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Whether you’ve never tried BDSM (which stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism) before, or you’re experienced in engaging in all kinds of fetishes, there’s a site or app out there for you!

Yes, thanks to the internet, you can pursue your wildest fantasies—or even just relatively mild ones—and connect with strangers from all over the world to get your kink on. 

There are numerous BDSM social network-type sites as well as more conventional online dating apps. So, keep reading to learn more about our top fetish and kink positive dating site recommendations and figure out which one makes the most sense for you!

Best BDSM Dating Sites and Apps in 2022

RankSiteBest For1.ALT Best overall BDSM dating site2.Fetish.comOld school kink positive experience3.FetLifeBest BDSM community4.AdultFriendFinderLargest alt user base5.SeekingBest sugar/kink combination6.TinderKink dating with a mainstream veneer7.Ashley MadisonBest for polyamorous8.Pure AppBest for fantasies9.BDSM.comBest for first-timers10.BuddyBang Most open-minded11.Reddit BDSMFree option12.BDSM SinglesBest female-to-male ratio13.FetsterBest for discretion14.Bondage PalBest bondage kink site15.FeeldBest poly/kink hybrid

1.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM 

ALT is short for alternative, meaning that you’ll be right at home here if you like to get your kink and your freak on. No matter what your fetish, you can likely find a person (or people!) for you on ALT. 

It’s truly liberating using ALT since you can really just be yourself. It boasts a huge community of alt-minded people, so finding other like-minded individuals is a breeze.

Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out with BDSM and kink culture, then ALT may be a little bit intense. 

Pros:

Sorting by kinkNSFW content to peruse (e.g. cam shows)

Cons:

There are some fake profiles, bots, scammers, etc.Limited use without premium account 

2.  Fetish.com  – The original fetish community

Fetish.com is all about being “the kink-positive BDSM community for fetish dating.” You pretty much have the whole idea right there. Like FetLife and other platforms reviewed here, they basically want to be the go-to social network for kinky types.

If you really want to just let loose and be yourself and find like-minded individuals, then fetish.com is definitely worth checking out. 

Pro Tip: Fetish.com also has regional sites, which can be handy if you’re looking to make local connections. 

Pros:

All about fetishes and kinksFriendly online community 

Cons:

Some old and deactivated accountsLess than intuitive site

3. FetLife – Best BDSM community

FetLife isn’t just a fetish dating site, it also wants to be the world’s best BDSM community. And we have to say, with 10 million members, they’re doing a pretty damn good job. 

Selling themselves as “Like Facebook, but run yb kinksters like you and me,” FetLife competes with sites such as Fetish.com and BDSM.com in trying to offer a way for like-minded individuals to not just date but also casually socialize.

Since FetLife has a niche purpose and a large userbase, your chances of finding people you can jive with are pretty great. 

Pro Tip: Use the variety of handy filters and groups on FetLife for best results! 

Pros:

Many filters and group optionsSocially focused

Cons:

Not everyone will be looking for dating and romantic situationsLarge userbase but a fair amount of inactive and bot profiles 

4. Adult FriendFinder – Largest alt community

Although it isn’t necessarily only focused on BDSM, AdultFriendFinder is a top choice for many kinksters out there. That’s because it’s one of the best overall alternative communities in the world!

You see, AdultFriendFinder has been around for quite some time and grown a massive alt community thanks to that being their primary focus. Now, you can count on finding just about any type of BDSM kink or fetish you can think of. 

So, whatever you might be looking for, there’s a good chance AdultFriendFinder has it.

Pro Tip: AdultFriendFinder’s userbase is so large that you’ll want to be perfectly open about what you’re looking for. This will keep from wasting anyone’s time (including your own). 

Pros:

Perfect for kinks and fetishesHuge alt community 

Cons:

Somewhat priceyLimited free membership with lots of ads

5.  Seeking – Best for sugar/kink hybrid

While Seeking has traditionally been focused on sugar relationships, it’s been branching out to try to get more mainstream appeal.

It also just so happens that many older sugar daddy/mommy types tend to be heavy into kinky stuff like BDSM.

So, whether you’re looking for a sugar relationship or not, Seeking might be worth your time. It’s one of the fastest growing online dating communities around. 

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Seeking has historically focused on sugar relationships, so the site may generally skew in that direction.  

Pros:

Women can sign up freeMen have a nice woman-to-man ratioGood way for BDSM lovers to find a partner

Cons:

Pricey (for men)May not be a good bet if you don’t want a sugar relationship

6.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

Tinder as a BDSM app? Yes, actually.

This app doesn’t need much introduction as it’s pretty much the biggest dating app in the world at this point. The good thing is that means that there’s basically someone for everyone on here.

That said, you’ll have to keep your eye out for specific details (or very honest people) to find other BDSM and kinky types.

Pro Tip: It’s important to realize that not everyone on Tinder is looking for BDSM or even casual hook-ups. So, be clear about your expectations to avoid disappointment.

Pros:

Ridiculously high number of usersMany people looking for alternative connections 

Cons:

Tons of bots and scammers Almost too big of a userbase

7.  Ashley Madison – Best for kink polyamory

Ashley Madison is well known as the site that proposes you have an affair (their motto is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.”).

So, you know what you’re getting with Ashley Madison. And it just so happens that lots of people want to find kink and BDSM relationships with other people, maybe because they’re in a marriage or relationship where they can’t get that.

In any case, Ashley Madison is all about discretion and there are many types of people on there. So, it’s probably worth a shot! 

Pro Tip: Choose to get more credits at once if you want a better cost-per-credit ratio. (This style of credit system is pretty popular on BDSM and hookup sites.) 

Pros:

Women sign up freeDiscretion is highly prioritizedPeople tend to not cast judgment 

Cons:

Ethically dubious siteCan get pricey (for men) 

6.  Pure App – Best for fantasy fetishes

Pure is not too unlike Ashley Madison in that they really emphasize the idea of “shameless dating.” So, you definitely don’t have to worry about whatever kink or fetish you might be into here.

What this means is that Pure can be a great option for people who are into BDSM and other kinks and fetishes that aren’t so mainstream. 

The Pure app also has some nice features built in that help promote security and safety.

Pro Tip: If you’re not in a major urban area, then you may have trouble finding people who you can meet up with locally, since Pure doesn’t have nearly the userbase that a Tinder or AdultFriendFinder has.  

Pros:

Privacy prioritizedEasy to get startedGood for kinks and fetishes

Cons:

Not great for people in small communitiesFair amount of scammers and bots

9.  BDSM.com – Best for beginners 

BDSM.com boasts nearly 900,000 active members, giving it a solid claim to being one of the top kink community and personals sites around.

