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If you’re a Chicago native, it might seem like the city has nothing left to surprise you. You know the neighborhoods, streets, restaurants, and people like the back of your hand, right? Well, you could be wrong! Chicago is an old city incorporated back in 1833, and a city so rich with history tends to always have unexplored nooks and crannies of the city streets. Thankfully, with technological advances and word spreading like fire (too soon?), some of the best-kept Chicago secrets have come to light. So, instead of heading out to your same old stomping grounds, take a trip to a place you’ve never been to or heard of before, like a hidden city green space. We can guarantee it’ll leave you looking at the city with a whole new perspective. 

222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654

233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606

111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602

Right now, in the middle of another gorgeous Chicago summer, you’re probably not thinking of what your trek to your office will be like in the middle of January. Thankfully, you can start using the Pedway when those times come around. Development of this pedestrian walkway system began back in 1951, and today, it connects over 50 buildings in the Loop. From Merchandise Mart to Block 37, you can take this series of underground tunnels and overhead bridges to avoid any annoyances commuting in the city brings. 

Image Credit: Cult of Weird

7750 Cermak Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130

If you’re into spooky stories, this spot is for you. You’ll find Showmen’s Rest in Woodland Cemetery in Forest Park. On June 22, 1918, the engineer of a military train fell asleep while operating and crashed into the wooden cars of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, killing 86 performers and leaving 127 others injured. Now, you can find the marked graves from that night at the cemetery with grave markers like “Unknown”, “Baldy”, and “Smiley”, because so many of the bodies were unidentifiable. 

123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661

While this restaurant might not be literally hidden, the menu is definitely a hidden gem in the city. For most Michelin Star restaurants, you can expect your meal to cost hundreds of dollars. At Sepia, this four-course tasting menu starts at $85 a person. With delicious bites like beef tartare, sourdough cavatelli, and crispy, roasted halibut, Sepia allows you to do something else you might not get at another Michelin Star restaurant: customize your personal menu. A trip to Sepia is definitely in the cards when looking for a unique dining experience without breaking the bank. 

230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Many frequent Gilt Bar for handcrafted cocktails and delicious meals, but few knows its hidden secret: The Library.

The Library is a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge that is only accessible through a relatively concealed side door. Each week, reservations are released on Wednesdays, but they also welcome walk-ins. The Library is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so be sure to plan an awesome dinner at Gilt Bar, then cross your fingers for a nightcap downstairs in one of the most breathtaking speakeasies in the city. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTcBLq8lWHv/

1801 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

This smaller park located in the South Loop was built in 2000 and serves as an homage to women-led historical contributions to Chicago and celebrates the changes and roles women take in their lives. Surrounded by the Henry B Clark House, Glessner House, and Northerly Island just a few blocks East, the Chicago Women’s Park and Garden can be often overlooked as it is one of the smaller parks in the city. That said, the park does host frequent programs and events like bridge tournaments, yoga classes, and specialty camps. 

720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 

One of the most spectacular things about the city is the amount of art you can find. Outside of the various art museums and galleries, there is art practically everywhere you look. But, did you know there is a series of commissioned street art that spans blocks in the South Loop? From Michigan Avenue to State Street, you can find this public art project that brings history, style, and culture to the streets of Chicago. 

1524 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60610

Blink, and you’ll miss it. Whether you’re walking or driving down Lake Shore Drive, the International Museum of Surgical Science seems like another beautiful home on the Gold Coast, just a stone’s throw from North Avenue Beach. Inside this beautifully sculpted home is North America’s only museum dedicated to the surgical sciences. Here, you’ll learn everything about the history of the International College of Surgeons through artwork, prints, sculptures, and medical artifacts. 

111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Behind one of the most popular stops in Chicago, you’ll find a smaller yet picture-perfect garden. The South Garden at the Art Institute is located on top (yes, on top) of a parking garage located on the south side of the Art Institute.

With raised plant beds, a variety of trees, water fountains, and plenty of spaces to sit and relax, the South Garden is the perfect spot to disconnect from the busyness and noise of the city. The sculpted fountain here was crafted in 1913 by Lorado Taft and remains a statue of Chicago’s history in a place that seems to be pleasantly disconnected from the present. 

Featured Image: The Library | Gilt Bar

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If you’ve endured a couple of winters in Chicago, chances are you’ve also experienced the great joy of relishing a warm summer evening on a restaurant patio. From beer gardens to sidewalk seating to rooftop decks, there is no shortage of outdoor patios sprinkled throughout the north side of Chicago. Here are the 8 best summer patios on the north side. Also, don’t forget to check out our list of the best summer cocktails in Chicago this year!

1615 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

Steps away from Second City in Old Town, this neighborhood Irish pub features a casual sidewalk patio and beer garden with string lights. Pair your shepherd’s pie with a Guinness, or check out the daily specials and happy hour deals. 

3258 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

An iconic establishment in Lakeview, Sheffield’s Wine & Beer Garden frequently wins national awards for its beer garden. Once you grab a seat on the large patio, head to one of four bars to select a craft beer. While you’re there, make sure to try their in-house smoked barbeque.

3554 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Before catching a game at Wrigley Field, stop by Vines on Clark across from the stadium and relax on their expansive outdoor patio or rooftop deck. Choose from a menu of gameday fare, including burgers, cheese curds, sandwiches, and salads.

2435 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

You might feel like you’re at the beach rather than in the middle of a Lincoln Park patio at Parson’s Chicken and Fish. The long picnic tables and bright red-striped umbrellas create a lively summer ambiance. The standouts on the menu are hush puppies, fried chicken and fish, and of course, negroni slushies.

2901 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

This Lakeview spot takes on traditional Mexican fare with a modern twist. Located in a warehouse-like building, Barcocina maintains an upbeat ambiance throughout its indoor and outdoor spaces. Grab a seat at one of the many outdoor tables or opt for a spot on a spacious couch. Besides an array of tacos, Barcocina cooks up a unique selection of small plates, including Spanish octopus and al pastor tofu.

1608 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Perched atop Second City in Old Town, Utopian Tailgate offers fun games along with spectacular views of the city skyline. Their enormous patio contains neon picnic tables, cornhole, life-size jenga, and more. Their elevated tailgate menu includes wings, pizza, nachos, and a wide range of drink options. 

938 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

What could be better than eating pizza and hanging out with friends on a summer evening? The outdoor patio at Homeslice provides a vibrant atmosphere with fun decor and creative drinks. Plus, the outdoor patio includes large couches and plenty of seating, making it an excellent environment for groups.

Image Credit: Resy

3475 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

Newly opened in 2021, Diver at the Park brings the charms of Tulum, Mexico’s historic port city, to the streets of Wrigleyville. The huge outdoor patio seats 200 people and features picnic tables, swings, and a vintage camper bar. Feast on tacos and sip on margaritas inside this beach-like escape in the Wheelhouse Hotel.

465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611

Okay. Okay. We know this one technically counts as the near north side, but their patio is just too good to be excluded from the list because of a zipcode! Located right off the lake, Robert’s has been our favorite summer patio thus far. Enjoy the blue water merging into the blue sky, and people watch (or duck watch) as you indulge in their delicious specialty pizzas. What’s a better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon?

