What’s New

AdultFriendFinder: Scam or real? This is always the question to ask when signing up for a new hookup site. The goal is to find a legit hookup, not spend hours talking to bots.

Gather round kids, because here’s the tea: Thanks to AdultFriendFinder, also known as AFF, I now have two stable friends-with-benefits who I see on a regular basis. Both are babes and really open-minded. You could say I’ve tried some new things in the bedroom thanks to these women.

But that doesn’t mean that AdultFriendFinder is all rainbows and butterflies. I signed up for a premium membership to take it for a real test drive, and there were a few things to watch out for.

This review will show you all the good and bad that comes along with an AdultFriendFinder membership, and if it’s worth signing up for.

For the people who don’t want to read the full review, I’ve broken down some pros and cons. Keep reading to find out more details about these!

Pros

There are millions of users.
24/7 customer support
Registration is free.
The premium price is not bad.
Fetishes, kinks, and alt lifestyles are all welcome.
People are extremely willing and eager to meet up.
Due to the huge user base, there are lots of locals no matter your location.
Users are extremely open-minded.
You will find someone who wants to hang out immediately, even among some fake profiles.
You can enjoy the app version on your mobile divide.

Cons

Bots, fakes, inactive profiles, and scammers exist.
There are tons of ads.
You won’t get much out of the free version.
Some pages redirect to other companies.
There are plenty of users who aren’t easy on the eyes.
There was a security breach in 2015, but it’s been resolved.
Some argue that it was more effective when it first launched.

Ok, now for the real review…

What’s A Free AdultFriendFinder Membership Like?

I’m going to be honest here, you’re not going to be able to hook up with anyone by registering for a free membership. But because AdultFriendFinder is so much more than just a hookup site, there’s still a lot you can do.

For instance, you can join adult chat rooms or watch live sex cam girls. Just be advised that some of these “extra features” that AdultFriendFinder provides will just lead you to another website.

As a free member, you will also get a feel for the lay of the land and be able to receive messages. Find out who is online, who lives nearby, and who some of AdultFriendFinder’s hottest members are. You can also get detailed information from everyone’s profile and narrow your search by the age and gender filters.

I remained a free member for an hour and got some messages. Most of the women who sent the messages weren’t that hot. With 80 million members and counting, it’s no surprise that the users aren’t all supermodels. I’m not much of a looker either, though. Plus, I’d rather meet a DTF woman than one who isn’t but is walking down the runway. That’s where AdultFriendFinder can really deliver.

But there were a few profiles that really piqued my interest. I received messages like, “All I want is a nice bang and I’ll be on my way.” In order to message back, I had to upgrade my membership.

What’s A Gold Membership Like?

Yes, I bit the bullet and went Gold. Several friends told me it was a good idea because they actually found hookups through the site. For that reason, I bought the entire year because it was the best value. $14.95 per month comes to as little as $0.50 per day. It’s way less than a cup of joe and totally worth it. AdultFriendFinder doesn’t accept Paypal or cryptocurrency. You can use Mastercard, Discover, or Visa. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

$14.95 a month for 12 months or $180
$19.95 a month for six months or $90
$24.95 a month

The moment I signed up for AdultFriendFinder’s membership plan, I was introduced to hundreds of women who were nearby, online, and wanted some action. Again, they weren’t all gorgeous, but that’s OK with me. I started getting messages almost immediately.

Some also felt suspiciously like bots. You can tell that someone is a bot if they don’t speak naturally or respond insanely fast. But others were from actual real women who genuinely wanted to get off with a nearby stranger, and I wanted to be that stranger.

I have a pretty unique type. I love women who have a large bust, are thick, and have blue eyes. Ok, so not that unique. Luckily AdultFriendFinder has a very specific advanced search that makes finding someone who is your type very easy. You can also use it to find couples and groups to meet up with.

Here’s a snippet of how detailed you can get. . . and that’s not even half of it.

After selecting the traits that turned me on, I began my hunt for the perfect friend-with-benefits. This might come as a shock, but I’m not a one-night-stand type of guy. Don’t get me wrong, I love casual sex as much as the next person. But I like to have an ongoing sexual relationship because I like getting really comfortable with another person and experimenting with kinkier sex as time goes on. I hoped and prayed that AdultFriendFinder would grant me a compatible friend-with-benefits.

Guess what? Within a couple of days, I got two.

Using AdultFriendFinder To Actually Hook UpI’ll explain to you how it went down for me. I got a ton of messages from horny locals who weren’t really turning me on. There were some swingers thrown into the mix as well, but nothing that was really making me sweat. Until I came across a message from Jessica.

Before I could even meet up with her, I spotted another blue-eyed beauty named Whitegirldtfsum1. Spoiler alert: we hooked up the day after I had sex with Jessica.

Now I see Jessica and Whitegirldtfsum1 regularly. I am currently working towards getting them in bed with me at the same time. Fingers crossed!

So, Is It Legit?

I’m not surprised that some folks on the Internet are quick to call AdultFriendFinder a scam. With millions of members and new people joining by the minute, there are bound to be some unhappy customers. Not everyone knows how to use the Internet to get laid, or what to look out for from people who actually do use AdultFriendFinder to scam people.

There are certainly some misgivings and some people who use AdultFriendFinder for their own sick schemes. But if you’re smart, the site will get you laid. Again, AdultFriendFinder is not the holy grail of hookup sites, but it’s pretty darn close.

To get the most out of AdultFriendFinder, keep the following things in mind:

Look Out For Scammers: There will always be people on the Internet who want your money or information. They will try to take advantage of you when you are at your most vulnerable. . . like looking for a hookup. Don’t ever give personal information out to people on AdultFriendFinder. They have no use for it—unless they are trying to scam! If a match says any of the following, they are probably trying to scam you:
“I need money because I am sick.”
“I have legal issues, can you help me with those?”
“I have a ton of money in a secure account overseas, but I need a bit of money to get it out.”
“My friend died and I don’t know how to pay for the funeral.”
Beware Of Bots: The truth is, you’ll encounter a lot of bots with the free membership on AdultFriendFinder. They are easy to identify, but you want to stay away from them. They are a total waste of time. They will send you a generic opener like, “Hey big boy, looking for a good time?” It might be tempting, but there’s no point in entertaining this.
Ditch Dead Profiles: Dead profiles are abandoned or inactive profiles. AdultFriendFinder isn’t that good at getting rid of these, so keep that in mind when you’re fishing for a hottie.
Ignore The Ads: There are ads on AdultFriendFinder. If you ignore them and don’t click on them, you’ll have a smooth ride on the website!
Know What You Want: If what you want from AdultFriendFinder is a hookup, you’re in good hands. That’s what AdultFriendFinder does best—hook up two horny users! There are so many people using the site that finding a partner, companion, or quickie is as easy as stealing candy from a baby.
Educate Yourself On Catfishes: There are so many people who hop onto AdultFriendFinder regularly. There’s no major way to verify who is catfishing you and who isn’t. AdultFriendFinder does its best by requesting photo verification. That’s awesome! But people are smart. Through photoshop or sheer photo theft, someone can pretend to be much more attractive than they are in real life. We’ll be honest, not everyone who uses AdultFriendFinder is a supermodel, so keep an eye out for the catfishes. They are frequent on almost every dating site and hookup app. Also beware that adult sites like these can actually hire their own staff to act as models that live nearby. This is another form of a catfish. AdultFriendFinder has been known to do this in the past, but now they have so many users that they don’t have to. Here are some ways to tell if someone is a catfish:
They won’t video chat
Their photos are of different people
Their photos look fake or photoshopped
Understand Who The Models Are On AdultFriendFinder: If what you’re looking for is a model, then visit the Live-Action section of the site! This is where you can watch hot models perform for you in real time using their webcams.

Is AdultFriendFinder Safe?Back in 2015, AdultFriendFinder got into some trouble due to a large data breach. They have since implemented some of the best security systems offered and there have not been any privacy or security issues since that one in 2015. In fact, due to the stress caused by the 2015 breach, AdultFriendFinder has gone out of its way to make itself one of the safest and most secure hookup sites on the web, implementing the most secure encryption systems.

Final Thoughts About AdultFriendFinderHere’s the thing—no hookup site is perfect. AdultFriendFinder is almost there, but not quite. There are ads, there are some bots, and the users aren’t all smoke shows. But AdultFriendFinder is one of the best hookup sites because it works! Plus, it’s so quick and easy. The Gold membership is definitely worth two quarters a day for me. I am reminded of this with each casual hookup session that was brought to me by AdultFriendFinder.

What’s The Live-Action Section?

The Live-Action section on AdultFriendFinder is a whole lot of fun, but it won’t actually get you laid. This section is for webcam models who want to show you the goods, hoping you’ll pay so they can get a Chanel bag or pay their student loans. Many of the rooms are near empty, so you can definitely get the model’s attention without fighting through a ton of horny users, but these girls aren’t going to meet up with you.

The only chance you have at meeting any of these models in person is by following their social media pages that they’ve got outside of AdultFriendFinder. This is easy to do as many of the models list their socials right there on the page. If you aren’t a total ogre, you may as well try your luck!

The Live-Action section also doesn’t discriminate. You can view men, women, trans people, pansexual people, couples, threesomes, solo sessions, and more. The shows are of pretty high quality with a nice set and great production value.

The bottom line with webcam models is that they want to be paid, but they also love being showered with attention. If you play your cards right, you could get the webcam models to perform all sorts of seductive acts without dropping major stacks on the performance itself. But, it’s always worth paying the webcam model. They will work harder, utilize their skillset to the fullest potential, and it’s just the right thing to do.

How To Use AdultFriendFinder To Find A HookupFinding The Right Partner on AFF:

When you get your membership, you’ll be led through a series of questions that help AdultFriendFinder assess your personality and match you. It’s ideal for both short-term hookups and long-term partners. From there, you can make selections about your preference in a partner. Again, so many people use AdultFriendFinder, so narrowing down will help you save tremendous amounts of time. You will be shown profiles of folks who live in your area, so that you don’t have to buy a plane ticket or spend money on gas just to get your freak on.

AdultFriendFinder also has a Purity Test. This is a test that determines how “pure” (or prude) you are. It might seem like a lot of hooey, but this test will help you figure out how far you’ve gone sexually and how far you’re willing to go. It will then introduce you to folks who can satisfy your sexual urges.

Adult Dating Tips:Your hookup journey starts with a good conversation starter. If you aren’t sure what to talk about, take a look at our infographic helping you figure out what to say to actually get a sexy person in the bed with you! Don’t be too eager or creepy. The key is to find the balance between casual and sexual. If you’re too nervous to make the first chat or consider yourself an introvert, you can use AdultFriendFinder’s icebreaker messages or send a virtual gift! These can come in the form of everything from emojis to real gifts.

How To Meet In Person:Ok, so you’ve finally met someone who doesn’t look like a gremlin, who is horny, and who doesn’t have a personality that resembles stale toast. Congratulations! Now you’ve got to master that first date or first meetup. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of a first-time meet up!

Read More

You may or may not be aware that Craigslist closed its Personals section after the passage of SESTA in 2018. 

Contrary to lawmakers’ assumptions, people used Craigslist for totally legitimate reasons, including meeting people in their area, whether for friendship, casual hookups, or dating. 

Now that Craigslist Personals are no more, you may find yourself looking for alternatives in 2022. Well, look no further, as we’re about to share twenty of the best Craigslist Personals alternative websites so you can still meet people in your area online. 

There’s quite a large variety here, so you’ll want to be sure to read through to find out which site or app may be the best choice for you. Also, you should be aware that some of these pages may have similar issues to the ones that plagued Craigslist (and ended up getting them taken down). So, please take into account the following disclaimer.

While most of these sites are perfectly legitimate, there are a few that may have scams and/or ads for illegal activities. In general, you should always exercise extreme caution. Remember to meet in a public place and always trust your gut.

That said, many of these sites can be a perfectly safe and easy way to meet people, so let’s get right into it!

1.) Reddit Personals

You’ve probably heard of Reddit. If not, it’s one of the largest communities online where people can post about anything and everything on what’s known as “subreddits.” One popular subreddit, which can serve as a Craigslist alternative, is r/r4r. Known as “Reddit Personals,” the subheading is “Activity Partners, Groups, Dating, Hanging Out, Soulmates, FWBs.” So, you can simply make your own ad here, let people know about yourself and what you’re looking for, and see if you get any kind of response. As Reddit is free, it’s pretty much a no-lose option. 

2.) Adult Friend Finder 

When it comes to Craigslist Personals alternatives for casual hookups, Adult Friend Finder is definitely a top choice. Self-billed as “The World’s Largest Sex Dating Site & Swinger Community,” this might very well be true as they have more than 100 million people with accounts. Similar to Ashley Madison, there’s a limited free option as well as paid tiers. With a paid subscription you can get access to features such as “Stories,” which gives you a chance to discuss your ideal dating life so that other people can easily see if you might be a match based on your goals or general vibes. 

Want more info about Adult Friend Finder? Check out our full review.

3.) Ashley Madison

It’s highly likely you’ve seen ads for Ashley Madison at some point, at least if you frequent *ahem* certain websites. That’s because Ashley Madison is bold about its purpose, as evidenced by its motto: “Life is short. Have an affair.” In essence, this is a site for connecting adults who are after casual hookups in a discreet fashion. For example, if you’re a paying subscriber, your credit card bill will simply read “Online services.” If you’re intent on taking advantage of all the features offered on the site, then you may want to be subscribe. There’s a handy feature, for example, called “Traveling Man” that lets you reach out to people from an area you’ll be visiting before you actually get there.

Need some more info about Ashley Madison before making a decision? Check out our full review here.

4.) Locanto

Locanto is very similar to Oodle and many other Craigslist lookalikes. For example, you have a category called “Casual Encounters” with a number of subcategories. There, you can post a personal ad to let people know what it is exactly that you’re hoping to find. As with Oodle, it appears to be mainly men posting in my area, with some of the female postings looking fairly suspicious. Be sure to use your best judgment, and Locanto could end up being a decent option for you to meet people. 

5.) Tinder 

Tinder likely doesn’t need a whole lot of introduction, as it’s become one of the most popular “dating” apps around. I put dating in scare quotes because, let’s face it, pretty much everyone knows Tinder’s reputation as an app for casual flings rather than serious dating. Not that that can’t happen, of course. Super popular with millennials and gen Z’ers in particular, Tinder is a fairly simple app. You see profiles of people in your area, then you swipe right if you’re interested or left if you aren’t. Then you’ll get matched up with people who you swiped right on who also swiped right on you. From there, you can start messaging and see what happens. There’s a basic free version as well as a paid tier called Tinder Gold that gives you extra features and unlimited swiping. 

6.) Kasual (fka Yumi)

Formerly known as Yumi, Kasual is a nice alternative to Craigslist and the other sites mentioned here because it has a pretty unique premise. Instead of being matched up with other people by swiping or algorithms, Kasual connects you with other people randomly and you can just start chatting right away to see if you might be a fit. Available for iOS (iPhone) and Android, the app comes with a free version that’s pretty complete as is. You can always go for the Premium membership, of course, if you want to unlock more features. All in all, Kasual is kind of a cool alternative compared to Tinder and other dating sites because it’s primarily focused on casual hookups (hence the rebrand) and pairing people randomly. 

7.) Plenty of Fish 

POF, or Plenty of Fish, is a reference to the classic idea that there are “plenty of fish in the sea”—put differently, don’t worry about being single or getting broken up with because there are tons of other people out there to meet. POF works as both a website or app, which is nice as some of these are only available as one or the other. As a dating site, it’s pretty typical in that you get matched up based on shared interests. You can also use a video-date feature, which is a nice way to get a feel for someone before you take the plunge with an in-person date. 

8.) Pernals

Logo

This is a great Craigslist substitute because it’s all about personal ads. Pernals gives you the opportunity to create your own personal ad for free. This means you can put exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a serious relationship, casual hookup, even a friend, etc. Pernals advertises itself as a Craigslist alternative, which is relatively uncommon among many of these alternatives reviewed here. Just like Craigslist you have the same types of categories: women seeking women, women seeking men, men seeking women, etc. As of now it’s only available as an app, and you can download it for both iOS or Android. 

9.) Bedpage

Bedpage, as you might guess from the name, is more of a direct Backpage alternative. That said, it also has the same types of categories as Craigslist Personals had: women seeking women, men seeking women, etc. For casual encounters, you’ll want to check out the “Dating” and “Adult” categories. Just be careful, though, because a quick browse in my area revealed some people posting who are definitely scammers. 

10.) Doublelist

Doublelist is quite similar to Craigslist. One thing that’s a little frustrating is that you have to sign up to browse the site. Their motto is “Connect with straight, gay, bi and curious,” so it isn’t super hard to figure out what most people using this site are looking for. With more than three million users in the U.S., though, there’s a solid chance you might just find someone who’s a good match for you. As always, take care to watch out for scammers. 

11.) Oodle

Oodle is in many ways very close to Craigslist’s old personals page, with the usual categories like “Men Seeking Men,” “Men Seeking Women,” etc. You can use some handy filters on this site, which can help you easily narrow your options down. At least in my area there don’t appear to be a ton of people using Oodle, so it might not be your best bet. Depending on what you’re into, there were more men posting than women, so it might be worth your time or it might not be. 

12.) Ebackpage

Once again, Ebackpage is a clear Backpage/Craigslist copy. You can post and browse personal ads, with all the usual categories under “Dating” and “Adult” for people who are interested in casual encounters. The site doesn’t seem to have a large body of active users, however, so this might not be one of your best options. As with Bedpage and some of these other sites, you’ll need to be careful as there are some scammy looking postings on it. 