Unfortunately, it’s competing with quite a lot of these sites (see below), and it doesn’t quite do anything particularly well to stand out from the pack. It does have groups for different kinks, though, which can speed things along nicely. 

Pro Tip: Make good use of the groups feature so you can find like-minded people right away and save yourself some time. 

Pros:

Kink social networkGroups feature speeds things along 

Cons:

Watch for scammers and bot profilesDoesn’t have quite the userbase of other sites reviewed here

10.  BuddyBang – Most open-minded community

BuddyBang’s name didn’t require a team of rocket scientists to come up with. But you get the point right away, and this site aims to be just as easy to use.

If you’re after a casual hookup, BuddyBang is one of the best places to do it. And since many people who don’t mind a one-night-stand are also kinky, you’ve got a good shot of finding someone who can take you to kinky heaven. 

Pro Tip: People on BuddyBang can be downright thirsty, so be prepared for that. 

Pros:

Enthusiastic userbaseIntuitive to use

Cons:

Free tier is loaded with adsPeople can be excessively thirsty 

11.  Reddit r/BDSMpersonals – Best free option

Reddit is not just home to cat forums and endless “Am I the Asshole?” posts. It’s also got a lot of NSFW sites, including r/BDSMpersonals.

If you’re looking for a low-risk way to find other BDSM people, then give this a try. After all, it will cost you absolutely nothing. So, simply make a post or browse others to find people to DM. 

Pro Tip: When you post here, you’re making a virtual first impression, so take some time and do a good job of it.  

Pros:

100% freeLow-risk way of finding other BDSM-minded people

Cons:

Not the most active community on RedditMay have trouble finding people in your area

12.  BDSM Singles – Best female-to-male ratio

BDSM singles is pretty much as advertised, a dating site for people into BDSM. So, if that’s you, then you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the right place.

BDSM wins points for its niche focus, since that’s what you’re here for, right? That said, it also means that it has a relatively small community at the moment, which can mean it’s harder to find dates (particularly in your area). 

Pro Tip: With a small community, BDSM Singles may not yield a lot of local results for you, particularly if you’re in a small community. 

Pros:

Unique toolsBDSM focused

Cons:

Relatively small userbase so farMay have trouble finding people in your area

13.  Fetster – Best for discretion

Fetster may have an old-school site, but it’s a great community for fetish-minded individuals. It also wins points for prioritizing discretion, which is usually welcomed by most people pursuing BDSM and fetish relationships online.

While not one of the largest BDSM communities online, it’s still sizable enough that it could very well be worth your time to check out. 

Pro Tip: Don’t get turned off by the old-school site. While it could use a tuning up, it still has everything you need to find other people with your fetishes and kinks.  

Pros:

Big community100% focused on fetishes

Cons:

Site could use some updating

14.  Bondage Pal – Best for bondage

Bondage Pal is pretty straightforward: it’s your pal if you’re into bondage. Although it features a rather small community at present, it would appear to be growing quickly.

So, if you’re into bondage, then you should definitely give Bondage Pal a try. It’s really nice having a platform dedicated to your specific kink, and not always available, so take advantage of it!

Pro Tip: Bondage Pal is all about bondage, so if you’re not into bondage, then look elsewhere. 

Pros:

Perfect if you’re into the “B” of BDSMSome unique features 

Cons:

Super specific nicheSite could use some work 

15.  Feeld – Best polyamory/kink hybrid platform

Feeld specifically focuses on allowing people to find a partner or partners for a threesome. But guess what? The kind of people who are more likely to go for a threesome are more adventurous sexually in general, meaning that they’re also more likely to be into BDSM and other kinky stuff.

So, while you do need to be looking for a threesome on Feeld, you might also meet people with your same fetishes or kinks. In any case, it’s worth a shot! This is a judgment-free zone with a very modern app. 

Pro Tip: Unfortunately, the sign-up process requires Facebook, so keep that in mind. 

Pros:

Very open-minded platformSex-positive all the way around 

Cons:

Facebook required to sign upApple users only for premium version 

BDSM Dating Site FAQ

Is it safe to use BDSM apps?

Yes, it’s safe to use BDSM sites and apps. You just have to use common sense and remember to never share personal information with strangers online. That’s just a good way to get scammed or have your identity stolen. 

How do you stay safe using BDSM apps?

Staying safe when using a BDSM app is basically the same as staying safe when using any online dating site or app. You have to use common sense, trust your gut instinct, and follow some basic safety procedures. For example, meet in public the first time, tell someone you trust where you’re going, etc. 

Are there any free BDSM sites?

Yes, there are a number of free BDSM sites, particularly if you are a woman. There’s also Reddit’s r/BDSMpersonals, which is free for everyone. 

Can women use BDSM sites for free?

Yes, actually. On a number of BDSM sites, including some of those reviewed above, women can sign up for free.  

Final Takeaway

BDSM may have become a bit more mainstream thanks to 50 Shades of Grey, but it’s still not the easiest thing in the world to find in your own romantic life.

That said, it’s never been easier thanks to the internet. The BDSM sites and apps that we’ve reviewed above make it a breeze to get your kink and freak on with people from your local community and around the world.

So, what are you waiting for? Find the kink dating site or app that works best for you and enjoy!

Read More

Traditional dating isn’t for everyone. Some people want serious relationships while others want something more casual, like a hookup. The taboo around casual dating has subsided in recent years. Casual daters have plenty of options, but most opt to try hookup sites to find what (and who) they want.

Different sites cater to different tastes. A site’s speciality is not always immediately apparent. So it can be a challenge to find the right site for you. That’s where we come in. We’ve signed up for and tried the best hookup sites and apps for casual encounters to get some action.

Let’s dive into the reviews and ratings.

Click ↓ next to the name of the site to jump straight to the review.

Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Casual Dating in 2022

RankSiteBest For1.Adult FriendFinder ↓Best overall hookup site2. BuddyBang ↓Runner-up3.BeNaughty ↓Best for flirtiest singles4.Ashley Madison ↓Best for affairs5.Seeking ↓Best for sugar baby/sugar daddy/mommy6.ALT ↓Best for alternative and BDSM sex7.OKCupid ↓Top choice for millennials8.Hinge ↓Somewhat serious, but mostly FWB9.Zoosk ↓Best for short-term dating10.Bumble ↓Best for women11.Plenty of Fish ↓Best for lots of options12.Tinder ↓Most popular app13.Pure App ↓Best for fantasy based14.Feeld ↓Most open-minded singles15.Sex Messenger ↓Best for anonymous hookups16.Reddit R4R ↓Best completely free option

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best overall hookup site

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Adult FriendFinder is the oldest and most popular hookup site. As its name suggests, it’s primarily interested in helping adults make, *ahem*, adult friends.

