Wakie is gone. Try Strangr instead.
Wakie started as a clever idea: random wake-up calls from strangers. It pivoted to voice-only chat with topics and even tried social-network features, but ran into monetization problems and effectively went dormant by 2022.
Wakie vs Strangr — at a glance
| Feature | Wakie | Strangr |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Voice | Voice-only |
| Status | Abandoned | Actively developed |
| Signup required | Often yes | Never — fully anonymous |
| Free | Free tier with paid filters | Fully free, no paid tier |
| Mobile-first | App-store dependent | Installable PWA, any browser |
| Live captions | No | Yes — 14 languages |
| Live translation | No | Yes — 14 languages |
| Group rooms | Limited or none | 3-8 person voice rooms |
| Friend list | Shallow or none | Persistent friends + async voice DMs |
| Real-time moderation | Post-hoc reports | Real-time text + speech moderation |
Common Wakie complaints
- App hasn't received meaningful updates in years
- Topic-based matching had cold-start problems — most rooms were empty
- Confusing pivots between wake-up calls, dating, and pure voice chat
- iOS app rarely updated; Android one largely abandoned
How Strangr fixes this
- Active development and weekly improvements
- Smart matching even off-peak via interests + country fallback
- Built as a web app + PWA, so you're not waiting on app-store reviews
- Group voice rooms (3-8) solve the empty-room problem Wakie had
Why voice-only is the actual fix
Every video-based Wakie alternative has the same root problem: when you put a webcam between strangers, the worst actors weaponize it within minutes. Moderation is reactive at best. Strangr solves this by removing the webcam entirely — your voice is the whole product. You can't flash someone over audio, and the conversations that result are genuinely better.
No camera, no judgment. Pure WebRTC audio with echo cancellation and noise suppression.
Real-time subtitles in 14 languages. Practice a new language with native speakers.
One-tap report, three-strike auto-timeout, host kick in group rooms, block button.
Frequently asked
Is Wakie still working in 2026?
Technically yes, but Wakie has been largely abandoned for years with no real development. Most users have moved on.
Is Strangr free like Wakie was?
Yes. Strangr is completely free with no paid tier, no in-app purchases, and no subscription. Display ads support hosting costs.
Do I need to sign up?
No. Strangr creates an anonymous guest account the first time you visit, so you can start talking immediately. No email, no phone number.
How is Strangr safer than Wakie?
Three concrete things: voice-only matching removes the unsolicited-video problem at the source, live text and speech moderation flags abusive content as it happens, and a reputation system auto-timeouts repeat offenders without manual review.
Can I use Strangr on mobile?
Yes. Strangr works in any modern mobile browser (iOS Safari, Android Chrome) and installs to your home screen as a PWA. No app store needed.
Does Strangr have video?
No — voice only. We deliberately removed video because that's where Wakie-style platforms run into their biggest safety problems. If you want to see someone's face, you can become friends and exchange that out of band.
Ready to try the new way to talk to strangers?
No signup, no download, no video. One click and you're in.