Also, the patio is dog friendly!

Featured Image: Clayton Hauck

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The easiest summer fix is a fruity pitcher of Sangria. But we can’t always be easy! On the days when you’re feeling sophisticated, elegant, and adventurous, you should certainly try some of the best summer cocktails in Chicago. Any Windy City residents know that the seasonal drinks created by brilliant bars and restaurants around Chicago each year are the absolute highlights nobody should miss. So, what are you waiting for? The best summer drinks are here!

Image Credit: Etta

1840 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Looking for a perfect workday summer cocktail? Try the Electric Matcha Latte. This lunch menu favorite reminiscent of blue summer skies is made with Espolon Reposado tequila, Licor 43 and blue matcha for its gorgeous hue, then mixed with oat milk and honey before being topped with freshly grated nutmeg for an aromatic touch. (Large $16 / Small $8)

Image Credit: Lardon

2200 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The best summer cocktail in Chicago this year? Into the Pale Mist ($12) at Lardon!

This cocktail is like walking through a garden while descending a mountain as a pale mist slowly creeps by. The Mizu ‘Green Tea’ Shochu is the star, complemented by bright citrus from fresh lime, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Fever Tree Yuzu Soda. Cucumber adds to the umami story and enhances the matcha flavor from the Ureshino green tea leaves in the shochu, leaving you with a dynamic, borderline ethereal concoction.

Image Credit: The Violet Hour

1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

The James Beard Award-winning bar responsible for pioneering Chicago’s craft cocktail renaissance brings its signature elevated touch to the frozen cocktail movement with this herbaceous and nuanced sip. The team blends Corazón Blanco Tequila, Strega Italian liqueur, pineapple, and lemon with a fruit-forward Dr. Loosen Riesling base to create Friesling ($13), a chilled drink that is every bit as interesting as the innovative classics the institution is known for.

Image Credit: Galdones Photography

230 N Michigan Ave 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

Named for the beloved Japanese-American actor known best for his role in The Karate Kid, the Pat Morita ($20) is a Paloma-inspired cocktail that is the epitome of refreshing outdoor summer sippers. Made with Patron Reposado, the drink brings in floral notes with a house-made rose syrup, with the sweetness balanced out through a combination of freshly squeezed lime juice and pink grapefruit juice.

Image Credit: The Owl

2521 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Voted Best 4am Bar in the city by the Chicago Reader every year since they opened their doors in 2011, The Owl has become known as the late night destination in Logan Square. On their new summer sipper menu is the Little Bitty that features El Buho Mezcal with notes of caramel, vanilla, salt, citrus, and dark chocolate paired with creme de violette to give it a floral and sweet taste, peach liqueur and garnished with a lemon.

1910 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Remedy, the popular happy hour and late-night bar on the border of Bucktown and Wicker Park, recently added refreshing new summer drinks to their rotating menu of eclectic cocktails.

Named for the season, the Bug Juice features Sweet Gwendoline French Gin which is infused with Figue de Solliès, a variety of fig grown in the South of France. The cocktail features notes of juniper, pear, green apple, and pepper providing a unique, round finish with hints of citrus.

Inspired by summer blooms, the Winthrop leans more on the floral side with citrus notes. Perfect for a summer party, The Passionably Late is a bubbly tropical drink with a rich passion fruit flavor from the Chinola paired with floral, earthy notes from the Aviation gin.

Image Credit: Central Park Bar

2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Avondale’s newest indoor-outdoor neighborhood bar, Central Park Bar, has added a Frozen Mojito to the menu just in time for summer. It’s a refreshingly classic mojito combining rum, lime, mint, and sugar but is served as a smooth frozen cocktail with a mint leaf garnish. Guests can enjoy their libation while experiencing Central Park Bar’s 3,500 square-foot Backyard Bar complete with a covered outdoor bar, bumper pool table, picnic tables, porch swings, and fire pit.

243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611

Stop by W XYZ every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to sip on a “Blue Stripe” cocktail and indulge in Crispy Fish Tacos, a Korean BBQ Pork Sandwich or Garlic Parmesan Wings while listening to one of the acts. Or, choose from other summer cocktails, such as Firecracker, made with Seagram 7 and cranberry, or American Glory, made with champagne, orange juice, and lemonade.

Featured Image: Remedy

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The easiest summer fix is a fruity pitcher of Sangria. But we can’t always be easy! On the days when you’re feeling sophisticated, elegant, and adventurous, you should certainly try some of the best summer cocktails in Chicago. Any Windy City residents know that the seasonal drinks created by brilliant bars and restaurants around Chicago each year are the absolute highlights nobody should miss. So, what are you waiting for? The best summer drinks are here!

Image Credit: Etta

1840 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Looking for a perfect workday summer cocktail? Try the Electric Matcha Latte. This lunch menu favorite reminiscent of blue summer skies is made with Espolon Reposado tequila, Licor 43 and blue matcha for its gorgeous hue, then mixed with oat milk and honey before being topped with freshly grated nutmeg for an aromatic touch. (Large $16 / Small $8)

Image Credit: Lardon

2200 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The best summer cocktail in Chicago this year? Into the Pale Mist ($12) at Lardon!

This cocktail is like walking through a garden while descending a mountain as a pale mist slowly creeps by. The Mizu ‘Green Tea’ Shochu is the star, complemented by bright citrus from fresh lime, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Fever Tree Yuzu Soda. Cucumber adds to the umami story and enhances the matcha flavor from the Ureshino green tea leaves in the shochu, leaving you with a dynamic, borderline ethereal concoction.

Image Credit: The Violet Hour

1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

The James Beard Award-winning bar responsible for pioneering Chicago’s craft cocktail renaissance brings its signature elevated touch to the frozen cocktail movement with this herbaceous and nuanced sip. The team blends Corazón Blanco Tequila, Strega Italian liqueur, pineapple, and lemon with a fruit-forward Dr. Loosen Riesling base to create Friesling ($13), a chilled drink that is every bit as interesting as the innovative classics the institution is known for.

Image Credit: Galdones Photography

230 N Michigan Ave 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601

Named for the beloved Japanese-American actor known best for his role in The Karate Kid, the Pat Morita ($20) is a Paloma-inspired cocktail that is the epitome of refreshing outdoor summer sippers. Made with Patron Reposado, the drink brings in floral notes with a house-made rose syrup, with the sweetness balanced out through a combination of freshly squeezed lime juice and pink grapefruit juice.

Image Credit: The Owl

2521 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Voted Best 4am Bar in the city by the Chicago Reader every year since they opened their doors in 2011, The Owl has become known as the late night destination in Logan Square. On their new summer sipper menu is the Little Bitty that features El Buho Mezcal with notes of caramel, vanilla, salt, citrus, and dark chocolate paired with creme de violette to give it a floral and sweet taste, peach liqueur and garnished with a lemon.

1910 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Remedy, the popular happy hour and late-night bar on the border of Bucktown and Wicker Park, recently added refreshing new summer drinks to their rotating menu of eclectic cocktails.