It caters to swinging, non-monogamous relationships, threesomes, and experimental arrangements. Whether you’re looking for an NSA (no-strings-attached) relationship, a one-night stand to spice up your marriage, or a quick fling, you’ll find someone looking for the same thing.

Once you create a profile on Adult FriendFinder, you can customize your search to narrow down people interested in the same arrangement as you.

Adult FriendFinder has bonus additional content such as webcam shows and erotic stories. So if you need a little warming up before connecting with someone, you’re covered.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About Adult FriendFinder

“I was on another site. Met a guy who told me about Adult FriendFinder (AFF). I signed up. Have been on AFF for a little over a year and a half. Have nothing but praise. When AFF works, it WORKS! For the most part, I have met some truly wonderful men. Local men, business men coming through my area, couples. Overwhelmingly positive experience and exactly what I was looking for: no strings, no drama, casual sex.”

Need a little more info before taking the plunge? Check out our in-depth Adult FriendFinder review.

2.  BuddyBang – Runner-up

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

BuddyBang helps you find a buddy to sleep with. That shouldn’t be hard for you to figure out. This no-judgement site operates like an express train to the friends-with-benefits phase. It’s as simple as browse, chat, bang.

While you won’t find romance here, you will find passion. Lustful adults flock to BuddyBang to chat and make connections. Ultimately, the goal is to arrange a meetup with a saucy stranger in your area. If you’re lucky, that one-night stand might turn into a long-term arrangement.

With a relatively affordable monthly subscription and advanced search filters, getting laid on BuddyBang is a piece of cake. It’s way easier than shelling out tons of cash for dinner dates that may lead nowhere.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About BuddyBang

“A lotta hookup sites out there, which means a lot of scams. Gotta be honest, at first I was skeptical of BuddyBang. Seemed like another fake site that just wanted your cash. But I was pleasantly surprised. More than that, I was very happy with my experience. I met a couple real girls here who, let’s just say, were down to get down. And that’s all I wanted. I wasn’t a creep. I kept it cool, wasn’t aggressive with messaging and it all worked. I recommend it!”

3.  BeNaughty – Best for flirty singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

BeNaughty naturally draws some of the most frisky singles in your area. It’s in the name. Plus, breaking the ice is easy as BeNaughty gives users tons of ways to connect. Browse the gallery or enter a naughty chat room for potential dates. When you find someone you like, you can send a wink, a message, or start a live one-on-one chat.

BeNaughty works because it’s to-the-point. While users are looking for fast fun, there is no time for games. They want a hookup, and quickly.

Open-minded and discreet, BeNaughty gives you the option to seek out singles or couples for a fast fling. By adjusting your search filter, you can find your ideal scenario and weed out people who aren’t your type.

Membership LengthPriceThree day trial$1.05/dayOne month$27.01 totalThree months$15.15/month ($45.45 total)Six months$12.24/month ($73.44 total)

What Users Think About BeNaughty

“Here you can be selective. The choice of profiles is quite large. The girls are active, many of them are constantly online. There are those who only like online communication and do not want to go on dates. However, it is their choice. If you are interested in online flirting, it will be a lot of fun with this site. Some people want more, so I’m still looking for someone to go on a real date with me.”

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Ashley Madison has the reputation of being a site for affairs and discreet married dating. Its slogan is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.” The brand has become notoriously known over the years for being a site for married people to flirt and hook up.

The site caters to students in relationships, lonely wives, married men, and everyday people who want to find a safe space to maintain an affair and not be judged. This hookup site is excellent for those who are attached and seeking excitement from a monotone lifestyle and exploring the world of extramarital affairs.

Ashley Madison is the first married dating website and is committed to discretion. Despite the backlash and reputation, this site continues to be popular and has an immense database that crosses every major city in the world.

Membership TierPriceBasic100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic500 credits at $0.34/creditElite1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

You message and live chat with users in exchange for credits. It’s about 5 credits to sent a message or 50 credits/hour to live chat. For more information about credits and other aspects of the site, see our full Ashley Madison review.

What Users Think About Ashley Madison

“As a woman, I can tell you that this site works. I’ve met and hooked up with a lot of great guys. However, I will say that since there are considerably more men than women on the site you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Women like to be wined and dined and brought on business trips, to a nice hotel, etc… Be patient, it works. I found a great guy who I have been hooking up with on a regular basis for over 2 years now and we are very happy with the arrangement.”

5.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Seeking has undergone a brand transformation, but it still attracts a straightforward target audience: rich and experienced individuals seeking the young and gorgeous. This sugar daddy site is about helping daddies and mommas find sugar babies or cubs for hookups.

It has a much higher user base of women because the “sugar baby” theme brings many young women to the site. The site claims to have four times the number of women than men in their database. The prerequisite is that sugar daddies have to be wealthy and successful. They give priority to verified “elite members” who join with the sole intention of spoiling their sugar babies with money and attention.

Seeking is a great site for beautiful young women looking for fun, attention, and a “daddy” to spoil them! This site is not the best to find a lasting love story—it’s geared toward hookups and has a more transaction-like nature.

Women who’d like to meet a well-off older man (or would be babies), you’re in luck – you do not have to pay to use Seeking.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$89.95/monthThree month$79.95/month ($239.85 total)Diamond (more premium features)$249.95/month

What Users Think About Seeking

“Came across them on Facebook and decided to spend a few bucks to find some men. Although not all the men were true to their description and some being scammers, it was pretty easy to find the genuinely interested ones from the fakes. It is a dating site for the wealthier crowd as we spend a lot of money but you can find a suitable candidate here.”

Still not sure or need more information? Check out our full Seeking review.

6.  ALT – Best for alternative relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

ALT is a full-on casual sex website. It’s not for anyone who is on the hunt for a serious relationship. This site is all about casual sex in every form to gratify any sex-seeker! The website’s community is made up of those who are into alternative bondage, who enjoy hooking up online, live, and in-person for sex dates.

It’s a dating site that caters to people who want to find alternative, BDSM, bondage, and fetish partners who can connect online and meet in person. ALT speaks to swingers, dominatrixes, and mistresses looking for power exchange.