13.) Classified Ads

Classified Ads is, well, exactly what it sounds like. This is a solid Craigslist alternative because it’s super similar. Simply select “Personals” on the front page and you’ll see the classic categories: “Men Seeking Women,” “Missed Connections,” etc. There’s not a whole lot to tell you about this site—it’s quite straightforward and either you’ll find some options in your area or you won’t. 

14.) Grindr

Grindr is basically Tinder but specifically for gay men. In other words, there’s a focus primarily on hookups, but that doesn’t mean that that’s the only possibility. If you’re a gay man after casual encounters, this might very well be the only app or site that you need. If you’re not a gay man, however, Grindr won’t be of much use to you. 

15.) HealthyFling

HealthyFling, like Ashley Madison, emphasizes discretion. As you can see on their website, their tagline is “Discreet Hook-Ups.” Like many of these sites, you have the option to post a personal ad so that you can get yourself out there and see if other people respond. You can also browse and see if anyone appeals to you. Unfortunately, you have to sign up in order to browse or post an ad. All in all, this is a decent option and has some positive reviews going for it online. 

16.) OkCupid

OkCupid has been around for ages and it’s survived until today, so it must be doing something right. You can download it for iOS or Android, which is always nice. Another solid aspect of OkCupid is that it doesn’t require a paid membership in order to look for matches or message people. That said, like most dating sites nowadays, you may be tempted to pay in order to unlock certain features. Another plus is that OkCupid tries to be as inclusive as possible, meaning there’s pretty much something for everyone on there. 

17.) FetLife Classifieds

With over 10 million members, FetLife might very well be the biggest social network out there for kinky people. This is a nice draw as many people may feel insecure or ostracized by their kinks. Well, you can pretty much count on finding at least one other person who shares your interests on FetLife, which works as solid Craigslist ad if you want to find your freaky soulmate. 

18.) Kijiji

If you’re in Canada, you likely already know about Kijiji. It’s a platform where you can find just about anything, from pets and cars to services and vacation rentals. That said, it also works as a Craigslist alternative if you go to their “Community” section. There, you can check categories like “Friendship & Networking” and “Missed Connections” to post an ad or see if there are any there. That said, it doesn’t appear that these categories are nearly as active as others, so it might not be your best bet. 

19.) Alt.com

Alt.com is similar to FetLife in that it’s a site specifically for people who are into BDSM and kinks/fetishes. That said, its site has a kind of old-school vibe to it, and not in a good way. It looks rather clunky and the kind of thing you would see advertised on a porn site rather than the more elegant looking FetLife. It also looks like they take random fake profiles and put your city’s name underneath them on the home page in order to entice you (much like porn site ads often do). So, while you’re free to explore Alt, I would try FetLife first if you’re looking for people to get kinky with. 

20.) Craigslist

Wait, what? Didn’t Craigslist ban the Personals section? Yes. Nonetheless, people are always adept at bending the rules and finding workarounds. So, although there’s no “Personals” section per se, you can still find people posting in order to meet up on Craigslist. For example, you can try the “Activities” section or the “Missed Connections” section in your area and you might very well see postings by people looking to meet up for casual encounters. 

Final Thoughts 

Although Craigslist Personals were banned, luckily there are plenty of alternatives available. That said, there’s a lot of variety to these options (as you can tell if you read all the reviews above). So, ultimately, whatever you end up choosing to use will depend on what you’re looking for, where you are, etc.

For the most part, if you’re in the U.S. you may want to stick with one of the major dating or hookup apps—Tinder, Adult Friend Finder, AshleyMadison, etc. If you’re in Canada, then you can try Kijiji, but it doesn’t necessarily have a lot going for it as a casual hookup site. 

The main thing is that you use good judgment and stay safe. A lot of Craigslist alternatives are loaded with scammers looking to take advantage of lonely people. It’s sad, yes, but true. Remember to follow basic common sense and never send anyone personal information or money before you’ve actually met them and verified that everything is legitimate. If you’re ever in doubt, you should probably recognize that and listen to your gut!

Ultimately, there are still plenty of ways for people to meet other people online via social media and the above sites. So long as you’re careful, there’s plenty of fun to be had. 

Read More

Let’s be honest—sometimes a casual hookup is just what you need. A serious relationship can be great, but it can also be exhausting and stressful. And if you’ve just gotten out of one, especially a long-term one, the last thing you probably want to do is try plunging yourself into another one.

People have long enjoyed the thrill of the one-night stand, and it’s now easier than ever to find one thanks to the internet. In recent years, dozens and dozens of sex and dating apps have popped up, but they are definitely not all created equal.

So, we’ve put together this list compiling 32 of very best sex apps available in 2022. There’s seriously something here for everyone interested in casual hookups, so keep reading to find the sex app that’s perfect for you. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to getting laid! And most importantly, in a safe way (scroll to the bottom for more information about how to stay as safe as possible when using these apps).

Best Sex Apps for No Strings Attached Sex in 2022

RankSiteBest For1.Adult Friend Finder Best sex app overall2.Tinder Best mainstream app3.SeekingBest for meeting wealthy men4.Ashley MadisonBest for affairs5.OKCupid Top choice for millennials6.BuddyBang Best pure hookup app7.BeNaughty Best for naughty singles8.ALT Best for alternative and BDSM9.Hinge Best for FWB and more serious possibilities10.ZooskBest for short-term dating11.BumbleSafest for women12.Plenty of Fish Best user community13.Pure AppBest for fantasies14.Feeld Most open-minded community15.Sex MessengerBest for anonymity16.Reddit R4RBest free option17.Flirty MatureBest for ages 40 and up18.FlirtBest free trial19.JSWIPEBest for Jewish singles20.OneNightFriendBest mobile site21.ThursdayBest new app22.ShipMost innovative app23.BlendrBest for young professionals24.HUDTop choice for sex positivity25.PureBest for women26.3FunFor threesomes27.WingmanBest for frequent fliers28.HerBest for LGBTQ+ women29.HappnBest for urban dwellers30.CasualxFor extremely casual hookups31.StringBest for the bold32.Established MenBest for finding a sugar daddy

1.  Adult Friend Finder – Best app overall

Some sites are more obvious than others about being sex apps. Adult Friend Finder is pretty clear about that. This means that it’s established a userbase full of people who are looking for casual hookups, which is a big plus if that’s what you’re hoping to find.

Adult Friend Finder also has a bit of a niche when it comes to swinging and open relationships. If you are already in a relationship and looking to open things up, or are hoping to be the third person in a threesome, then Adult Friend Finder is one of your best bets out there.

AFF is also one of the longest running sites, so it’s pretty trustworthy. Another nice aspect of AFF is that you can modify searches to find people looking for the same thing as you. This can help you save time and get down to business faster.

Pro tip: You don’t have to hold back on Adult Friend Finder, so be yourself! There are plenty of other people on there who will be looking for the same kind of thing as you, no matter how kinky.

Pros:

Straightforward sex-oriented siteMakes finding like-minded people an easy process

Cons:

Relatively expensive compared to some sites/appsThe free membership is heavy on the ads

Pricing:

One-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/monthOne-year membership: $19.95/month

2.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

When it comes to sex apps, Tinder is very likely the world’s most well-known and popular one. It’s definitely true that Tinder has garnered a hefty share of the market when it comes to the hookup and dating space. This is particularly true of younger people, like millennials and Gen Z, but you can find people of all ages on Tinder these days.

Tinder has long had a reputation for being a casual hookup or sex app. That’s still very much true, but there are also many people who are on there hoping to find true love or something serious. It helps to pay attention to people’s profiles—oftentimes they will specify if they are not looking for something casual.

Even though it’s gone more mainstream and there are now lots of people on there who aren’t so interested in casual sex, Tinder remains one of the best sex apps out there. This is largely due to the fact that it has such a big userbase, meaning that your chances of finding someone to hook up with are pretty solid.

Pro tip: Understand that not everyone on Tinder is looking for casual hookups. You should be upfront about your intentions in order to waste as little time as possible.

Pros:

Massive userbaseMany people looking for casual hookups

Cons:

Lots of fake profiles and spammersArguably oversaturated at this point

Pricing:

Free: limited number of swipesOne month: $19.99 total if you are under 30One month: $39.99 total if you are over 30Six months: $59.99 total if you are under 30Six months: $119.99 total if you are over 30

3.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

Some people may just be looking to hook up, but others may be looking for something more. And no, we don’t mean a romantic, long-term relationship. We’re talking about extra benefits, the kind that accompany sugar relationships.

If you’re looking for a sugar relationship, which is when a (usually) older person spoils a younger person in exchange for dates, company, and whatever else they agree to, then Seeking (fka Seeking Arrangement) is a great bet.

This is a specific niche, and it may not appeal to everyone. If it does, however, it’s hard to go wrong with Seeking since it’s one of the first and most popular sugar sites around. They’ve been attempting to go for a more mainstream angle lately, but they very much remain a sugar-focused site when it comes to its user base.

Pro tip: If you’re a woman, Seeking can be quite competitive. If you’re a man, however, you should have more than your choice of young women to spoil.

Pros:

Free signups for womenFavorable woman-to-man ratio for menRelatively safe way for women to find a sugar daddy

Cons:

Fairly expensive to use as a manHookups may not feel natural, more transactional

Pricing:

One-month membership: $89.95/monthThree-month membership: $79.95/monthDiamond membership (more premium features): $249.95/month

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

Ashley Madison is another sex app that doesn’t have any haughty pretenses to morality. They know what they are and they own it, hence the company’s motto “Life is short. Have an affair.” Hell, they even advertise on porn sites, where they know they might find some people who are feeling unfulfilled in their relationships.

If you don’t mind Ashley Madison’s straightforward and rather amoral approach, then this is a great place to go for finding casual hookups. They’re all about discretion, meaning that you don’t have to worry about “ASHLEY MADISON” showing up on your credit card bill.

The main thing is that you recognize that there will be plenty of people on there who are looking to have an affair. If that doesn’t bother you, then you’ll be in good shape. Just be careful!

Pro tip: Ashley Madison works on a credit-based system. The more credits you buy the better cost-per-credit average you get (which is fairly common when it comes to these apps/sites).

Pros:

Women can use it for freeDiscretion prioritizedJudgment-free space

Cons:

Site actively advocates cheatingCan get expensive for men

Pricing:

Basic Plan: 100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic Plan: 500 credits at $0.34/creditElite Plan: 1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

5.  OkCupid – Best for millennials

OkCupid has been around a long time, before Tinder and some of the newer sites that have gained in popularity (e.g. Hinge, Bumble, etc.). Due to this longevity, OKCupid is quite popular with some older millennials who may have used it back when they were teens or in their early twenties.

In any case, OkCupid is doing some things right, because young people continue to gravitate towards it. It may be not be as popular as Tinder, but OkCupid still has a huge user base of people. As with most of these sites, it’s best to be upfront about your intentions. Thankfully, OkCupid lets you easily do that.

Pro tip: Be sure to set your gender and orientation options, as well as what you’re looking for, to have the best success and avoid wasting time!

Pros:

Solid filtering optionsVaried and large user baseRelatively affordable

Cons:

Many people are looking for love (i.e. Cupid’s arrow)It can be fairly time-consuming compared to other apps

Pricing:

One-month membership: $19.95 totalSix-month membership: $9.95/month

6.  BuddyBang – Best pure hookup app

The concept behind BuddyBang is pretty simple. Like the name suggests, it helps you find a buddy to ba—… *ahem* sleep with. Like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison, this is another site that doesn’t hide what it’s all about. So, if you’re looking for casual sex and to find a friend with benefits, then BuddyBang is a solid option for you.

BuddyBang is pretty much a pure hookup app, which may turn some people off. In fact, some people may be so thirsty that you feel like you can’t even have a little warm-up conversation first. If you run into this problem, then you may want to try something else.

Some benefits to BuddyBang are that it’s straightforward about what it’s about (i.e. casual sex), it’s relatively affordable, and there are a number of useful features (like filtering options that help you pare down possible matches).

Pro tip: If you use BuddyBang, be prepared for people who are looking to get down to business fast. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then you’re probably better off trying something else.

Pros:

Engaged user communityPeople are very directNice filters to make things go fasterNot too expensive

Cons:

Obnoxious ads on the free tierPeople may be too direct for your taste

Pricing:

One-year membership: $19.95/monthOne-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/month

7.  BeNaughty – Best for naughty singles

We’re talking about sex apps here, so it might not be too surprising that many of them have names like BuddyBang or BeNaughty. You might find them obnoxious, or maybe you appreciate the straightforward aspect. Either way, the name definitely helps ensure that everyone’s on the same page.

So yeah, as you might guess, BeNaughty is all about casual hookups. The goal is to connect people so they can chat and get down to hooking up asap. One cool thing about BeNaughty is that they have numerous ways of finding people, not just the swipe method that has become so ubiquitous. There are various chat rooms you can join and even galleries to look through before starting a one-on-one chat.

Overall, BeNaughty is a strong choice as a sex app because people are there for the same reason. It also features some solid filtering options, meaning you can save some time and get to what you’re there for in the first place.

Pro tip: Be sure to try the various options offered on BeNaughty for meeting people, like the communal chat rooms and galleries.

Pros:

Innovative options for finding peopleCommunity that won’t judgeCouples as well as singlesTrial option won’t break the bank

Cons:

User base can be a bit superficial and thirstyHard to use without the premium membership

Pricing:Three-day trial: $1.05/dayOne-month membership: $27.01 totalThree-month membership: $15.15/monthSix-month membership: $12.24/month

8.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM

At one point, the homepage of ALT featured a man bound and gagged with the words “Don’t get tied down, get tied up.” This should tell you just about everything you need to know about this hookup site!

Yes, ALT is all about casual sex and specifically for the kinky ones out there. If you’re hoping to go nice and slow and find some vanilla sex, then this is probably not the place for you. People on ALT generally know what they want, and they want it now.

If you’re a kinky type, then you’ll probably be in heaven on ALT. You can find someone out there for just about anything you might be into. Plus, there’s a user base of over two million people, meaning that you have a good chance of linking up with someone like-minded.

Pro tip: ALT has a super specific niche, so if you’re not down for fast and kinky hookups, then you should probably stay away.

Pros:

Sort by your kinksBrowse NSFW contentWebcam shows

Cons:

Watch out for bots and scammersPremium account required to really get the most out of the site

Pricing:Silver Membership: $19.95/month (with longer plans available)Gold Membership: $29.95/month (with longer plans available)

9.  Hinge – Best for FWB & more serious possibilities

In recent years, Hinge has become super mainstream. At least on the surface, they are all about matching people up for long-term relationships, hence their motto “The dating app designed to be deleted.” (We’re not sure how that makes for a good business model, though.)

In any case, Hinge is popular with all kinds of people looking for all kinds of things. So, if you want to use it as a sex app only, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Yes, you may come across people who specify that they want something serious, but you’re also sure to find people who just want something casual.

Luckily, Hinge makes this a smooth process, thanks to a filtering feature that allows you to specify what kind of thing you’re looking for. This saves everyone time and energy.

Like Tinder, Hinge has a massive user base, which makes it a solid option, especially if you live in a sparsely populated area.

Pro tip: Be straightforward on Hinge, since many people on there will be looking for something more than just a casual hookup. If you state that you’re looking for friends with benefits upfront, you’re less likely to waste time and hurt people’s feelings.

Pros:

Trendy app with younger generationsTop-notch matchmaking algorithmCan find people looking for friends with benefitsMassive user base

Cons:

Many people here want something seriousA bit pricey

Pricing:One month: $12.99 totalThree-month membership: $20.99 totalSix-month membership: $29.99 total

10.  Zoosk – Best for short-term dating

Despite its silly, Dr. Seussian name, Zoosk is a good option for short-term dating. It’s actually in 80+ countries now, meaning that it may come in handy if you’re a frequent traveler.

Another big benefit to Zoosk is that it has a very diverse user base. Many people may want something more serious, though, so if you’re looking for casual hookups only, be sure to be clear about that.

Pros:

Engaged user communityWorldwide user base

Cons:

May not find as many casual hookup opportunities as other appsAdditional features can add up

Pricing:One-month membership: $29.95 totalThree-month membership: $19.98/monthSix-month membership: $12.49/month

11.  Bumble – Safest for women

Not sure why, but Bumble has gone with a “bee” vibe with its name and branding. In any case, this app has succeeded in getting a lot of buzz by helping people find their next honey. (Yes, we know, that was god awful.)

Part of its popularity and trendiness is that women are the ones to make the first “move” on Bumble. So, if you’re a man on this site, you won’t be able to reach out to women first. This is quite frankly a nice change of pace for everyone, especially if you’re a confident woman or a somewhat shy dude.

Women have flocked to Bumble since it puts them in the driver seat and means they are much less likely to get harassed and deal with asshats. For men, this is a great place to find a confident, self-assured woman. That said, many of them may want something serious, so you’ll have to be sure to be clear about what you’re looking for upfront (as always with all of these sites basically).

Pro tip: If you’re a guy, work hard on your profile, as that will be the one thing that women assess before deciding to message you or not. And if you’re a woman, don’t be shy! It’s up to you to make the first contact.