Named for the season, the Bug Juice features Sweet Gwendoline French Gin which is infused with Figue de Solliès, a variety of fig grown in the South of France. The cocktail features notes of juniper, pear, green apple, and pepper providing a unique, round finish with hints of citrus.

Inspired by summer blooms, the Winthrop leans more on the floral side with citrus notes. Perfect for a summer party, The Passionably Late is a bubbly tropical drink with a rich passion fruit flavor from the Chinola paired with floral, earthy notes from the Aviation gin.

Image Credit: Central Park Bar

2924 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Avondale’s newest indoor-outdoor neighborhood bar, Central Park Bar, has added a Frozen Mojito to the menu just in time for summer. It’s a refreshingly classic mojito combining rum, lime, mint, and sugar but is served as a smooth frozen cocktail with a mint leaf garnish. Guests can enjoy their libation while experiencing Central Park Bar’s 3,500 square-foot Backyard Bar complete with a covered outdoor bar, bumper pool table, picnic tables, porch swings, and fire pit.

243 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611

Stop by W XYZ every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to sip on a “Blue Stripe” cocktail and indulge in Crispy Fish Tacos, a Korean BBQ Pork Sandwich or Garlic Parmesan Wings while listening to one of the acts. Or, choose from other summer cocktails, such as Firecracker, made with Seagram 7 and cranberry, or American Glory, made with champagne, orange juice, and lemonade.

Featured Image: Remedy

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

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

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

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When Luis Carreon takes the stage at the Chicago Magic Lounge, he’s pure old-school vaudeville, an elegant throwback in silver-toed boots and a tuxedo subtly imprinted with crushed velvet roses. He swoops around the stage to the beat of swirling music, spinning gold from fire and pulling rose petals from a fluttering deep-purple handkerchief. It’s an impressive, glamorous opening that evokes the spirit of the great Harry Blackstone Jr., who glowers mysteriously from a poster framed near the stage. Then Carreon starts talking and the show turns into something else entirely. 

Luis Carreon, La Bestia Through 9/28: Wed 7 PM, Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark, 312-366-4500, chicagomagiclounge.com, $80 front row, $70 premium main floor (main floor banquette and main floor cabaret), $60 standard (rail and elevated banquette), $50 mezzanine, 21+

This is a magic show that is about more than the illusions, although those are first-rate (albeit not groundbreaking). And that gorgeous, unabashedly romantic opener aside, this is also a show where Carreon puts his verbal gifts—both as a comedian and a storyteller—to the task of celebrating his Mexican heritage along with his formidable skills at sleight of hand. In between the WTF-did-I-just-see full-body levitation, the Takis giveaway, the varied card tricks, and the wanton destruction/miraculous restoration of $50 bills, we hear about his grandmother’s home remedies and his Naperville childhood. Before he hit puberty, Carreon was certain: He’d grow up to be either a wrestler or a magician. His catchphrase, through troubles with magic tricks and troubles with life, is “si se puedo,” which he chants with the I-will-not-be-denied-bravado of Ted Lasso. 

Carreon’s rapid-fire patter never falters, even when the audience does. Twice opening night, volunteers blanked on which card they’d selected earlier, temporarily opening what initially felt like a portal to chaos. Carreon breezed through these moments with just the right amount of showmanship, are-you-sure, and oh-my-god-are-you-fucking-kidding-me until in each case, memories corrected themselves and the elusive cards materialized. 

There’s a bit toward the finale wherein Carreon finds himself having to pull a gold watch from the hind-end of a tiny donkey piñata. He sighs as he looks at the latter in a moment that borders on performance art, a sort of metaphor for those seemingly impossible situations we all face on occasions when salvation seems about as possible as flying monkeys emerging from one’s hindquarters. When the piñata cracks open to reveal an impossible thing, the moment is as funny as it is weirdly affirming. 

This is also a very physical show. Carreon’s finale involves no less than eight volunteers. It could be deadly repetitious, but Carreon gives each of the eight single interactions their own frenetic choreography. All he’s missing is a death drop. 

As a rule of thumb, I look deeply askance at any man who insists on being called “La Bestia,” especially with a fist-pumping, machismo bravado apropos of a soccer match. But Carreon does it with just enough self-deprecating irony to make you wonder whether this isn’t some satirical posturing. Either way, it’s so ridiculous it’s impossible to get mad at. As for the rest, somewhere Blackstone is smiling. 

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Ashley Madison has developed a notorious reputation over the years. As the first popular dating site for extra-marital affairs, it has generated its share of press. But regardless of what people say, it’s a popular dating site full of people looking to broaden their horizons. In this review, we’ll let you know whether it’s for you.

Whether you’re single, attached, or looking to experiment, Ashley Madison might have just what you’re looking for. With its wealth of “available” candidates, you’ll have no trouble finding hookups if you approach the site the right way. We’ll cover everything you need to know with our brand new 2022 Ashley Madison review, starting with a comprehensive outline of how the site works, and then jumping into detailed first-hand accounts of Ashley Madison users. 

But if you want a brief synopsis, check out the pros and cons of Ashley Madison:

Pros

–Very active community: Ashley Madison claims to have more female users than male.

–Easy to find a consistent hookup or a fling: Users on Ashley Madison are there for a reason. They aren’t messing around!

–Intuitive interface and design: Easy to navigate the platform even if you don’t use social media often.

–Discreet and anonymous: Users can opt for anonymous profiles (with fake user info), discreet billing, discreet payment methods, and discreet desktop and mobile app access.

Cons

–There are scammers on Ashley Madison, but they are easy to spot if you know what you’re looking for.

–Data breach occurred in 2015. It has since been resolved, but users are understandably wary.

–Quite expensive: See below for details on the credit system.

–Complicated pricing structure: Ashley Madison uses a combination of credits and subscriptions to charge members. It can be difficult to keep track of how much you are actually spending.

The Sign-Up Process

Registration on Ashley Madison is simple and doesn’t cost anything. You only have to provide the basics: age, marital status, height, weight, etc. Then, you’re free to browse profiles to find someone to hook up with.

You do need to provide an e-mail address, but it’s a good idea to use a separate account that does not include your real name or any identifying information.

What Can I Do For Free?

First thing’s first, if you’re not ready to make a (financial) commitment to Ashley Madison just yet, how can you get your feet wet without dropping your credit card info? There are a few ways to try out the site for free, especially for women. If you’re a man, your options are limited, but there are still a couple. Simply put, if you want to get the most out of Ashley Madison, you have to be willing to pay.

Free Sign-Up: Ashley Madison offers free sign-up. In other words, you don’t have to give your credit card info to open an account. Ashley Madison allows you to make an account, fill in your details, and start to use a basic version of the website for free. You can browse profiles and have a look around the site. You can search users depending on your preferences, and you can see which users are ready to interact in your area. Men can send one free message upon registration, but they’ll have to buy credits to continue the conversation after the initial message.

After this, as you might expect, you need to start paying to continue interacting with other users. Men need to purchase “credits” to start messaging and establishing connections with users. Below, we’ll outline the payment system, including the credit process, in detail. 

