Suggestions for apps like Monkey?

Alternative Apps
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I used to use the Monkey app to meet new people, but it isn’t available anymore. Are there any similar apps out there that provide a similar experience? I really enjoyed how easy it was to connect with others on Monkey.

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1. Omegle

  • Homepage Link: omegle.com
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: No registration required, incredibly easy to use, broad user base.
    • Cons: Lack of moderation leads to inappropriate content; often unpredictable.
  • Features:
    • Text and video chat functionality.
    • Randomized user match for surprisingly real-time connections.
    • You can filter by interests to ensure more relevant conversations.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: People love that it’s simple and requires no profile creation.
    • Negative: Users complain about the overwhelming prevalence of trolls and explicit content.
  • Verdict: Omegle is like the OG of random video calls. Ideal for quick conversations, but you need thick skin for the occasional trolling or inappropriate behavior.

2. Yubo

  • Homepage Link: yubo.live
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Specifically aimed at young users to meet friends, dynamic live streams integrated.
    • Cons: Age demographic skewed younger (so if you’re older, this might not be for you).
  • Features:
    • Interactive games during chats.
    • Livestreams with up to ten people to meet new individuals in fun, engaging group settings.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Younger users enjoy the social networking apps’ energy and safety structure that inspires trust.
    • Negative: Some users feel it’s more like a social media experiment rather than deep conversations.
  • Verdict: Yubo is an excellent Monkey alternative if you’re looking for something tailor-made for Gen Z with added activities to keep interactions fresh.

3. Azar

  • Homepage Link: azarlive.com
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Intuitive swiping mechanism, global audience, language translation feature.
    • Cons: Free version is limited, with most features hidden behind a paywall.
  • Features:
    • Customizable filters based on language or geographical preference.
    • Immediate video calling upon matching.
    • Auto-translate feature during conversations for smooth communication.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Diverse global connections stand out for many users.
    • Negative: The app is costly to unlock all features, which frustrates some.
  • Verdict: Azar offers a premium chat experience suited for international conversations if you’re okay with shelling out some cash.

4. HOLLA

  • Homepage Link: holla.world
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Real-time translation, engaging swipe setup to meet strangers.
    • Cons: Free usage heavily limited, spam bots sometimes disrupt the experience.
  • Features:
    • Swipe to video chat with random strangers.
    • Language translation built-in makes it feel inclusive.
    • Strict moderation system for safer interactions (though not foolproof).
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Users emphasize that it’s easy, fun, and immersive.
    • Negative: Prevalence of bots and limited access for free users can be annoying.
  • Verdict: HOLLA is essentially Monkey with better features (translation!) but beware of having to pay for the complete experience.

5. Tandem

  • Homepage Link: tandem.net
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Educational interactions, best for language learners, no overwhelming random swiping.
    • Cons: Not specifically video-focused; more conversational/chat-oriented.
  • Features:
    • Match up based on language-learning goals.
    • Focused on real, meaningful conversations rather than superficial matches.
    • Text, audio, and video chat support.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Language learners absolutely adore this app for practicing with native speakers.
    • Negative: Some users who want casual chat find the educational slant limiting.
  • Verdict: Tandem is a calmer and more structured app that’s great if you want good conversations and aren’t just looking to meet random people.

6. Cameo Live

  • Homepage Link: cameo.com
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Lets you connect with celebrities.
    • Cons: It isn’t free to interact with popular figures, so it won’t be your go-to Monkey-style solution for random strangers.
  • Features:
    • Video calls with your favorite online personalities or celebrities.
    • Provides an avenue to interact creatively with public figures.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Unique and different from regular apps. Users feel it’s worth the premium to interact with celebs personally.
    • Negative: Average people don’t use this as their hangout space to meet others.
  • Verdict: A bit niche, but for celebrity interactions, Cameo Live rules. Not ideal for Monkey-like randomness though.

7. Chatspin

  • Homepage Link: chatspin.com
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Great anonymity options and creative filters.
    • Cons: Standard free user limitations; some users feel it isn’t as diverse as they’d like.
  • Features:
    • Face filters and AR masks for added fun.
    • Video chat privacy settings (great if you’re camera-shy).
    • Tons of geographic and gender filters.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Creative and fun with the unexpected masks and filters.
    • Negative: Surprisingly lacks geographic diversity for an app of its size.
  • Verdict: Chatspin is a quirky, customizable visual platform. If experimenting with filters appeals to you, this could suit your Monkey replacement needs.

8. Tinychat

  • Homepage Link: tinychat.com
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Engaging group chat rooms open new opportunities for group interaction.
    • Cons: UI feels quite dated compared to most modern apps.
  • Features:
    • Numerous interest-based chat rooms.
    • Host your own video discussions with multiple participants.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Great if chatting with groups specific to interests is your goal.
    • Negative: The tired interface frustrates several new users unfamiliar with its layout.
  • Verdict: Tinychat focuses on building community rather than one-on-one chats – great for group fun, not so much for individual connections.

9. Badoo

  • Homepage Link: badoo.com
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Massive database of users worldwide, unique video call options.
    • Cons: Distinct lean towards dating over platonic connections.
  • Features:
    • Combines social media with chatting capabilities.
    • Optional video calls after chatting with mutual match approval.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Easy to find compatible people, integration of dating and video chat is seamless.
    • Negative: Not for strictly platonic networking – primarily dominated by dating vibes.
  • Verdict: If casual video connections and potential dating are up your alley, Badoo delivers.

10. Wakie

  • Homepage Link: wakie.com
  • Pros & Cons:
    • Pros: Catered to friendly, positive conversations; heavily moderated for bad behaviors.
    • Cons: Most of the interaction happens over audio vs. video.
  • Features:
    • Niche: Connects you based on lighthearted talk topics (like waking up in the morning).
    • Tighter moderation ensures less trolling or explicit content.
  • User Reviews:
    • Positive: Users enjoy the emphasis on positivity and friendly demeanor.
    • Negative: Lack of a strong video call option makes it feel like a less direct Monkey replacement.
  • Verdict: If you’re okay with initially dabbling in audio chat before visual options, Wakie is your best ‘wholesome’ choice.

Final Word:

Each app brings its unique vibe. Your best picks for a real Monkey-like experience? HOLLA, Azar, and Yubo offer the seamless, random connections Monkey was all about. If you lean towards interest-based communities, Tinychat or Tandem are better-suited alternatives.