Monkey App Review: Sign-In, Cost, Privacy and Who It Suits
Monkey is a random video chat service with an Android app and a web version. This page sticks to what Monkey itself publishes (its website, terms and privacy policy) and what its Google Play listing shows. Checked on the services' own websites and store listings on October 5 and 6, 2026.
We have not tested the app. Where we quote a claim from Monkey, we say it is Monkey's claim.
Monkey at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who runs it | Oviedo Interactives Limited, with offices in Hong Kong, according to its terms |
| Who can use it | Adults only. You certify that you are at least 18 |
| How you start | "Connect with Google": a Google account is required |
| Where it runs | Android app and web. Per Monkey's FAQ, iPhone and desktop users use the web version |
| Cost | Free to use with ads, plus a paid tier called Monkey Plus. No price is shown on the website |
| Google Play | 10M+ downloads, rated Mature 17+, about 3.7 to 3.8 stars from roughly 73,000 reviews, in-app purchases |
What you have to do to start
Monkey's home page offers one way in: Connect with Google. By creating an account or logging in, you certify that you are at least 18 and agree to the terms and privacy policy. Monkey explains the requirement as a shield against bots: its FAQ says the one-tap social login is how it keeps the community human. That is different from services you can open and use at once, and it matters for privacy: the account links your chats to a Google identity on Monkey's side, even if other users do not see your name.
What it costs
Basic video chat is free and shows ads. The paid tier, Monkey Plus, is described on the home page as a way to "select your preference to meet people you like". The website does not list a price, so check the price in the app or store before you subscribe. Per Monkey's help centre:
- If you subscribed through Google Play, cancel in Google Play under Subscriptions.
- Otherwise, open Monkey Plus on the home screen and press Cancel renewal.
- The subscription stays valid until the end of the current billing period.
Privacy: what the policy says
The privacy policy says Monkey collects personal information you provide, plus automatic information such as your IP address, device identifiers and advertising identifiers, and content you create such as photos and screenshots. It states "we do not sell any personal data to third parties", that it keeps personal information until it is no longer necessary to provide the service or until you delete your account, and that it may keep some data after deletion for legitimate business interests.
The Google Play data safety section, filled in by the developer, says the app may collect location, personal info and six other data types, may share app info and performance data and device or other IDs with third parties, does not encrypt data, and lets you request deletion. Read both documents if privacy is your main concern.
One more detail worth knowing: Monkey's website describes a "secure, encrypted environment", while the data safety section of its Google Play listing says data is not encrypted. The two statements are about different things, or at least can be, since encryption in transit and encryption at rest are not the same. If it matters to you, ask Monkey which one it means.
Cloud-relayed video, in Monkey's words
Monkey's site describes its video as "cloud-relayed" and contrasts it with "direct-connect P2P architectures". In plain terms: video from a Monkey chat passes through Monkey's servers instead of travelling directly between two phones. That can help with connections that would otherwise fail, and it means the company's systems handle the stream. It is a design choice with trade-offs for privacy, and you should know which design your service uses.
The site also says its community is "100% human" and moderated with AI tools. A comparison table on the site credits "Q3 2026 industry security audits" without naming them, so treat those claims as marketing until you see evidence.
Who Monkey suits
- You are comfortable signing in with Google and want an app.
- You want a service with a large user base on mobile.
- You are fine with ads on the free tier and may pay for preferences.
Who may prefer something else
- You do not want a Google account tied to a stranger-chat service.
- You want to use a browser with nothing to install: see random video chat in the browser.
- You want a gender or country filter without paying: see Omegle alternatives with a gender filter.
- You want to compare other services first: best random video chat apps.
Sources
- monkey.app, terms of service and privacy policy
- Google Play listing
- Monkey help centre: cancel subscription
Frequently asked questions
Is Monkey free?
Basic video chat is free with ads. Monkey Plus is a paid subscription. The website does not list its price.
Do I need a Google account for Monkey?
Yes. The home page offers Connect with Google as the way to log in.
Who operates Monkey?
Per its terms, Oviedo Interactives Limited, with offices in Hong Kong.
Is Monkey safe?
No chat service is risk-free. Monkey says it uses AI moderation and bans bots, and it states that it does not sell personal data, but it collects IP and device identifiers. Judge for yourself from its privacy policy and the Google Play data safety section.
How do I cancel Monkey Plus?
Cancel in Google Play under Subscriptions, or open Monkey Plus on the home screen and press Cancel renewal. It stays valid until the billing period ends.