Being a single adult, I often find it challenging to meet new people in my everyday life. It’s easy to get wrapped up in work, family, and my own social circle, leaving me without the energy to hit the bars or attend speed dating events. That’s where adult dating apps come in handy.
It’s safe to say online dating has become one of the most popular ways to find romance. More new couples than ever before say they met online. Every week, popular dating apps like Tinder and Hinge facilitate millions of first dates around the world.
Singles can use an app whenever they’re feeling lonely or horny. You never know, perhaps a little chatting could lead to a one-night stand, or maybe it could evolve into a long-term relationship. Either way, you’re in for an adventure.
Overall Best Adult Dating Apps
Adults have to bring their A-game to the online dating world because it is full of attractive, desirable, and chatty singles. We’ve ranked some of the top apps where adults can mingle day in and night out. All these apps are free to join, so you don’t have to worry about paying monthly fees or subscriptions.
1. 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 »
Joining NaughtyCharm can increase your chances of having casual sex with a new person. This hookup platform is always buzzing with activity, and adults come here specifically looking for sexual partners.
| Pros: | Sex-positive, simple setup, incognito browsing. |
| Cons: | Not all chatting is free. |
As we detail in our full review, NaughtyCharm members can use the search filters by gender, age, location, body type, sexual orientation, and ethnicity to find a potential match that is exactly their type. NaughtyCharm even gives users the chance to send a mass message to anyone fitting their search criteria. That way, you can save time and see who responds to your flirtatious invitation.
If you’re up for some fun, head over to the Like Gallery and swipe through photos until you find a profile that catches your interest. While free members can’t send unlimited messages on NaughtyCharm, they can still use a few communication features to test the waters.
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 »
Over the last 30 years, Adult Friend Finder has grown into one of the largest sex and swinger communities available, and its adults-only membership base is active around the world.
| Pros: | Nude photos, video chats, fetish search filters. |
| Cons: | Limits on free communication. |
Anyone over 18 can create a profile and identify themselves as a cis or trans man or woman, a nonbinary person, or a couple or group seeking erotic experiences. Some AFF users want to be naughty online and post X-rated stories or engage in sexting, while others are more interested in a real-life hookup.
Adult Friend Finder supports over 14 million group discussions, and it has created around 4 million matches between users looking to hook up with a random stranger.
3. SparkMeets
SparkMeets is designed to offer fun browsing, speedy matches, and flirty chats between singles with few inhibitions. The casual hookup site helps new members keep things light and look for opportunities to meet a sexy partner for a one-night stand. In addition to private messaging, SparkMeets provides Safe Mode browsing to protect user privacy in a fast-paced, sex-positive online space.
- Quick signup for single men and women
- Free no-strings browsing of local personals
- Easy swiping through profiles in the Like Gallery
- Browse SparkMeets profiles 100% free »
SparkMeets has gotten a naughty reputation for helping people initiate a one-night stand, quickie, or fling. Singles can use this dating platform to form adult relationships that lead straight to the bedroom.
| Pros: | Photos not required, messaging filters via Safe Mode. |
| Cons: | No ID checks, small user base. |
The adult dating site is part of the same match group as NaughtyCharm, and it offers similar matchmaking, browsing, and communication features. SparkMeets has a standard free membership that provides the basics you’d expect in terms of swiping and browsing. But if you want to browse incognito or send unlimited private messages, then you’ll want to upgrade to a paid subscription, which costs less than $1 a day.
As you can probably tell from its name, SparkMeets aims to be the go-to spot for finding a one-night stand, and its active users definitely don’t shy away from adult dating topics.
FriendFinder-X offers sexy singles the gratifying experience of meeting hot dates within a few clicks. This hookup site is designed to excite people's imaginations and fill them with sexual energy. Whether you're chatting privately or in a group forum, singles and swingers can be upfront about their sexual desires, fetishes, and fantasies.
- A casual personals site for singles, couples, and groups
- Profiles have suggestive photos and strip tease videos
- Chat live via a two-way webcam or private messaging
- Browse FriendFinder-X profiles 100% free »
FriendFinder-X is a discreet dating site where singles, couples, and groups of all orientations can mingle late into the night.
