Not everyone online is looking for a happily ever after. Sometimes, a one-night-stand is all a single person is after –– and that’s OK! In fact, according to Dr. O’Neill, Ph.D., casual sex can be good for mental health. Dr. O’Neill even said sexual activity may help guard against mental health issues — including anxiety and stress.
Singles who tend to their sexual appetite often discover there’s much more to relationships than just going steady.
Overall Best Apps for Hookups
If you’re looking to get laid, mainstream dating apps may not satisfy your needs. Some sexy singles need their own space to flirt and hook up at their own pace. Here are the best dating apps for hookups that our dating experts think are worth a try.
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 91 million profiles await you on Ashley Madison, and it’s free to create an anonymous account.
- Discreetly arranges one-night stands
- More than 91 million profiles worldwide
- Travel-friendly features for seeking matches in other cities
- Browse Ashley Madison profiles 100% free
If you want to try dating a little differently, Ashley Madison is a great site to explore, as the first married dating website. Since its launch in Canada in 2001, Ashley Madison has expanded around the world and helped thousands of people discover the thrill of affairs and search for what’s missing in their relationships.
Having an affair can be very challenging, with all the sneaking around, but not on Ashley Madison. Member discretion is the site’s top priority, and to ensure privacy, everyone on the site remains anonymous until they choose to reveal themselves. Member profiles contain personal information, including name, age, location, and dating status. Until permitted, profile information remains hidden, and profile pictures are blurred out when chatting with others.
As for cost, Ashley Madison is free for women, while men need to pay a fee for its services. A standard membership costs around $17 per month, but a one-month premium plan costs around $90. You can choose a package that works best with your budget based on how long you plan to use the site.
2. NaughtyCharm
When it comes to arranging hookups, NaughtyCharm 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, NaughtyCharm 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 NaughtyCharm profiles 100% free
NaughtyCharm is on a mission to create a safe dating platform for people to tap into their naughty desires without judgment. NaughtyCharm has expanded its services worldwide since it launched in 2007 in the UK, and is now considered an international dating site for all singles. The team shared that its goal is to give singles more freedom in the expression of their innermost fantasies.
“A clear vision of our customers’ needs helps us build trustful relationships with our members (which we highly appreciate and value!). NaughtyCharm.com is a shortcut to naughty dates, specially made for those who prefer to get straight to the point, and we intend to continue providing it to them,” said the NaughtyCharm team.
As you see, NaughtyCharm is one of the best dating sites for casual relationships. No one on the site beats around the bush because they don’t have to. That dynamic makes for a much more liberating online dating experience.
Having naughty conversations without the awkwardness can be rewarding, and NaughtyCharm makes it easy to connect with others. Members can use features such as Flircast messages, SMS chat, and free chat rooms. And women can use all communication tools for free.
Registering for an account on Adult Friend Finder (AFF) is like speeding into the fast lane of the online dating world. This hookup site puts you in the center of action and encourages sexy singles and swingers to satisfy their secret fantasies. Anyone over 18 can join AFF and browse millions of profiles for free, but only full-fledged members have access to the revealing content in the community forums and chat rooms.
- One of the largest adults-only sex communities
- Free and fast registration process
- Dating forums and live chats foster live flirtation
- Browse Adult Friend Finder profiles 100% free
Adult Friend Finder is a sex dating site that allows adults to experience online dating in a fun new way. For the longest time, adults felt inclined to be in a romantic relationship to get the one thing they truly were looking for — sex!
Adult Friend Finder makes it easy for people to be upfront about their intentions, helping them avoid unnecessary heartbreak and confusion. Everyone on Adult Friend Finder is looking for the same thing, allowing members to confidently express their sexual desires and fantasies.
People have found friends for casual sex, unexpected traditional partners, swinger groups, and even threesomes on AdultFriendFinder. It’s the right environment to find an alternative partner that you may not have found on traditional dating sites. And to keep things exciting, Adult Friend Finder has nude cam chats that members can view as soon as they join.
4. Pure
The Pure app is a sexy, anonymous place to chat up local hotties. The personal ads include kinky bios, playful pickup lines, and revealing photos with a blur option available. Everyone on this app is looking for a sexual release, so there’s no need to be shy when discussing where and how you want to do it. Pure prides itself on offering a private sex club where users move quickly in pursuit of their desires.
