Preparing to have a difficult conversation at work
“I wanted to find a good time to talk about something that has been on my mind. Do you have 15 minutes this week?”
A Replika alternative built for real conversations with real people
Replika offers an AI companion to talk with. tonen offers scripts and tools for conversations with people: preparing a request, drafting a reply or reflecting afterwards. Choose the kind of support you are looking for.
Free to start. No trial needed. iOS only.
Replika vs tonen
They both involve conversation — but for very different purposes.
| Replika | tonen | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | AI companionship and ongoing conversation | Conversation scripts and support before, during and after interactions |
| What you interact with | A personalised AI companion | A script library, Calm Kit and three AI Helpers |
| Conversation support | Chat and calls with your AI companion | Wording to adapt for conversations with other people |
| Memory and preparation | Markets memory of your interests, routines and relationships | Browse scripts and read example conversations at your own pace |
| Before subscribing | Check current features, plans and terms with Replika | 21 free scripts and optional Premium; current terms in the App Store |
Comparison checked 3 October 2026 against Replika’s official product information and the current tonen app. This compares the advertised focus, not every capability. Prices and availability can change.
Choose support for the task in front of you
When you want an AI companion
Replika centres on an ongoing relationship with an AI companion. That is a different activity from opening a script for a request you need to make.
When you need a specific opening
In tonen, choose a situation such as asking for written instructions or declining extra work. Adapt the script and use it in your real conversation.
When a message is ambiguous
Perspective Helper offers possible interpretations; Reply Helper suggests a response. Neither can know another person’s intention or promise their reaction.
When you want to prepare independently
Read an example conversation quietly or try an opening aloud. tonen does not offer interactive role-play with an AI companion.
Example wording to adapt
Examples written for this page, rather than exact app catalogue entries.
Setting a boundary with someone who pushes back
“I understand you see it differently. I am still not able to do this — that is where I am.”
Asking for what you need without over-explaining
“I would find it easier to have this in writing. Could you send a quick summary?”
Exiting a social situation that has gone on too long
“I need to head off, but this has been really good. Let us do this again.”
Download tonen
Start with 21 free scripts, Box Breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding and one free use each of Reply Helper, Perspective Helper and Debrief. Premium adds the full script library, Phone Call Mode, Body Scan, Safe Place and 50 requests per week shared across the three Helpers.
iOS only.