Times are changing fast as new technology disrupts old habits and traditions –– just look at the online dating scene! Online dating has become a common way for people to meet and date. Various dating apps and sites have paved the way for love – or lust – to blossom.
Online dating has helped a lot of people fulfill their dating needs in more ways than one. Singles can try casual dating apps that invite flirtatious chatting and short-term connections. Whether you’re looking for a sext buddy or a one-night stand, there’s a dating app out there to fit your needs. Here are some of our favorites!
Overall Best Hookup Apps for Women
I researched some popular hookup apps with free messaging features for women, so with just a click of a button, you can hook up with anyone you want at any time! Here are the top options on the market.
Ashley Madison is a breath of fresh air for single or attached folks experiencing a sex slump. This exciting dating site and app offer tons of opportunities to mingle, match, flirt, and hook up discreetly. Over 80 million profiles await you on Ashley Madison, and it’s free to create an anonymous account.
- Discreetly arranges one-night stands and extramarital affairs
- More than 80 million profiles worldwide
- Travel-friendly features for seeking matches in other cities
- Browse Ashley Madison profiles 100% free »
Ashley Madison is a married dating app that is all about taking risks and having discreet relations that satisfy all types of sexual desires and needs. Ashley Madison connects people without judgment or stigma. Many members are married or in a relationship, and they’re looking for something more exciting in their sex lives.
You would expect it to cost you a pretty penny, but you’d be wrong. Ashley Madison is completely free to download, and it offers free messaging for women and limited free chats for men.
Ashley Madison has more than 15,000 daily active members and has seen over 80 million signups from all over the world. Members don’t have to feel confined to just finding local matches. If you’re on a business trip and want a one-night stand, Ashley Madison can hook you up. Some couples even use the app’s services for polyamorous dating experiences.
“We as a couple decided to use this app and made a profile for my lovely wife. Within a day she got many requests from men directly asking to meet. There were many requests, but we were able to sort and find a few genuine men and finally narrowed them down to one. In a few weeks she went on a date with him and had an amazing time,” said an anonymous user in a review.
2. Flirt.com
If casual sex is your goal, then Flirt.com can be your wingman. This sex site offers anonymous browsing, advanced searches, and private communication, all for free, to help single men and women find a potential partner and arrange sexual encounters that satisfy their secret fantasies.
- A massive user base of over 70 million dating profiles
- Send a free private message or Flirtcast to get something going
- Exchange nude pics or adult videos with a Flirt member you trust
- Browse Flirt.com profiles 100% free »
The Flirt.com website was created to help singles discover new people and go on fun dates. The team believes that the first step to every great love story is a flirty conversation. If you’re nervous about diving into the dating scene, Flirt.com can help pave the way.
As silly as this may sound, flirting isn’t always a natural thing to do. Testing out your flirting abilities on Flirt.com can help you build confidence before jumping into a new relationship.
Pros
- Quick signup
- Few personal details required
- AI-written Flirtcast messages
Cons
- Smaller userbase
- No nudes allowed
Flirt.com is a flirtatious environment with few barriers to communication. Members can discover sexting partners who share similar interests and sexual appetites. Members can get to know one another by sending each other photos privately. To narrow the search, Flirt.com offers niche filters that members can use to find community and connection.
“I was looking for a girl that I could have some fun with. I wanted someone that would be my friend as well as my lover and found my ideal match thanks to Flirt.com,” said a user.
3. BeNaughty
When it comes to arranging hookups, BeNaughty is fast, easy, fun, and safe. This dating site has built a global network of sexy men and women who want to skip the small talk and cut right to the chase. If you’re interested in short-term romance, BeNaughty is the place to go and get your flirt on.
- A global network of naughty singles over 18
- Ability to blur nude and explicit content, if desired
- Advanced search filters and one-on-one messaging
- Browse BeNaughty profiles 100% free »
Who doesn’t like to be a little naughty now and again? BeNaughty offers anonymous chat features designed to facilitate casual hookups. Singles finally get a chance to date as they please without all the pressure to settle down. By using the smart geo search feature, members can find local matches from any desktop, laptop, or mobile device.
