7 Best RandoChat Alternatives in 2026: Free Anonymous Text and Video Chat Sites Compared

RandoChat has been on the App Store since 2019 and still does one thing simply: tap once and you are paired with a random person for an anonymous text chat, with voice notes and images. As our full RandoChat review explains, though, it is text only, has no web version, shows frequent ads and draws regular complaints about spam, bots and fake profiles. If you want video, chat rooms, browser access or better moderation, these are the best RandoChat alternatives in 2026.

RandoChat alternatives compared

RandoChat at a glance

Why look for a RandoChat alternative?

Most people leave RandoChat because of bots, ads or the lack of video. App store reviews regularly mention spam accounts and fake profiles, ads interrupt chats often, and there is no way to move a good conversation to video or chat from a computer. The sites below each fix at least one of those problems while staying free.

How to get started on a RandoChat alternative

1. Decide what you want: one-on-one text, video, chat rooms or interest matching.
2. Open the site in your browser, or install its official app from Google Play or the App Store.
3. Pick a nickname that doesn’t reveal your real name.
4. Add interests or filters if the site offers them.
5. Start chatting, and use Skip, Block or Report whenever you need to.

The best RandoChat alternatives in 2026

1. Emerald Chat: best overall

Emerald Chat keeps RandoChat’s anonymous one-on-one format but lets you choose text or video, match on interest tags and report or block users, with apps for both iOS and Android. You can start as a guest. Our Emerald Chat review explains how its matching and moderation work.

2. Joingy: best no-account option

Joingy is the simplest swap: no account, no download and you can switch between text and video at any time. It is completely free, though bots still appear in text mode. Read our Joingy breakdown for what to expect.

3. Chatib: best for chat rooms

Chatib adds what RandoChat lacks entirely: public chat rooms alongside private one-on-one chats, a “people nearby” filter and photo sharing, all in the browser. Guest mode needs only a nickname, gender and location. Notre avis sur Chatib covers how the rooms work.

4. Chatiw: best for choosing who you chat with

Chatiw replaces random pairing with an online user list you can filter by gender, age and country, then open several private chats at once. Chatting is free, with an optional auto-renewing VIP plan that removes ads and limits. See how Chatiw compares dans notre analyse.

5. Y99: best for rooms with extras

Y99 mixes topic chat rooms and private chat with video and voice calls between friends, plus watch-together and a shared whiteboard. It is free, with guest access and an Android app. Our Y99 review walks through its extras.

6. Chatous: best for interest matching

Chatous pairs you with strangers who share hashtags such as #music or #gaming, under a changeable display name, with photo, video and expiring audio messages. Development has slowed, so expect a quieter app. Our Chatous review contient les détails.

7. Chat to Strangers : la meilleure option simple et gratuite

If you are ready to move from text to camera, our chat webcam gratuit vous met en relation en tête-à-tête avec une personne au hasard en quelques secondes, sans inscription, sans frais et avec une interface en 19 langues (18+).

Caractéristiques clés à comparer

Pros and cons of switching from RandoChat

Staying safe on anonymous chat

Anonymous chat feels low-risk, but the person on the other side is still a stranger, so a few habits go a long way. Our guide to talking to strangers online goes deeper on spotting scams and fake profiles.

• Protéger les informations personnelles. Never share your full name, address, phone number, school or workplace.
• Keep social media private. Don’t swap Instagram, Snapchat or WhatsApp with someone you just met.
• Watch out for bots. Instant replies, links and requests to move to another app are red flags.
• Think before sending photos. Anything you share can be saved and passed on.
• Bloquer et signaler Toute personne qui vous met mal à l'aise.
• Réservé aux personnes de plus de 18 ans. Ici, toutes les plateformes sont réservées aux adultes.

Who should switch from RandoChat?

Switch if bots and ads wear you down, you want the option of video or you would rather chat from a computer. Emerald Chat suits anyone who wants a moderated mix of text and video, Joingy suits no-account chatters, Chatib and Y99 suit room lovers and Chatiw suits people who want to choose who they talk to. For more text-first options, browse our roundup of sites de chat textuel aléatoire.

Foire aux questions

What is the best RandoChat alternative?

Emerald Chat is the best RandoChat alternative for most people because it keeps anonymous one-on-one text chat but adds video, interest matching, stronger moderation and apps for both iOS and Android. Joingy is best if you want free text or video chat with no account, and Chatib is best if you prefer chat rooms.

Why look for an alternative to RandoChat?

RandoChat is free and quick to start, but it is text only with no video, it shows frequent ads and app store reviews regularly mention spam, bots, fake profiles and weak moderation. Alternatives offer video, chat rooms, filters, browser access and better moderation.

Are RandoChat alternatives free?

Yes. Emerald Chat, Joingy, Chatib, Chatiw, Y99 and Chatous are all free to use. Chatiw sells an optional VIP membership and Chatous has optional in-app purchases, but anonymous chatting on every site here costs nothing.

Is there a RandoChat alternative with video chat?

Yes. Emerald Chat and Joingy both let you switch between text and video with random strangers, and Y99 offers video and voice calls with friends you meet in its rooms. RandoChat itself has no video chat.

Is there a RandoChat alternative that works in a browser?

Yes. Unlike RandoChat, which is app only, Chatib, Chatiw, Joingy, Y99 and Emerald Chat all work in a desktop or mobile browser without a download.

Are RandoChat alternatives safe?

The better alternatives combine moderation with report and block tools, but no anonymous chat site can control what a stranger does. Never share personal details, photos you would not want spread or links to your social media, and leave any chat that feels wrong. All of these platforms are for adults 18 and over.

En résumé

RandoChat is still a quick, free way to text a random stranger from your phone, but its bots, ads and lack of video hold it back. For most people Emerald Chat is the best RandoChat alternative, with Joingy the pick for no-account text or video, Chatib for chat rooms and Chatiw for choosing who you talk to.