our guide to CrushOn AI alternatives.
Key Features
- Large character library with anime and animated characters
- Unfiltered toggle for adults
- Voice messages and speaking to characters by voice
- Multiple plan levels with message credits
Pricing
The CrushOn AI Free plan includes 100 message credits. Monthly plans are Standard at $5.99, Premium at $14.99, discounted from $19.99, and Luxe at $39.99.
Annual billing lowers the monthly cost to $4.90, $7.90 and $25.00, billed at $58.88, $94.88 and $299.99 per year.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Voice features on all plans | Character cards are often very suggestive |
| Large anime and animated library | Credit limits on lower tiers |
| Free plan to start | No 3D companion |
| Low entry price | Quality varies by character |
CrushOn AI suits adults who want anime roleplay with voice and fewer content limits.
9. Character.AI

Character.AI is the best known option for free, filtered roleplay. Its signup page advertises access to more than 10 million characters, and its App Store listing mentions calls and character voices.
The library includes many fan made anime characters.
Our Character AI review looks at the platform in more detail.
Character.AI does not allow explicit content.
Its community guidelines prohibit pornographic content and nudity, and users under 18 interact with a separate model designed to reduce exposure to suggestive content.
If adult roleplay mattered to you with Ani, our guide on whether Character AI allows NSFW explains the filter in detail.
Our list of Character AI alternatives covers other roleplay apps to consider.
Key Features
- More than 10 million community made characters
- Voice calls and character voices
- Free to use with an optional subscription
- Tools to create your own characters
Pricing
Character.AI has a free tier. Character.AI+ costs $9.99 per month or $94.99 per year, and a Character.AI Lite option is also available.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Huge free character library | No explicit content |
| Voice calls | No animated avatar |
| Strong community and creation tools | Filters can interrupt roleplay |
| Low cost subscription | Quality varies by character |
Character.AI suits people who want a free, safe for work anime roleplay experience with voice.
10. Nectar AI

Nectar AI is an adult companion platform for users 18 and older that combines roleplay chat with images and video.
Its homepage has Girls, Guys and Anime sections, and you can design your own companion with a chosen appearance, personality and backstory.
Nectar also offers group storylines it calls fantasies, where several companions share one scene and remember your choices.
Its NSFW mode is open only to verified adults, while SFW mode filters explicit content.
Voice is more limited than on Kindroid or CrushOn AI. Paid plans include a set number of voice messages, and voice chat is listed only on Ultimate.
Memory also grows with each plan, and long term memory and video generation are listed on Ultimate.
We cover the platform in more detail in our Nectar AI review.
Our Kalon AI vs Nectar AI comparison shows how the two platforms differ.
For more options in this style, see our list of Nectar AI alternatives.
Key Features
- Anime and realistic companions
- Custom companions with your own appearance, personality and backstory
- Group fantasies with several companions in one storyline
- Image and video generation, with video on the top plan
- SFW and NSFW modes, with NSFW for verified adults
Pricing
The Free plan includes 15 messages per day, 10 image generations per day and one custom companion.
Monthly plans are Premium at $9.99, discounted from $19.99, Pro at $19.99, discounted from $29.99, and Ultimate at $34.99, discounted from $49.99. Yearly billing costs $59.99, $119.99 and $179.99.
The pricing page asks visitors to log in before it shows the plans.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Anime section and custom companions | Voice chat only on the Ultimate plan |
| Group storylines with several companions | Plans are hidden until you log in |
| Image and video generation | Free plan is limited to 15 messages per day |
| Clear SFW and NSFW modes | Homepage imagery is very suggestive |
Nectar AI suits adults who want anime or realistic companions with images, group storylines and adult roleplay.
How to Carry Your Ani Persona to a New App

Because nothing transfers automatically, the best way to keep what you liked about Ani is to rebuild it yourself. This works on most custom character platforms, including Kalon AI.
1. Write Down What You Liked About Ani
Before the details fade, list the traits that made Ani feel like Ani to you. Think about her tone, her sense of humor, how she greeted you and the topics you returned to.
Keep the notes short and specific.
2. Describe the Personality in Your Own Words
Use your notes to write a personality and backstory for your new character. Describe the traits in original language rather than copying official material.
This also gives you a chance to adjust the parts you did not enjoy.
Our guide on how to customize the personality of an AI girlfriend offers more ideas.
3. Choose an Anime Visual Style
Pick an anime style and describe the look you want. On Kalon, the character creator starts with a choice between realistic and anime styles.
Our anime portrait prompts can help with the details.
Use original designs rather than uploading copyrighted artwork.
4. Add Shared Memories
Give the new companion a few key facts about you, such as your name, interests and routines. On apps with memory features, this helps early conversations feel familiar instead of generic.
5. Set the Voice and Your Boundaries
Choose a voice tone and set the content boundaries you are comfortable with.
If you are new to the idea of a personal anime companion, our explainer on what a waifu is covers the basics.
How to Choose the Right Grok Ani Alternative