Pros
- Photo swiping
- Incognito browsing
- Affordable plans
Cons
- Little verification
- Photos not required
BeNaughty thrives off clever icebreakers and flirtatious pictures. Its active members build connections through spicy and engaging conversations. The site encourages members to be open and honest about what they’re looking for. Being honest about your intentions makes the dating process a lot quicker and helps you avoid wasting time.
BeNaughty is free to join, and single women enjoy unlimited messaging with a basic membership. Men have some limited chat options, but they’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan to message anyone they like.
4. SaucyDates
SaucyDates is an award-winning hookup site that takes online security seriously. The moderators check all profiles and photos before they’re posted. Erotic and revealing photos are permitted, but stock images or AI pics will be deleted. The straightforward interface makes it easy to find common ground through shared kinks and fetish. Sign up for free and get saucy!
- Verified photos
- Streamlined messaging
- Award-winning moderation
- Browse SaucyDates profiles 100% free »
Since 2007, SaucyDates has tempted online daters to let go of their inhibitions and pursue sex with no strings attached. The dating website and app are an open forum for sexting and hookups of all stripes — including non-binary and LGBTQ+ dates.
Pros
- Active moderation
- 20+ orientation options
- Nudes allowed
Cons
- Fewer rural matches
- Men outnumber women
One thing that makes SaucyDates unique is the rigorous vetting that goes on behind the scenes. Moderators frequently flag suspicious or spammy content and do what they can to keep the community safe from bad actors. They stop just short of a full background check, but proactive content moderation goes a long way to help.
SaucyDates is free to download, and it has a variety of orientation options, kinks, and personal details to add to the profile. A one-week trial membership could be a good way to test the waters and see if anyone near you is up for a sexy chat.
Best Apps With Free Chat Features For Everyone
The beginning of an online relationship or romance starts with a simple chat. So it’s a bummer when paywalls get in the way. The following dating apps provide enough free communication features to get online daters off on the right foot.
5. Match
Match is an open-ended dating site where singles can make their own rules. Some are seeking heartfelt relationships that lead to marriage, while others just want to hook up. Sexy singles can hunt for a date by using Match’s advanced search tools and live chat and video features. Unlike some other sites, Match doesn’t restrict messaging to mutual matches, so you can woo anyone who strikes your fancy.
- Free profile browsing and liking
- Private chat rooms and video dates for Match members only
- Fast-working, time-tested AI match algorithm
- Browse Match profiles 100% free »
Thanks to Match, singles get to be themselves and go after exactly what they want. Match is popular not only because of the number of quality matches it has produced but also because the team puts user experience first.
Pros
- Trustworthy profiles
- Compatibility matching
- Lots of success stories
Cons
- Top Picks are chosen for you
- In-person events cost extra
Match is free to join and has targeted search filters for finding local dates without having to pay a dime.
Match’s Top Picks feature identifies highly compatible matches for its members. Top Picks are based on members’ preferences and interactions online. All Top Picks enjoy free communication. It’s easy to have a casual chat on Match, and — who knows — it might just lead to something more!
6. Zoosk
Zoosk is a fun-loving dating site where singles can let go of their inhibitions and attract dates one private message at a time. The site’s varied search options and communication features facilitate fast connections in a unique social environment. Zoosk members are a chatty bunch, sending over 3 million messages a day, so you won’t have to search far to find hookups here.
- Fast-paced dating scene available in 80 countries
- Full members can send unlimited messages
- Advanced search filters help you zero in on the hottest dates
- Browse Zoosk profiles 100% free »
Aren’t you tired of playing the dating game? Zoosk creates a personalized experience with an array of chat options. At no cost, members can send profile likes and icebreakers to one another. There are some free messaging options available, but a premium membership will unlock much more freedom to connect with absolutely anyone.
Pros
- Video chat features
- Affordable plans
- Intuitive design
Cons
- Caps on free messaging
I like that Zoosk has video options as well as photo verification because it really cuts down on the number of fake profiles in the swipe list.
Zoosk also uses behavioral matching that pays attention to your likes and chat history to recommend similar profiles. That means instead of filling out tiresome questionnaires, you can get straight to swiping and let the algorithm learn what your type is based on your actions.