ALT is the leading BDSM site, with almost 2 million members. You can easily customize your fetish and find someone who is into the same kinks as you! Remember that this site is all about kink, such as orgies, being humiliated, or being tortured, and not about vanilla sex. So, if you’re looking for just plain sex, opt for another option on this list.

Membership TierPriceSilver$19.95/monthGold$29.95/month

What Users Think About ALT

“Don’t listen to all the haters!!!! Alt.com is one of the best sites. Been using it in the past and it worked quite good. Nowadays I’d also try Casuasexonly.com and Fetlife.com. And there are also a few smaller sites that work but they are more ‘special niche sites’.”

7. OKCupid – Best for millennials and young people

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★★

OKCupid is a mainstream dating app that caters to many different kinds of relationships. It provides a multitude of choices for millennials looking not just for long-term relationships but options for short-term relationships, casual dating, and hookups. All you have to do is set that as what you are looking for, and they match you to like-minded people!

This site gears toward a generally younger audience—the age group between 18-29. This site is also one of the most inclusive mainstream dating websites that includes many gender and orientation options, helping you zero in on the particular pool of choices you want!

OKCupid may be a mainstream dating app that includes finding long-term relationships, but given its wide range of options, filters, and preferences, it’s a great app for hookups and casual sex as well. Just be up-front and be prepared to meet a great bunch of locals looking for the same things as you.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalSix months$9.95/month ($59.70 total)

What Users Think About OKCupid

“OkCupid is a dating app worth checking out. For the most part I have been disappointed with my dating app experiences. I have been pleasantly surprised with the results from OkCupid. There seems to be an endless supply of genuine women interested in a relationship. After several weeks of using the app for free, I decided to become a subscriber. I have been satisfied with my decision.”

8.  Hinge – Best for hybrid serious and FWB relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Hinge is a mainstream dating app that focuses on finding real romance—but it is also used to find casual sex and friends with benefits. The truth about Hinge is that it’s “designed to be deleted.”

But fear not! This app is incredibly popular with the younger crowd (18 to 29 years of age) and has filters to state the nature of the relationship you’re interested in. This setup is the best for friends with benefits because you have to answer questions about yourself and your preferences, which will bring you closer to meeting someone you share similar interests with and are attracted to!

Hinge is a great hookup app for those who want to find a casual relationship where you hook up with the same person a few times instead of just a one-night stand. Just be straight up with what you’re looking for—and you might just meet a new FWB with absolutely no strings attached.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalThree months$20.99 totalSix months$29.99 total

What Users Think About Hinge

“Hinge is amazing! I think the thing that I like about it is that if you don’t pay it limits you to 10 likes a day and so it’s more likely that people will pay attention to you rather than getting distracted by yet another profile. And everyone is more careful about who they pick so if you match you’re more likely to talk I think. It also does a great job of conversation prompts that go with photos or without. Definitely check it out.”

9.  Zoosk – Best for short term dating

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★

Zoosk is a great short-term dating site that is internationally famous. It has a community of 35 million users in 80 different countries, and it is open to singles of all ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations—making it one of the most diverse casual dating apps.

This app may not be the best for casual hookups and one-night stands, but it is a good contender for short-term dating. If you’re in your early to mid-20s, you’ll find a great selection of singles who are interested in short-term or casual relationships.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$29.95 totalThree months$19.98/month ($59.94 total)Six months$12.49/month ($74.94 total)

What Users Think About Zoosk

“Satisfied with the outcome, pretty good dating site. I think the price is OK and I liked the option of pausing account, very useful when you’re trying to focus on one person. As we all know, it takes several attempts to meet someone you are really interested in.”

10.  Bumble – Safest for women

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Bumble has gained a reputation for being different from most other mainstream dating and hookup apps. If you haven’t heard of this app already, Bumble is one of the first and only sites where women make the first move and get to screen potential men immediately. Men simply cannot reach out to any women unless they’ve initiated contact and interest.

It is catered towards and attracts more women than men looking to mingle or find networking opportunities, friends, or hookups! Even though it has a relatively positive and clean rep, it’s a great site for educated, good-looking men who are searching for successful, bold women.

Membership TierPricePremium$8.99/month

What Users Think About Bumble

“The Bumble app has an easy format to navigate and I like that women have to make the first contact. That Helped me out of my comfort zone. I liked that you can adjust your distance from possible matches.”

11.  Plenty of Fish – Best for lots of options

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Plenty of Fish has the largest user base. POF was launched in 2003, being one of the oldest dating sites. Since it’s free and easy to sign up, you’re going to be exposed to a lot of different types of people, looking for different things, so you’ll have to filter through them all.

Since it’s been around for a long time, it has gained a reputation as a matchmaker site that will ask questions about your family, career, and interests to match you with similar users. It’s catered for people who want to dip their toes into dating and hookup sites to explore options.

Plenty of Fish may or may not have people looking for casual sex, depending on your luck. It’s a matchmaker site that is geared more for a long-term commitment. So you have to be prepared to screen different kinds of people.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.99/monthThree months$9.80/month ($29.40/total)One year$5.95/month ($71.40 total)

What Users Think About Plenty of Fish

“Plenty of catfish and foreigners who can’t speak English. However, even if you’re not a paid subscriber you can opt in for only paid subscribers. The site also provides an option for voice calls through the app. I’m going to try the site out for a month or so, then may upgrade to being a paid subscriber. POF has really improved its website since I was on it a year ago. Have fun and meet someone!”

12.  Tinder – Most popular app

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

You didn’t think this list was going to end without this sex gem of an app, did you? Tinder is the most widely known hookup app of this generation. It has an infamous rep for finding casual sex ASAP.

Tinder caters to men and women looking to get laid based on appearance. It’s known for its classic swiping left to reject and swiping right to like someone’s profile. If you’re looking for sex, Tinder has a huge user base and a large number of locals, meaning you can probably secure a sex date tonight—but the catch is that your profile needs to stand out. If you’re not conventionally attractive, you’re going to struggle to find dates.

For men who can’t seem to find dates, Tinder has a large user base of escorts who will private message their rates. If you’re horny and want it—then maybe you can meet a potential escort on Tinder.

Membership Length/TierPriceLimited SwipesFreeOne month$9.99 total if you’re under 30One month$19.99 total if you’re over 30

What Users Think About Tinder

“I’ve been using tinder for quite some time and I really enjoy it! I travel a lot and t’s great way to meet new people. Tinder has a feature called Face To Face you can use to video chat within the app. Tinder has on-demand safety features via Noonlight, which offers a Timeline feature where users can share first date details on their Timelines, like who they’re meeting, when and where. Users can also discreetly contact emergency services via Noonlight.”