Pros:

Nifty premise (women make first contact)Solid ratio of women to menBasic but well-crafted UI

Cons:

May have trouble finding people down for casual only hookupsPremium membership will cost you a pretty penny

Pricing:Premium Membership: $8.99/week

12.  Plenty of Fish – Best user community

You have to go back nearly twenty years to the beginnings of Plenty of Fish (POF), all the way back to 2003, which honestly feels like forever ago at this point. The good thing about this is that POF is not one of these dating sites that has just popped up, and its longevity suggests that it’s been good at connecting people.

One of the best things about POF is its large user base and the matchmaking algorithm it uses to pair people up. While this is standard with dating sites in general, POF seems to have one of the more robust algorithms out there.

Since it’s not a casual hookup-focused site, you’ll have to be upfront about what you’re looking for to ensure you don’t waste anyone’s time.

Pro tip: Be thorough when answering the questions and when providing other info to POF. Doing so will help ensure that you get the best possible matches.

Pros:

Top-notch filtering optionsHuge user communityCheaper than other apps listed here

Cons:

Many people may want something seriousWatch out for fake bot accounts and scammers

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.99 totalThree-month membership: $9.80/monthOne-year membership: $5.95/month

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasies

Pure advertises itself as all about “shameless dating,” and is pretty straightforward about its approach as a hookup site. Hell, the logo they’ve even used at times (see above) resembles a vagina…

In any case, Pure is great for people who don’t quite feel at home with the more mainstream apps and sites. You can really be yourself here, and doing so will ensure that you find other people you’re compatible with.

Pure is one of the best apps out there for no-strings attached hookups, and it has some solid features that help keep things feeling safe and secure, like disappearing profiles and safe video chatting.

Pro tip: If you aren’t in a major urban area, you may have trouble finding people near you on Pure since it hasn’t yet taken off quite like some of the other apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Focus on privacy and discretionA breeze to join and get goingGood for fantasy seekers

Cons:

Relatively small user baseBetter if you’re in an urban area

Pricing:One week: $14.99 totalOne month: $29.99 total

14.  Feeld – Most open-minded community

Feeld isn’t one of the best-known hookup apps out there, but it makes up for its relative youth by being a great platform for open-minded people looking to find other open-minded people.

With Feeld, it’s all about creating a non-judgmental space where people can feel comfortable looking for no-strings attached hookups. Its focus in particular is in enabling couples to find a third person to join in on the fun.

Feeld’s sex-positive ethos and inclusivity make it one of the best new hookup sites around, and we’re honestly hoping that it takes off soon.

Pro tip: A Facebook account is (unfortunately) needed to verify your identity in the sign-up process. Also, Android users can’t use the premium version, which is a major downside.

Pros:

Very sex-positive platformOpen-minded communityTop app if looking for threesomes

Cons:

Android users locked out of premium versionTo verify your profile you need a Facebook account

PricingOne-month membership: $14.99 totalThree-month membership: $29.98 total

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymity

Messenger (fka Facebook Messenger) and Whatsapp are used and loved by more than a billion people on the planet now. Sex Messenger is hoping to play into this appreciation for messaging apps by creating a hookup app that focuses on discreet sexting and messaging.

Sex Messenger is so discreet, in fact, that your name is not even shared with the other person. This helps keep things anonymous, which is especially appreciated for people who prioritize discretion and may be already engaged in a relationship (or relationships).

Sex Messenger is great for discreet sexting, which ramps up the tension, and then meeting up to really get down to it.

Pro tip: This app is all about anonymity and discretion, so don’t go around sharing details about your personal life or asking other people for information about theirs. The whole idea is to keep things light and discreet.

Pros:

Makes sexting relatively safe and secureIdeal for casual hookups

Cons:

For full access you need a premium accountThe anonymity part may not be everyone’s cup of tea

PricingOne-month membership: $14.95 total

16.  Reddit R4R – Best free option

If you’re aiming to find a casual hookup buddy, you might as well try Reddit’s personals forum (i.e. “subreddit.”) Why? It doesn’t cost anything, so you really have nothing to lose (besides the few minutes it takes you to make the post or browse other people’s and send a DM or two).

You won’t often find pictures on r/R4R, which makes it somewhat less superficial and more anonymous than mainstream apps like Tinder or Hinge. It’s more about shared interests and conversation. If the DM’ing goes well, then you may be well on your way to a casual hookup (and without paying a cent).

Pros:

Totally freeNo subscriptions or memberships necessary

Cons:

Can be competitiveNo way to get priority (no paid features)

Pricing:Free

17.  FlirtyMature – Best for ages 40+

Not everyone is a millennial or Gen Z’er and wants to jump on Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge. For people a bit older, FlirtyMature is a solid option. This hookup site is all about older people, so it’ll be of interest to you either if you are older yourself or want to find someone older than you.

FlirtyMature has a pretty simple and intuitive IU, and its user community is fairly active. There’s a high response rate here, which you definitely don’t always get on other sites (like the ones mentioned ab0ve).

Pro tip: FlirtyMature, like the name suggests, is targeting older users, so it doesn’t make sense to join unless you’re in the 40+ age range or you’re just looking for someone in that age range.

Pros:

Pretty affordableOne of the few options for Gen X and olderStraightforward to use

Cons:

Somewhat annoying registration process

Pricing:1-week: $7 per weekOne month: $28.80 per monthThree months: $48.60 ($16.20 per month)

18.  Flirt – Best free trial

Are you a flirt? Well, here’s an app with your name—so to speak— on it!

On Flirt, you know that you can find other people who are ready to get flirty and find other people who are ready for casual hookups. There’s a solidly active user base on here, despite the fact that Flirt doesn’t yet have the name-brand recognition that a Tinder or Hinge has.

Pro tip: Take advantage of Flirt’s free trial before committing to a paid membership. It’s one of the better free trials around when it comes to hookup sites/apps.

Pros:

Cool SMS feature to take things off-siteEngaged user communityRegistration is a breezeTruly free trial option

Cons:

You can’t do much without a premium membership

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $22

19.  Jswipe – Best for Jewish singles

Known by some as the “Jewish Tinder,” Jswipe has a pretty obvious niche—catering to the Jewish community. So, if you’re single and Jewish, then JSwipe could be a good option for you to find someone. If nothing else, you have Judaism in common.

While some younger and less orthodox people of Jewish faith may be more open to casual hookups, you’ll have to recognize that many people on JSwipe will be looking for something serious and longer lasting. To prevent wasting your time or anyone else’s, you’ll want to be clear about your intentions upfront if they involve casual hookups.

Pros:

Top option for Jewish singlesRelatively affordableNice UI

Cons:

You need Facebook to sign upNot targeting users after casual hookups

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $24.99 totalThree months: $44.99 total

20.  OneNightFriend – Best mobile site

Like BuddyBang, AdultFriendFinder, or BeNaughty, the name behind OneNightFriend attempts to make things pretty clear. So, if you’re looking for a “friend” for one night, then this is a solid option to consider.

That said, there are a fair number of issues with OneNightFriend. The main problem is that it doesn’t do a great job at preventing bot profiles. This means that you may have to be rather patient when using OneNightFriend.

One big positive for OneNightFriend is its easy and free sign-up process.

Pro tip: You might as well give OneNightFriend a try since it’s free, particularly if you’re on a budget. Just be careful for spam profiles.

Pros:

Can’t beat free sign-upStreamlined for mobile

Cons:

The free plan is limited, and the one-month plan is priceyTons of fake profiles to wade through

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $39 totalThree months: $65.70 total

21.  Thursday – Best new app

Thursday is a cool app with a unique premise. It gets rid of the idea of 24/7 dating that’s available due to the internet. This gives you the chance to take care of the rest of your life the other 6 days of the week, including focusing on actual in-person dates.

For the moment, it’s restricted to certain large urban areas (like London and New York), but they have plans to open up to other cities soon. This is one app to keep your eye on for sure.

Pro tip: Thursday is full of young professionals and is trendy, so this may not be the ideal scene for everyone.

Pros:

Unique concept (available on Thursdays only)Trendy, lots of young professionals

Cons:

Geographically limited at the momentConcept may not appeal to everyone

Pricing:Free: limited featuresPremium (“BlackCard”): $14.99 per month

22.  Ship – Most innovative app

Ship is another cool and trendy app based around a new concept. Rather than endless swiping and waiting around for matches, Ship has your friends help you play matchmaker.

It works by setting up a group chat with your friends. You then pick people you think would be good for your friends, and they do the same. You can then discuss possibilities with your friends.

This is a fun concept and is great for people with lots of friends, but it may not appeal to everyone.

Pro tip: Ship is pretty new, so you may need to give it some time before it takes off. It’s got a promising concept, though, so we won’t be surprised if it does sooner rather than later.

Pros:

Emphasizes the social aspect of datingNice change of pace from most apps

Cons:

Small user base (because new)Concept won’t be for everyone

Pricing:

100 credits = $0.99500 credits = $3.991,000 credits = $6.992,000 credits = $9.99

23.  Blendr – Best for young professionals

Blendr depends on Facebook and is primarily for iPhone users, so you’ll need those two things if you would like to use it. The focus with Blendr is on young professionals, so this is great if you fall into that kind of group. If not, you may want to look elsewhere.

The people on Blendr tend to be pretty open (and up for) no strings-attached sex, making it a nice option for people looking for casual hookups.

Pro tip: Ensure your Facebook is up to date (with information you want to be shared) so that when Blendr pulls your info from Facebook it gives you the kind of profile you want.

Pros:

Relatively simple process to get startedFree for iPhone users

Cons:

Mainly compatible with iPhoneRequires Facebook to get set up

Pricing:

Free: limited featuresPremium: price per feature varies

24.  HUD – Best for sex positivity

HUD has a motto that gives you a pretty solid idea of what they’re about: “Why be limited to one option at a time?”

In other words, HUD operates in the same vein as Ashley Madison or AdultFriendFinder, aiming to find users that are looking for discreet sex (and who may be in relationships already).

If you’re after purely casual hookups, then HUD is a solid option seeing as they have a large user base (roughly 9 million members).

Pros:

Large userbaseDesigned for casual hookupsVideo chat has safety featuresPrioritizes discretion

Cons:

Anonymous sign-ups can detract from quality and safety

Pricing:

1 month: $24.993 months: $49.996 months: $69.9912 months: $199.99

25.  3Fun – Best for threesomes

3Fun is all about having fun—3-person style. Yes, we’re talking about threesomes. While this is fairly niche, it’s nice to have a site dedicated entirely to what you’re looking for (assuming that’s the case). This makes it way easier to be on the same page from the get-go.

3Fun has a pretty straightforward concept. You simply press “X” if you’re not interested in a profile, while tapping the heart button if you are. From there, you’re matched and can start chatting (just like Tinder and many other dating/hookup apps).

One cool feature is that you can sign up as a “couple,” which means your account can be used from two different phones at the same time, helping to facilitate finding a third person for your threesome.

Pros:

All about threesomesInnovative featuresIntuitive UI

Cons:

Very nicheMessaging feature could use improvement

Pricing:

1 month: $29.996 months: $79.9912 months: $99.99

26.  Wingman – Best for people who trust their friends

No, wingman isn’t about finding someone to hook up with on your flight. And it has nothing to do with Top Gun. Like the app Ship, it’s all about having your friends help you out with your dating by playing matchmakers.

In fact, it’s basically the exact same idea as Ship, although it doesn’t seem to be quite as popular yet. If you’re interested in this kind of app, you may want to go with Ship for now, though there’s nothing stopping you from trying both out and seeing which you prefer.

Pros:

Facebook log-in is convenientFun concept that involves your friends

Cons:

Not great if you don’t want to involve your friendsRelatively new = small-ish user base

Pricing:

Free

27.  Her – Best  for LGBTQ+ women

Billing itself as the “world’s most loved LGBTQIA2S+ dating and community app,” HER is the perfect app for lesbian, bi, and queer dating. You can kind of think of this as the more feminine version of Grindr.

While there aren’t a whole lot of apps to compare this to, that works in HER’s favor as it has attracted a large number of its target audience. Many people have found love or just a casual hookup through Her, and the site allows you to specify what you’re looking for, which is always ideal in our opinion.

Pros:

Great for the LGBTQ+ communitySleek and intuitive UI

Cons:

Not for everyoneNot exclusively for hookups

Pricing:

Monthly: $14.99 per monthAnnual: $89.99 per year

28.  Happn – Best for urban dwellers

Happn revolves around a neat concept—it uses location tracking to find people that you might have crossed paths with (and how many times). For example, it might let you find someone who’s always at the same coffee shop as you. If you both like that coffee shop, why not get coffee there and see if there’s a spark?

That’s the whole concept behind Happn, and it’s a pretty cool one ngl. The only problem is this will definitely not appeal to people who are more discreet and have privacy concerns (like letting an app track them 24/7).

Nonetheless, many people might find it nice that technology can allow us to rectify what otherwise might have been a narrowly missed opportunity.

Pros:

Unique and innovative conceptGrowing user base

Cons:

Requires location trackingPoorly rated app on Google Play (better rated on Apple)

Pricing:

Monthly: $24.99 per monthAnnual: $79.99 per year

29.  Casualx – Best for casual hookups

The idea behind CasualX is that it’s another Tinder-style dating app but with a focus that should be obvious from its name—casual hookups.

If this is what you’re after, then you’ll be in good shape. If not, then you should probably look elsewhere (but we’d also be kinda confused why you’re reading a “sex apps” article tbh).

One downside to this is that it’s a relatively small userbase compared to many of the apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Perfect for casual hookupsSimple interface

Cons:

Small-ish user community at the momentLimited to 45 swipes per day

Pricing:

1 month: $15.993 months: $36.996 months: $55.99Free: Promote it on social media (1 day per every 10 followers)

30.  String – Best for the bold

String is another app that’s all about one specific concept. In this case, it’s voice memos. This is a popular trend among younger generations—i.e. communicating by sharing voice memos rather than texting. So, as you might expect, the community on String skews rather young. This might be a positive or a negative depending on your perspective.

It’s undeniable that there’s a greater level of intimacy and connection in communicating by voice rather than text. Texting has always been rather sterile, after all.

Unfortunately, some people have complained about the glitchiness of this app, so it would appear that they have some kinks to work out (and not the fun kind!).

Pros:

Perfect for people who like voice memos

Cons:

Fair number of glitchesNiche concept won’t appeal to everyone

31.  Established Men – Best for finding a sugar daddy

We started with a sugar site (Seeking) and we’re ending with one as well. Established Men is all about pairing successful, i.e. “established,” men with young and beautiful women. This is the classic “sugar baby-sugar daddy” relationship.

If you fit into either one of these molds and are looking for a sugar relationship, then Established Men is a top option for you (along with Seeking). If not, then it doesn’t really make sense for you.

Pros:

Top option for sugar relationshipsFree for women

Cons:

Lots of scammers and botsGets costly for men

Pricing:

Free: limited features1 month: $793 months: $14712 months: $300

FAQs About Sex Apps

Is it safe to use sex apps?

Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to use sex apps. Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and dating apps in general are used safely everyday by millions of people. That said, you should always use common sense and basic safety tips. It’s important, for example, to watch out for scammers and phishing attempts.

How do you stay safe using sex apps?

Always trust your gut instincts and be cautious. It’s also super important to meet someone for the first time in a public place where other people are around (like a coffee shop, for example). It also doesn’t hurt to inform someone close to you where you’re going to be and that you’re meeting someone for the first time. You should also be wary of giving away more than very basic personal information to anyone you don’t know well.

Are there any free sex apps?

Yes and no, at least if you’re a guy. You can try platforms such as Reddit r/R4R or Craigslist, but don’t hold your breath. As for the other sex apps reviewed above, some of them offer free trials. Unfortunately, some of these free trials or free memberships are super limited. For the most part, you’ll have more success if you shell out for a membership.

Can women use sex apps for free?

Yes, many women can use sex apps for free. Some of the major ones that offer free memberships include Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Happn, and Plenty of Fish.

Final Thoughts

You know what, sometimes relationships can flat out suck. And if you’re in a bad one or just got out of one, then the best thing for you may be some good old-fashioned casual hookups.

Nowadays, the power of the internet has made it easier than ever to find no-strings-attached sex. It can be as anonymous, open, kinky, or vanilla as you like. There are millions of people out there looking to hook up, and these sex apps we’ve reviewed will enable you to find them.

If you’re still unsure what’s right for you, you probably can’t go too wrong with some of the biggest names in the sex app world, like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, etc. But if you’re after something more niche, then use our guide above to find the one that makes most sense for you.

Whatever you choose, stay safe, have fun, and good luck!

Read More

It’s never been easier to meet someone online. There are more singles than ever in the dating pool. Most are in search of a meaningful connection that could lead to a long-term commitment. Landing a real catch in a traditional setting feels like fishing in the Dead Sea: impossible. But dating apps and websites have softened the blow and made it possible to scope out your options from the safety and comfort of your own home. With life online becoming an omnipresent reality, it’s one of the best ways to date. The best part? They actually work.

Now, this isn’t true of all dating sites, and there are plenty to comb through. While it’s nice to have options, digging around for the top dating sites can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Additionally, veteran daters know that modern dating culture has become murky at best.

Which apps will introduce you to singles who are serious about commitment and not just another hookup? Tinder might be the big dog of swipe-based dating apps, but you likely won’t find anything beyond a hot make-out session or a one-night stand. While most dating sites attract a mix of serious and casual daters, some options generate more success for long-term relationships.

Here’s an overview of the best dating sites that will give you the best chance at finding a real partner. When it comes to love, these apps do their best to find you the perfect match. Whether it’s a particularly advanced matching algorithm, personality analysis, or select group of users, these apps do more for you than your average hookup app ever could.