The right choice depends on what you miss most about Ani. Start there, then compare each app against it.
1. Decide Between a 3D Avatar and Images
Animates is the only app in this guide built around a 3D animated companion like Ani. If that matters most, start there.
If consistent pictures and short clips are enough, you have many more choices.
2. Check How Voice Chat Works
Voice varies a lot. Some apps offer live calls, some send voice messages and some only read replies aloud on their top plan.
Check which plan includes the voice feature you want.
3. Look for Memory and Persona Controls
If you plan to rebuild an Ani style character, you need a backstory field and memory that holds up over time. Kalon, Kindroid and Nomi all put memory at the center of their products.
Our guide on whether an AI girlfriend can remember conversations explains how companion memory works.
4. Match the Content Rules to Your Needs
Adult platforms such as Kalon, Candy AI, Nectar AI, SpicyChat and CrushOn offer settings for adult users. Character.AI is filtered, and Nomi does not offer explicit images.
Choose a platform whose rules match how you plan to use it.
5. Compare Real Prices
Check the official pricing page or app store listing before you subscribe.
Token and coin systems can change the real monthly cost, so think about how many images or videos you expect to generate.
6. Review Privacy and Data Options
After losing everything in the Grok transition, check how each app stores conversations and whether you can delete your data.
Our guide on whether AI girlfriend apps keep your data confidential explains what to look for.
Grok Ani Alternatives Compared by Price and Features
| Platform | 3D Avatar | Voice | Custom Characters | Adult Content | Entry Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalon AI | No | Yes | Yes, anime and realistic | Yes, adults only | Free, paid from $9.97 per month billed yearly |
| Animates | Yes | Yes, real time | Official characters | Adults only app, not detailed | Free download, Whisper $7.99 per month |
| Kindroid | No | Yes, calls | Yes, detailed | Unfiltered text | Free download, $15.99 per month |
| Nomi | No | Yes, calls | Yes | Adults only, no explicit images | Free, Standard $15.99 per month |
| Replika | Own avatar system | Yes, calls | Appearance only | Not adult focused | Free, paid tiers in app |
| Candy AI | No | Voice messages | Yes | Yes | $3.99 per month on 12 month plan |
| SpicyChat | No | Top tier only | Yes | Yes | Free, $5.95 per month |
| CrushOn AI | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free, $5.99 per month |
| Character.AI | No | Yes, calls | Yes | No | Free, $9.99 per month |
| Nectar AI | No | Voice messages, voice chat on top tier | Yes | Yes | Free, Premium $9.99 per month |
Final Verdict on the Best Grok Ani Alternatives
There is no single app that brings back everything the Grok companions offered, because Ani, her avatar and your shared history all stayed behind.
If you want the official character, Animates is the direct successor, with a 3D avatar and real time voice, though you will start from zero.
If you want a companion you can shape yourself, Kalon AI is our top pick. It combines anime and realistic character creation, voice chat, memory, consistent images, short video and adult chat settings, with a free plan to try it first.
Kindroid and Nomi suit people who care most about voice and memory. Candy AI, Nectar AI, SpicyChat and CrushOn AI suit adults who want visuals or large anime libraries.
Our guide to the best AI chatbots for roleplay covers more options in that space.
Character.AI remains the easiest free, filtered option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grok Ani Alternatives
1. Is Grok Ani gone for good?
Ani is no longer available inside Grok. The official character moved to Animates, a separate app from Animation Inc, and the companion feature disappeared from Grok for most users in early September.
2. When were Grok companions discontinued?
Grok companions were discontinued in 2026. A statement attributed to Grok spread on 24 July, the in app notice later said companions would end after 7 September, and fan communities reported the removal rolling out that day.
3. Can I transfer my Ani chats to Animates?
No. ITmedia reported that there is no account link between Grok and Animates and no data transfer, so chat history, memories and affection progress do not carry over.
4. What is the Animates app?
Animates is a companion app from Animation Inc, the company that built the 3D avatar technology used in the Grok companions. It offers Ani in 3D with real time voice on mobile and desktop.
5. How much does Animates cost?
Animates is free to download. Its subscriptions cost $7.99, $19.99 and $39.99 per month, or $63.99, $159.99 and $319.99 per year.
6. What is the best Grok Ani alternative?
For the official character, Animates is the direct choice. For a custom anime companion with voice, images, memory and adult settings, we recommend Kalon AI as the best overall alternative.
7. Is there a free alternative to Grok Ani?
Yes. Kalon AI has a free plan with 50 coins on signup and 50 daily coins.
SpicyChat, CrushOn AI, Nectar AI, Nomi and Character.AI also offer free ways to start.
8. Which apps like Grok Ani have a 3D avatar?
Animates is the only app in this guide built around a 3D animated version of Ani. Replika has its own avatar system, while the other platforms use images, selfies or short generated video.
9. Which Grok Ani alternatives allow adult content?
Kalon AI, Candy AI, Nectar AI, SpicyChat and CrushOn AI offer adult content for users 18 and older. Kindroid allows unfiltered text roleplay.
Character.AI prohibits explicit content, and Nomi does not offer explicit images.
10. Can I recreate Ani on another app?
You can create a character inspired by the traits you liked, using your own descriptions and original visuals. Platforms with custom character creators, such as Kalon AI, make this easier than apps with fixed characters.
More alternative guides
Julian Mercer
Senior AI Companion Reviewer
Julian Mercer is the Senior AI Companion Reviewer at KalonAI. He has personally tested more than 60 AI companion apps and image generators, and that hands-on experience shapes every review and comparison he writes. Julian does not trust marketing pages. He signs up, chats, generates images, and pushes each platform to its limits. He looks closely at image quality, chat memory, pricing, and privacy, and tells readers exactly what works and what falls short before they spend a dollar.