I’m looking for alternatives to the Monkey app after it stopped working for me. It crashes constantly and I’m experiencing issues connecting. Any recommendations?
Top 10 Alternative Apps to Monkey
Based on your needs, here are some popular alternatives to the Monkey app ranked for their usability, unique features, and user reviews.
1. Omegle
Homepage: www.omegle.com
Pros:
- Completely free to use.
- No need for account creation.
- Simple, chat-focused interface.
- Provides options for interest-based pairing.
Cons:
- No strict age verification, making it less suitable for minors.
- Higher likelihood of encountering inappropriate content.
Features:
Omegle allows users to connect with strangers via text or video chat. You can add “interests” to match with people of similar hobbies or preferences.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Great way to meet people from all over the world. Super simple to use.’
- Negative: ‘Needs better moderation to prevent inappropriate behavior.’
Verdict:
Omegle is a long-standing classic and works well as a Monkey alternative. However, be cautious due to its lack of effective moderation.
2. Ablo
Homepage: www.ablo.com
Pros:
- Language translation feature makes chatting easy across different countries.
- Modern and intuitive interface.
- Includes video chat and text messaging options.
Cons:
- Users report occasional lag during video chats.
- Limited matching options compared to Monkey.
Features:
Ablo connects you with people worldwide, emphasizing cross-cultural communication by translating messages in real time.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘I loved how easy it was to talk to people internationally without language barriers.’
- Negative: ‘Sometimes the translation isn’t perfect, and connectivity can lag.’
Verdict:
Ablo provides a unique spin on social connection with its focus on breaking language barriers. This app is especially great for making international friends.
3. Chatroulette
Homepage: www.chatroulette.com
Pros:
- One of the original random video chat platforms.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Free to use (with premium features optional).
Cons:
- Moderation issues at times, resulting in improper behavior from users.
- Only video chat is available—no text-only chats.
Features:
The app randomly connects users via video for one-on-one conversations. Its “Next” option allows you to switch chats quickly.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Really fun to use and highly engaging if you’re into one-on-one video chats.’
- Negative: ‘Too many trolls and inappropriate chat behavior from some users.’
Verdict:
Chatroulette is an excellent choice for users who enjoy face-to-face video chats with strangers. However, the need for better moderation affects its reliability.
4. Yubo
Homepage: www.yubo.live
Pros:
- Focuses on forming real friendships rather than quick chats.
- Smooth integration with live-streaming groups.
- Allows age-based group segmentation.
Cons:
- Limited free features (some premium perks require payment).
- Slight learning curve for new users.
Features:
Yubo offers video chats with individuals and groups, as well as interest-based matching. The live-streaming function creates a more engaging and social experience.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Met some amazing friends, and I love the group interactions.’
- Negative: ‘The paid version unlocks most of the cool features, and I wish more came free.’
Verdict:
Yubo is a strong choice if you’re seeking deeper connections and group chats, though its premium payment model may be off-putting to some.
5. Chatous
Homepage: www.chatous.com
Pros:
- Great for text-based chats where you can match through hashtags.
- Anonymity is preserved well.
- Clear focus on conversations rather than video interactions.
Cons:
- No video chat functionality, which might be a dealbreaker for Monkey app fans.
- Fewer active users compared to bigger platforms.
Features:
Matches users via tags or interests and enables secure, anonymous chatting. Note: There’s an option to share media like images, but only if both parties are comfortable.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Perfect for meaningful conversations without the pressure of video.’
- Negative: ‘It feels a bit inactive at times, so finding chats can be slow.’
Verdict:
Chatous is an ideal pick if you’re looking for a calmer, text-oriented chatting alternative.
6. HOLLA
Homepage: www.holla.world
Pros:
- Fun swipe UI to select potential chat partners.
- Combines video chat via random matchmaking with gamified features.
- Actively growing user base.
Cons:
- Limited customization of filters unless upgrading to premium.
- Reports of connectivity glitches during high traffic.
Features:
HOLLA brings a Tinder-like swiping system for selecting anonymous video chats and has some built-in filters to narrow down preferences.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Innovative and fun to use. I love the swipe-to-meet paradigm!’
- Negative: ‘Some glitch issues during matchmaking, but overall a good time.’
Verdict:
HOLLA strikes a balance between randomness and selectivity, offering a unique matchmaking experience.
7. Bottled
Homepage: bottledapp.com
Pros:
- Unique letter-in-a-bottle concept for randomly connecting to strangers.
- Encourages thoughtful communication.
- Creative and novel in its design.
Cons:
- Slower-paced communication (designed for letters, not live interactions).
- Fewer users than mainstream apps.
Features:
Bottled enables users to send virtual letters across the globe, where other users “find” and reply to them like messages in a bottle.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘I enjoy how creative the idea is — adds nostalgia to online chatting!’
- Negative: ‘Very niche and doesn’t suit everyone’s taste.’
Verdict:
This app’s slower, more deliberate interactions make it great for meaningful conversations.
8. Wakie
Homepage: www.wakie.com
Pros:
- Combines traditional chatting with a “social voice call” focus.
- Matches people based on questions and topics.
- Engages users through troubleshooting ideas or debates.
Cons:
- Smaller user base than mainstream apps.
- The voice call focus may not suit everyone.
Features:
Wakie connects users via both text and voice calls. It emphasizes topic-driven interaction for tailored conversations.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Love its focus on meaningful talks rather than random matches.’
- Negative: ‘Not great if you’re looking for quick, casual texting or video chat.’
Verdict:
If value-driven conversations matter to you, Wakie is a fantastic pick, albeit more niche.
9. HiChat
Homepage: www.hichatapp.com
Pros:
- Simplistic design with minimal ads.
- Anonymous chatting with strangers.
- Offers both text and video chat.
Cons:
- Smaller audience reach.
- Lacks polished design features.
Features:
HiChat is a straightforward app where users can connect via random texting or video interactions.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Super minimal and easy to navigate.’
- Negative: ‘Feels like it’s still catching up to bigger apps in design and features.’
Verdict:
HiChat is a basic alternative for those who want random chats without complications.
10. HITWE
Homepage: www.hitwe.com
Pros:
- Works well for both casual connections and dating.
- Comprehensive matchmaking filters.
- Sleek and modern interface.
Cons:
- More of a dating emphasis than social-chat focus.
- Ads can interfere with user experience.
Features:
This app blends social networking with matchmaking, combining chat with user-tailored filtering options.
User Reviews:
- Positive: ‘Felt more personal and intentional compared to random chats.’
- Negative: ‘A lot of ads unless you’re a paying user.’
Verdict:
HITWE is best if you’re exploring conversations with steady relationship-building potential in mind.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re replacing Monkey, consider Ablo or HOLLA for features similar to Monkey’s video interactions combined with flexibility. However, if deeper, niche communication matters to you, options like Bottled or Wakie offer unique engagement. Remember, the right choice depends on whether you prioritize video, anonymity, text, or community interaction.