- Chats disappear after 24 hours
- Turn-on tags include kinks and hobbies
- Add anywhere from 0 to 3 photos (no nudes)
- Browse Pure profiles 100% free
Pure is a classic hookup app that gives users permission to be their sexy, kinky selves. The app has photo-blurring for those who’d like to keep their personal identity a secret while browsing. Nude photos are not allowed, so the blurring feature can also be used to hide the goods in a revealing pic.
It’s completely free to lurk and view personal ads on the app. But if you want to exchange messages or sext with a stranger, you’ll need to get the weekly, monthly, or annual subscription.
Pure provides filters based on foreplay and turn-ons to help individuals find a compatible sex partner.
Best Apps for Casual Friends
Hooking up means something different to everyone. It might be only about sex, or it could be a friends-with-benefits situation. The following dating apps help single adults find new connections without any pressure to have sex right away.
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
Match was launched in 1995 and remains a leading dating platform in the online dating industry. The platform’s mission is to help people find the kind of relationship they desire. Finding a hookup or new friend on Match is less common, but I wouldn’t say impossible. Plenty of people have found more than romance on the app –– including lifelong friendships.
“I enjoyed being on this app. I did not find my current partner on this site, but I met a few interesting people who I am still friends with to this day. I would recommend this app to anyone looking to find a partner or even a friend,” said Match user Charisse in a review.
Like Charisse, many Match users find connections that extend beyond romance. Match provides three membership tiers, each with its own perks. With a free membership, you can send unlimited likes and messages to your Top Picks. Opting for a standard or premium membership lets you send unlimited messages to anyone.
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
The phrase “there’s plenty of fish in the sea” isn’t just a line your mom uses when you get dumped. The dating site Plenty of Fish proves that so many interesting singles live in the world — and you can meet them. Plenty of Fish was created to help people make connections without any awkwardness, just as they would in real life.
Plenty of Fish isn’t your ordinary dating site or a one-size-fits-all dating experience. Users can choose their own adventure and how they want to connect with others. You can play spicy dating games, participate in live streaming, or send messages –– the choice is entirely yours!
The ultimate goal is to make dating as fun as possible. Whatever that fun looks like for you, the Plenty of Fish team is willing to create that experience. Many users mention that they come across some scammers, but the Plenty of Fish team offers safe dating tips so members can protect their online privacy.
“It has been a good app to meet people. You seem to be able to find a lot of local people. I even live in a small town and have been able to connect with quite a few people,” said Plenty of Fish user Yvonne in a testimonial.
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
Facebook Dating is another social dating network that opens the door for people to find connections with people in their orbit. Facebook Dating focuses on matching people based on their common interests. It’s easier to relate to someone who shares your passions and values.
My boyfriend and I share the best conversations because we often connect over our similar backgrounds and interests. After nearly five years together, it’s clear that our shared experiences have strengthened our relationship in many ways.
Similarly, members of Facebook Dating can engage in endless conversations for free. To get started, members can join groups and events that relate to their interests.
Facebook Dating is a completely free dating app to join and use, but you must link your Facebook account. No one has to pay for upgrades or to use any of its features. That means that everyone using the service is on a level playing field.
“I think it’s the best software and easy to use plus it’s free. You get to see everyone who likes you and search by interest. I have met a couple of people there and every other site over the years,” said one Facebook Dating user in a Reddit review.
Best Apps for Senior Dating
As we grow older, our priorities can change dramatically. Some senior singles have already experienced their great love and are now more focused on enjoying a carefree and fun lifestyle. Here are some senior dating sites perfect for starting anew as a dater over 50.
8. DateMyAge
Mature dating site DateMyAge invites older singles to switch to a more age-appropriate dating pool. The global service has successfully connected senior singles in over 30 countries, including the U.S. Safety is a top priority for the platform. All new dating profiles are vetted and verified by the team for authenticity, and a watchful anti-scam system flags and removes suspicious accounts.
- Local and international profile browsing
- Let’s Mingle icebreakers & Live Chat tools
- Advanced video chat, livestreaming, and personal clips
- Browse DateMyAge profiles 100% free
DateMyAge brings a certain maturity to the online dating industry. Not only has the dating service been in business since the 1990s, it also caters to a mature audience over 50.
The network reaches 32 countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., and single people aren’t limited to interacting with local matches (as is the case on mainstream dating apps), so it’s possible to find a pen pal in another state or country if you wish.
