15 Best Omegle Alternatives in 2025
Omegle shut down in November 2023. We tested every major replacement to find which sites like Omegle are actually worth using.
When Omegle closed its doors after 14 years, millions of users suddenly needed somewhere else to go. The random video chat pioneer was gone, but the desire to talk to strangers online wasn't.
We spent weeks testing every major Omegle alternative—evaluating safety, user quality, features, and whether you can actually have decent conversations. Here's what we found.
What Happened to Omegle?
On November 8, 2023, Omegle's founder Leif K-Brooks posted a lengthy letter announcing the site's permanent closure. After 14 years online, he cited the "constant barrage of attacks" on the platform and a recent lawsuit settlement as reasons for shutting down.
The letter acknowledged that despite efforts to moderate the platform, "the struggle to maintain Omegle against these attacks has simply become too much." Love it or hate it, an era of internet history ended that day.
Key point: Not all Omegle alternatives are created equal. Some prioritize user volume over safety. Others have better moderation but smaller communities. We've ranked them based on a balance of safety, user quality, and actual usability.
The Best Omegle Alternatives, Ranked
XOXONEST
The Omegle alternative built for people who actually want real conversations.
XOXONEST isn't trying to be Omegle. It's trying to be better. While most alternatives focus on replicating Omegle's chaotic randomness, XOXONEST prioritizes verified real users, actual safety measures, and meaningful connections.
The user base is smaller than giants like OmeTV, but that's partly the point—quality over quantity. You're far more likely to have a genuine conversation here than wade through bots and bad actors.
Best for: People who want authentic connections without the typical random chat problems.
Try XOXONEST Free →OmeTV
The closest thing to Omegle's scale, with 5 million daily users.
If you want the closest experience to what Omegle offered in terms of sheer volume, OmeTV is it. The platform has mobile apps, real-time translation, and a genuinely massive user base.
The downsides? Bots are common, bans can feel arbitrary, and premium features cost money. But if you just want lots of people to chat with, OmeTV delivers.
Best for: Users who prioritize variety and don't mind filtering through some noise.
Read Full Review →Chatrandom
Multiple chat modes and themed rooms for different interests.
Chatrandom offers more than just 1-on-1 random video. They have themed chat rooms, a separate gay chat section, and group video chat options. It's one of the more feature-rich Omegle alternatives.
The free version is limited—gender filters and other useful features require payment. But if you want options beyond basic random matching, it's worth a look.
Best for: Users who want specialized chat rooms or group video options.
Emerald Chat
Interest-based matching and a karma reputation system.
Emerald Chat tries to make random chat smarter. You list your interests, and the algorithm attempts to match you with similar people. The karma system rewards good behavior and theoretically filters out bad actors.
In practice, bots still slip through and the karma system can be gamed. But the concept is solid, and when it works, conversations tend to be more engaging than pure random matching.
Best for: Users who want topic-based matching rather than pure randomness.
Read Full Review →Chatroulette
The platform that invented random video chat, now with moderation.
Chatroulette invented this entire category back in 2009. After years of reputation problems (you know what I mean), they've added moderation, account requirements, and their "Quid" virtual currency system.
The platform is much cleaner than its wild early days, but the user base is smaller than it once was. Still, there's something to be said for using the original.
Best for: Users curious about the OG random chat experience.
Read Full Review →Azar
Polished mobile app with 147 billion matches and counting.
Azar is backed by Match Group (Tinder's parent company) and has one of the most polished mobile experiences. Real-time translation, the Azar Badge trust system, and massive reach.
The catch? Aggressive monetization. Gender filters, region filters, and many features cost money. Users report hidden charges and gems that disappear. Use with caution.
Best for: Mobile-first users who don't mind paying for features.
Read Full Review →Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Users | Safety | Free? | Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XOXONEST | 8K+ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| OmeTV | 5M daily | Medium | Partial | ✓ |
| Chatrandom | 4M+ | Medium | Partial | ✓ |
| Emerald Chat | 4.5M | Medium | Partial | ✓ |
| Chatroulette | Smaller | Improved | Partial | ✓ |
| Azar | 9.5M | Medium | Limited | ✓ |
How to Stay Safe on Omegle Alternatives
Regardless of which platform you choose, basic safety practices apply:
- Never share personal information — Name, location, school, workplace, none of it
- Keep your background neutral — No identifying posters, windows, or items visible
- Use the skip button freely — If anything feels off, leave immediately
- Report bad behavior — Help keep the platform clean for everyone
- Consider your payment info — Some platforms have issues with unauthorized charges
- Start with safety-focused platforms — XOXONEST and similar verified options first
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free Omegle alternative?
XOXONEST offers the best free experience with actual safety measures. OmeTV has more users but more issues. Both have free core features, though some extras cost money on most platforms.
Why did Omegle shut down?
Omegle closed in November 2023 due to ongoing struggles with platform misuse and a lawsuit settlement. The founder stated the attacks on the platform had become too much to handle.
Which Omegle alternative has the most users?
OmeTV currently has the largest user base with around 5 million daily active users. Azar has 9.5 million monthly active users across 230 countries.
Are there any Omegle alternatives without bots?
XOXONEST claims to be bot-free due to user verification. Most other platforms struggle with bots to varying degrees despite anti-bot measures.
Is random video chat safe?
It depends on the platform and your behavior. Platforms with verification (like XOXONEST) are safer than anonymous ones. Never share personal information regardless of which site you use.
The Bottom Line
Omegle's closure left a void, but there are options. If safety is your priority, XOXONEST is the clear choice—smaller community but actually moderated. If you want maximum variety and don't mind filtering, OmeTV has the numbers. For niche needs like themed rooms, Chatrandom and Emerald Chat offer more structure.
The random video chat era didn't end with Omegle. It just grew up a little.