14 Best Dating Sites To Meet Someone Online For A Real Relationship in 2022

RankSiteBest ForRating1.eharmonyMeaningful connections5/52.MatchLasting relationships5/53.ZooskThose who love travel5/54.FriendFinderMix of casual and serious5/55.BumbleBest for women5/56.HingeBest for quick, serious matches5/57.OkCupidBest for progressive dating5/58.The LeagueBest for educated singles4.5/59.HappnBest for meeting someone in your social circle4.5/510.HERBest for femmes4.5/511.Silver SinglesBest for older daters4/512.Coffee Meets BagelBest for dating site newbies4/513.AdultFriendFinderBest for open-minded daters4/514.Plenty of FishBest for rural daters4/5

1.) eharmony 

Ok, so eharmony puts some cheesy ads out there that might deter you from trying it out, but if you’re tired of dating around, looking for a real connection and maybe just want to put a ring on it, you’re going to want to give it a second chance. Why? Well, eharmony is allegedly responsible for around 4 percent of all marriages in the U.S. today. Wild, right?

So what gives eharmony its secret sauce? We guess it has to do with the revamp of their model. Back in the day, eharmony would put you through the wringer with a lengthy sign-up process and lame alienating questions. Today, the questionnaire is around 30 questions long and very practical. It’ll ask you how you feel about moving in with someone or how you feel about arguments.

It should be noted though that eharmony hasn’t always been the most welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community and some users believe that it’s truly a place for the heteronormative. They’ve been working on fixing this major issue, but it seems that it hasn’t yet been totally resolved.

Tip for using eharmony to find a long-term relationship: Use eharmony if you are genuinely ready for commitment. Don’t be afraid to set up dates quickly and emotionally open up earlier than you normally would.

2.) Match

Match.com is a dating site that was launched in 1995, and it has been helping daters find long-term relationships ever since. Match is comforting to a lot of people because it’s so familiar and has pretty much provided the blueprint for other dating sites. Not to mention, it has worked hard to perfect its strategy over the years. There’s even a guarantee that you’ll be dating someone within six months, and if you’re not, they’ll give you six months free of charge! That’s how confident they are.

There are two factors that make Match best for long-term partnerships.

Number one is their matching algorithm. When you sign up, you will be put through a rigorous personality quiz. While it can feel a little cumbersome, know that Match is only doing its job. You’ll be asked about your basic preferences along with some gushy romantic stuff (which is important in a relationship).

Number two is that, though it’s technically a free dating site, most users end up paying $20 per month. Yeah, it’s a lot. But love is an investment you should be making for yourself, right?

Tip for using Match to find a long-term relationship: Match is known for their intense matching algorithm, so take your time with the questionnaire and try to make your profile as detailed as possible.

3.) Zoosk

For some, travel is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. Zoosk takes the concept of online dating and allows users to connect internationally. But this isn’t one of those “fly me out to hookup” sites. Zoosk utilizes behavioral matching to facilitate genuine connections between folks who may live thousands of miles apart. If you want your first date to involve a plane, this app is for you.

Rather than dragging you through a tedious questionnaire, Zoosk synchs up your social media profiles to analyze your behavior. It’s a unique way to determine personality, but arguably more accurate given that it takes your actions into account.

Zoosk is a crowd favorite because it doesn’t try to distract you with any bells and whistles. It’s got a smooth, modern interface that makes international dating feel like a breeze.

Tip for using Zoosk to find a long-term relationship: Clean up your social media profile. Zoosk uses it to determine your matches. Your matches will likely be able to find your socials as well. If you come across as a player, you won’t land a serious relationship.

4.) Friend Finder

Friend Finder is one of the biggest dating communities on the Internet. It has the feel and ease of a social media platform but ultimately aims to set up romantic connections between singles. There’s a wide range of connections to be made on Friend Finder, from the flings to the wedding bells. You are more likely to meet someone who doesn’t want to commit right off the bat, but knows they want to meet someone special. Friend Finder also caters to all genders and sexualities, giving it a really warm and welcoming feel.

The users on Friend Finder tend to be in their 40s, but anyone who is 18+ is welcome to give it a shot. They also take your safety very seriously and run a tight ship as far as regulating profiles and banning fakes, catfish, and bots. You do feel like you’ve got a matchmaker on your side when you use Friend Finder to find a mate.

Because Friend Finder is more of a community than strictly a dating site, there are various ways to meet people and other ways to enjoy the site. For instance, you can take a look at their interest groups and forum pages to learn how users in the community are feeling about Friend Finder and dating in general.

Tip for using Friend Finder to find a long-term relationship: Treat this community like a social media platform rather than strictly a dating app. It will open up the possibilities for you by introducing you to more people!

5.) Bumble

There’s a lot we don’t love about Tinder. The platform allows ghosters and players to run rampant. That’s why Bumble is the perfect alternative for women seeking a serious relationship with a man.

Bumble is swipe-dating with a twist. It’s a free dating app that requires women to break the ice first. If the man doesn’t respond to the initial message within 24 hours, the match goes away. It’s one of the first dating apps to really hold daters accountable for their ability to follow through. Flakiness doesn’t survive on Bumble.

The women-message-first concept also combats those incessant creepy messages that ladies on dating apps are used to getting. While the profiles are limited and there’s no major questionnaire, the rules laid out by Bumble make it a great environment to start a long-term relationship. Oh, and there’s also an Astrology filter for the horoscope buffs.

Tip for using Bumble to find a long-term relationship: If you are a woman, reach out to all the men that you match with. Remember, they can’t get in touch with you. You need to make the first move before those matches disappear. You swiped right for a reason, right?

6.) Hinge

Many daters cite Hinge as their absolute favorite dating app. While Hinge has introduced a ton of successful couples to each other, the draw to Hinge has more to do with the fact that using the app is fun! The app was originally supposed to match you based on mutual friends you had through social media platforms. But it has evolved since then to be the ultimate icebreaker dating app.

Setting up a Hinge profile takes some time, but it’s entertaining. Once you pick your photos and basic preferences, you can choose through dozens of hilarious or serious prompts to add to the profile. One reads, “A life goal of mine is. . .” while another reads, “We’re the same type of weird if. . .” Hinge users can “heart” someone’s photo or their prompt answer. They can also comment on it, which makes initiating a conversation so much more interesting than on other dating apps.

With engaging profiles and an in-depth matching algorithm, Hinge is the cocktail party that sets the scene for long-term potential. The crowd is generally young, cool, and interested in dating. Its slogan is, “designed to be deleted,” which is kind of awesome!

Tip for using Hinge to find a long-term relationship: Add some humor to your profile by picking funny prompts. This will give your potential matches an icebreaker when they reach out to you.

7.) OKCupid

OKCupid is the woke dating app geared towards socially conscious millennials. It’s been around for a while, but in 2017, OKCupid saw a massive redesign both in aesthetics and operations. Now, it’s incredibly modern and perfect for the liberal-minded dater who is seeking a likeminded partner. With 12 gender identities and 20 sexual orientations to choose from, it’s not hard to see why.

The questionnaire helps to weed out folks who you wouldn’t get along with by asking questions like, “Is contraception morally wrong?” They also get into your sexual preferences and dealbreakers. That’s when the algorithm takes over. At first, it feels a bit like Tinder. That would make sense as the two are owned by the same company, but it takes the more in-depth serious approach that goes beyond swiping based on appearances.

One critique that OKCupid gets is the feature that allows you to message someone who you haven’t matched with yet. They won’t see that message unless you match. While it keeps creepy messages at bay, it also lends itself to a bunch of unanswered messages and a strange feeling of rejection.

Tip for using OKCupid to find a long-term relationship: Don’t bother using this application if you are ultra-conservative. You likely won’t find anyone who meshes with your views. Also, show more than you tell. In other words, pick profile photos that communicate who you are as a person.

8.) The League

If all the apps were personified, The League would be the most narcissistic. To get on the app in the first place, you must apply by submitting your LinkedIn profile, current job status, and what university you attended. So yeah, it’s a little full of itself. However, for people who think that education and job status is a dealbreaker, it’s a nice change of pace from the randomness that apps like Tinder supply.

The League allows you to be very picky with your preferences, even allowing you to select which races you prefer to see. That makes our stomachs turn a little. If you’re willing to ignore the cringeworthy-ness, The League is a pretty decent dating app. It has a high success rate, so we think it deserves a review.

Members span all age groups but tend to be on the younger side. There’s also no way for catfish to get onto this app. You must link both your Facebook and LinkedIn for approval. Unless a catfish is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to land someone, they aren’t going to slip through the cracks on these dating apps.

Tip for using The League to find a long-term relationship: The League tends to be a tough crowd and the app comes across as a little judgmental. You can ease the tension by sending a message to someone who you have something in common with. Perhaps you’ve been to their university, hometown, or have insight about their career choice.

9.) Happn

Some people believe in fate and others believe in the “Proximity Effect.” There’s a strong correlation between proximity and attraction, which Happn takes into account. Rather than setting you up with people who live in a five-mile radius from you, Happn actually matches you with someone you’ve crossed paths with in the past. It’s a neat concept in that it shows you and your match have similar habits and interests. It’s also the most convenient way to date.

We’ll be honest though, there aren’t a ton of people who use Happn, so there might be slim pickings. There have also been reports that the daters you’ve apparently “crossed paths with” are hogwash. This is coming from users who never stepped foot outside of their homes and were told they had a handful of missed connections. However, there are also folks who say the exact opposite.

Regardless of whether or not the proximity feature is a placebo, it sure makes for a nice icebreaker when you finally do go on that first date!

Tip for using Happn to find a long-term relationship: Don’t rely too heavily on the proximity feature. Try to get to know the people who you match with and then decide if you want to meet up with them!

10.) HER

Nearly all dating sites claim to be inclusive of all sexualities and genders; however, many people in the queer community don’t completely agree. Some sites just don’t feel all that welcoming or provide enough options, especially to queer women. Grindr was there for queer men, but what about the ladies? That’s where the app HER comes in. It’s a tailored dating site and community for women in the LGBTQ+ community.

According to their members (currently 4 million and counting), HER is a really fun space. Profiles can get quite detailed with the ability to put your diet preferences (like vegan) on your profile, along with your astrological sign and pronouns. There’s also an entire element of HER that doesn’t really have to do with dating but rather operates as a social media platform and shows you what queer events are going on in your area.

HER is great, but it’s not perfect. In the past, users have reported some glitches that make the user experience a bit frustrating and annoying. However, they are actively working to evolve their functionality in a positive way.

Tip for using HER to find a long-term relationship: HER is all about empowering women and LGBTQ+ dating. Mimic that energy by always shining a positive light while you are chatting with new friends or matches.

11.) Silver Singles

Dating over 50 can be quite a challenge. Many of these online dating apps focus so much energy on catering to millennials that they don’t take time to consider the older daters. Silver Singles is a dating app that’s exclusively for daters who are age 50 and above. Knowing that you’re in the company of others who are your age and looking for love can be really comforting.

Silver Singles takes matching seriously and uses a personality test to break users up into the Big Five personality traits, and then matches you accordingly. There’s an expectation on Silver Singles that the dating is taken seriously, so it’s not for the person looking for something casual. The users who are old enough to be completely over dating games that tend to be consumed by them see this as a benefit.

Tip for using Silver Singles to find a long-term relationship: Make it clear that you are seeking a long-term relationship. You can do this by posting it in your profile or by opening each chat by explaining what you want out of the app. The mature daters will appreciate the transparency.

12.) Coffee Meets Bagel

The concept behind this dating app was to set up a casual online dating experience. It’s likened to grabbing a cup of coffee with someone, but online. The vibe is meant to feel low-key, so that pressure doesn’t get in the way of your dating experience. A Reddit review actually noted that “Coffee Meets Bagel helped me find someone, which I never thought would happen because I am cripplingly introverted.” So, we know it works!

Other dating sites will throw a bunch of options at you, leaving you swiping through tons of photos or scrolling through an indefinite amount of prospects. While this can be nice, it also can deter you from really investing in one person and might make you feel overwhelmed. It’s not exactly the easiest way to make a real connection. That’s why CMB sends you seven options a day that are carefully selected based on their matching algorithm. These matches are called “bagels,” which frankly is a little strange. But hey, we’re not here to judge CMB on anything but their success rate as a dating app. To encourage followthrough, the bagels only last for a week. If you really like someone, you need to reach out.

Another reason why CMB works so well is that the algorithm takes your previous swipes into account when curating the next batch of fresh bagels for you. It learns your trends and preferences based on actual activity rather than just a questionnaire.

Tip for using Coffee Meets Bagel to find a long-term relationship: Give each “bagel” a chance. You might be used to apps that give you tons of options; however, there’s a reason why these bagels were suggested to you. Don’t be afraid to do a deep dive into each of their profiles!

13.) AdultFriendFinder

Ok, so AdultFriendFinder isn’t exactly great for finding your soulmate, but nothing is impossible! The reason it makes the list is that some people like to approach dating in a casual way before getting into anything super serious. Physical intimacy is an essential part of any relationship, and AdultFriendFinder has no problems in that department.

While millennials rely on Tinder to help them find friends-with-benefits, AdultFriendFinder caters to an online dating crowd that’s a tiny bit older. It’s sort of the Tinder for Gen X. Given that there are so many users on AdultFriendFinder, it’s nearly impossible to not find someone interested in talking to you. But be warned—AdultFriendFinder is not for the faint of heart. There’s no telling how raunchy your inbox will get.

AdultFriendFinder is an adult site, so that means explicit photos are welcome and encouraged. You won’t find that on other dating websites. In a time where isolation is more familiar than physical touch, it’s a nice change of pace.

Tip for using AdultFriendFinder to find a long-term relationship: Keep an open mind, sexually. AdultFriendFinder has a lot of raunchy undertones. By going in without judgment, you open yourself up to a world of dating potentials on this site.

14.) Plenty Of Fish

Plenty Of Fish is a popular free dating site, but they’ve been known to have just as many bots as they do genuine users, so that’s why it sits at the bottom. This doesn’t mean that POF doesn’t work. It has been known to foster a ton of successful relationships. There are even some celebs who have found love on POF. It simply might get annoying attempting to dodge the folks who aren’t real.

One of the best aspects of POF is the volume of users. They have so many. Bots aside, even if you live in a small town or rural area, you will find plenty of prospects. Most apps function best in urban cities, but POF does the job well anywhere. Another thing we love is that POF, and all features like unlimited messaging, is totally free.

Because there are so many daters on POF looking for all sorts of relationships, POF has implemented a pretty advanced search feature that allows you to whittle down the crowd. The quality of daters doesn’t seem to be as top-notch as some other apps on this list, but there are definitely some catches who make their way onto the site.

Tip for using Plenty Of Fish to find a long-term relationship: POF is known for having a ton of users. With that in mind, be selective with who you decide to reach out to. Too many options won’t help you land that soulmate you’re after.

Read More

AdultFriendFinder: Scam or real? This is always the question to ask when signing up for a new hookup site. The goal is to find a legit hookup, not spend hours talking to bots.

Gather round kids, because here’s the tea: Thanks to AdultFriendFinder, also known as AFF, I now have two stable friends-with-benefits who I see on a regular basis. Both are babes and really open-minded. You could say I’ve tried some new things in the bedroom thanks to these women.

But that doesn’t mean that AdultFriendFinder is all rainbows and butterflies. I signed up for a premium membership to take it for a real test drive, and there were a few things to watch out for.

This review will show you all the good and bad that comes along with an AdultFriendFinder membership, and if it’s worth signing up for.

For the people who don’t want to read the full review, I’ve broken down some pros and cons. Keep reading to find out more details about these!

Pros

There are millions of users.
24/7 customer support
Registration is free.
The premium price is not bad.
Fetishes, kinks, and alt lifestyles are all welcome.
People are extremely willing and eager to meet up.
Due to the huge user base, there are lots of locals no matter your location.
Users are extremely open-minded.
You will find someone who wants to hang out immediately, even among some fake profiles.
You can enjoy the app version on your mobile divide.

Cons

Bots, fakes, inactive profiles, and scammers exist.
There are tons of ads.
You won’t get much out of the free version.
Some pages redirect to other companies.
There are plenty of users who aren’t easy on the eyes.
There was a security breach in 2015, but it’s been resolved.
Some argue that it was more effective when it first launched.

Ok, now for the real review…

What’s A Free AdultFriendFinder Membership Like?

I’m going to be honest here, you’re not going to be able to hook up with anyone by registering for a free membership. But because AdultFriendFinder is so much more than just a hookup site, there’s still a lot you can do.

For instance, you can join adult chat rooms or watch live sex cam girls. Just be advised that some of these “extra features” that AdultFriendFinder provides will just lead you to another website.

As a free member, you will also get a feel for the lay of the land and be able to receive messages. Find out who is online, who lives nearby, and who some of AdultFriendFinder’s hottest members are. You can also get detailed information from everyone’s profile and narrow your search by the age and gender filters.

I remained a free member for an hour and got some messages. Most of the women who sent the messages weren’t that hot. With 80 million members and counting, it’s no surprise that the users aren’t all supermodels. I’m not much of a looker either, though. Plus, I’d rather meet a DTF woman than one who isn’t but is walking down the runway. That’s where AdultFriendFinder can really deliver.

But there were a few profiles that really piqued my interest. I received messages like, “All I want is a nice bang and I’ll be on my way.” In order to message back, I had to upgrade my membership.