Free Messaging for Women: Ashley Madison offers free messaging for female users. The entire site is free for female users, which is one of the reasons Ashley Madison can maintain such a strong female user base. So, if you’re a woman, then your free Ashley Madison options are plentiful. You can send chats, open chats, initiate conversations, and more. The interactivity that men have to pay for, women will receive for free.

If you happen to be a male user, there are much more minimal free options, which include:

Your Free Options are Limited: Basically, that’s about it in terms of free options for men who want to use Ashley Madison! It is very much a “paid” service. Male users need to purchase credits to interact with other users (along with a few subscription options). Because of this, Ashley Madison will cost you more depending on how much you want to use the platform and how many users you intend on messaging.

If you’re a man using Ashley Madison, you’re going to need to pay. Next, we’ll explain the convoluted system in more detail.

What’s the Credit System?

Instead of a subscription model, Ashley Madison has opted for a credit system. Men using the platform need to pay for credits to interact with other users. Credits are more affordable the more you buy, and different actions require a different number of credits. It’s a bit complicated because Ashley Madison wants you to spend more money on their platform! Luckily, considering what you can potentially get out of the deal, it can be well worth it.

On one hand, it’s great that you only need to pay for the services you use. On the other hand, it’s still pricey!

Women, though, can do everything on the Ashley Madison platform for free, which is how Ashley Madison maintains such an active user base.

Signing Up: Signing up for Ashley Madison is completely free, and you don’t even have to give your credit card info. You also don’t have to use your real name or address. Some users choose not to use a profile picture, although this might make meeting people difficult!

How Much Do Credits Cost?

On the Ashley Madison home screen, you’ll see a big, brightly colored button that says “BUY CREDITS.” If you can’t tell by now, they want you to take out the credit card!

Credit costs are subject to change and might also depend on your region or be affected by sales and promotions. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect credits to cost:

Credits are sold in bulk, with Basic, Classic, and Elite plans:

–Basic gets you 100 credits for $59, or $0.59/credit.

–Classic (their most popular plan) gets you 500 credits for $169.00, or $0.34/credit.

–Elite gets you 1,000 credits for $289.00, or $0.29 per credit.

oNOTE: AnElite plan also nets you access to an “Ashley Madison Premium,” which gives you 24 hours of free chat, and “Priority Man” status. Priority Man puts your name higher in search results, making it easier for interested seekers to find your account.

After you’ve purchased credits, Ashley Madison will prompt you to automatically “Top Up” your credits each month. In other words, they want you to set up automatic payment when your credits run low. We’d advise against this, but it’s your call.

Member Initiated Contact Fee: Upon purchasing credits, Ashley Madison prompts you to sign up for a Member Initiated Contact Fee (MIC fee), allowing you to view and respond to messages sent to you by other members for free (without using any credits). MIC is free for the first month and $29.99/month after that. It’s optional, and you can choose to use credits to respond to these messages instead. If you’re a very active user, this might save you money in the long run.

What Can I Do With Credits?

As you can see, Ashley Madison’s credit plans are pricey. But it’s even more difficult to know how pricey until you know what you can do with them! Unfortunately, the credit system isn’t so straightforward.

It costs you five credits each time you send a message or open one sent by another user. Then, it will cost you credits depending on the time spent chatting with that user. You get charged 50 credits per hour of live chat with another user, and Ashley Madison will ding you another 30 credits once the hour is up, and another 20 credits once that hour is up.

Ashley Madison also allows you to send “virtual gifts” to catch the attention of other users. These gifts cost, you guessed it, credits. Depending on the gift, it will cost a different number of credits but typically ranges between 20, 30, and 50 credits.

Basically, as a man on the platform, you can expect every interaction you have to cost you credits. You can view your balance at any time, and you’re also free to re-up on credits at any time.

Bottom Line – How Much Does Ashley Madison Cost?

If you can’t tell by now, Ashley Madison is expensive. Well, if you’re a man, that is. Of course, just how expensive depends on how active you are on the platform. If you plan to message several users, carry on conversations, and maintain these connections, you can expect to spend a pretty penny. Many users spend hundreds of dollars per month on the site.

Luckily, you only have to spend as much as you want. Once you find a hookup, you’re free to stop using Ashley Madison’s services. For this reason, in the next section, we examine how easy it is to find a hookup on Ashley Madison.

Using Ashley Madison to Find a Hookup

So far, we’ve examined the platform and taken a detailed look at how much it’s going to cost you. The big question is, how easy is it to use Ashley Madison to find a hookup?

As long as you’re ready to spend some cash on the platform itself, Ashley Madison is an excellent place to find a hookup. Ashley Madison lets you sign up as attached, single, seeking males, females, or anything in between. People on Ashley Madison haven’t taken that decision lightly. They know what they want and are not ashamed to look for it (but they’ll still be discreet). If you want a hookup and want it to be discreet, Ashley Madison is a great place to find it.

People on Ashley Madison are not afraid to tell you what they’re looking for, and they’re not looking to mess around. They’re there for a reason, and they’re not going to waste their time on someone who isn’t looking for the same. Just check out some of the profiles we found:

So, as long as you’re there for the same reason, we think you’ll find success.

That said, as with most dating sites, you need to initiate contact if you want to find what you’re looking for. Ashley Madison makes it very easy to browse user profiles and find like-minded people who share your interests and want the same thing as you.

After that, send them a message, and you can spark something from there.

Of course, as with any dating site, not everyone will be interested in you. For this reason, we can’t say you’re guaranteed to find a hookup on Ashley Madison because that’s a two-way street. If people aren’t interested, then they aren’t interested. But we can say that many users on Ashley Madison are looking for hookups ranging from casual (most) to serious (some) and everything in between. If you take the effort to present yourself well, be up-front about what you’re looking for, and engage users in an approachable manner, we think you can find success too.

Ashley Madison is the world’s largest hookup site for those seeking an extramarital affair (or something else). If that’s what you’re after, you can find it there. But, as with any hookup site, the onus is on you to build your success.

So, Does Ashley Madison Work, Or Is It a Scam?

What do we think about Ashley Madison? Ashley Madison is “as-advertised.” It’s a hookup site that is full of real people looking for extramarital affairs and more. If that’s what you’re after, then it’s extremely tough to beat Ashley Madison. Nowhere else will you find a more active user base, and nowhere else will you find a platform that has been built to maintain such discretion.

That said, it’s not free. It’s very expensive. We might as well tell you that now because any user of Ashley Madison will learn it eventually. For the most part, the credit system allows you to only pay for what you use (although the MIC and Priority Man subscriptions can alter that), but just about every action on Ashley Madison costs credits. In other words, if you’re looking to use the site to its fullest, and to interact with many different users, then expect to spend money.

All that said, if you want a no-nonsense platform to find what you’re looking for, you can’t beat Ashley Madison. Here are some tips to safely get the most out of the experience.

Be Up-Front About Expectations: We’ve said it before, but it’s worth restating. Be up-front about what you’re looking for. Ashley Madison users aren’t there to mess around, and you shouldn’t be either. Be up-front about the exact kind of relationship you are looking for. People appreciate this honesty and it makes it much less likely for everything to blow up in your face if you’re straight-up with other users.