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasy based hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pure App was created for shameless and judgment-free fantasy and desire-based dating. This app is purely for NSA affairs and is completely secretive and anonymous. It encourages its users to be whoever they choose to be and still be themselves.

It caters to people who have wild fantasies or desires that aren’t celebrated on mainstream dating and hookup apps. It allows your individuality to shine through—choosing your gender and sexuality—and providing guaranteed privacy and safety to video chat and meet whoever shares the same fantasies as you.

Pure App uses your GPS location on your phone to find other Pure users looking for some NSA action. You just have to post a photo and an up-front headline and wait to see if anyone close is interested. When you’re done, your profile will vanish, along with all your messages and photos—no need to worry about deactivating or privacy issues.

Membership LengthPriceOne week$14.99 totalOne month$19.99 total

What Users Think About Pure App

“I am a 25 year old attractive woman, I have never been on a site before however After almost a year of dating and taking things slowly and 4 months of not being interested enough to take things further, I broke and downloaded pure. Downloaded Wednesday, Thursday (yesterday) spontaneously arranged to meet a really really attractive guy who spent a few great hours with me. We got along really well. I also had a video chat with a really attractive couple who I’ll be meeting soon. I’m speaking to other really attractive guys as well.”

14.  Feeld – Best for adventurous singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Feeld is a hookup app for couples and singles to explore their kinks and desires in a no-judgement atmosphere.

It includes couples’ accounts where you and your partner can date a lover or meet someone for a threesome. It’s inclusive for all genders and sexual orientations. Overall, it’s a sex-positive space for anyone looking to explore beyond “the norm” in today’s society.

Feeld prides itself on being responsible and ethical. It connects people with like-minded folk and encourages curious monogamous couples to link with partners who are also interested. It is a safe space that allows couples to explore their desires in the most honest way possible.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.99 totalThree months$29.98 total

What Users Think About Feeld

“It’s called the ‘Tinder for threesomes’ for a reason. I’ll let you do the imagining.”

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymous hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Sex Messenger is an anonymous instant messaging app—like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. But you never share your name because it’s meant to be discreet and only for sexting and trading nudes.

This app is an adult social network that is much more than an online sex chat. It caters to people who want to connect with other people who want to engage in sex and dirty talk, and fulfill each other’s sexual fantasies. Instant messaging on this app and posting blog entries will help you gain the attention you want from like-minded people.

All members must verify their accounts, so this weeds out fake profiles, scammers, and bots. Members can contribute to the website through Sex Messenger’s forums, chats, group sections, sex stories, and blogs. It’s all anonymous and fully discrete. This app is a great way to sext, increase sexual tension, and finally meet up to do the deed.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.95 total

What Users Think About Sex Messenger

“I’m recently single and wanted to have a little fun but was skeptical about trying something online. You hear about the horror stories. I found Sex Messenger and immediately thought SCAM. But I gave it a shot and found a couple fun guys within a couple weeks. I didn’t need to renew my membership.”

16.  Reddit R4R – Best completely free option

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★

Reddit R4R is one of the best options for browse casual sex options for free. If you’re looking for a hookup but don’t want to sign up, post photos of yourself, and write out a bio to describe who you are and what you want . . . you found the site for you!

This site works as a personals subreddit. It works like any other subreddit. Anyone can post—no photos, no personal information needed! All you have to do is list some things about yourself and the type of person you’re looking for. And then you wait to see if anyone responds to your post.

Reddit R4R is free, so all you have to do is download the Reddit app, and you don’t need to worry about spending money. If you want to be a trusted member and not get blocked, just follow the posting rules! Users love this site to get laid because it’s easy to use, free, and starts an instant conversation with like-minded people.

Membership TierPriceUnlimitedFree

What Users Think About Reddit R4R

“Look, it’s Reddit. You ‘get what you pay for,’ but it’s cool to scroll the profiles and chat for free. Too many guys but I definitely found and met up with a couple hotties.”

Hookup Site Guide

Still on the fence about whether or not you should start using hookup apps? Or maybe you’re already using them but want some more information? Check out this useful guide to answer any lingering questions you may have and walk away with some important safety tips about casual sex.

What Makes a Hookup Site Good?

It’s important to note that different sites cater to different kinds of people. So before creating a profile on any old hookup site, read the reviews to make sure it meets your needs.

Here are a few tips to find the best hookup site specific to you:

If you have a particular kink or preference, keep an eye out for it. (example: Looking for discreet affairs? Ashley Madison is the one for you!)Make sure the size of the user base is relatively large. More options mean a better chance of finding someone to hook up with.Find a site that allows users to be up-front about what they want. Usually, apps have preferences, and you can set yours to “casual relationship” or “hookup.”Make sure the customer service contact information is front and center. You shouldn’t have to go on an expedition to contact the site.

FAQs About Hookup Sites

Q: Are hookup sites safe?

Like any online dating platform, reputable hookup sites have embedded safety features that still require user discretion. It can be dangerous if you don’t take proper safety measures. Generally, these sites and apps regulate safety by banning bots and scammers and have options to report any bad or suspicious behavior. So if you’re planning on joining, be aware and try your best not to be too gullible—you can never be sure who you will come across online!

Q: Are there any completely free hookup sites?

It sucks that most dating apps and casual sex apps require you to subscribe to get optimum results. But sites like Reddit R4R and Craigslist Activities offer a free platform to chat, flirt, and arrange sex dates. But the only downside is that there is no moderation and you won’t be talking to a verified profile and have to be extra cautious.

Q: What hookup sites are free for women?

The reality is that dating apps make it very easy for women to find sex. Most high-rated dating sites offer women free memberships (mostly to balance out the male/female ratio on their site). Sex sites that are free for women include Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Seeking, Hinge, Her, and Pure.

Q: What is the best LGBTQ+ option?

Though there are a few options, only two rise to the top. HER is the best for women seeking women and Grindr is best for men seeking for men. These two sites also cater to non-binary people.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for some action tonight, welcome to the world of casual sex sites and apps.

The best hookup sites are on top for a reason—everyone on there is eager to find sex and casual flings just like you! More than mainstream dating apps that cater to a plethora of things such as long-term dating, friendships, and so on, hookup apps are catered only towards sex and NSA fun!

The best hookup site is Adult FriendFinder (AFF) followed closely by BuddyBang. AFF emphasizes anonymity, safety, a massive user base, and a brand name that is verified. Most people on this site are looking for a good time with so many different types of kinks and fantasies. So what are you waiting for?