What’s A Gold Membership Like?

Yes, I bit the bullet and went Gold. Several friends told me it was a good idea because they actually found hookups through the site. For that reason, I bought the entire year because it was the best value. $14.95 per month comes to as little as $0.50 per day. It’s way less than a cup of joe and totally worth it. AdultFriendFinder doesn’t accept Paypal or cryptocurrency. You can use Mastercard, Discover, or Visa. Here’s the pricing breakdown:

$14.95 a month for 12 months or $180
$19.95 a month for six months or $90
$24.95 a month

The moment I signed up for AdultFriendFinder’s membership plan, I was introduced to hundreds of women who were nearby, online, and wanted some action. Again, they weren’t all gorgeous, but that’s OK with me. I started getting messages almost immediately.

Some also felt suspiciously like bots. You can tell that someone is a bot if they don’t speak naturally or respond insanely fast. But others were from actual real women who genuinely wanted to get off with a nearby stranger, and I wanted to be that stranger.

I have a pretty unique type. I love women who have a large bust, are thick, and have blue eyes. Ok, so not that unique. Luckily AdultFriendFinder has a very specific advanced search that makes finding someone who is your type very easy. You can also use it to find couples and groups to meet up with.

Here’s a snippet of how detailed you can get. . . and that’s not even half of it.

After selecting the traits that turned me on, I began my hunt for the perfect friend-with-benefits. This might come as a shock, but I’m not a one-night-stand type of guy. Don’t get me wrong, I love casual sex as much as the next person. But I like to have an ongoing sexual relationship because I like getting really comfortable with another person and experimenting with kinkier sex as time goes on. I hoped and prayed that AdultFriendFinder would grant me a compatible friend-with-benefits.

Guess what? Within a couple of days, I got two.

Using AdultFriendFinder To Actually Hook UpI’ll explain to you how it went down for me. I got a ton of messages from horny locals who weren’t really turning me on. There were some swingers thrown into the mix as well, but nothing that was really making me sweat. Until I came across a message from Jessica.

Before I could even meet up with her, I spotted another blue-eyed beauty named Whitegirldtfsum1. Spoiler alert: we hooked up the day after I had sex with Jessica.

Now I see Jessica and Whitegirldtfsum1 regularly. I am currently working towards getting them in bed with me at the same time. Fingers crossed!

So, Is It Legit?

I’m not surprised that some folks on the Internet are quick to call AdultFriendFinder a scam. With millions of members and new people joining by the minute, there are bound to be some unhappy customers. Not everyone knows how to use the Internet to get laid, or what to look out for from people who actually do use AdultFriendFinder to scam people.

There are certainly some misgivings and some people who use AdultFriendFinder for their own sick schemes. But if you’re smart, the site will get you laid. Again, AdultFriendFinder is not the holy grail of hookup sites, but it’s pretty darn close.

To get the most out of AdultFriendFinder, keep the following things in mind:

Look Out For Scammers: There will always be people on the Internet who want your money or information. They will try to take advantage of you when you are at your most vulnerable. . . like looking for a hookup. Don’t ever give personal information out to people on AdultFriendFinder. They have no use for it—unless they are trying to scam! If a match says any of the following, they are probably trying to scam you:
“I need money because I am sick.”
“I have legal issues, can you help me with those?”
“I have a ton of money in a secure account overseas, but I need a bit of money to get it out.”
“My friend died and I don’t know how to pay for the funeral.”
Beware Of Bots: The truth is, you’ll encounter a lot of bots with the free membership on AdultFriendFinder. They are easy to identify, but you want to stay away from them. They are a total waste of time. They will send you a generic opener like, “Hey big boy, looking for a good time?” It might be tempting, but there’s no point in entertaining this.
Ditch Dead Profiles: Dead profiles are abandoned or inactive profiles. AdultFriendFinder isn’t that good at getting rid of these, so keep that in mind when you’re fishing for a hottie.
Ignore The Ads: There are ads on AdultFriendFinder. If you ignore them and don’t click on them, you’ll have a smooth ride on the website!
Know What You Want: If what you want from AdultFriendFinder is a hookup, you’re in good hands. That’s what AdultFriendFinder does best—hook up two horny users! There are so many people using the site that finding a partner, companion, or quickie is as easy as stealing candy from a baby.
Educate Yourself On Catfishes: There are so many people who hop onto AdultFriendFinder regularly. There’s no major way to verify who is catfishing you and who isn’t. AdultFriendFinder does its best by requesting photo verification. That’s awesome! But people are smart. Through photoshop or sheer photo theft, someone can pretend to be much more attractive than they are in real life. We’ll be honest, not everyone who uses AdultFriendFinder is a supermodel, so keep an eye out for the catfishes. They are frequent on almost every dating site and hookup app. Also beware that adult sites like these can actually hire their own staff to act as models that live nearby. This is another form of a catfish. AdultFriendFinder has been known to do this in the past, but now they have so many users that they don’t have to. Here are some ways to tell if someone is a catfish:
They won’t video chat
Their photos are of different people
Their photos look fake or photoshopped
Understand Who The Models Are On AdultFriendFinder: If what you’re looking for is a model, then visit the Live-Action section of the site! This is where you can watch hot models perform for you in real time using their webcams.

Is AdultFriendFinder Safe?Back in 2015, AdultFriendFinder got into some trouble due to a large data breach. They have since implemented some of the best security systems offered and there have not been any privacy or security issues since that one in 2015. In fact, due to the stress caused by the 2015 breach, AdultFriendFinder has gone out of its way to make itself one of the safest and most secure hookup sites on the web, implementing the most secure encryption systems.

Final Thoughts About AdultFriendFinderHere’s the thing—no hookup site is perfect. AdultFriendFinder is almost there, but not quite. There are ads, there are some bots, and the users aren’t all smoke shows. But AdultFriendFinder is one of the best hookup sites because it works! Plus, it’s so quick and easy. The Gold membership is definitely worth two quarters a day for me. I am reminded of this with each casual hookup session that was brought to me by AdultFriendFinder.

What’s The Live-Action Section?

The Live-Action section on AdultFriendFinder is a whole lot of fun, but it won’t actually get you laid. This section is for webcam models who want to show you the goods, hoping you’ll pay so they can get a Chanel bag or pay their student loans. Many of the rooms are near empty, so you can definitely get the model’s attention without fighting through a ton of horny users, but these girls aren’t going to meet up with you.

The only chance you have at meeting any of these models in person is by following their social media pages that they’ve got outside of AdultFriendFinder. This is easy to do as many of the models list their socials right there on the page. If you aren’t a total ogre, you may as well try your luck!

The Live-Action section also doesn’t discriminate. You can view men, women, trans people, pansexual people, couples, threesomes, solo sessions, and more. The shows are of pretty high quality with a nice set and great production value.

The bottom line with webcam models is that they want to be paid, but they also love being showered with attention. If you play your cards right, you could get the webcam models to perform all sorts of seductive acts without dropping major stacks on the performance itself. But, it’s always worth paying the webcam model. They will work harder, utilize their skillset to the fullest potential, and it’s just the right thing to do.

How To Use AdultFriendFinder To Find A HookupFinding The Right Partner on AFF:

When you get your membership, you’ll be led through a series of questions that help AdultFriendFinder assess your personality and match you. It’s ideal for both short-term hookups and long-term partners. From there, you can make selections about your preference in a partner. Again, so many people use AdultFriendFinder, so narrowing down will help you save tremendous amounts of time. You will be shown profiles of folks who live in your area, so that you don’t have to buy a plane ticket or spend money on gas just to get your freak on.

AdultFriendFinder also has a Purity Test. This is a test that determines how “pure” (or prude) you are. It might seem like a lot of hooey, but this test will help you figure out how far you’ve gone sexually and how far you’re willing to go. It will then introduce you to folks who can satisfy your sexual urges.

Adult Dating Tips:Your hookup journey starts with a good conversation starter. If you aren’t sure what to talk about, take a look at our infographic helping you figure out what to say to actually get a sexy person in the bed with you! Don’t be too eager or creepy. The key is to find the balance between casual and sexual. If you’re too nervous to make the first chat or consider yourself an introvert, you can use AdultFriendFinder’s icebreaker messages or send a virtual gift! These can come in the form of everything from emojis to real gifts.

How To Meet In Person:Ok, so you’ve finally met someone who doesn’t look like a gremlin, who is horny, and who doesn’t have a personality that resembles stale toast. Congratulations! Now you’ve got to master that first date or first meetup. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts of a first-time meet up!

Read More

You may or may not be aware that Craigslist closed its Personals section after the passage of SESTA in 2018. 

Contrary to lawmakers’ assumptions, people used Craigslist for totally legitimate reasons, including meeting people in their area, whether for friendship, casual hookups, or dating. 

Now that Craigslist Personals are no more, you may find yourself looking for alternatives in 2022. Well, look no further, as we’re about to share twenty of the best Craigslist Personals alternative websites so you can still meet people in your area online. 

There’s quite a large variety here, so you’ll want to be sure to read through to find out which site or app may be the best choice for you. Also, you should be aware that some of these pages may have similar issues to the ones that plagued Craigslist (and ended up getting them taken down). So, please take into account the following disclaimer.

While most of these sites are perfectly legitimate, there are a few that may have scams and/or ads for illegal activities. In general, you should always exercise extreme caution. Remember to meet in a public place and always trust your gut.

That said, many of these sites can be a perfectly safe and easy way to meet people, so let’s get right into it!

1.) Reddit Personals

You’ve probably heard of Reddit. If not, it’s one of the largest communities online where people can post about anything and everything on what’s known as “subreddits.” One popular subreddit, which can serve as a Craigslist alternative, is r/r4r. Known as “Reddit Personals,” the subheading is “Activity Partners, Groups, Dating, Hanging Out, Soulmates, FWBs.” So, you can simply make your own ad here, let people know about yourself and what you’re looking for, and see if you get any kind of response. As Reddit is free, it’s pretty much a no-lose option. 

2.) Adult Friend Finder 

When it comes to Craigslist Personals alternatives for casual hookups, Adult Friend Finder is definitely a top choice. Self-billed as “The World’s Largest Sex Dating Site & Swinger Community,” this might very well be true as they have more than 100 million people with accounts. Similar to Ashley Madison, there’s a limited free option as well as paid tiers. With a paid subscription you can get access to features such as “Stories,” which gives you a chance to discuss your ideal dating life so that other people can easily see if you might be a match based on your goals or general vibes. 

Want more info about Adult Friend Finder? Check out our full review.

3.) Ashley Madison

It’s highly likely you’ve seen ads for Ashley Madison at some point, at least if you frequent *ahem* certain websites. That’s because Ashley Madison is bold about its purpose, as evidenced by its motto: “Life is short. Have an affair.” In essence, this is a site for connecting adults who are after casual hookups in a discreet fashion. For example, if you’re a paying subscriber, your credit card bill will simply read “Online services.” If you’re intent on taking advantage of all the features offered on the site, then you may want to be subscribe. There’s a handy feature, for example, called “Traveling Man” that lets you reach out to people from an area you’ll be visiting before you actually get there.

Need some more info about Ashley Madison before making a decision? Check out our full review here.

4.) Locanto

Locanto is very similar to Oodle and many other Craigslist lookalikes. For example, you have a category called “Casual Encounters” with a number of subcategories. There, you can post a personal ad to let people know what it is exactly that you’re hoping to find. As with Oodle, it appears to be mainly men posting in my area, with some of the female postings looking fairly suspicious. Be sure to use your best judgment, and Locanto could end up being a decent option for you to meet people. 

5.) Tinder 

Tinder likely doesn’t need a whole lot of introduction, as it’s become one of the most popular “dating” apps around. I put dating in scare quotes because, let’s face it, pretty much everyone knows Tinder’s reputation as an app for casual flings rather than serious dating. Not that that can’t happen, of course. Super popular with millennials and gen Z’ers in particular, Tinder is a fairly simple app. You see profiles of people in your area, then you swipe right if you’re interested or left if you aren’t. Then you’ll get matched up with people who you swiped right on who also swiped right on you. From there, you can start messaging and see what happens. There’s a basic free version as well as a paid tier called Tinder Gold that gives you extra features and unlimited swiping. 

6.) Kasual (fka Yumi)

Formerly known as Yumi, Kasual is a nice alternative to Craigslist and the other sites mentioned here because it has a pretty unique premise. Instead of being matched up with other people by swiping or algorithms, Kasual connects you with other people randomly and you can just start chatting right away to see if you might be a fit. Available for iOS (iPhone) and Android, the app comes with a free version that’s pretty complete as is. You can always go for the Premium membership, of course, if you want to unlock more features. All in all, Kasual is kind of a cool alternative compared to Tinder and other dating sites because it’s primarily focused on casual hookups (hence the rebrand) and pairing people randomly. 

7.) Plenty of Fish 

POF, or Plenty of Fish, is a reference to the classic idea that there are “plenty of fish in the sea”—put differently, don’t worry about being single or getting broken up with because there are tons of other people out there to meet. POF works as both a website or app, which is nice as some of these are only available as one or the other. As a dating site, it’s pretty typical in that you get matched up based on shared interests. You can also use a video-date feature, which is a nice way to get a feel for someone before you take the plunge with an in-person date. 

8.) Pernals

Logo

This is a great Craigslist substitute because it’s all about personal ads. Pernals gives you the opportunity to create your own personal ad for free. This means you can put exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a serious relationship, casual hookup, even a friend, etc. Pernals advertises itself as a Craigslist alternative, which is relatively uncommon among many of these alternatives reviewed here. Just like Craigslist you have the same types of categories: women seeking women, women seeking men, men seeking women, etc. As of now it’s only available as an app, and you can download it for both iOS or Android. 

9.) Bedpage

Bedpage, as you might guess from the name, is more of a direct Backpage alternative. That said, it also has the same types of categories as Craigslist Personals had: women seeking women, men seeking women, etc. For casual encounters, you’ll want to check out the “Dating” and “Adult” categories. Just be careful, though, because a quick browse in my area revealed some people posting who are definitely scammers. 

10.) Doublelist

Doublelist is quite similar to Craigslist. One thing that’s a little frustrating is that you have to sign up to browse the site. Their motto is “Connect with straight, gay, bi and curious,” so it isn’t super hard to figure out what most people using this site are looking for. With more than three million users in the U.S., though, there’s a solid chance you might just find someone who’s a good match for you. As always, take care to watch out for scammers. 

11.) Oodle

Oodle is in many ways very close to Craigslist’s old personals page, with the usual categories like “Men Seeking Men,” “Men Seeking Women,” etc. You can use some handy filters on this site, which can help you easily narrow your options down. At least in my area there don’t appear to be a ton of people using Oodle, so it might not be your best bet. Depending on what you’re into, there were more men posting than women, so it might be worth your time or it might not be. 

12.) Ebackpage

Once again, Ebackpage is a clear Backpage/Craigslist copy. You can post and browse personal ads, with all the usual categories under “Dating” and “Adult” for people who are interested in casual encounters. The site doesn’t seem to have a large body of active users, however, so this might not be one of your best options. As with Bedpage and some of these other sites, you’ll need to be careful as there are some scammy looking postings on it. 

13.) Classified Ads

Classified Ads is, well, exactly what it sounds like. This is a solid Craigslist alternative because it’s super similar. Simply select “Personals” on the front page and you’ll see the classic categories: “Men Seeking Women,” “Missed Connections,” etc. There’s not a whole lot to tell you about this site—it’s quite straightforward and either you’ll find some options in your area or you won’t. 

14.) Grindr

Grindr is basically Tinder but specifically for gay men. In other words, there’s a focus primarily on hookups, but that doesn’t mean that that’s the only possibility. If you’re a gay man after casual encounters, this might very well be the only app or site that you need. If you’re not a gay man, however, Grindr won’t be of much use to you. 

15.) HealthyFling

HealthyFling, like Ashley Madison, emphasizes discretion. As you can see on their website, their tagline is “Discreet Hook-Ups.” Like many of these sites, you have the option to post a personal ad so that you can get yourself out there and see if other people respond. You can also browse and see if anyone appeals to you. Unfortunately, you have to sign up in order to browse or post an ad. All in all, this is a decent option and has some positive reviews going for it online. 

16.) OkCupid

OkCupid has been around for ages and it’s survived until today, so it must be doing something right. You can download it for iOS or Android, which is always nice. Another solid aspect of OkCupid is that it doesn’t require a paid membership in order to look for matches or message people. That said, like most dating sites nowadays, you may be tempted to pay in order to unlock certain features. Another plus is that OkCupid tries to be as inclusive as possible, meaning there’s pretty much something for everyone on there. 

17.) FetLife Classifieds

With over 10 million members, FetLife might very well be the biggest social network out there for kinky people. This is a nice draw as many people may feel insecure or ostracized by their kinks. Well, you can pretty much count on finding at least one other person who shares your interests on FetLife, which works as solid Craigslist ad if you want to find your freaky soulmate. 

18.) Kijiji

If you’re in Canada, you likely already know about Kijiji. It’s a platform where you can find just about anything, from pets and cars to services and vacation rentals. That said, it also works as a Craigslist alternative if you go to their “Community” section. There, you can check categories like “Friendship & Networking” and “Missed Connections” to post an ad or see if there are any there. That said, it doesn’t appear that these categories are nearly as active as others, so it might not be your best bet. 