Be Yourself: Yeah, we know, it’s a cliché. Be yourself, don’t lie and pretend to be someone else. You can’t fake it in the long run, so you may as well be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for.

Carefully Craft Your Profile: This is true of any dating site, not just Ashley Madison. Your profile is your “billboard” that you’re putting out there for the world to see. It’s everyone’s first impression, and it’s often the make or break for whether someone even responds to your message. You want your profile to build you up, but be careful that it’s not too misleading! After all, if you’re a letdown in real life, then it won’t have been worth it anyway. Talk yourself up, but don’t lie. Use flattering pictures, but be sure that they’re current. People expect you to brag on a dating profile, but they don’t expect you to bald-faced lie.

Is Ashley Madison Legit? Yes, Ashley Madison is “legit” as long as you keep your expectations in check. Most of the time people asking these questions want to know whether the site is full of real users there because they want to hook up. For the most part, it’s a yes, although you’ll have to watch out for scammers who want your money (which is the case with just about any dating site). Check out our section below for advice on dealing with scammers.

Ashley Madison is a real place where users come to hook up and to seek an extramarital affair. If that’s what you want, then it’s very much legit.

A Few Tips To Have the Best Experience

Before we wrap up, here are some general hookup site tips. We’ve gathered these tips from experience, and they’re especially relevant to Ashley Madison:

Beware of Scammers: Yes, there are scammers on Ashley Madison, just as there are on just about any dating site. Scammers are fake profiles that aren’t looking to hook up and are generally just looking to get you to spend money on them. They’re unavoidable on hookup sites. Beware of profiles that look “too perfect” or users who are way too over-eager. Ashley Madison does their best to ban these users, but they can’t get them all.

Be careful, and be aware. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Watch Your Credits: Ashley Madison is a for-profit business. It’s designed to make you spend money. Not only that, since you are spending “credits” and not dollars, it’s easy to lose track of how much real money you have spent. Keep a careful eye on your credits and have a keen understanding of the payment system before you start (see our section above). Ashley Madison will also tempt you to sign up for “automatic top-ups” of your credits, and we’d advise against that.

Remember, It’s Not Easy: We’re not here to pass judgment on anyone, and everyone has their reasons for seeking an affair. We’ll just let you know that it’s often not easy. Be sure you put the proper thought into it and be sure it’s what you want. People have certainly faced repercussions from Ashley Madison, both emotional and real. Just be sure that you’ve thought it through, and that’s all we’ll say. This is an article about Ashley Madison; we had to mention it at some point!

The Final Verdict

The bottom line, is Ashley Madison worth it? Well, if you’re looking for what the website offers, then yes! Ashley Madison is the most active, discreet, and legitimate network you can find if you’re looking for an extramarital affair. It’s expensive, especially if you’re a man, so be prepared for that. But if you’re looking for what’s offered by Ashley Madison, then you truly can’t beat it as a hookup destination.

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Sugar daddy sites have risen in popularity over the last several years as society becomes more comfortable with unconventional relationships. As more and more people seek either companionship or financial security, sugar arrangements have become very attractive.

Unfortunately, the popularity of sugar relationships has caused an influx of sugaring sites to pop up. Some sites do their part in vetting the members, but others invite scammers, leeches, flakes, and fakes.

We’ve done the leg work for you and have found the best sugar daddy sites where a sugar daddy can meet a sugar baby and vice versa. These sites strike the delicate balance between safety and fun. We review what’s best about a site for daddies and what’s best for babies.

These are our brand new rankings for 2022.

The Best Sugar Daddy Sites and Apps in 2022

RankSiteBest For1.SugarDaddy.comOne of the oldest and more reliable sites2.Secret BenefitsBest mix of daddies and babies3.Our SecretBest for confidentiality4.SugarDaddyMeetVerified income feature5.SugarDaddyForMeQuickest way to find an arrangement6.Ashley MadisonJudgement free sugar dating site7.What’s Your PriceBest for women to set their own price8.Sugar SearchBest database of local sugar daddies9.R/SugarBabyFree way to find sugar babies10.Elite SinglesMeet intellectual sugar babies and daddies11.Established MenBest for daddies seeking a long term arrangement12.RichMeetBeautifulMost secure and discreet site13.Miss TravelBest for sugar babies who like to travel14.Wealthy MenMost straightforward sugar dating site15.AgeMatchFind younger women16.SudyBest sugar dating app17.SugarBookBest sugar app for babies

1. SugarDaddy.com – Best overall site

Sugardaddy.com is one of the most reliable sugar daddy sites around and has been around for quite some time. The site is hailed as one of the greats because it verifies all of its members (daddies and babies) and there are almost 10 million members and counting. At any given time, the site is active with several thousands of users and nearly 2/3rds are babies looking for someone to take care of them.

Free members can actually enjoy tons of features (like sending kisses, using the advanced search feature, and responding to paying members), but a membership is well worth it and pretty affordable compared to its competitors. It’s a credit-based system and costs around a quarter per credit. Privacy is a top priority on Sugardaddy.com, making it easy to discreetly enter into relationships.

What it’s like for daddies:

70% of the users on sugardaddy.com are babies looking to be spoiled. With millions of users, this makes being a daddy on the site extremely easy and entertaining. Credits can be used to get in touch with the babies and they won’t cost you much. Because privacy is taken so seriously on this website, there’s no need to fear your identity being revealed. Furthermore, daddies can rest easy knowing they won’t be scammed by any members given that they are all verified.

What it’s like for babies:

Sugar babies tend to love the ease of this site and how slick it is. Other sugar baby sites tend to look shady or seedy, but sugardaddy.com is slick and modern. It makes it easy to layout exactly what you’re looking for in a daddy. One drawback is the fact that most of the users are babies, so there’s some stiff competition out there. But with millions of daddies online searching, finding the right one shouldn’t be too difficult.

2.  Secret Benefits – Best gender ratio

SecretBenefits.com is one of the most popular and stylish sugar daddy dating websites. It has a modern and fresh look along with an easy-to-use interface which has encouraged millions of attractive and wealthy individuals to join and search for a positive sugar dating experience on the site. Due to its popularity and stellar reputation among the site’s members, there is a constant flow of new hopeful sugar daddies and sugar babies as well as a very active member base.

Anyone can signup, create a profile, and search for free. Sugar babies can enjoy the site and its features for free. If a sugar daddy finds a sugar baby of interest, they need to purchase credits to open a chat with them. There should be no lack of potential candidates among the millions of members as the gender ratio is about 50/50.

What it’s like for daddies:

Signing up as a sugar daddy is very fast and painless. You can also choose to start a very basic profile to search for potential sugar babies in your area before committing too much time or money. Another great feature if you’re looking for a discreet relationship is you can hide your profile at any time as well as go invisible for 24 hours and browse profiles in secret. These features help maintain your privacy while discreetly allowing you to find your perfect sugar baby.

What it’s like for babies:

Sugar babies love using Secret Benefits not only because it’s free, but also because the site’s outstanding support team keeps the riffraff out which provides a safe platform full of serious and active sugar daddies that are not looking to waste anyone’s time. Getting your profile verified via a short intro video also encourages daddies to reach out once they see that you are the real deal. The success rates for legit, happy, and ongoing sugar daddy relationships are extremely high on SecretBenefits.com, so it’s really just about getting signed up and putting yourself out there to find exactly the type of daddy you’re looking for.