This hookup platform gives people the freedom to express their desires and follow their passions. Many members take on a sexy persona and send bold, sexually explicit messages.
| Pros: | Video streaming, erotic content, fast registration. |
| Cons: | Catfish profiles. |
Singles don’t need to have a Facebook, Instagram, or social media account to join this sexy database. FriendFinder-X allows newcomers to browse under a nickname and keep their identities secret if they wish. All it takes is a valid email address and a birthdate, and you’re good to go.
Our in-depth review of FriendFinder-X goes into the details of its matchmaking game, but the important thing to know is that online chatting is free for all female users, no subscription needed. So let the flirting games begin!
5. Tinder
First impressions matter on Tinder. The dating app gives its users the chance to find romance by liking the photos and bylines of local singles. The app's casual atmosphere encourages flirty conversations that quickly lead to exchanging numbers or arranging in-person dates. Every week, Tinder facilitates over 1.5 million dates and hookups in 190+ countries.
- The dating app of choice for millions of sexually active singles
- Accelerating the dating process through swiping
- Has led to over 97 billion mutual matches
- Browse Tinder profiles 100% free »
Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has dominated the online dating scene and become one of the most popular dating apps in the history of dating apps. In total, it has been downloaded over 630 million times. Singles use Tinder for all sorts of reasons, but many of them want to build confidence by going out with hotties and exploring physical attractions.
| Pros: | Local matches, free chatting, verified profiles. |
| Cons: | Mixed intentions, flaky people. |
Tinder’s swiping system is photo-based, so it naturally leads to a lot of hookups. It does take effort, though. “I swiped right nonstop for a weekend and got about 300 matches,” said a Reddit user named Rick. “I had two one-night stands as a result of this.”
In terms of sheer numbers, Tinder is the undisputed king of the hookup scene. The app is responsible for 97 billion matches and leads to 1.5 million dates every week. Tinder also offers 50 gender identities and several sexual orientation options, including queer and asexual.
6. 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 doesn’t advertise as being for casual hookups, but not all of its members are interested in settling down and putting a ring on it. Some singles create Match accounts out of curiosity and just want to see where the conversation leads them.
| Pros: | Mature members, free messaging. |
| Cons: | No video features. |
Most Match members are over 30 and have graduated from college, so they’re not usually into playing games. In a survey, 42% of Match members said their favorite thing about online dating is that they can meet people they wouldn’t run into otherwise, and 29% said they preferred online dating to trolling for dates at bars and clubs.
As a premium dating site, Match verifies its members and boosts accountability in online dating, so you won’t have to worry about catfishing or scams here.
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 »
It’s free to browse profiles and send messages on Plenty of Fish, and that makes it a natural ally for singles seeking short-term romances. POF users don’t even have to form a mutual match before having a conversation.
| Pros: | Affordable, photo moderation, compatibility quiz. |
| Cons: | Fake profiles, no background checks. |
This popular dating app currently sees over 4 million daily active users. By lowering the barriers between singles, Plenty of Fish has fostered a flirtatious free-for-all where people can chat and arrange dates without making any big commitments.
Plenty of Fish endeavors to create a safe space that’s free of harassment and bullying. I know, easier said than done. The community guidelines encourage singles to “be real, be authentic, and be kind.” The moderators will remove any fake profiles or sexually explicit content.
Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps
The LGBTQ+ dating scene can be difficult to navigate if you’re new in town or newly out of the closet. You may not always know which gay bars, clubs, or social spots attract singles who are like you, but you can always meet local queer folks on a gay dating app.
I’ve picked out some serious contenders in the gay hookup scene to help adults spice up their love lives.
8. MenNation
MenNation has tons of X-rated content to arouse the senses and stimulate conversation. The hookup site attracts single men and gay couples all over the world and has grown its network to include over 93 million people. Free members can browse these profiles for as long as they want and send flirts to anyone who catches their eye.
- A massive men-only sex and swinger community
- Browse profiles and send private messages to your favorites
- Profiles feature erotic videos and sexually explicit blogs
- Browse MenNation profiles 100% free »
MenNation is a gay hookup site where men can be honest about their intentions. This place was made to help dudes arrange straight-up sex. The mobile-friendly website is open to adult singles and couples seeking male companionship.
| Pros: | Naked pics, low inhibitions, video features. |
| Cons: | Limits on free messaging. |
It takes less than a minute to set up a dating profile on MenNation, and you can start flirting right away. Nothing stops you from forming exciting connections through text and video chats.