Hopefully, this list gives you an idea of what sex app is the best for you to get started on today.

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Whether you’ve never tried BDSM (which stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism) before, or you’re experienced in engaging in all kinds of fetishes, there’s a site or app out there for you!

Yes, thanks to the internet, you can pursue your wildest fantasies—or even just relatively mild ones—and connect with strangers from all over the world to get your kink on. 

There are numerous BDSM social network-type sites as well as more conventional online dating apps. So, keep reading to learn more about our top fetish and kink positive dating site recommendations and figure out which one makes the most sense for you!

Best BDSM Dating Sites and Apps in 2022

RankSiteBest For1.ALT Best overall BDSM dating site2.Fetish.comOld school kink positive experience3.FetLifeBest BDSM community4.AdultFriendFinderLargest alt user base5.SeekingBest sugar/kink combination6.TinderKink dating with a mainstream veneer7.Ashley MadisonBest for polyamorous8.Pure AppBest for fantasies9.BDSM.comBest for first-timers10.BuddyBang Most open-minded11.Reddit BDSMFree option12.BDSM SinglesBest female-to-male ratio13.FetsterBest for discretion14.Bondage PalBest bondage kink site15.FeeldBest poly/kink hybrid

1.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM 

ALT is short for alternative, meaning that you’ll be right at home here if you like to get your kink and your freak on. No matter what your fetish, you can likely find a person (or people!) for you on ALT. 

It’s truly liberating using ALT since you can really just be yourself. It boasts a huge community of alt-minded people, so finding other like-minded individuals is a breeze.

Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out with BDSM and kink culture, then ALT may be a little bit intense. 

Pros:

Sorting by kinkNSFW content to peruse (e.g. cam shows)

Cons:

There are some fake profiles, bots, scammers, etc.Limited use without premium account 

2.  Fetish.com  – The original fetish community

Fetish.com is all about being “the kink-positive BDSM community for fetish dating.” You pretty much have the whole idea right there. Like FetLife and other platforms reviewed here, they basically want to be the go-to social network for kinky types.

If you really want to just let loose and be yourself and find like-minded individuals, then fetish.com is definitely worth checking out. 

Pro Tip: Fetish.com also has regional sites, which can be handy if you’re looking to make local connections. 

Pros:

All about fetishes and kinksFriendly online community 

Cons:

Some old and deactivated accountsLess than intuitive site

3. FetLife – Best BDSM community

FetLife isn’t just a fetish dating site, it also wants to be the world’s best BDSM community. And we have to say, with 10 million members, they’re doing a pretty damn good job. 

Selling themselves as “Like Facebook, but run yb kinksters like you and me,” FetLife competes with sites such as Fetish.com and BDSM.com in trying to offer a way for like-minded individuals to not just date but also casually socialize.

Since FetLife has a niche purpose and a large userbase, your chances of finding people you can jive with are pretty great. 

Pro Tip: Use the variety of handy filters and groups on FetLife for best results! 

Pros:

Many filters and group optionsSocially focused

Cons:

Not everyone will be looking for dating and romantic situationsLarge userbase but a fair amount of inactive and bot profiles 

4. Adult FriendFinder – Largest alt community

Although it isn’t necessarily only focused on BDSM, AdultFriendFinder is a top choice for many kinksters out there. That’s because it’s one of the best overall alternative communities in the world!

You see, AdultFriendFinder has been around for quite some time and grown a massive alt community thanks to that being their primary focus. Now, you can count on finding just about any type of BDSM kink or fetish you can think of. 

So, whatever you might be looking for, there’s a good chance AdultFriendFinder has it.

Pro Tip: AdultFriendFinder’s userbase is so large that you’ll want to be perfectly open about what you’re looking for. This will keep from wasting anyone’s time (including your own). 

Pros:

Perfect for kinks and fetishesHuge alt community 

Cons:

Somewhat priceyLimited free membership with lots of ads

5.  Seeking – Best for sugar/kink hybrid

While Seeking has traditionally been focused on sugar relationships, it’s been branching out to try to get more mainstream appeal.

It also just so happens that many older sugar daddy/mommy types tend to be heavy into kinky stuff like BDSM.

So, whether you’re looking for a sugar relationship or not, Seeking might be worth your time. It’s one of the fastest growing online dating communities around. 

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Seeking has historically focused on sugar relationships, so the site may generally skew in that direction.  

Pros:

Women can sign up freeMen have a nice woman-to-man ratioGood way for BDSM lovers to find a partner

Cons:

Pricey (for men)May not be a good bet if you don’t want a sugar relationship

6.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

Tinder as a BDSM app? Yes, actually.

This app doesn’t need much introduction as it’s pretty much the biggest dating app in the world at this point. The good thing is that means that there’s basically someone for everyone on here.

That said, you’ll have to keep your eye out for specific details (or very honest people) to find other BDSM and kinky types.

Pro Tip: It’s important to realize that not everyone on Tinder is looking for BDSM or even casual hook-ups. So, be clear about your expectations to avoid disappointment.

Pros:

Ridiculously high number of usersMany people looking for alternative connections 

Cons:

Tons of bots and scammers Almost too big of a userbase

7.  Ashley Madison – Best for kink polyamory

Ashley Madison is well known as the site that proposes you have an affair (their motto is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.”).

So, you know what you’re getting with Ashley Madison. And it just so happens that lots of people want to find kink and BDSM relationships with other people, maybe because they’re in a marriage or relationship where they can’t get that.

In any case, Ashley Madison is all about discretion and there are many types of people on there. So, it’s probably worth a shot! 

Pro Tip: Choose to get more credits at once if you want a better cost-per-credit ratio. (This style of credit system is pretty popular on BDSM and hookup sites.) 

Pros:

Women sign up freeDiscretion is highly prioritizedPeople tend to not cast judgment 

Cons:

Ethically dubious siteCan get pricey (for men) 

6.  Pure App – Best for fantasy fetishes

Pure is not too unlike Ashley Madison in that they really emphasize the idea of “shameless dating.” So, you definitely don’t have to worry about whatever kink or fetish you might be into here.

What this means is that Pure can be a great option for people who are into BDSM and other kinks and fetishes that aren’t so mainstream. 

The Pure app also has some nice features built in that help promote security and safety.

Pro Tip: If you’re not in a major urban area, then you may have trouble finding people who you can meet up with locally, since Pure doesn’t have nearly the userbase that a Tinder or AdultFriendFinder has.  