3.  Our Secret – Best for confidential sugar dating

Whether you are in a current relationship, a celebrity, or simply a private person that would rather not have your friends or colleagues discover you on a dating site, you might want to consider signing up to the most discreet site on our list, OurSecret.com. Although the site is fairly new, they’ve done a great job delivering exactly what private people are looking for in an effective dating site.

Our Secret has hundreds of thousands of members looking to find their ideal secret relationship with about 50% of its members in the US. The goal of the site is to streamline the online dating process by providing easy signup and profile creation, precise search filters, and an excellent private chat function that also allows members to share additional photos with each other.

What it’s like for daddies:

The discreet sugar daddy will enjoy many of the features that mainstream popular dating sites provide without all of the potential public overexposure. Sugar daddies have the option of creating a basic profile, searching for their potential new secret matches in an incognito mode, as well as hiding their photos in secret albums for choice matches eyes only. All daddies should be pleased to know that creating a profile and searching for matches is totally free. Only if you find someone of interest will you need to purchase credits in order to open a chat, which will remain open and unlimited once the chat is opened. There are no monthly fees so you can come and go as you please as well as hide your profile from sugar babies in search if you find someone you like and want to pursue.

What it’s like for babies:

OurSecret.com understands that many sugar babies are active university students and social media influencers and might not want to be broadcasting their dating profiles to the masses on frequented sites such as Tinder. With this need for privacy and discretion by their sugar baby members, Our Secret has made it easy to streamline the online dating process and help you find exactly the kind of sugar daddy relationship you’re looking for without all the fuss. Using all of the site’s features is totally free to sugar babies. Getting started and adding photos and videos of yourself is a cinch and can also be kept in a private album only available to those daddies that you give permission to, and with the majority of daddies on the site seeking a discreet arrangement, keeping your relationship on the down-low should never be an issue.

4.  SugarDaddyMeet – For rich men who can spoil

SugarDaddyMeet, one of the original sugar dating sites, doesn’t sugarcoat its true intentions. According to the site, it’s only available to men who live in the 20 richest countries in the world. By attracting affluent men, it also attracts beautiful young women. Verifying income and wealth are two major features on SugarDaddyMeet, making it one of the best sugar dating sites for the ladies.

What it’s like for daddies:

For one, you’ll need to actually be rich to get approved for SugarDaddyMeet. Those who meet the requirements are introduced to a world of beautiful females. The platform itself feels like other social media sites that you may already be familiar with. It’s very casual and generally a breeze finding a mutually beneficial arrangement.

What it’s like for the babies:

This site has plenty of features that make women feel safe using it. You can verify income and let the site know what you’re looking for in a sugar daddy. Using a handy algorithm, it’ll match you up based on your preferences. A free membership is all you’ll need!

5.  SugarDaddyForMe – Speedy matching process

This chic site is slick in design and even better in matching capabilities. It doesn’t hide the fact that it’s a tried and true sugar daddy site designed for arrangements. This is made clear for both the women and the men who join SugarDaddyForMe.

What it’s like for daddies:

You should know first that the payment structure is unique. The membership tiers are based on how much time you want to buy rather than what you have access to. SugarDaddyForMe will want to verify your income, but there’s not much to it after that. You’re essentially brought into the SugarDaddyForMe world within minutes, making this platform one of the fastest ways to find a date.

What it’s like for babies:

This is a free sugar daddy site for you! Signing up takes only minutes and you’ll be glad to know that SugarDaddyForMe will want to know what your ideal arrangement would be. This can all be altered later if you change your mind.

6.  Ashley Madison – Find a casual companion

Ashley Madison is the site that people hate admitting they love. Sure, it’s received some shady press over the years, but it works marvelously. Though linked to affairs, it’s a perfect site for those in open-relationships to find fun arrangements with other folks. It’s a completely open-minded and judgment-free space for people to explore sensual relationships.

What it’s like for daddies:

Ashley Madison can be used as a sugar site. It follows a credit-based payment structure that allows men to communicate with women. There’s nothing on Ashley Madison to weed out the sugar babies from the rest of them, so you’ll need to use the age preference feature to find the ladies and chat to see if they are interested. Women are free to join, making it a great breeding ground for relationships with younger college-age women.

What it’s like for babies:

Men on Ashley Madison are usually looking for excitement, and sugar babies know how to have fun. There are a lot of wealthy men looking for younger women on the site, so if you specify that you are looking to set up an arrangement, you’ll have no problem finding a handsome catch.

Want even more about Ashley Madison? Check out our full review.

7.  What’s Your Price – Bid on dates

On many sugar sites, the idea of an arrangement is implied but not always enforced. In other words, SDs don’t feel like spending or SBs ask for too much. On What’s Your Price, the intention is clear. It’s about an agreement or arrangement that works for both parties. What’s Your Price will set everyone up with their ideal situation so that the minutiae of finances don’t cloud the fun! And it was created by the established folks behind Seeking, so you know it’s legit.

What it’s like for daddies:

You will feel like you are shopping for gorgeous women through an online marketplace. We hate to boil it down to an online shopping experience, but that’s kind of how it works! You will be shown tons of ladies who have a price in mind. Then, you can bid on anyone you find attractive or worth your time. You can also send virtual gifts and make bids as low as $10. You don’t have to be “wealthy” to join.

What it’s like for the babies:

What’s Your Price puts you in total control, which is a nice alternative to the chaotic free-for-all approach that other sites have. The only negative to What’s Your Price is that there is a lot of competition. There are 3 million members and counting, which means that your ad is going to have to be competitive.

8.  Sugar Search – Check out “Members Currently Online” before chatting to avoid flakes

It’s just as it sounds. Sugar Search is an easy to use search engine to find a local sugar daddy.

Sugar Search only operates in a few cities. Sorry babies and daddies, if you’re not in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, San Antonio, or Philadelphia, this isn’t the site for you.

Sugar Search goes to admirable lengths to ensure all the accounts are legit. Some slip through the cracks, but the moderation team is pretty on top of it.

Best of all, the site has great customer service and makes it easy to cancel a membership if you’re over it.

What it’s like for daddies:

It’s a super simple sign up process for daddies. Fill in a few fields, verify some personal info, and you’re set. Sugar Search has a great daddy to baby ratio, so it shouldn’t be too hard to meet a baby. The chat feature is slick and easy to use. If you want your profile to appear toward the top of search results, opt for the Diamond Membership. It really does increase the amount and quality of matches.

What it’s like for the babies:

Babies, you won’t be disappointed. Sugar Search is the ultimate sugar daddy search tool if you’re in one of their cities. Sugar Search requires daddies to verify their personal information, so you won’t encounter too many fraudulent accounts. Do your own due diligence by chatting with a prospective daddy first. The sheer volume of options means you’ll likely connect with someone shortly after you sign up.