MenNation has over 77,000 daily active users, and its database includes gay, bisexual, and queer dating profiles established by adult men.
9. Grindr
Grindr facilitates hookups by telling local singles where the hottest guys in town are and giving them a direct line of communication. It's easy to jump into this active dating pool and start flirting with gay and bisexual men near you.
- Sexually active men can create free profiles
- Matching system uses GPS information to find local dates
- Millions of prospects available in 192 countries
- Browse Grindr profiles 100% free »
Finally, Grindr is an incredibly popular hookup app for gay men on the prowl. The app uses location-based matching to ensure men can always find a date in their general vicinity. That makes it easy to arrange a meetup that leads to a hookup.
| Pros: | Swipe-based matches, location filters. |
| Cons: | Superficial profiles, date burnout. |
Since 2009, Grindr has become synonymous with gay dating, and this free online dating app has seen over 27 million signups. Every day, more than 3 million guys swipe, match, and chat on the app in hopes of meeting a partner on the down low.
If you’re looking for a casual hookup, this popular dating app for men should be on your radar.
“Awesome app,” said a review on Google Play. “I’ve had sex with like five different guys I met on here.”
FAQs: Which App Is Best for Hookups?
If sex is your main priority, then you should join a hookup app that supports the hit-it-and-quit-it lifestyle. I’d recommend trying a free dating platform that lets you make something happen without paying an arm and a leg. NaughtyCharm is a great option for adults seeking intimacy without commitment. It only has an Android app, though.
If you ask me, it’s best to get a profile up on multiple hookup apps to up your odds of finding a date. But if you’re only going to pick one, I suggest making it Ashley Madison.
Ashley Madison is a good, discreet app that’ll let you browse under a username and blurred photo. Since its launch in 2001, the affair site has won over a lot of sex-driven singles — not just married people — and the best part is you don’t have to hide your intentions or relationship status from new matches.
It is totally free to join Ashley Madison, and there’s a credit system that men use to unlock conversation windows. Women can send messages for free.
Is There a Dating App for Couples?
Yes, a number of dating apps cater to swingers and couples in open relationships. Feeld is a poly dating app where individuals can pair their accounts to a partner, lover, or special friend.
Along the same lines, Adult Friend Finder is inclusive of couples and groups seeking threesomes, orgies, and ethical non-monogamy. Since 1997, the AFF community has been one of the most flexible places to search for sex.
Adult Friend Finder offers a sex-positive space where couples can explore romantic possibilities that don’t come around every day. It’s an exciting place to sext a stranger and satisfy your deepest desires.
Is Bumble a Hookup App?
No, Bumble is most definitely not a hookup app. In fact, it prides itself on being the exact opposite. Bumble’s mission statement is to create meaningful connections based on shared interests and values.
Only 1% of Bumble women surveyed said they joined the app seeking a hookup, and 72% said they are looking to find a long-term partner in the coming year on the dating app.
Bumble has a good reputation and lots of great reviews, but it’s not going to work for everyone. Singles who only want to get laid typically steer clear of Bumble because it does not support nude photos, raunchy content, or suggestive messages.
The app doesn’t even allow you to post pictures of yourself in underwear or bathing suits. What a buzzkill!
Which Free Dating App Works the Fastest?
Swiping and chatting can take hours and hours of your time, and it’s only natural for busy singles to start looking for a shortcut to romance. Especially if you’re more interested in a casual hookup than a serious relationship. If you want to press fast-forward on the dating scene, then Tinder is the app for you.
Just look at the numbers: Tinder boasts having 630 million downloads, creating 97 billion matches, and leading to 1.5 million dates per week. And it’s free to download in the Google Play Store or the App Store. That’s a pretty compelling reason to give it a try.
When you join Tinder, you’ll need to link your dating profile to either a Facebook profile, Instagram account, or phone number, ensuring that fake profiles are kept at bay. This leading dating app puts in the effort to keep singles engaged in the online dating world. That’s why its swiping system is well-known for delivering quick results and exciting dates.
The Tinder app is completely free from start to finish. You can chat with your mutual matches for as long as you like without paying for a Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold membership, which offers more Super Likes, a rewind button, and a larger match radius in other cities or countries.
What’s the Top Dating App for iOS Users?
I know a person who is an Apple user through and through. He loves his iPad, he’s always glued to his iPhone, and he even wore an Apple Watch for a while before realizing it sucks. He has been online dating for years now, and he has often wished that more online dating apps would start with iOS versions first rather than catering to Android devices.