19.) Alt.com

Alt.com is similar to FetLife in that it’s a site specifically for people who are into BDSM and kinks/fetishes. That said, its site has a kind of old-school vibe to it, and not in a good way. It looks rather clunky and the kind of thing you would see advertised on a porn site rather than the more elegant looking FetLife. It also looks like they take random fake profiles and put your city’s name underneath them on the home page in order to entice you (much like porn site ads often do). So, while you’re free to explore Alt, I would try FetLife first if you’re looking for people to get kinky with. 

20.) Craigslist

Wait, what? Didn’t Craigslist ban the Personals section? Yes. Nonetheless, people are always adept at bending the rules and finding workarounds. So, although there’s no “Personals” section per se, you can still find people posting in order to meet up on Craigslist. For example, you can try the “Activities” section or the “Missed Connections” section in your area and you might very well see postings by people looking to meet up for casual encounters. 

Final Thoughts 

Although Craigslist Personals were banned, luckily there are plenty of alternatives available. That said, there’s a lot of variety to these options (as you can tell if you read all the reviews above). So, ultimately, whatever you end up choosing to use will depend on what you’re looking for, where you are, etc.

For the most part, if you’re in the U.S. you may want to stick with one of the major dating or hookup apps—Tinder, Adult Friend Finder, AshleyMadison, etc. If you’re in Canada, then you can try Kijiji, but it doesn’t necessarily have a lot going for it as a casual hookup site. 

The main thing is that you use good judgment and stay safe. A lot of Craigslist alternatives are loaded with scammers looking to take advantage of lonely people. It’s sad, yes, but true. Remember to follow basic common sense and never send anyone personal information or money before you’ve actually met them and verified that everything is legitimate. If you’re ever in doubt, you should probably recognize that and listen to your gut!

Ultimately, there are still plenty of ways for people to meet other people online via social media and the above sites. So long as you’re careful, there’s plenty of fun to be had. 

Read More

Let’s be honest—sometimes a casual hookup is just what you need. A serious relationship can be great, but it can also be exhausting and stressful. And if you’ve just gotten out of one, especially a long-term one, the last thing you probably want to do is try plunging yourself into another one.

People have long enjoyed the thrill of the one-night stand, and it’s now easier than ever to find one thanks to the internet. In recent years, dozens and dozens of sex and dating apps have popped up, but they are definitely not all created equal.

So, we’ve put together this list compiling 32 of very best sex apps available in 2022. There’s seriously something here for everyone interested in casual hookups, so keep reading to find the sex app that’s perfect for you. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to getting laid! And most importantly, in a safe way (scroll to the bottom for more information about how to stay as safe as possible when using these apps).

Best Sex Apps for No Strings Attached Sex in 2022

RankSiteBest For1.Adult Friend Finder Best sex app overall2.Tinder Best mainstream app3.SeekingBest for meeting wealthy men4.Ashley MadisonBest for affairs5.OKCupid Top choice for millennials6.BuddyBang Best pure hookup app7.BeNaughty Best for naughty singles8.ALT Best for alternative and BDSM9.Hinge Best for FWB and more serious possibilities10.ZooskBest for short-term dating11.BumbleSafest for women12.Plenty of Fish Best user community13.Pure AppBest for fantasies14.Feeld Most open-minded community15.Sex MessengerBest for anonymity16.Reddit R4RBest free option17.Flirty MatureBest for ages 40 and up18.FlirtBest free trial19.JSWIPEBest for Jewish singles20.OneNightFriendBest mobile site21.ThursdayBest new app22.ShipMost innovative app23.BlendrBest for young professionals24.HUDTop choice for sex positivity25.PureBest for women26.3FunFor threesomes27.WingmanBest for frequent fliers28.HerBest for LGBTQ+ women29.HappnBest for urban dwellers30.CasualxFor extremely casual hookups31.StringBest for the bold32.Established MenBest for finding a sugar daddy

1.  Adult Friend Finder – Best app overall

Some sites are more obvious than others about being sex apps. Adult Friend Finder is pretty clear about that. This means that it’s established a userbase full of people who are looking for casual hookups, which is a big plus if that’s what you’re hoping to find.

Adult Friend Finder also has a bit of a niche when it comes to swinging and open relationships. If you are already in a relationship and looking to open things up, or are hoping to be the third person in a threesome, then Adult Friend Finder is one of your best bets out there.

AFF is also one of the longest running sites, so it’s pretty trustworthy. Another nice aspect of AFF is that you can modify searches to find people looking for the same thing as you. This can help you save time and get down to business faster.

Pro tip: You don’t have to hold back on Adult Friend Finder, so be yourself! There are plenty of other people on there who will be looking for the same kind of thing as you, no matter how kinky.

Pros:

Straightforward sex-oriented siteMakes finding like-minded people an easy process

Cons:

Relatively expensive compared to some sites/appsThe free membership is heavy on the ads

Pricing:

One-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/monthOne-year membership: $19.95/month

2.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

When it comes to sex apps, Tinder is very likely the world’s most well-known and popular one. It’s definitely true that Tinder has garnered a hefty share of the market when it comes to the hookup and dating space. This is particularly true of younger people, like millennials and Gen Z, but you can find people of all ages on Tinder these days.

Tinder has long had a reputation for being a casual hookup or sex app. That’s still very much true, but there are also many people who are on there hoping to find true love or something serious. It helps to pay attention to people’s profiles—oftentimes they will specify if they are not looking for something casual.

Even though it’s gone more mainstream and there are now lots of people on there who aren’t so interested in casual sex, Tinder remains one of the best sex apps out there. This is largely due to the fact that it has such a big userbase, meaning that your chances of finding someone to hook up with are pretty solid.

Pro tip: Understand that not everyone on Tinder is looking for casual hookups. You should be upfront about your intentions in order to waste as little time as possible.

Pros:

Massive userbaseMany people looking for casual hookups

Cons:

Lots of fake profiles and spammersArguably oversaturated at this point

Pricing:

Free: limited number of swipesOne month: $19.99 total if you are under 30One month: $39.99 total if you are over 30Six months: $59.99 total if you are under 30Six months: $119.99 total if you are over 30

3.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

Some people may just be looking to hook up, but others may be looking for something more. And no, we don’t mean a romantic, long-term relationship. We’re talking about extra benefits, the kind that accompany sugar relationships.

If you’re looking for a sugar relationship, which is when a (usually) older person spoils a younger person in exchange for dates, company, and whatever else they agree to, then Seeking (fka Seeking Arrangement) is a great bet.

This is a specific niche, and it may not appeal to everyone. If it does, however, it’s hard to go wrong with Seeking since it’s one of the first and most popular sugar sites around. They’ve been attempting to go for a more mainstream angle lately, but they very much remain a sugar-focused site when it comes to its user base.

Pro tip: If you’re a woman, Seeking can be quite competitive. If you’re a man, however, you should have more than your choice of young women to spoil.

Pros:

Free signups for womenFavorable woman-to-man ratio for menRelatively safe way for women to find a sugar daddy

Cons:

Fairly expensive to use as a manHookups may not feel natural, more transactional

Pricing:

One-month membership: $89.95/monthThree-month membership: $79.95/monthDiamond membership (more premium features): $249.95/month

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

Ashley Madison is another sex app that doesn’t have any haughty pretenses to morality. They know what they are and they own it, hence the company’s motto “Life is short. Have an affair.” Hell, they even advertise on porn sites, where they know they might find some people who are feeling unfulfilled in their relationships.

If you don’t mind Ashley Madison’s straightforward and rather amoral approach, then this is a great place to go for finding casual hookups. They’re all about discretion, meaning that you don’t have to worry about “ASHLEY MADISON” showing up on your credit card bill.

The main thing is that you recognize that there will be plenty of people on there who are looking to have an affair. If that doesn’t bother you, then you’ll be in good shape. Just be careful!

Pro tip: Ashley Madison works on a credit-based system. The more credits you buy the better cost-per-credit average you get (which is fairly common when it comes to these apps/sites).

Pros:

Women can use it for freeDiscretion prioritizedJudgment-free space

Cons:

Site actively advocates cheatingCan get expensive for men

Pricing:

Basic Plan: 100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic Plan: 500 credits at $0.34/creditElite Plan: 1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

5.  OkCupid – Best for millennials

OkCupid has been around a long time, before Tinder and some of the newer sites that have gained in popularity (e.g. Hinge, Bumble, etc.). Due to this longevity, OKCupid is quite popular with some older millennials who may have used it back when they were teens or in their early twenties.

In any case, OkCupid is doing some things right, because young people continue to gravitate towards it. It may be not be as popular as Tinder, but OkCupid still has a huge user base of people. As with most of these sites, it’s best to be upfront about your intentions. Thankfully, OkCupid lets you easily do that.

Pro tip: Be sure to set your gender and orientation options, as well as what you’re looking for, to have the best success and avoid wasting time!

Pros:

Solid filtering optionsVaried and large user baseRelatively affordable

Cons:

Many people are looking for love (i.e. Cupid’s arrow)It can be fairly time-consuming compared to other apps

Pricing:

One-month membership: $19.95 totalSix-month membership: $9.95/month

6.  BuddyBang – Best pure hookup app

The concept behind BuddyBang is pretty simple. Like the name suggests, it helps you find a buddy to ba—… *ahem* sleep with. Like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison, this is another site that doesn’t hide what it’s all about. So, if you’re looking for casual sex and to find a friend with benefits, then BuddyBang is a solid option for you.

BuddyBang is pretty much a pure hookup app, which may turn some people off. In fact, some people may be so thirsty that you feel like you can’t even have a little warm-up conversation first. If you run into this problem, then you may want to try something else.

Some benefits to BuddyBang are that it’s straightforward about what it’s about (i.e. casual sex), it’s relatively affordable, and there are a number of useful features (like filtering options that help you pare down possible matches).

Pro tip: If you use BuddyBang, be prepared for people who are looking to get down to business fast. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then you’re probably better off trying something else.

Pros:

Engaged user communityPeople are very directNice filters to make things go fasterNot too expensive

Cons:

Obnoxious ads on the free tierPeople may be too direct for your taste

Pricing:

One-year membership: $19.95/monthOne-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/month

7.  BeNaughty – Best for naughty singles

We’re talking about sex apps here, so it might not be too surprising that many of them have names like BuddyBang or BeNaughty. You might find them obnoxious, or maybe you appreciate the straightforward aspect. Either way, the name definitely helps ensure that everyone’s on the same page.

So yeah, as you might guess, BeNaughty is all about casual hookups. The goal is to connect people so they can chat and get down to hooking up asap. One cool thing about BeNaughty is that they have numerous ways of finding people, not just the swipe method that has become so ubiquitous. There are various chat rooms you can join and even galleries to look through before starting a one-on-one chat.

Overall, BeNaughty is a strong choice as a sex app because people are there for the same reason. It also features some solid filtering options, meaning you can save some time and get to what you’re there for in the first place.

Pro tip: Be sure to try the various options offered on BeNaughty for meeting people, like the communal chat rooms and galleries.

Pros:

Innovative options for finding peopleCommunity that won’t judgeCouples as well as singlesTrial option won’t break the bank

Cons:

User base can be a bit superficial and thirstyHard to use without the premium membership

Pricing:Three-day trial: $1.05/dayOne-month membership: $27.01 totalThree-month membership: $15.15/monthSix-month membership: $12.24/month

8.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM

At one point, the homepage of ALT featured a man bound and gagged with the words “Don’t get tied down, get tied up.” This should tell you just about everything you need to know about this hookup site!

Yes, ALT is all about casual sex and specifically for the kinky ones out there. If you’re hoping to go nice and slow and find some vanilla sex, then this is probably not the place for you. People on ALT generally know what they want, and they want it now.

If you’re a kinky type, then you’ll probably be in heaven on ALT. You can find someone out there for just about anything you might be into. Plus, there’s a user base of over two million people, meaning that you have a good chance of linking up with someone like-minded.

Pro tip: ALT has a super specific niche, so if you’re not down for fast and kinky hookups, then you should probably stay away.

Pros:

Sort by your kinksBrowse NSFW contentWebcam shows

Cons:

Watch out for bots and scammersPremium account required to really get the most out of the site

Pricing:Silver Membership: $19.95/month (with longer plans available)Gold Membership: $29.95/month (with longer plans available)

9.  Hinge – Best for FWB & more serious possibilities

In recent years, Hinge has become super mainstream. At least on the surface, they are all about matching people up for long-term relationships, hence their motto “The dating app designed to be deleted.” (We’re not sure how that makes for a good business model, though.)

In any case, Hinge is popular with all kinds of people looking for all kinds of things. So, if you want to use it as a sex app only, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Yes, you may come across people who specify that they want something serious, but you’re also sure to find people who just want something casual.

Luckily, Hinge makes this a smooth process, thanks to a filtering feature that allows you to specify what kind of thing you’re looking for. This saves everyone time and energy.

Like Tinder, Hinge has a massive user base, which makes it a solid option, especially if you live in a sparsely populated area.

Pro tip: Be straightforward on Hinge, since many people on there will be looking for something more than just a casual hookup. If you state that you’re looking for friends with benefits upfront, you’re less likely to waste time and hurt people’s feelings.

Pros:

Trendy app with younger generationsTop-notch matchmaking algorithmCan find people looking for friends with benefitsMassive user base

Cons:

Many people here want something seriousA bit pricey

Pricing:One month: $12.99 totalThree-month membership: $20.99 totalSix-month membership: $29.99 total

10.  Zoosk – Best for short-term dating

Despite its silly, Dr. Seussian name, Zoosk is a good option for short-term dating. It’s actually in 80+ countries now, meaning that it may come in handy if you’re a frequent traveler.

Another big benefit to Zoosk is that it has a very diverse user base. Many people may want something more serious, though, so if you’re looking for casual hookups only, be sure to be clear about that.

Pros:

Engaged user communityWorldwide user base

Cons:

May not find as many casual hookup opportunities as other appsAdditional features can add up

Pricing:One-month membership: $29.95 totalThree-month membership: $19.98/monthSix-month membership: $12.49/month

11.  Bumble – Safest for women

Not sure why, but Bumble has gone with a “bee” vibe with its name and branding. In any case, this app has succeeded in getting a lot of buzz by helping people find their next honey. (Yes, we know, that was god awful.)

Part of its popularity and trendiness is that women are the ones to make the first “move” on Bumble. So, if you’re a man on this site, you won’t be able to reach out to women first. This is quite frankly a nice change of pace for everyone, especially if you’re a confident woman or a somewhat shy dude.

Women have flocked to Bumble since it puts them in the driver seat and means they are much less likely to get harassed and deal with asshats. For men, this is a great place to find a confident, self-assured woman. That said, many of them may want something serious, so you’ll have to be sure to be clear about what you’re looking for upfront (as always with all of these sites basically).

Pro tip: If you’re a guy, work hard on your profile, as that will be the one thing that women assess before deciding to message you or not. And if you’re a woman, don’t be shy! It’s up to you to make the first contact.

Pros:

Nifty premise (women make first contact)Solid ratio of women to menBasic but well-crafted UI

Cons:

May have trouble finding people down for casual only hookupsPremium membership will cost you a pretty penny

Pricing:Premium Membership: $8.99/week

12.  Plenty of Fish – Best user community

You have to go back nearly twenty years to the beginnings of Plenty of Fish (POF), all the way back to 2003, which honestly feels like forever ago at this point. The good thing about this is that POF is not one of these dating sites that has just popped up, and its longevity suggests that it’s been good at connecting people.

One of the best things about POF is its large user base and the matchmaking algorithm it uses to pair people up. While this is standard with dating sites in general, POF seems to have one of the more robust algorithms out there.

Since it’s not a casual hookup-focused site, you’ll have to be upfront about what you’re looking for to ensure you don’t waste anyone’s time.

Pro tip: Be thorough when answering the questions and when providing other info to POF. Doing so will help ensure that you get the best possible matches.

Pros:

Top-notch filtering optionsHuge user communityCheaper than other apps listed here

Cons:

Many people may want something seriousWatch out for fake bot accounts and scammers

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.99 totalThree-month membership: $9.80/monthOne-year membership: $5.95/month

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasies

Pure advertises itself as all about “shameless dating,” and is pretty straightforward about its approach as a hookup site. Hell, the logo they’ve even used at times (see above) resembles a vagina…

In any case, Pure is great for people who don’t quite feel at home with the more mainstream apps and sites. You can really be yourself here, and doing so will ensure that you find other people you’re compatible with.

Pure is one of the best apps out there for no-strings attached hookups, and it has some solid features that help keep things feeling safe and secure, like disappearing profiles and safe video chatting.

Pro tip: If you aren’t in a major urban area, you may have trouble finding people near you on Pure since it hasn’t yet taken off quite like some of the other apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Focus on privacy and discretionA breeze to join and get goingGood for fantasy seekers

Cons:

Relatively small user baseBetter if you’re in an urban area

Pricing:One week: $14.99 totalOne month: $29.99 total

14.  Feeld – Most open-minded community

Feeld isn’t one of the best-known hookup apps out there, but it makes up for its relative youth by being a great platform for open-minded people looking to find other open-minded people.

With Feeld, it’s all about creating a non-judgmental space where people can feel comfortable looking for no-strings attached hookups. Its focus in particular is in enabling couples to find a third person to join in on the fun.

Feeld’s sex-positive ethos and inclusivity make it one of the best new hookup sites around, and we’re honestly hoping that it takes off soon.

Pro tip: A Facebook account is (unfortunately) needed to verify your identity in the sign-up process. Also, Android users can’t use the premium version, which is a major downside.