9.  Reddit (r/SugarBaby) – Top sugar forum

Reddit is a site that gets a ton of volume. As a general forum for a huge range of topics, people come to Reddit to get information about virtually anything you can think of. It works for sugaring, too, on the subreddits that are related to the subject. If you don’t already know, a subreddit is a specific message board. For the best sugar daddy action, visit the /r/SugarBaby board. We should also warn you that sexy photos flood the page!

What it’s like for daddies:

This subreddit has over 80K users, making it more intimate than most but still giving you a ton of options. The best part is that it’s one of the only free sugar daddy sites on this list. Men aren’t allowed to post, but you can browse through the photos and proposals of the women on the page.

What it’s like for the babies:

You can post on this forum photos and a description of your ideal relationship. If a guy sees you on the page and is interested in pursuing you, he will direct message you through the platform! To post, you will need to go through a verification process, but it’s not complicated.

10.  Elite Singles – Dating site for educated daddies and babies

Elite Singles was not designed specifically for sugaring. It’s a premium dating site that caters toward educated and successful individuals looking for someone who is like-minded. As a baby, you should be seeking something serious when you join Elite Singles. This site is made for real relationships, not a one-time hookup. A majority of the people on this site are college-educated, regardless of age, so that’s another thing to keep in mind.

What it’s like for daddies:

Elite Singles is ideal for the man (or woman) who is interested in meeting an intelligent, independent person to shower with affection or anything else. One of the best things about Elite Singles is that nobody is flakey. People are genuinely searching for their other half and they aren’t greedy for cash because they are successful themselves.

What it’s like for the babies:

This is an app best suited for the baby who isn’t just in this for the money. You don’t need to be wildly successful to get on Elite Singles, but you should have a semblance of independence and perhaps a college degree (or working towards one). This isn’t the quickest way to find a sugar daddy, but it is a place where you’ll meet successful people.

11.  Established Men – Great for long-term sugar dating

If you couldn’t gather from the name, Established Men is a dating site created for successful men looking for a relationship. Men who are established and wealthy often don’t find much time to date around. This site makes finding a partner very simple. It’s not a hookup site but rather a place that caters directly to wealthy guys who want a relationship. Though not exclusively for sugar relationships, women aren’t charged for a membership, making it feel like a free sugar daddy site for them.

What it’s like for daddies:

Established Men is not a free sugar dating site for men, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you are, in fact, established. Through the platform, you are able to send gifts and interact with the beautiful ladies that this website attracts. There are new members daily, so you’ll never run out of options!

What it’s like for babies:

Step into the world of Established Men. These are individuals who know their worth, so they might be tough to please. What’s nice about the site is that these guys aren’t expecting you to come to them with a set arrangement. They just want to spoil someone special with bags, shoes, and more.

12.  RichMeetBeautiful – Encrypted sugar daddy site

Contrary to popular belief, RichMeetBeautiful is not just for rich men. Anyone who is reasonably well off can still engage with beautiful men and women through the platform. It’s also one of the most secure sugar dating sites because it uses encryption security.

What it’s like for daddies:

RichMeetBeautiful claims to be rich in several ways: experience, romance, passion, style, and so on. It also explicitly says “no sugar dating” on the homepage. You’re probably asking yourself why it even made the list. It’s a site for successful individuals to meet one another through a scientific matchmaking algorithm. If you want to find a younger woman to spoil, you will absolutely be able to.

What it’s like for babies:

RichMeetsBeautiful is not explicitly for sugar dating. It is a site where you can converse with men who enjoy spoiling their significant others. It’s built for long-lasting relationships, so be prepared to meet people who want to find real love.

13.  Miss Travel – Best for the adventurous

Miss Travel puts an exciting spin on sugar dating. Rather than finding a companion locally, this site encourages people to find partners from places they’d love to travel to! It adds a whole new element to the fun of sugar dating, and women can join this site for free.

What it’s like for daddies:

SDs in open relationships or looking for fun outside of a relationship love to use this site while they travel for business. However, it’s also convenient for men who want foreign women to come to them. There are a ton of beautiful women who use Miss Travel because they are looking for an adventure with a well-to-do man.

What it’s like for babies:

Ever wanted to travel the world? This is one of the best ways to make that happen. The daddy you find will likely pay for the entire trip. There’s also an exciting “Create a Trip” feature that allows you to plan a wonderful vacation right there on the site.

14.  Wealthy Men – A no-frills approach to sugaring

Wealthy Men is the most straightforward sugar daddy website available to users, and it’s very reliable too. It promises young women that they will meet the wealthy man of their dreams. And, it has a guarantee for its paid members that they’ll find someone in three months. Members can rest assured that Wealthy Men will absolutely work for them.

What it’s like for daddies:

We’ll be honest: Wealthy Men does not make it that easy on the guys initially. You will have to prove that you make at least 85K by providing documentation stating so and comment on how much you’re willing to spend on a baby. While this is annoying, it maintains the integrity of the site.

What it’s like for babies:

This is one of the best sugar daddy sites out there. The financial aspect works in your favor. But you’ll want to pay for it, as the free version doesn’t allow for messaging.

15.  AgeMatch – Best for relationships with significant age gaps

AgeMatch doesn’t market itself as a sugar website. Instead of sugar daddies and young models, it pins itself as a dating platform for people with a very large age gap between them. This works for arrangements because most of the companionships on this site are between successful older men and stunning younger women.

What it’s like for daddies:

Some men don’t want arrangements and prefer the idea of spoiling someone who enjoys their company. For those types, AgeMatch is perfect. You will feel like you are on a real dating site and not a shady or seedy arrangement site, which is a nice alternative to the normal setup.

What it’s like for babies:

The expected age gap works in your favor, but the fact that sugaring is more implied than explicit does not. You won’t be asked about your preferred arrangement. However, there are plenty of wonderful successful older men at your disposal and you are welcome to present them with your terms.

16.  Sudy – A sugaring mobile app

Sudy is a fantastic app in terms of usability. It functions really well and is set up in such a way that makes it easy to meet someone new. There are some things about Sudy that aren’t perfect, which is why it’s at the bottom of our list, but it’s certainly a great option for someone who would rather use their phone than a desktop to find a date.

What it’s like for the daddies:

To join, you’ll need to make over 200K. Once you verify this, you will be introduced to the world of beautiful ladies (there’s a 4:1 male to female ratio). Gorgeous women like to know that you make enough to entertain them, so the verification works in your favor. Sources report having trouble deleting their profiles though, so that might be a turn-off for you.

What it’s like for babies:

There are more women than men, which means it’s competitive. But at the same time, Sudy is also very safe. The Sudy staff work tirelessly to moderate the platform and remove suspicious or fake profiles.

17.  SugarBook – Great for alternative arrangements

Sometimes arrangements aren’t all money-based. There are ambitious women (or guys) out there who desire connections, advice, opportunities, and financial help. Sources say that SugarBook is ideal for that type of relationship with a sugar mama or sugar daddy because each interaction begins by laying out expectations for one another.

What it’s like for daddies:

You will need to verify your income before getting accepted to SugarBook. This is technically a free sugar daddy site for men, but the premium option will show you many more profiles. We’ll admit that it’s limited on the free side.