Pros:

Privacy prioritizedEasy to get startedGood for kinks and fetishes

Cons:

Not great for people in small communitiesFair amount of scammers and bots

9.  BDSM.com – Best for beginners 

BDSM.com boasts nearly 900,000 active members, giving it a solid claim to being one of the top kink community and personals sites around.

Unfortunately, it’s competing with quite a lot of these sites (see below), and it doesn’t quite do anything particularly well to stand out from the pack. It does have groups for different kinks, though, which can speed things along nicely. 

Pro Tip: Make good use of the groups feature so you can find like-minded people right away and save yourself some time. 

Pros:

Kink social networkGroups feature speeds things along 

Cons:

Watch for scammers and bot profilesDoesn’t have quite the userbase of other sites reviewed here

10.  BuddyBang – Most open-minded community

BuddyBang’s name didn’t require a team of rocket scientists to come up with. But you get the point right away, and this site aims to be just as easy to use.

If you’re after a casual hookup, BuddyBang is one of the best places to do it. And since many people who don’t mind a one-night-stand are also kinky, you’ve got a good shot of finding someone who can take you to kinky heaven. 

Pro Tip: People on BuddyBang can be downright thirsty, so be prepared for that. 

Pros:

Enthusiastic userbaseIntuitive to use

Cons:

Free tier is loaded with adsPeople can be excessively thirsty 

11.  Reddit r/BDSMpersonals – Best free option

Reddit is not just home to cat forums and endless “Am I the Asshole?” posts. It’s also got a lot of NSFW sites, including r/BDSMpersonals.

If you’re looking for a low-risk way to find other BDSM people, then give this a try. After all, it will cost you absolutely nothing. So, simply make a post or browse others to find people to DM. 

Pro Tip: When you post here, you’re making a virtual first impression, so take some time and do a good job of it.  

Pros:

100% freeLow-risk way of finding other BDSM-minded people

Cons:

Not the most active community on RedditMay have trouble finding people in your area

12.  BDSM Singles – Best female-to-male ratio

BDSM singles is pretty much as advertised, a dating site for people into BDSM. So, if that’s you, then you’ll definitely feel like you’re in the right place.

BDSM wins points for its niche focus, since that’s what you’re here for, right? That said, it also means that it has a relatively small community at the moment, which can mean it’s harder to find dates (particularly in your area). 

Pro Tip: With a small community, BDSM Singles may not yield a lot of local results for you, particularly if you’re in a small community. 

Pros:

Unique toolsBDSM focused

Cons:

Relatively small userbase so farMay have trouble finding people in your area

13.  Fetster – Best for discretion

Fetster may have an old-school site, but it’s a great community for fetish-minded individuals. It also wins points for prioritizing discretion, which is usually welcomed by most people pursuing BDSM and fetish relationships online.

While not one of the largest BDSM communities online, it’s still sizable enough that it could very well be worth your time to check out. 

Pro Tip: Don’t get turned off by the old-school site. While it could use a tuning up, it still has everything you need to find other people with your fetishes and kinks.  

Pros:

Big community100% focused on fetishes

Cons:

Site could use some updating

14.  Bondage Pal – Best for bondage

Bondage Pal is pretty straightforward: it’s your pal if you’re into bondage. Although it features a rather small community at present, it would appear to be growing quickly.

So, if you’re into bondage, then you should definitely give Bondage Pal a try. It’s really nice having a platform dedicated to your specific kink, and not always available, so take advantage of it!

Pro Tip: Bondage Pal is all about bondage, so if you’re not into bondage, then look elsewhere. 

Pros:

Perfect if you’re into the “B” of BDSMSome unique features 

Cons:

Super specific nicheSite could use some work 

15.  Feeld – Best polyamory/kink hybrid platform

Feeld specifically focuses on allowing people to find a partner or partners for a threesome. But guess what? The kind of people who are more likely to go for a threesome are more adventurous sexually in general, meaning that they’re also more likely to be into BDSM and other kinky stuff.

So, while you do need to be looking for a threesome on Feeld, you might also meet people with your same fetishes or kinks. In any case, it’s worth a shot! This is a judgment-free zone with a very modern app. 

Pro Tip: Unfortunately, the sign-up process requires Facebook, so keep that in mind. 

Pros:

Very open-minded platformSex-positive all the way around 

Cons:

Facebook required to sign upApple users only for premium version 

BDSM Dating Site FAQ

Is it safe to use BDSM apps?

Yes, it’s safe to use BDSM sites and apps. You just have to use common sense and remember to never share personal information with strangers online. That’s just a good way to get scammed or have your identity stolen. 

How do you stay safe using BDSM apps?

Staying safe when using a BDSM app is basically the same as staying safe when using any online dating site or app. You have to use common sense, trust your gut instinct, and follow some basic safety procedures. For example, meet in public the first time, tell someone you trust where you’re going, etc. 

Are there any free BDSM sites?

Yes, there are a number of free BDSM sites, particularly if you are a woman. There’s also Reddit’s r/BDSMpersonals, which is free for everyone. 

Can women use BDSM sites for free?

Yes, actually. On a number of BDSM sites, including some of those reviewed above, women can sign up for free.  

Final Takeaway

BDSM may have become a bit more mainstream thanks to 50 Shades of Grey, but it’s still not the easiest thing in the world to find in your own romantic life.

That said, it’s never been easier thanks to the internet. The BDSM sites and apps that we’ve reviewed above make it a breeze to get your kink and freak on with people from your local community and around the world.

So, what are you waiting for? Find the kink dating site or app that works best for you and enjoy!

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Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has proved to be inconsistent through the team’s first two games this season and that has opened the door for speculation regarding what the future holds for Fields as the team’s starting quarterback.

Through the Bears’ first two games this season, Fields has a total of 191 passing yards to go along with 2 touchdowns against 2 interceptions. Fields also has a 53.6 completion percentage this season. There is no doubt that Fields has not been good so far this season.

Fields struggled during the first half of the Bears’ week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers and while he certainly showed in the second half of the game that he has the potential to be a playmaker at the quarterback position, the struggles returned for the full duration of the Bears’ week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers.

Looking beyond the stats, Field has yet to look comfortable in the Bears offense this season and the current shortcomings in his game were exposed on Sunday night.

Fields missed open reads in the Bears’ loss to the Packers, lacked field awareness when attempting to make plays after leaving the pocket, and held onto the ball too long. If anything, this past Sunday was a step backward for Fields in regard to his development.

