Azar: review, limits and a 15+ alternative
Active, 18+ only (February 2026 terms)
Azar is one of the most downloaded random video chat apps in the world, with real strengths: country and language filters, built-in translation. But the economy runs on paid gems that pace your usage, and signup is mandatory. PLOXX never charges for matching or chat translation, and asks for no account.
| Feature | PLOXX | Azar |
|---|---|---|
| No signup | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Video chat | ✅ | ✅ |
| Text chat | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Language filter | ❌ | ✅ |
| Auto translation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Persistent friends | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Levels and badges | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Active moderation | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Mobile-friendly | ✅ | ✅ |
| No dark patterns | ✅ | ❌ |
About Azar
Azar is one of the most downloaded random video chat apps in the world. It popularised two strong ideas: country and language filters, and automatic translation mid-conversation.
Its economy runs on purchasable gems used to unlock filters and re-roll matches. Signup is mandatory, and heavy use implies paying.
What it does well
- Effective country and language filters, genuinely solving the language barrier.
- Built-in translation during the conversation, a great idea.
- Huge user base: never any waiting.
Where it falls short
- Paid gem economy that paces your usage.
- Mandatory signup.
- No identifiable French-speaking community or full FR interface.
- No option to stay behind an avatar.
Our verdict
Azar is the most technically accomplished competitor, and its language filters are a real asset. But you will pay for what PLOXX gives away (chat translation), and you must create an account. PLOXX also adds the avatar, persistent friends and the camera off at the start.
What we checked, and when
Checked on 30 September 2026. Checked on 30 September 2026 from its terms, its help center and its App Store listing.
- Its terms, effective 1 February 2026, require users to be individuals at least 18 years old. (source : terms of service)
- The same terms state that Azar does not conduct criminal background or identity verification checks on its users. (source : terms of service)
- Its age assurance page (updated 13 February 2026) describes an automatic face check before calls, plus a video selfie checked by Yoti and FaceTec in Europe, the UK, Australia and the USA. (source : safety page)
- The terms describe Gems, bought in the app and spent on items such as a Gender Filter, a Country Filter or gifts; the French App Store listing rates the app 18+. (source : App Store)
For parents
Can my teenager use Azar?
No: its terms require users to be at least 18, and in Europe it adds a video selfie age check. A teenager who lies about their age still ends up among adults, with a paid gender filter on the other side.
My teenager already uses it. What now?
Talk about it before taking the phone away: ask what they like about it, and explain that nobody asking for a photo or money is ever a friend. Then look at the reporting and blocking tools together.
What does PLOXX do differently?
PLOXX runs in the browser, accepts people from 15 with an age declared once, shows an avatar instead of the face, has one-tap reporting and continuous moderation, and nobody pays to talk: playing is free, and the optional shop offers cosmetics and PLOXX Pro, a comfort subscription (+50% EXP and bonus Plox).
Frequently asked questions
Is Azar free?
Only partly: paid gems unlock filters and re-roll matches. On PLOXX, automatic chat translation is free without limit.
Does Azar translate conversations?
Yes, one of its genuine strengths. PLOXX also translates the chat automatically, into each person's own language.
Do you need an account for Azar?
Yes. PLOXX works without signup: an anonymous ID is generated in your browser.