Pros:

Very sex-positive platformOpen-minded communityTop app if looking for threesomes

Cons:

Android users locked out of premium versionTo verify your profile you need a Facebook account

PricingOne-month membership: $14.99 totalThree-month membership: $29.98 total

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymity

Messenger (fka Facebook Messenger) and Whatsapp are used and loved by more than a billion people on the planet now. Sex Messenger is hoping to play into this appreciation for messaging apps by creating a hookup app that focuses on discreet sexting and messaging.

Sex Messenger is so discreet, in fact, that your name is not even shared with the other person. This helps keep things anonymous, which is especially appreciated for people who prioritize discretion and may be already engaged in a relationship (or relationships).

Sex Messenger is great for discreet sexting, which ramps up the tension, and then meeting up to really get down to it.

Pro tip: This app is all about anonymity and discretion, so don’t go around sharing details about your personal life or asking other people for information about theirs. The whole idea is to keep things light and discreet.

Pros:

Makes sexting relatively safe and secureIdeal for casual hookups

Cons:

For full access you need a premium accountThe anonymity part may not be everyone’s cup of tea

PricingOne-month membership: $14.95 total

16.  Reddit R4R – Best free option

If you’re aiming to find a casual hookup buddy, you might as well try Reddit’s personals forum (i.e. “subreddit.”) Why? It doesn’t cost anything, so you really have nothing to lose (besides the few minutes it takes you to make the post or browse other people’s and send a DM or two).

You won’t often find pictures on r/R4R, which makes it somewhat less superficial and more anonymous than mainstream apps like Tinder or Hinge. It’s more about shared interests and conversation. If the DM’ing goes well, then you may be well on your way to a casual hookup (and without paying a cent).

Pros:

Totally freeNo subscriptions or memberships necessary

Cons:

Can be competitiveNo way to get priority (no paid features)

Pricing:Free

17.  FlirtyMature – Best for ages 40+

Not everyone is a millennial or Gen Z’er and wants to jump on Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge. For people a bit older, FlirtyMature is a solid option. This hookup site is all about older people, so it’ll be of interest to you either if you are older yourself or want to find someone older than you.

FlirtyMature has a pretty simple and intuitive IU, and its user community is fairly active. There’s a high response rate here, which you definitely don’t always get on other sites (like the ones mentioned ab0ve).

Pro tip: FlirtyMature, like the name suggests, is targeting older users, so it doesn’t make sense to join unless you’re in the 40+ age range or you’re just looking for someone in that age range.

Pros:

Pretty affordableOne of the few options for Gen X and olderStraightforward to use

Cons:

Somewhat annoying registration process

Pricing:1-week: $7 per weekOne month: $28.80 per monthThree months: $48.60 ($16.20 per month)

18.  Flirt – Best free trial

Are you a flirt? Well, here’s an app with your name—so to speak— on it!

On Flirt, you know that you can find other people who are ready to get flirty and find other people who are ready for casual hookups. There’s a solidly active user base on here, despite the fact that Flirt doesn’t yet have the name-brand recognition that a Tinder or Hinge has.

Pro tip: Take advantage of Flirt’s free trial before committing to a paid membership. It’s one of the better free trials around when it comes to hookup sites/apps.

Pros:

Cool SMS feature to take things off-siteEngaged user communityRegistration is a breezeTruly free trial option

Cons:

You can’t do much without a premium membership

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $22

19.  Jswipe – Best for Jewish singles

Known by some as the “Jewish Tinder,” Jswipe has a pretty obvious niche—catering to the Jewish community. So, if you’re single and Jewish, then JSwipe could be a good option for you to find someone. If nothing else, you have Judaism in common.

While some younger and less orthodox people of Jewish faith may be more open to casual hookups, you’ll have to recognize that many people on JSwipe will be looking for something serious and longer lasting. To prevent wasting your time or anyone else’s, you’ll want to be clear about your intentions upfront if they involve casual hookups.

Pros:

Top option for Jewish singlesRelatively affordableNice UI

Cons:

You need Facebook to sign upNot targeting users after casual hookups

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $24.99 totalThree months: $44.99 total

20.  OneNightFriend – Best mobile site

Like BuddyBang, AdultFriendFinder, or BeNaughty, the name behind OneNightFriend attempts to make things pretty clear. So, if you’re looking for a “friend” for one night, then this is a solid option to consider.

That said, there are a fair number of issues with OneNightFriend. The main problem is that it doesn’t do a great job at preventing bot profiles. This means that you may have to be rather patient when using OneNightFriend.

One big positive for OneNightFriend is its easy and free sign-up process.

Pro tip: You might as well give OneNightFriend a try since it’s free, particularly if you’re on a budget. Just be careful for spam profiles.

Pros:

Can’t beat free sign-upStreamlined for mobile

Cons:

The free plan is limited, and the one-month plan is priceyTons of fake profiles to wade through

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $39 totalThree months: $65.70 total

21.  Thursday – Best new app

Thursday is a cool app with a unique premise. It gets rid of the idea of 24/7 dating that’s available due to the internet. This gives you the chance to take care of the rest of your life the other 6 days of the week, including focusing on actual in-person dates.

For the moment, it’s restricted to certain large urban areas (like London and New York), but they have plans to open up to other cities soon. This is one app to keep your eye on for sure.

Pro tip: Thursday is full of young professionals and is trendy, so this may not be the ideal scene for everyone.

Pros:

Unique concept (available on Thursdays only)Trendy, lots of young professionals

Cons:

Geographically limited at the momentConcept may not appeal to everyone

Pricing:Free: limited featuresPremium (“BlackCard”): $14.99 per month

22.  Ship – Most innovative app

Ship is another cool and trendy app based around a new concept. Rather than endless swiping and waiting around for matches, Ship has your friends help you play matchmaker.

It works by setting up a group chat with your friends. You then pick people you think would be good for your friends, and they do the same. You can then discuss possibilities with your friends.

This is a fun concept and is great for people with lots of friends, but it may not appeal to everyone.

Pro tip: Ship is pretty new, so you may need to give it some time before it takes off. It’s got a promising concept, though, so we won’t be surprised if it does sooner rather than later.

Pros:

Emphasizes the social aspect of datingNice change of pace from most apps

Cons:

Small user base (because new)Concept won’t be for everyone

Pricing:

100 credits = $0.99500 credits = $3.991,000 credits = $6.992,000 credits = $9.99

23.  Blendr – Best for young professionals

Blendr depends on Facebook and is primarily for iPhone users, so you’ll need those two things if you would like to use it. The focus with Blendr is on young professionals, so this is great if you fall into that kind of group. If not, you may want to look elsewhere.

The people on Blendr tend to be pretty open (and up for) no strings-attached sex, making it a nice option for people looking for casual hookups.

Pro tip: Ensure your Facebook is up to date (with information you want to be shared) so that when Blendr pulls your info from Facebook it gives you the kind of profile you want.

Pros:

Relatively simple process to get startedFree for iPhone users

Cons:

Mainly compatible with iPhoneRequires Facebook to get set up

Pricing:

Free: limited featuresPremium: price per feature varies

24.  HUD – Best for sex positivity

HUD has a motto that gives you a pretty solid idea of what they’re about: “Why be limited to one option at a time?”

In other words, HUD operates in the same vein as Ashley Madison or AdultFriendFinder, aiming to find users that are looking for discreet sex (and who may be in relationships already).

If you’re after purely casual hookups, then HUD is a solid option seeing as they have a large user base (roughly 9 million members).

Pros:

Large userbaseDesigned for casual hookupsVideo chat has safety featuresPrioritizes discretion

Cons:

Anonymous sign-ups can detract from quality and safety

Pricing:

1 month: $24.993 months: $49.996 months: $69.9912 months: $199.99

25.  3Fun – Best for threesomes

3Fun is all about having fun—3-person style. Yes, we’re talking about threesomes. While this is fairly niche, it’s nice to have a site dedicated entirely to what you’re looking for (assuming that’s the case). This makes it way easier to be on the same page from the get-go.

3Fun has a pretty straightforward concept. You simply press “X” if you’re not interested in a profile, while tapping the heart button if you are. From there, you’re matched and can start chatting (just like Tinder and many other dating/hookup apps).

One cool feature is that you can sign up as a “couple,” which means your account can be used from two different phones at the same time, helping to facilitate finding a third person for your threesome.

Pros:

All about threesomesInnovative featuresIntuitive UI

Cons:

Very nicheMessaging feature could use improvement

Pricing:

1 month: $29.996 months: $79.9912 months: $99.99

26.  Wingman – Best for people who trust their friends

No, wingman isn’t about finding someone to hook up with on your flight. And it has nothing to do with Top Gun. Like the app Ship, it’s all about having your friends help you out with your dating by playing matchmakers.

In fact, it’s basically the exact same idea as Ship, although it doesn’t seem to be quite as popular yet. If you’re interested in this kind of app, you may want to go with Ship for now, though there’s nothing stopping you from trying both out and seeing which you prefer.

Pros:

Facebook log-in is convenientFun concept that involves your friends

Cons:

Not great if you don’t want to involve your friendsRelatively new = small-ish user base

Pricing:

Free

27.  Her – Best  for LGBTQ+ women

Billing itself as the “world’s most loved LGBTQIA2S+ dating and community app,” HER is the perfect app for lesbian, bi, and queer dating. You can kind of think of this as the more feminine version of Grindr.

While there aren’t a whole lot of apps to compare this to, that works in HER’s favor as it has attracted a large number of its target audience. Many people have found love or just a casual hookup through Her, and the site allows you to specify what you’re looking for, which is always ideal in our opinion.

Pros:

Great for the LGBTQ+ communitySleek and intuitive UI

Cons:

Not for everyoneNot exclusively for hookups

Pricing:

Monthly: $14.99 per monthAnnual: $89.99 per year

28.  Happn – Best for urban dwellers

Happn revolves around a neat concept—it uses location tracking to find people that you might have crossed paths with (and how many times). For example, it might let you find someone who’s always at the same coffee shop as you. If you both like that coffee shop, why not get coffee there and see if there’s a spark?

That’s the whole concept behind Happn, and it’s a pretty cool one ngl. The only problem is this will definitely not appeal to people who are more discreet and have privacy concerns (like letting an app track them 24/7).

Nonetheless, many people might find it nice that technology can allow us to rectify what otherwise might have been a narrowly missed opportunity.

Pros:

Unique and innovative conceptGrowing user base

Cons:

Requires location trackingPoorly rated app on Google Play (better rated on Apple)

Pricing:

Monthly: $24.99 per monthAnnual: $79.99 per year

29.  Casualx – Best for casual hookups

The idea behind CasualX is that it’s another Tinder-style dating app but with a focus that should be obvious from its name—casual hookups.

If this is what you’re after, then you’ll be in good shape. If not, then you should probably look elsewhere (but we’d also be kinda confused why you’re reading a “sex apps” article tbh).

One downside to this is that it’s a relatively small userbase compared to many of the apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Perfect for casual hookupsSimple interface

Cons:

Small-ish user community at the momentLimited to 45 swipes per day

Pricing:

1 month: $15.993 months: $36.996 months: $55.99Free: Promote it on social media (1 day per every 10 followers)

30.  String – Best for the bold

String is another app that’s all about one specific concept. In this case, it’s voice memos. This is a popular trend among younger generations—i.e. communicating by sharing voice memos rather than texting. So, as you might expect, the community on String skews rather young. This might be a positive or a negative depending on your perspective.

It’s undeniable that there’s a greater level of intimacy and connection in communicating by voice rather than text. Texting has always been rather sterile, after all.

Unfortunately, some people have complained about the glitchiness of this app, so it would appear that they have some kinks to work out (and not the fun kind!).

Pros:

Perfect for people who like voice memos

Cons:

Fair number of glitchesNiche concept won’t appeal to everyone

31.  Established Men – Best for finding a sugar daddy

We started with a sugar site (Seeking) and we’re ending with one as well. Established Men is all about pairing successful, i.e. “established,” men with young and beautiful women. This is the classic “sugar baby-sugar daddy” relationship.

If you fit into either one of these molds and are looking for a sugar relationship, then Established Men is a top option for you (along with Seeking). If not, then it doesn’t really make sense for you.

Pros:

Top option for sugar relationshipsFree for women

Cons:

Lots of scammers and botsGets costly for men

Pricing:

Free: limited features1 month: $793 months: $14712 months: $300

FAQs About Sex Apps

Is it safe to use sex apps?

Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to use sex apps. Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and dating apps in general are used safely everyday by millions of people. That said, you should always use common sense and basic safety tips. It’s important, for example, to watch out for scammers and phishing attempts.

How do you stay safe using sex apps?

Always trust your gut instincts and be cautious. It’s also super important to meet someone for the first time in a public place where other people are around (like a coffee shop, for example). It also doesn’t hurt to inform someone close to you where you’re going to be and that you’re meeting someone for the first time. You should also be wary of giving away more than very basic personal information to anyone you don’t know well.

Are there any free sex apps?

Yes and no, at least if you’re a guy. You can try platforms such as Reddit r/R4R or Craigslist, but don’t hold your breath. As for the other sex apps reviewed above, some of them offer free trials. Unfortunately, some of these free trials or free memberships are super limited. For the most part, you’ll have more success if you shell out for a membership.

Can women use sex apps for free?

Yes, many women can use sex apps for free. Some of the major ones that offer free memberships include Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Happn, and Plenty of Fish.

Final Thoughts

You know what, sometimes relationships can flat out suck. And if you’re in a bad one or just got out of one, then the best thing for you may be some good old-fashioned casual hookups.

Nowadays, the power of the internet has made it easier than ever to find no-strings-attached sex. It can be as anonymous, open, kinky, or vanilla as you like. There are millions of people out there looking to hook up, and these sex apps we’ve reviewed will enable you to find them.

If you’re still unsure what’s right for you, you probably can’t go too wrong with some of the biggest names in the sex app world, like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, etc. But if you’re after something more niche, then use our guide above to find the one that makes most sense for you.

Whatever you choose, stay safe, have fun, and good luck!

Read More

It’s never been easier to meet someone online. There are more singles than ever in the dating pool. Most are in search of a meaningful connection that could lead to a long-term commitment. Landing a real catch in a traditional setting feels like fishing in the Dead Sea: impossible. But dating apps and websites have softened the blow and made it possible to scope out your options from the safety and comfort of your own home. With life online becoming an omnipresent reality, it’s one of the best ways to date. The best part? They actually work.

Now, this isn’t true of all dating sites, and there are plenty to comb through. While it’s nice to have options, digging around for the top dating sites can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Additionally, veteran daters know that modern dating culture has become murky at best.

Which apps will introduce you to singles who are serious about commitment and not just another hookup? Tinder might be the big dog of swipe-based dating apps, but you likely won’t find anything beyond a hot make-out session or a one-night stand. While most dating sites attract a mix of serious and casual daters, some options generate more success for long-term relationships.

Here’s an overview of the best dating sites that will give you the best chance at finding a real partner. When it comes to love, these apps do their best to find you the perfect match. Whether it’s a particularly advanced matching algorithm, personality analysis, or select group of users, these apps do more for you than your average hookup app ever could.

14 Best Dating Sites To Meet Someone Online For A Real Relationship in 2022

RankSiteBest ForRating1.eharmonyMeaningful connections5/52.MatchLasting relationships5/53.ZooskThose who love travel5/54.FriendFinderMix of casual and serious5/55.BumbleBest for women5/56.HingeBest for quick, serious matches5/57.OkCupidBest for progressive dating5/58.The LeagueBest for educated singles4.5/59.HappnBest for meeting someone in your social circle4.5/510.HERBest for femmes4.5/511.Silver SinglesBest for older daters4/512.Coffee Meets BagelBest for dating site newbies4/513.AdultFriendFinderBest for open-minded daters4/514.Plenty of FishBest for rural daters4/5

1.) eharmony 

Ok, so eharmony puts some cheesy ads out there that might deter you from trying it out, but if you’re tired of dating around, looking for a real connection and maybe just want to put a ring on it, you’re going to want to give it a second chance. Why? Well, eharmony is allegedly responsible for around 4 percent of all marriages in the U.S. today. Wild, right?

So what gives eharmony its secret sauce? We guess it has to do with the revamp of their model. Back in the day, eharmony would put you through the wringer with a lengthy sign-up process and lame alienating questions. Today, the questionnaire is around 30 questions long and very practical. It’ll ask you how you feel about moving in with someone or how you feel about arguments.

It should be noted though that eharmony hasn’t always been the most welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community and some users believe that it’s truly a place for the heteronormative. They’ve been working on fixing this major issue, but it seems that it hasn’t yet been totally resolved.

Tip for using eharmony to find a long-term relationship: Use eharmony if you are genuinely ready for commitment. Don’t be afraid to set up dates quickly and emotionally open up earlier than you normally would.

2.) Match

Match.com is a dating site that was launched in 1995, and it has been helping daters find long-term relationships ever since. Match is comforting to a lot of people because it’s so familiar and has pretty much provided the blueprint for other dating sites. Not to mention, it has worked hard to perfect its strategy over the years. There’s even a guarantee that you’ll be dating someone within six months, and if you’re not, they’ll give you six months free of charge! That’s how confident they are.

There are two factors that make Match best for long-term partnerships.

Number one is their matching algorithm. When you sign up, you will be put through a rigorous personality quiz. While it can feel a little cumbersome, know that Match is only doing its job. You’ll be asked about your basic preferences along with some gushy romantic stuff (which is important in a relationship).