The free membership on DateMyAge includes unlimited browsing and some communication features, but many users choose to use the credit system to buy enhanced features that will help them meet promising matches more quickly and effortlessly.
9. OurTime
OurTime gives singles over 50 a confidence boost by introducing them to age-appropriate dates online. The dating site offers multiple ways to connect and discover commonality, and it has led to thousands of success stories in the last few years. Whether you’re looking for a pen pal, a friend, or a relationship, OurTime has got it covered.
- Thousands of success stories from all over the world
- Find senior dates using advanced search filters and match suggestions
- The Help Center offers quick tips and guidance
- Browse OurTime profiles 100% free
OurTime is a dating app where you’ll find older singles in their 50s and beyond looking for connections. Just like anyone, older singles run into unique challenges when it comes to the dating scene. They are often overlooked or put into one category online, but online dating has space for them, too. OurTime innovates new ways to better serve this age group of singles and elevate their online dating experiences.
“Our unique focus is on celebrating this time of your life and helping you find the quality connection you’re looking for. Whether it’s marriage, romance, friendship, or companionship — we want to help you find that someone special to celebrate this time of your life with,” said the OurTime team.
OurTime users can also customize their profiles and share their life experiences through fun photos that showcase where they’ve been and how far they’ve come. OurTime users also include younger singles who wish to date older singles. OurTime’s customized profiles show people a glimpse of who you are and help spark interest.
Free members can send and receive likes, but upgrading their membership unlocks cooler features. With a paid subscription, members can instantly get messages from others, see who likes them, and know when their message has been read — because seeing a read message can definitely ease anxiety.
FAQs: What’s the Best Gay Dating App for Hookups?
The best gay dating sites for hookups are Grindr and SCRUFF. Both of these sites are tailored to gay men and their dating needs. Grindr and SCRUFF have cool features that allow members to chat and show off sexy photos.
Grindr is one of the top dogs in the gay dating scene. It’s the name everyone recognizes, and many gay men choose it as their go-to dating app. The location-based matching system satisfies the desires of guys who want to hook up on the fly.
- Among the most popular gay social networks in the world
- Men connect via private and group chats
- View nearby profiles using real-time GPS data
- Browse Grindr profiles 100% free
What’s nice about Grindr is that the site has a “zero feet away” policy, meaning the team matches users based on proximity. This helps users find local hookups faster. Chatting with someone overseas is fun, but not when you’re looking for a one-night stand.
A lesbian named Robyn Exton founded HER because she recognized that not all dating sites and apps look out for the unique needs and interests of LGBTQ+ womxn. The HER community does a great job of connecting its users in a fun-loving and active community. Its easy social networking tools are great whether you’re fully out of the closet or just starting to question your sexuality.
- Free private messaging to all mutual matches
- Post comments or send likes to connect with local lesbians
- A safe, friendly, and one-of-a-kind dating app
- Browse HER profiles 100% free
HER is a great hookup dating site for queer women. HER has created a respectful environment for queer women to feel safe and open about what they want out of dating.
What Are the Most Popular Dating Apps for College Students?
Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are very popular among 20-somethings. All of these online dating apps aren’t limited to one kind of relationship and allow users to make connections as they see fit. Even friendships can be formed on Bumble BFF.
Tinder’s popularity is legendary. Since the app launched in 2012, it has expanded around the world and seen over 630 million downloads. The app has claimed that 90% of its users are under 35, and it’s safe to say that many of them are in college and looking to try their luck with the swiping game.
Hinge, known as the dating app “designed to be deleted,” holds a special place in the online dating world. It’s long emphasized meaningful relationships over casual flings. Hinge profiles offer insights into political views, educational background, and drinking habits—important details for college students on the hunt for a match.
College students often are on a tight budget, and all of these sites offer free membership. So they don’t have to choose between dating and buying books for class.
Do Any Hookup Apps Have Built-In Video Chat Features?
Adult Friend Finder is a sex site that uses livestreaming and video chat to increase the sexual tension between horny people. Some of the sexy live model shows allow viewers to pay to play with the buttons of a vibrator or sex toy and engage in the video strip tease in a uniquely titillating way.
Finding Local Hookups Is Much Easier Online
Hooking up is not so hard anymore. Social connections come in many forms, and many online dating platforms recognize that.
Plenty of platforms now redefine what online dating is all about. Depending on the kind of online experience you’re looking for, these great dating sites can help you find the hookup you’ve been looking for.