The context here is that Fields only has 12 career starts under his belt and this is his first year as the full-time starting quarterback for the Bears. He is not a finished product yet in regards to the type of quarterback he will be at the NFL level.

Furthermore, for the second consecutive season, he is learning a new offense and is playing with a team that has a clear shortcoming of talent at the skilled positions.

With that said, it should come as no surprise that ESPN’s Dan Graziano is hearing that the Bears’ tune on Fields hasn’t changed:

“Everything I hear about Fields is positive. So I don’t get the sense the reason for the conservative game-planning is about doubting Fields.”

The Chicago Bears must remain level-headed about their QB Justin Fields.

It is also very important to realize that the Bears are only two games into the 2022-2023 NFL regular season. Given the weather conditions of the Bears’ first game this season and the fact that Fields only passed the ball 11 times in week 2, there is not enough data to make a determination on Fields in any direction.

Fields, barring injury, is going to be the starting quarterback for the Bears for the entire season. The hope is that Fields does not make the same mistake twice.

If the mistakes that were prevalent in Fileds’ performance against the Packers this past Sunday are repeated for multiple games this season, then that will be a concern as it would appear that something is not clicking within his development.

However, If Fields makes a jump from game to game and ultimately, beginning of the season to the end of the season, then there is a reason to be optimistic about the Bears’ quarterback situation as they enter Fields’ third season in the NFL in 2023.

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

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The Reader has praised Maria Jacobson, leader of local indie-rock project Fran, for her “taut, serene singing” and for her well-written songs, which are “sharpened by a pristine elegance even in their noisiest moments.” In the years since Fran’s 2019 debut album, A Private Picture, Gossip Wolf has only become more enraptured by its supple songs—and more than a little curious about how post-pandemic material from the band might address the social isolation of a world ravaged by COVID-19. According to Jacobson, Fran’s sterling new single, “So Long,” which dropped via Fire Talk Records last week, is “about the gulfs that form in relationships: feeling distant emotionally and then trying to correct it with physical distance. It was written in a time of a lot of solo camping.” Just the kind of metaphorical resonance this wolf was hoping for! Fran plan to ramp up their gigging in the fall, and so far they’re scheduled to play Thee Best Western Block Party on Saturday, October 1. 

The video for “So Long,” directed by Nazlı Dinçel, Britany Gunderson, and Maria Jacobson

The past three years can’t have been easy for Tone Deaf Records. Even after Illinois lifted most of its COVID mitigations in June 2020, Tone Deaf proprietor Tony Assimos continued to monitor infection levels across the city so that he could shut down in-store browsing when they spiked. Well into 2021, he delivered vinyl orders by hand whenever he closed his doors to shoppers, keeping in touch with the community the shop had created. Because Tone Deaf has cleared those hurdles, though, its free third-anniversary party on Saturday, September 24, will feel even sweeter. It’ll certainly be sweet for music fans! Local bands Lifeguard, Sick Day, and Salisman will play live in the Portage Park store, and a host of rad labels, including the Numero Group, Trouble in Mind, Drag City, HoZac, and Sooper, will sell their wares from booths in the backyard. Congrats, Tone Deaf! Here’s to many more!

Chicago discovered local DJ and producer Justin Demus (aka justindemus) in early 2020, when he released a footwork track sampling the 2019 South Korean film Parasite—but Gossip Wolf is proud to have been hip to him even before that. Demus spins frequently at the Whistler in Logan Square and Ludlow Liquors in Avondale, but seeing him in person isn’t the only way to hear what he’s been up to. On Thursday, September 22, Demus drops his seventh EP, Rapture (his first release in four years that’s bigger than a single), via the Jujuka label run by New York-based producer Julia Govor. Its groove-forward tracks foreground Demus’s affinity for industrial music and his knowledge of Chicago dance—“The Clapper,” for example, accompanies an anxious darkwave synth with bubbling juke percussion that’s bright enough to turn the bad vibes on their head.

The cover art for Rapture was created by Berlin-based Paulo Brandao Melo.

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

Read More

The Reader has praised Maria Jacobson, leader of local indie-rock project Fran, for her “taut, serene singing” and for her well-written songs, which are “sharpened by a pristine elegance even in their noisiest moments.” In the years since Fran’s 2019 debut album, A Private Picture, Gossip Wolf has only become more enraptured by its supple songs—and more than a little curious about how post-pandemic material from the band might address the social isolation of a world ravaged by COVID-19. According to Jacobson, Fran’s sterling new single, “So Long,” which dropped via Fire Talk Records last week, is “about the gulfs that form in relationships: feeling distant emotionally and then trying to correct it with physical distance. It was written in a time of a lot of solo camping.” Just the kind of metaphorical resonance this wolf was hoping for! Fran plan to ramp up their gigging in the fall, and so far they’re scheduled to play Thee Best Western Block Party on Saturday, October 1. 

The video for “So Long,” directed by Nazlı Dinçel, Britany Gunderson, and Maria Jacobson

The past three years can’t have been easy for Tone Deaf Records. Even after Illinois lifted most of its COVID mitigations in June 2020, Tone Deaf proprietor Tony Assimos continued to monitor infection levels across the city so that he could shut down in-store browsing when they spiked. Well into 2021, he delivered vinyl orders by hand whenever he closed his doors to shoppers, keeping in touch with the community the shop had created. Because Tone Deaf has cleared those hurdles, though, its free third-anniversary party on Saturday, September 24, will feel even sweeter. It’ll certainly be sweet for music fans! Local bands Lifeguard, Sick Day, and Salisman will play live in the Portage Park store, and a host of rad labels, including the Numero Group, Trouble in Mind, Drag City, HoZac, and Sooper, will sell their wares from booths in the backyard. Congrats, Tone Deaf! Here’s to many more!

Chicago discovered local DJ and producer Justin Demus (aka justindemus) in early 2020, when he released a footwork track sampling the 2019 South Korean film Parasite—but Gossip Wolf is proud to have been hip to him even before that. Demus spins frequently at the Whistler in Logan Square and Ludlow Liquors in Avondale, but seeing him in person isn’t the only way to hear what he’s been up to. On Thursday, September 22, Demus drops his seventh EP, Rapture (his first release in four years that’s bigger than a single), via the Jujuka label run by New York-based producer Julia Govor. Its groove-forward tracks foreground Demus’s affinity for industrial music and his knowledge of Chicago dance—“The Clapper,” for example, accompanies an anxious darkwave synth with bubbling juke percussion that’s bright enough to turn the bad vibes on their head.

The cover art for Rapture was created by Berlin-based Paulo Brandao Melo.

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