The success of Chatroulette is undeniable. From having only 20 users during its launch in 2009, Chatroulette now has 1.5 million users around the world. Thanks to founder Andrey Ternovskiy, who built the site using an old computer in his room, it’s become possible to meet new friends from the other side of the world.
How it works is simple. Chatroulette matches you with a random stranger, and if you have good headphones, you can easily talk with them through the audio or video function. Otherwise, you may chat using text only. You can easily skip or end a chat and move on to the next random connection.
Chatroulette became the prototype for many chat websites and apps to come. Now, there are many Chatroulette alternatives that reduce the gap between strangers and make it easier to make new friends. Here are some of our favorites.
Best Chatroulette Alternatives
- Shagle
- Bazoocam
- CooMeet
- Camfrog
- Fruzo
- CamSurf
- Holla
- TinyChat
- ChatHub
- Chatous
- MeowChat
- Chatrandom
- Omegle
- Chatspin
- RandoChat
1. Shagle
Its three million monthly users are a testament to the success of Shagle. With just a click of a button, you can start a video chat with strangers so long as your webcam and microphone are active. You may also refine your search with the gender and location filters.
2. Bazoocam
Bazoocam is one of the earliest Chatroulette alternatives, kicking off in 2010. Using a geolocation algorithm typical of video chat sites, Bazoocam pairs strangers based on their location. If you don’t know how to start the conversation, you can invite them to play games in the system like Tetris, 4 in a Row, and Tic Tac Toe.
3. CooMeet
Screenshot from Google Play
CooMeet responds to the disproportion of male and female users on online chat sites like Chatroulette by creating a system with verified profiles. A total package of social networking, online video dating, and messaging, CooMeet is said to match over 60 pairs in an hour.
Download Coomeet on Google Play Store
4. Camfrog
Camfrog is older but took off later than Chatroulette. This video chat and instant messaging service allows people to meet strangers from other time zones through chat rooms. It also has a parental control feature that can filter out adult-themed chat rooms, making it safe for younger users.
Download Camfrog on Google Play Store
5. Fruzo
Fruzo is a video dating site that works a lot like a social networking platform. You can add people to your friends’ list, follow people’s profiles, and search for new connections based on location, age, gender, and interests.
6. CamSurf
Launched in 2015, CamSurf is popular for its straightforward design that allows you to find people based on gender, location, and language. These filter options ensure that you and your new friend can easily understand each other.
Download Camsurf on Google Play Store
7. Holla
While its name takes inspiration from the Spanish “hello,” Holla has its roots in China. This Chatroulette alternative is similar to Tinder, which allows you to keep swiping until you find your perfect match. Choose the best profile photo to help others connect with you more easily.
Download Holla on Google Play Store
Also read: Tinder vs Bumble: Which Is Better for Men?
8. TinyChat
Tinychat was launched in the same year as Chatroulette. A distinct feature of Tinychat is its video chat rooms that can hold up to 12 videos and audio feeds. You can create your own chat room dedicated to discussing specific interests with other people.
Download TinyChat on App Store
Download TinyChat on Google Play Store
9. ChatHub
A free video chat site like Chatroulette, ChatHub utilizes machine learning technology that matches you with people with your preferred facial features and whose faces are live on camera. Aside from the usual gender, language, and interest filters, ChatHub also has a feature that ensures you won’t be matched with the same person twice.
10. Chatous
Inspired by Twitter, Chatous uses the power of hashtags to match you with strangers who have the same interests. That way, your matches will not be entirely random, and you can establish meaningful connections.
Download on Chatous on Google Play Store
11. MeowChat
With features similar to Tinder, WhatsApp, and WeChat, MeowChat lets you not only chat with strangers but also meet them in the flesh by matching with people based on proximity. If that’s not your thing, you can still form long-distance relationships with people from other time zones.
Download MeowChat on Google Play Store
12. Chatrandom
Chatrandom was born out of a fusion of a dating app and a social media service. Emulating Tinder, the app lets you swipe left to skip a profile or swipe right to connect with them. Its Instagram-like feature, meanwhile, offers fun filter options to make your profile photo more attractive.
Download Chatrandom on App Store
Download Chatrandom on Google Play Store
13. Omegle
Launched in the same year as Chatroulette, Omegle shares almost the same level of success. From being browser-based with only a one-on-one chat feature, Omegle has now expanded with an app and a video conferencing feature.
14. Chatspin
Launched in 2015 and one of the fastest-growing random chat apps, Chatspin offers an upgrade from the usual features of Chatroulette. Aside from chat rooms, HD video streaming, and gender and location filters, you can also use the A/I Face Mask feature to remain anonymous in video chats.
Download Chatspin on App Store
Download Chatspin on Google Play Store
15. RandoChat
RandoChat works like a regular messaging app in that you can edit and delete messages even after hitting send. What’s great about RandoChat is it’s said to keep chatting securely by not storing IP addresses and data on its servers. It also doesn’t require registration, so you can keep your personal information safe.
Download RandoChat on App Store
Download RandoChat on Google Play Store
Takeaway
Regardless of what’s your reason to use a chat app, every one of them has the same goal of connecting strangers. While these chat apps have their own distinct features, they are all worthy Chatroulette alternatives so you can have more opportunities to make new friends!