Here are the best iOS dating apps according to rankings on the App Store itself:
- Tinder
- Bumble
- Hinge
- Grindr
- Badoo
As my final recommendation, I’d like to highlight that Zoosk was among the first dating apps to launch for iOS users. It still holds its place as a premier social networking platform for singles seeking dates on iOS.
“I met my husband on Zoosk eight years ago,” said Marinelli’s in a Zoosk review on the App Store. “Our first date was on Christmas Eve, and we had such a good time. Thank you, Zoosk!”
Is eharmony Good for Casual Dating?
To put it bluntly, no. The eharmony website (and its companion app) focuses on building deep romantic connections that lead to a serious relationship. It does not support hookup culture.
While it’s possible to hook up with a person you met on eharmony, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to score without first wining and dining your date.
Singles who want to keep things casual won’t find a lot of viable options on eharmony. It delivers a curated list of matches based on a personality test and compatibility assessment.
According to the site, the eharmony matchmaking system creates a new love connection every 14 minutes. From the in-depth profiles to the fun icebreakers, eharmony is all about guiding singles to a quality match and allowing love to blossom.
If you want a quality-driven dating experience, the eharmony is right up your alley. But if you just want to hit it and quit it, then you’re better off on a free online dating app like Tinder.
How Do I Find a Hookup on Match?
From the beginning, Match has been geared more toward serious relationships than casual hookups, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t try their luck and try to land a sexy date. After all, Match has over 15 million monthly active users who are looking to spice up their love lives in a variety of ways.
Some Match members may want to find a special person to cuddle up with forever, while others may just want a first date that leads to a one-night stand.
Here’s my top piece of advice for casual daters on Match: ease into conversations about sex. Be prepared to put in a little effort before you hook up with someone new. Match fosters flirtation and extended chats, so make sure to communicate your intentions to avoid wasting each other’s time.
You could start off the conversation by saying something like, “Hey sexy, how’s your day going?” That lets your match know where your head is at while still making an effort to keep things respectful and low-key.
Becoming too sexually explicit too soon is a good way to get yourself reported and/or banned on Match, so watch your tongue and keep your chats family-friendly until you get the green light from your partner.
What’s the Best Totally Free Online Dating App?
Our dating experts consider OkCupid to be the top dating app for budget-conscious singles under 35. This fast-paced and freewheeling dating service offers 100% free communication between all users, and the chats don’t have any time limits or expiration dates.
As soon as you set up your free account, you can start messaging. You must like a dating profile to send an initial message, and you won’t be able to send a follow-up message and start a real conversation until the other person has liked you back.
Once you’ve formed a mutual match, you can send lengthy messages for as long as you want.
OkCupid gives members the option to upgrade from the free version to A-List accounts. The paid perks include receiving message-read receipts, appearing higher in search results, and seeing who’s liked your dating profile. All this can be helpful, but the upgrade isn’t necessary to spark a conversation.
One of my favorite free features on OkCupid is the in-depth personality test, which includes over 5,000 questions — don’t worry, they’re all optional — and is the bedrock of the compatibility ratings you’ll see on other people’s profiles.
OkCupid allows users to clearly state what they’re seeking upfront, whether it’s short-term dating, long-term relationships, friendships, or hookups. This openness helps eliminate confusion and sets realistic expectations when singles start chatting with each other.
OkCupid has brought a lot of joy, laughter, and intrigue to the casual dating scene, and it continues to impress with its personality-driven matchmaking and affordable dating services. Every year, OkCupid creates over 91 million matches and leads to around 2.6 million first dates.
Adult Dating Apps Can Turn Up the Heat
A lot of young adults notice that their dating options start to dry up after they graduate from school and start their careers. It’s just not as easy to run into attractive singles anymore, and it takes more effort to find dating hot spots. As a result, today’s single adults rely on dating apps to bring them out of their comfort zones and into a new flirtatious environment.
We’ve reviewed the top dating apps for casual daters to help you make sense of the modern online dating scene. You can build new relationships by swiping and messaging with like-minded adults.
If you’re serious about meeting new people, then a free dating app could be the perfect wingman. With such a vast dating pool at your fingertips, all you need to do is work up the courage to say hi to that special someone. Good luck!
