FRND alternatives: FRND, Dostt and Loret compared

If you're looking for an alternative to the FRND app, the closest Indian options are Dostt, a one-to-one voice and video calling app from Lokal, and listener platforms such as Loret, where you pay per minute to talk with an approved listener or counsellor. FRND has the most downloads and the widest mix of features, Dostt focuses on anonymous one-to-one calls, and Loret charges per minute in rupee credits, with no coins or gifts. Here's how they compare, as of October 2026, with a source for every claim.

What are FRND, Dostt and Loret?

FRND

FRND is made by Interact Group Pvt Ltd, formerly Cold Brew Tech, in Bengaluru (FRND). Founded in 2019, it has raised about $8.5 million (CB Insights), and Krafton led its Series A in 2021 (YourStory). It has 5 crore+ downloads on Google Play (Google Play) and says it has 3 million monthly users (FRND).

It offers voice and video calls, live audio rooms and chat in at least 10 Indian languages (FRND). On iPhone, it's now listed as "FRND – Connect & Feel Better" and promotes talking to listeners (App Store).

Dostt

Dostt launched in February 2025 from Lokal, a company founded in 2018 that has raised about $30 million (Siliconindia). It offers one-to-one audio and video calls in 10 Indian languages and has 1 crore+ downloads on Google Play (Google Play). Calls are anonymous, and the app is for adults (Siliconindia).

Loret

Loret is an India-first web app, so it runs in your phone's browser with nothing to download. You talk with approved listeners and qualified counsellors by chat, voice call or video call, and pay per minute. It has two categories: everyday emotional support, and professional counselling, where counsellors' credentials are verified.

Listener marketplaces

Apps such as Flute, Feelzy and The Listener work like directories of people to talk to. On The Listener, for example, you top up a wallet and each listener sets a per-minute rate (The Listener). Feelzy says it isn't a medical or therapy service (Feelzy).

FRND vs Dostt vs Loret at a glance (as of October 2026)

How do you pay on FRND, Dostt and Loret?

FRND. Its FAQ says voice calls, video calls, live audio rooms and chat are all free (FRND). Money goes on coins, which buy virtual gifts, games and digital items. Coins expire six months after purchase, and FRND says it doesn't refund a successful payment (payment policy).

Dostt. It sells in-app purchases, but its Google Play listing doesn't publish rates (Google Play), so check prices in the app before you pay.

Loret. You buy credits, and 1 credit is ₹1. Each listener sets a per-minute rate for chat, voice and video, within ranges Loret sets, and you see it before you start. You need at least five minutes' worth of credits at that rate to begin, and you're charged only once both of you are connected. One minute is charged at the start of each minute; you can end anytime, and the session ends automatically when your credits run out. New accounts get ₹50 free credit.

Listener marketplaces charge from a wallet at each listener's own per-minute rate (The Listener).

A straight price comparison isn't possible. FRND's costs depend on what you buy with coins, Dostt doesn't list its rates on Google Play, and Loret's depend on the listener you choose. Our guide to paid voice call apps explains the pricing models in more detail.

How do FRND, Dostt and Loret handle verification and safety?

FRND says users verify their gender by reading on-screen text aloud, which an AI checks; profiles use avatars instead of photos; and KYC is needed to cash out more than ₹100. It's for adults, uses AI to scan video calls and blur them when no face is shown, blocks screenshots of video calls, has 150+ human moderators and publishes monthly compliance reports (FRND Trust & Safety).

Dostt says every profile is verified and every listener is verified and trained (Google Play). Calls are anonymous, and the app is for adults (Siliconindia). ETtech reported that Dostt warns poorly rated creators and then removes them (ETtech).

Loret approves listeners after manual identity checks and an interview. Profiles can show "Identity checked", "Listening assessment passed" and, for counsellors, "Credentials verified", but only once each check has actually been completed. Listeners see only the display name you choose, never your phone number or email, and calls aren't recorded. Chat messages are stored for safety and disputes.

You can report any Loret session, and serious reports block the pair automatically. If you report during a call, the last minute of call audio from your own phone can be attached for the safety team. Loret is for adults only.

Where does each app do better?

• FRND: scale, languages and free calls. It has the most Google Play downloads of the three and says it has 3 million monthly users (Google Play, FRND). It works in at least 10 Indian languages, adds audio rooms and games, and its FAQ says calls and chat cost nothing (FRND). Its published safety programme is detailed, too (FRND).
• Dostt: anonymity and focus. Calls are anonymous (Siliconindia), conversations are one-to-one in 10 Indian languages (Google Play), and poorly rated creators are removed after warnings (ETtech).
• Loret: per-minute pricing and visible checks. You pay a per-minute rate you see before you start, in credits worth ₹1 each, with no coins or gifts. Listeners are identity-checked and interviewed, counsellors' credentials are verified, and there's nothing to install.
• Listener marketplaces: choice. You can pick from a large directory of people to talk to; on The Listener, each sets their own rate (The Listener).

Loret has trade-offs, too. Once your free credit is used, every minute is paid. Sessions are between you and one listener or counsellor, and it isn't a dating app.

Which FRND alternative should you choose?

If you're coming from random-chat apps, our comparison of Omegle alternatives covers those.

None of these apps is a crisis service. If you're in distress, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1800-89-14416, free and open 24 hours a day (PIB), or 112 in an emergency.

FRND, Dostt, Lokal, Krafton, Flute, Feelzy, The Listener, Google Play and App Store are trademarks of their respective owners. Loret isn't affiliated with them. Details were checked on 29 October 2026 and may have changed.