Best Apps That Are Totally Free
Let’s be real: If it’s most important to you to pay nothing and still chat with users online, then you’ll need to be careful which app you choose. Many have upgrades, paywalls, and hidden fees. Here are some longstanding favorites that are known for free chat features without strings attached.
Facebook launched a dating service, cleverly dubbed Facebook Dating, on a mission to expand its ability to connect people in meaningful relationships. The dating app is completely free to use and provides unique matchmaking features, including the Secret Crush option that taps into your Friends list to find mutual matches. Facebook Dating is only accessible through the Facebook app, and it has yet to gain as much traction as the more established names in the industry.
- Totally free communication for all users
- Dating activity is separate from the mainstream FB newsfeed
- Detailed profile information includes Facebook events and interest groups
- Browse Facebook Dating profiles 100% free »
If you’re looking for a dating app that’s free with no catch, Facebook Dating is your best bet. Facebook Dating is completely free from start to finish. The app focuses on connecting singles who share the same interests and beliefs.
Pros
- Totally free features
- Secret Crush matches
Cons
- Must download the FB app
- Fewer active users
Facebook Dating is an extended version of Facebook, so it has a large dating pool at its disposal. The app lets members swipe and chat for free — all they need is the Facebook app downloaded on their favorite mobile device to get started.
“Our mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together,” said the Facebook Dating team.
The most unique feature of Facebook Dating is its Secret Crush option, which allows users to disclose any Facebook friend they have a crush on. If that person identifies them as one of their crushes as well, the app will do a little matchmaking and let the two people know they dig each other. The Secret Crush information will stay completely private unless the crush expresses a mutual feeling of admiration.
8. OkCupid
OkCupid’s free communication features make it great for singles seeking a no-strings-attached hookup. The dating site and app allow singles to create a brief profile and dive into match recommendations within minutes. Singles can swipe up a storm until they strike a good match and take the conversation to the next level.
- Free private messaging available to all members
- Users can state that they’re seeking hookups on their profiles
- Responsible for 50,000 dates per week
- Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free »
At some point, we all need help in the love department — and that’s OK! The dating app OkCupid uses its smart love formula and quizzes to change the way people date. OkCupid focuses on matching members based on what actually matters to them. A personalized questionnaire is the foundation of its compatibility ratings and match suggestions.
OkCupid has an engaging profile setup that provides a lot of deep and interesting information about a person. It goes way beyond one basic photo and a headline. The profile shows off your interests, background, and what you’re looking for in a partner.
Pros
- Smart algorithm matching
- Personality quizzes
- Always free to message
Cons
- Only mutual matches can converse
- Interface can be overwhelming
Whether you’re interested in a serious relationship or a fling, you can express that on your profile to ensure your matches are on the same page. Based on specific preferences, OkCupid’s matchmaking algorithm curates new connections.
OkCupid is free to use. However, members can only send one message to a stranger on the platform. For the conversation to keep going, both members have to like each other’s profiles and unlock the ability to exchange messages.
“One of the best dating apps out there and I have tried a LOT. The extra features to assess compatibility are awesome. All the free stuff offered on this app makes it so easy to find connections even if you don’t buy into it,” said an OkCupid user in a review.
Plenty of Fish lowers the cost of romance by allowing casual daters to send private chats for free. It’s easy to make a fast connection thanks to Plenty of Fish’s free messaging system. On average, POF members send over 1 billion messages a month, and these chats often lead to romantic encounters in the real world.
- Free instant messages for all singles
- Over 150 million members in 20 countries
- The MeetMe section highlights local hotties
- Browse Plenty of Fish profiles 100% free »
Have you ever heard the phrase, “There’s plenty of fish in the sea”? Well, it’s true! The dating app Plenty of Fish reminds singles that there are so many single people to get to know. Plenty of Fish is one of the most relaxed and sociable dating apps on the market. If you’re looking for a fun dating experience with upgraded features, Plenty of Fish is a good option to try.
“We know online dating isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we’re letting you choose your own adventure and connect with other singles in a way that feels right for you,” said the Plenty of Fish team.