Number two is that, though it’s technically a free dating site, most users end up paying $20 per month. Yeah, it’s a lot. But love is an investment you should be making for yourself, right?

Tip for using Match to find a long-term relationship: Match is known for their intense matching algorithm, so take your time with the questionnaire and try to make your profile as detailed as possible.

3.) Zoosk

For some, travel is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. Zoosk takes the concept of online dating and allows users to connect internationally. But this isn’t one of those “fly me out to hookup” sites. Zoosk utilizes behavioral matching to facilitate genuine connections between folks who may live thousands of miles apart. If you want your first date to involve a plane, this app is for you.

Rather than dragging you through a tedious questionnaire, Zoosk synchs up your social media profiles to analyze your behavior. It’s a unique way to determine personality, but arguably more accurate given that it takes your actions into account.

Zoosk is a crowd favorite because it doesn’t try to distract you with any bells and whistles. It’s got a smooth, modern interface that makes international dating feel like a breeze.

Tip for using Zoosk to find a long-term relationship: Clean up your social media profile. Zoosk uses it to determine your matches. Your matches will likely be able to find your socials as well. If you come across as a player, you won’t land a serious relationship.

4.) Friend Finder

Friend Finder is one of the biggest dating communities on the Internet. It has the feel and ease of a social media platform but ultimately aims to set up romantic connections between singles. There’s a wide range of connections to be made on Friend Finder, from the flings to the wedding bells. You are more likely to meet someone who doesn’t want to commit right off the bat, but knows they want to meet someone special. Friend Finder also caters to all genders and sexualities, giving it a really warm and welcoming feel.

The users on Friend Finder tend to be in their 40s, but anyone who is 18+ is welcome to give it a shot. They also take your safety very seriously and run a tight ship as far as regulating profiles and banning fakes, catfish, and bots. You do feel like you’ve got a matchmaker on your side when you use Friend Finder to find a mate.

Because Friend Finder is more of a community than strictly a dating site, there are various ways to meet people and other ways to enjoy the site. For instance, you can take a look at their interest groups and forum pages to learn how users in the community are feeling about Friend Finder and dating in general.

Tip for using Friend Finder to find a long-term relationship: Treat this community like a social media platform rather than strictly a dating app. It will open up the possibilities for you by introducing you to more people!

5.) Bumble

There’s a lot we don’t love about Tinder. The platform allows ghosters and players to run rampant. That’s why Bumble is the perfect alternative for women seeking a serious relationship with a man.

Bumble is swipe-dating with a twist. It’s a free dating app that requires women to break the ice first. If the man doesn’t respond to the initial message within 24 hours, the match goes away. It’s one of the first dating apps to really hold daters accountable for their ability to follow through. Flakiness doesn’t survive on Bumble.

The women-message-first concept also combats those incessant creepy messages that ladies on dating apps are used to getting. While the profiles are limited and there’s no major questionnaire, the rules laid out by Bumble make it a great environment to start a long-term relationship. Oh, and there’s also an Astrology filter for the horoscope buffs.

Tip for using Bumble to find a long-term relationship: If you are a woman, reach out to all the men that you match with. Remember, they can’t get in touch with you. You need to make the first move before those matches disappear. You swiped right for a reason, right?

6.) Hinge

Many daters cite Hinge as their absolute favorite dating app. While Hinge has introduced a ton of successful couples to each other, the draw to Hinge has more to do with the fact that using the app is fun! The app was originally supposed to match you based on mutual friends you had through social media platforms. But it has evolved since then to be the ultimate icebreaker dating app.

Setting up a Hinge profile takes some time, but it’s entertaining. Once you pick your photos and basic preferences, you can choose through dozens of hilarious or serious prompts to add to the profile. One reads, “A life goal of mine is. . .” while another reads, “We’re the same type of weird if. . .” Hinge users can “heart” someone’s photo or their prompt answer. They can also comment on it, which makes initiating a conversation so much more interesting than on other dating apps.

With engaging profiles and an in-depth matching algorithm, Hinge is the cocktail party that sets the scene for long-term potential. The crowd is generally young, cool, and interested in dating. Its slogan is, “designed to be deleted,” which is kind of awesome!

Tip for using Hinge to find a long-term relationship: Add some humor to your profile by picking funny prompts. This will give your potential matches an icebreaker when they reach out to you.

7.) OKCupid

OKCupid is the woke dating app geared towards socially conscious millennials. It’s been around for a while, but in 2017, OKCupid saw a massive redesign both in aesthetics and operations. Now, it’s incredibly modern and perfect for the liberal-minded dater who is seeking a likeminded partner. With 12 gender identities and 20 sexual orientations to choose from, it’s not hard to see why.

The questionnaire helps to weed out folks who you wouldn’t get along with by asking questions like, “Is contraception morally wrong?” They also get into your sexual preferences and dealbreakers. That’s when the algorithm takes over. At first, it feels a bit like Tinder. That would make sense as the two are owned by the same company, but it takes the more in-depth serious approach that goes beyond swiping based on appearances.

One critique that OKCupid gets is the feature that allows you to message someone who you haven’t matched with yet. They won’t see that message unless you match. While it keeps creepy messages at bay, it also lends itself to a bunch of unanswered messages and a strange feeling of rejection.

Tip for using OKCupid to find a long-term relationship: Don’t bother using this application if you are ultra-conservative. You likely won’t find anyone who meshes with your views. Also, show more than you tell. In other words, pick profile photos that communicate who you are as a person.

8.) The League

If all the apps were personified, The League would be the most narcissistic. To get on the app in the first place, you must apply by submitting your LinkedIn profile, current job status, and what university you attended. So yeah, it’s a little full of itself. However, for people who think that education and job status is a dealbreaker, it’s a nice change of pace from the randomness that apps like Tinder supply.

The League allows you to be very picky with your preferences, even allowing you to select which races you prefer to see. That makes our stomachs turn a little. If you’re willing to ignore the cringeworthy-ness, The League is a pretty decent dating app. It has a high success rate, so we think it deserves a review.

Members span all age groups but tend to be on the younger side. There’s also no way for catfish to get onto this app. You must link both your Facebook and LinkedIn for approval. Unless a catfish is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to land someone, they aren’t going to slip through the cracks on these dating apps.

Tip for using The League to find a long-term relationship: The League tends to be a tough crowd and the app comes across as a little judgmental. You can ease the tension by sending a message to someone who you have something in common with. Perhaps you’ve been to their university, hometown, or have insight about their career choice.

9.) Happn

Some people believe in fate and others believe in the “Proximity Effect.” There’s a strong correlation between proximity and attraction, which Happn takes into account. Rather than setting you up with people who live in a five-mile radius from you, Happn actually matches you with someone you’ve crossed paths with in the past. It’s a neat concept in that it shows you and your match have similar habits and interests. It’s also the most convenient way to date.

We’ll be honest though, there aren’t a ton of people who use Happn, so there might be slim pickings. There have also been reports that the daters you’ve apparently “crossed paths with” are hogwash. This is coming from users who never stepped foot outside of their homes and were told they had a handful of missed connections. However, there are also folks who say the exact opposite.

Regardless of whether or not the proximity feature is a placebo, it sure makes for a nice icebreaker when you finally do go on that first date!

Tip for using Happn to find a long-term relationship: Don’t rely too heavily on the proximity feature. Try to get to know the people who you match with and then decide if you want to meet up with them!

10.) HER

Nearly all dating sites claim to be inclusive of all sexualities and genders; however, many people in the queer community don’t completely agree. Some sites just don’t feel all that welcoming or provide enough options, especially to queer women. Grindr was there for queer men, but what about the ladies? That’s where the app HER comes in. It’s a tailored dating site and community for women in the LGBTQ+ community.

According to their members (currently 4 million and counting), HER is a really fun space. Profiles can get quite detailed with the ability to put your diet preferences (like vegan) on your profile, along with your astrological sign and pronouns. There’s also an entire element of HER that doesn’t really have to do with dating but rather operates as a social media platform and shows you what queer events are going on in your area.

HER is great, but it’s not perfect. In the past, users have reported some glitches that make the user experience a bit frustrating and annoying. However, they are actively working to evolve their functionality in a positive way.

Tip for using HER to find a long-term relationship: HER is all about empowering women and LGBTQ+ dating. Mimic that energy by always shining a positive light while you are chatting with new friends or matches.

11.) Silver Singles

Dating over 50 can be quite a challenge. Many of these online dating apps focus so much energy on catering to millennials that they don’t take time to consider the older daters. Silver Singles is a dating app that’s exclusively for daters who are age 50 and above. Knowing that you’re in the company of others who are your age and looking for love can be really comforting.

Silver Singles takes matching seriously and uses a personality test to break users up into the Big Five personality traits, and then matches you accordingly. There’s an expectation on Silver Singles that the dating is taken seriously, so it’s not for the person looking for something casual. The users who are old enough to be completely over dating games that tend to be consumed by them see this as a benefit.

Tip for using Silver Singles to find a long-term relationship: Make it clear that you are seeking a long-term relationship. You can do this by posting it in your profile or by opening each chat by explaining what you want out of the app. The mature daters will appreciate the transparency.

12.) Coffee Meets Bagel

The concept behind this dating app was to set up a casual online dating experience. It’s likened to grabbing a cup of coffee with someone, but online. The vibe is meant to feel low-key, so that pressure doesn’t get in the way of your dating experience. A Reddit review actually noted that “Coffee Meets Bagel helped me find someone, which I never thought would happen because I am cripplingly introverted.” So, we know it works!

Other dating sites will throw a bunch of options at you, leaving you swiping through tons of photos or scrolling through an indefinite amount of prospects. While this can be nice, it also can deter you from really investing in one person and might make you feel overwhelmed. It’s not exactly the easiest way to make a real connection. That’s why CMB sends you seven options a day that are carefully selected based on their matching algorithm. These matches are called “bagels,” which frankly is a little strange. But hey, we’re not here to judge CMB on anything but their success rate as a dating app. To encourage followthrough, the bagels only last for a week. If you really like someone, you need to reach out.

Another reason why CMB works so well is that the algorithm takes your previous swipes into account when curating the next batch of fresh bagels for you. It learns your trends and preferences based on actual activity rather than just a questionnaire.

Tip for using Coffee Meets Bagel to find a long-term relationship: Give each “bagel” a chance. You might be used to apps that give you tons of options; however, there’s a reason why these bagels were suggested to you. Don’t be afraid to do a deep dive into each of their profiles!

13.) AdultFriendFinder

Ok, so AdultFriendFinder isn’t exactly great for finding your soulmate, but nothing is impossible! The reason it makes the list is that some people like to approach dating in a casual way before getting into anything super serious. Physical intimacy is an essential part of any relationship, and AdultFriendFinder has no problems in that department.

While millennials rely on Tinder to help them find friends-with-benefits, AdultFriendFinder caters to an online dating crowd that’s a tiny bit older. It’s sort of the Tinder for Gen X. Given that there are so many users on AdultFriendFinder, it’s nearly impossible to not find someone interested in talking to you. But be warned—AdultFriendFinder is not for the faint of heart. There’s no telling how raunchy your inbox will get.

AdultFriendFinder is an adult site, so that means explicit photos are welcome and encouraged. You won’t find that on other dating websites. In a time where isolation is more familiar than physical touch, it’s a nice change of pace.

Tip for using AdultFriendFinder to find a long-term relationship: Keep an open mind, sexually. AdultFriendFinder has a lot of raunchy undertones. By going in without judgment, you open yourself up to a world of dating potentials on this site.

14.) Plenty Of Fish

Plenty Of Fish is a popular free dating site, but they’ve been known to have just as many bots as they do genuine users, so that’s why it sits at the bottom. This doesn’t mean that POF doesn’t work. It has been known to foster a ton of successful relationships. There are even some celebs who have found love on POF. It simply might get annoying attempting to dodge the folks who aren’t real.

One of the best aspects of POF is the volume of users. They have so many. Bots aside, even if you live in a small town or rural area, you will find plenty of prospects. Most apps function best in urban cities, but POF does the job well anywhere. Another thing we love is that POF, and all features like unlimited messaging, is totally free.

Because there are so many daters on POF looking for all sorts of relationships, POF has implemented a pretty advanced search feature that allows you to whittle down the crowd. The quality of daters doesn’t seem to be as top-notch as some other apps on this list, but there are definitely some catches who make their way onto the site.

Tip for using Plenty Of Fish to find a long-term relationship: POF is known for having a ton of users. With that in mind, be selective with who you decide to reach out to. Too many options won’t help you land that soulmate you’re after.

Read More

Read More

The South Terminal at the CTA’s 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line stop. Credit: Chicago Transit Authority licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

As the years roll by, mayors and aldermen come and go but the great Tax Increment Financing scam stays forever.

Oh, TIFs, TIFs, TIFs. Haven’t written about them in awhile. But they’re always on my mind, to paraphrase the great Willie Nelson.

They’re particularly on my mind as I follow the falsehoods advanced by both sides in regards to the proposed Red Line TIF district, which would help pay for extending the Red Line south from 95th to 130th. 

For what it’s worth, I support extending the Red Line—the city should have done it decades ago. Might have helped fortify the south side and stave off the disinvestment of the last 30 or so years. Guess we’ll never know.

Anyway, back to the untruths in the debate over the TIF district. Let’s start with this nugget from a CTA spokeswoman, who told the Sun-Times, “One’s property taxes will not change because their property is in a Transit TIF [because it] is not an additional tax levy.”

I realize the CTA is trying to neutralize opposition, but this statement is flat out wrong. Property taxes will most definitely change because of that TIF. They’ll go up. And that’s because TIFs raise your property taxes. As soon as a TIF district is created, your property taxes go up. 

TIFs are essentially a surcharge the mayor and aldermen slap on your property tax—only they don’t tell you they’re slapping it on your property tax. ’Cause they don’t want you to know you’re paying it. Otherwise, you might stir from your slumber and object.

They just let you pay it. And you do pay it. Even renters, who may never even see a property tax bill. Their landlords generally pass on the tax hikes in the form of higher rents.

Most importantly—it’s not just property owners in a specific TIF district who pay the increase. Every Chicago property owner pays more in taxes when a TIF district is created, even if they live outside the district being created.

So, yes, constituents of Alderpeople Pat Dowell and Brian Hopkins—who’ve been bellyaching the most about the Red Line extension—will pay more in taxes to extend the Red Line. But so will constituents in Beverly and Rogers Park and Austin and Little Village and so on and so forth.

A TIF limits the amount of property in a TIF district that the taxing bodies—the park district, CPS, the city, the county, etc.—can tax.

As a result, tax rates rise citywide to compensate for the tax dollars the schools, city, parks, etc. aren’t getting from property in TIF districts.

How much more in property taxes have we paid for the dozens of TIF districts our mayors and aldermen have created over the years? I don’t know—the city keeps that information a secret.

Now, it is true that the south side transit TIF is not an “additional tax levy,” as the CTA spokeswoman puts it. But so what? That statement is classic misdirection, intended to confuse you. There are more than one ways to hike your property taxes. The government can budget to spend more money—i.e., raise the tax levy. Or they can increase the tax rate.

And, again, that’s what TIFs do: they raise the property tax rate throughout the city.

Now let’s deal with the untruth offered by Alderpeople Dowell, Hopkins, and Anthony Beale, who are making a major deal out of the fact that “the money for this project will be generated between Madison and Pershing . . .  and it will all be spent at 130th. That wouldn’t have been allowed previously,” as Hopkins told the Sun-Times.

Their outrage over TIF dollars being spent outside a specific TIF district is laughable given that it happens all the time. It’s called porting. Dowell, of all people, should know about porting. TIF money intended to be spent building Wintrust Arena in her near south side ward wound up being spent at Navy Pier.

Many schools all over the city and Millennium Park were built with property tax dollars ported in from adjacent TIF districts. Mayor Daley was planning to pay for his Olympics with TIF money ported in from all over town. Funny, I never heard Dowell or Beale or Hopkins (formerly an aide to Cook County Commissioner John Daley, Mayor Daley’s brother) complain about that.

Because TIFs are citywide tax hikes, Chicagoans routinely pay for TIF-funded projects that are nowhere near where they live.

So, no, the property tax used to fund the Red Line extension will not be “generated between Madison and Pershing,” as Hopkins claims.

Instead, it would be generated throughout the city. Because—one more time—TIFs raise everyone’s property taxes.

I hate to say it, but the lament about people in the loop paying for the Red Line sounds like Ronald Reagan talking about welfare recipients using food stamps to buy booze. It’s a way to inflame the middle class into thinking they’re carrying the burden for the poor.

When, in fact, it’s the other way around with Chicago’s TIF program—it generally favors rich neighborhoods over poor ones. As I’ve written many times.

Thus, residents from Beale’s Roseland-based ward pay more in property taxes to fund the Lincoln Yards project in Hopkins’s ward.

Maybe it’s time taxpayers in gentrifying neighborhoods return the favor, so to speak. And spend a little extra property tax dollars to help Roseland, which needs the investment a lot more than Lincoln Yards. That’s for sure.

The real question is—are residents willing to raise their property taxes to promote development by extending the Red Line?

That question probably won’t be asked. Just as residents weren’t asked whether they wanted to raise their property taxes to help pay for Lincoln Yards.

Instead, the city and the CTA will pretend TIFs don’t raise your property taxes. They’ve gotten away with this hocus-pocus for over 30 years—no need for them to stop it now.

The Latest from the Ben Joravsky Show

Read More