Pros
- Photo checks
- Affordable plans
Cons
- Spam messages
- No video features
Plenty of Fish supports a positive and respectful dating experience by setting limitations on how members can contact one another. Members can send a First Contact to anyone, but they can’t send a follow-up until the person messages back. This process helps members avoid stress by reducing the number of unwanted messages in their DMs.
The POF communication system allows you to shoot your shot, but it keeps harassment out of the conversation. Once singles make a match, they unlock unlimited messaging with one another, unless a person chooses to use the block button.
FAQs: What’s the Best App With Paid Messaging?
Busy singles don’t always have time to waste in the free swiping scene. Paid dating apps have smart algorithms and proactive matchmaking to make the search for dates a bit easier, though not all communication comes free of charge.
One option is Elite Singles, a niche dating platform for single professionals who are trying to make room for love. The service uses an intelligent matchmaking system that delivers quality matches based on members’ preferences and lifestyles.
Finding a person who shares a similar lifestyle is beneficial for compatibility and vibing. Singles don’t have to worry about being judged for prioritizing their career because everyone on the app feels the same way.
eharmony is another popular dating site (primarily for love-driven people). Members on the app are successful singles who are ready to settle down and find their Mr. or Mrs. Right.
Under the motto, “Get who gets you,” eharmony matches local singles with a lengthy compatibility quiz. As a trusted dating app founded in 2000, eharmony ensures that singles have the tools and insights they need to excel in the dating department.
How Do Hookup Apps Work?
Hookup apps tend to keep things simple and straightforward, so a user can get in, get chatting, and get laid without a lot of hassle. The registration will require some basic details:
- Date of birth
- First name or username
- Gender identity
- Location (usually ZIP code or city)
- Sexual orientation or relationship status
Sometimes match preferences will be needed, but you won’t have to fill out a lengthy questionnaire like you would on eharmony.
Once you’ve completed your profile (and added a few cute pics), you can start browsing profiles. Send likes or a quick message to anyone who catches your eye. Messaging privileges might be behind a paywall (hookup apps have to make a profit somehow), or you might have a time limit or message limit on your private chats.
Hookup apps tend to be pretty generous with sexy content. You can expect photo galleries and perhaps even livestreaming videos to be available for free. The community rules might allow explicit language and nude pictures for users who have liked each other’s profiles, but moderators will keep an eye out for spammy behavior and harassment, so sext with caution.
How Can I Find Hookups Without Apps?
Online dating apps aren’t the only game in town. You can always try it the old-fashioned way and get out of the house for speed dating or in-person events. Local bars, clubs, and house parties are great places to meet people.
It’s important to note that online dating apps also host various events that help members connect outside the app. In 2022, Tinder launched a Festival Mode feature that allows singles to help users connect ahead of a festival or event.
Another great way to find hookups is through mutual friends. As old-school as this may sound, blind dates still serve as a great way for single people to connect. Trusting in a friend to set you up on a date can lead to a great night!
Is the Tinder App Worth Paying For?
In my opinion, Tinder isn’t really worth paying for because the free membership gets the job done! The free membership includes chatting with mutual matches, and you have a lot of swiping freedom as well. The paid subscription is only worth a try if you’re dying to swipe outside your city radius or aren’t satisfied with the swipe list and/or responsiveness of your matches.
A free membership on Tinder does have its limits, but most free members find they don’t need unlimited swiping and more filters to make a match and start a chat.
Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold can offer some advantages online, but most users manage just fine without them. I wouldn’t recommend upgrading unless you really want to find matches outside your city limits.
The Casual Dating World Has a Lot of Options Available
It’s safe to say that you can get a lot out of online dating. As swiping has become normalized, people are starting to recognize the value of using an app for casual dating.
There are a lot of benefits to casual dating, that even I didn’t recognize at first. Proponents of the sex-positive movement say that casual sex increases a person’s sense of freedom and independence. It could be the right move to focus on your needs and enjoy yourself without settling down.
Not everyone needs to jump straight into a relationship. I know after I experienced my first breakup, I needed to take time away from serious dating. There’s a time for everything, and if your time now is to casually date, then you can do so with an abundance of online dating options available — and for free!