What it’s like for babies:

You can join for free or pay for more features, that’s totally up to you. Try the free version first, though, because the features just include access to more daddies and a more specific search. You might find what you’re looking for on the free version alone. You’ll have a chance to create a profile where you can explain what you’re interested in.

Have Questions About Sugar Daddies and Babies? Here Are Some FAQs

What Does a Sugar Daddy Do?

A sugar daddy’s role is relatively simple. His “job” consists essentially in using his wealth to spoil the sugar baby. This might include fancy dinners, high-end alcohol, even vacations all around the world. In return, the sugar daddy expects a certain degree of companionship. 

Where Can I Find a Sugar Baby?

Finding a sugar baby is basically the same process as finding a sugar daddy. You simply need to leverage the sites and apps that exist specifically to unite would-be sugar babies with sugar daddies. One of the best sites for this is Seeking, though there are many others (the reviews for which you can see in the above article). 

What Does a Sugar Baby Do?

A sugar baby simply provides companionship to a sugar daddy. In exchange for being spoiled and receiving gifts, dinners, vacations, etc., a sugar baby is expected to provide companionship and affection to the sugar daddy. This isn’t necessarily always sexual, as that depends on the sugar daddy and the terms that you establish. It’s a good idea to be upfront about expectations from the get-go to ensure that everything goes smoothly. 

Is It Ok to Have a Sugar Daddy?

Some people may be wondering if it’s morally okay to have a sugar daddy. Well, that depends. Is the sugar daddy married with kids and doing this on the side without anyone knowing? That’s definitely a questionable thing to do morally speaking. But if no one else is at risk of being hurt by the relationship, and everything is consensual, then it’s perfectly okay to have a sugar daddy. 

Are Sugar Daddy Sites Legit?

Sugar daddy sites can definitely be legit. That said, sugar relationships have become more popular and so many sites have popped up lately. Not all of them are legitimate, so it’s important to be careful. A good idea would be to stick with the sites reviewed above, especially the biggest and most well-established ones. 

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Everyone and their mother—well, definitely father—is familiar with standard 2D porn. But 3D porn? That’s where things get taken to the next level. With recent innovations in virtual reality (VR) technology, there is now an extensive range of VR porn that people love for its incredibly immersive experience.

Although this article will do a lot of describing of the VR experience, there’s really nothing like trying it for yourself! So, without further ado, let’s get to ranking the very best VR porn sites for your pervy pleasure.

Top 17 Virtual Reality Porn Sites of 2022

RankBrandBest For1.VR BangersBest overall2.BaDoink VRBest 5k content3.VirtualRealPornBest user experience4.KinkVRBest BDSM content5.SexLikeRealBest for livestream content6.PornHubVRBest free content7.NaughtyAmericaVRBest exclusive content8.StasyQ VRBest for softcore9.VRB GayBest gay VR content10.WetVRBest new site11.Dark Room VRBest for fantasy content12.18VRBest 18+ teen content13.Wankz VRBest for newbies14.MILF VRBest mature content15.Virtual TabooBest á la carte content16.VRCosplayXBest cosplay content17.VR LatinaBest Latina VR

1. VR Bangers

VR Bangers is a 100% VR-focused site and one of the first in the area, so it’s no surprise that they’re among the best. You’re also not likely to get tired of their content for two main reasons:

They have a huge variety of categories with numerous titles in each oneTheir content is frequently updated, with usually two or three new scenes per week at least

Plus, the newly added scenes are always super-high quality, even featuring some 6K-resolution videos. There’s also a nice blend of conventional one-on-one content as well as multiple-partner scenes. Adding to the overall excellent variety is a choice of 180- or 360-degree viewpoints.

Like most sites, you can opt for a monthly, yearly, or even lifetime package, with a standard price range compared to other VR sites.

One bonus is that you get access to a VR porn game no matter which tier you buy.

The only major downside applies to iPhone users—if you want to use your phone, you’ll be out of luck as the site is currently only Android-compatible right now.

Pros

Tons of categoriesA variety of perspectivesIncludes porn gamesBoth 1-on-1 and threesomes, etc.

Cons

Android-only compatibilityNot teledildonic supported

Compatible With

Oculus Rift/RiftSOculus GoOculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRHTC ViveGear VRMicrosoft MRDaydreamAndroidiOS

2. BaDoink VR

BaDoink VR is another one of the premier VR porn sites, which makes sense as it’s one of the longest running. Some older content is in lower resolution, but all the new and recent uploads are 5K (or even higher).

BaDoink scores points for having one of the easiest sites to navigate, making it a breeze to make your way through their huge library of content. Making use of their sorting options, filters, and tags means that you can get to exactly what you want in no time—and hey, sometimes you’re trying to get in a quick sesh, let’s be honest.

Another big bonus is access to their other affiliated sites, like VRCosplayX, for example (a BDSM focused site). This really helps boost the overall value of your subscription.

When it comes to buying that subscription, however, you might need to spend a few minutes figuring out how you want to do it.

First, there’s only credit card or PayPal, so you’ll be out of luck if you were hoping to pay by Bitcoin or an alternative method.

Second, the pricing is a little weird—while you can get a 3-day trial for just $1 (cool, right?), you end up paying more if you actually sign up (ehh, actually kind of lame).

Pros

Mainly high-quality (5K) contentUser-friendly siteSister-site accessTons of exclusive content

Cons

Be careful when it comes to billingCredit card / PayPal only

Compatible With

Oculus Rift/RiftSOculus GoOculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRHTC ViveGear VRMicrosoft MRDaydreamCardboard

3. Virtual Real Porn

Virtual Real Porn is another one of the most user-friendly sites, which is always a big plus. They also have one of the largest libraries with over 400 scenes.

In addition to the usual array of categories, there are also some fetish ones like for foot fetish types—yeah, we’re looking at you, Quentin Tarantino.

You also won’t likely have to worry about your VR headset’s compatibility with Virtual Real Porn—the site supports Vive, Oculus, Gear VR, and all the most popular headsets.

There’s even a cool feature that remembers your preferred headset—so, tell them yours is Oculus and now they’ll only show Oculus-compatible content.

As with BaDoink VR, Virtual Real Porn wins major points for its user-friendly site. Since they store your settings, it’s extra easy to find videos that suit your preferences. Plus, movies come with a recommended viewing position, making things even easier.

For the moment, the content is largely 180-degree 4K videos, but they’re starting to expand to content with a wider field-of-view. This kind of innovation is promising as it means they’re committed to keeping up with the rest of the pack.

The biggest downside is that there’s no free trial option. Somewhat making up for this, though, is a relatively inexpensive 5-day trial. There’s also a streaming-only subscription that comes in at a cheaper price than the regular subscription that gives you access to all their scenes.

Pros

Super user-friendly sitePreferences are savedWorks with most of the popular headsetsOverall one of the best bang-for-your-buck sites (see what we did there?)

Cons

No free trial optionNo sister-site access

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

4. KinkVR

If you’re on the kinkier side—especially the more extreme kinky side—you can fully embrace it with KinkVR. The site is loaded with hardcore BDSM, and you’ll find some of the most popular porn stars in not only fetish porn but mainstream porn as well.

There are a huge number of categories, so you should be well covered no matter what your kink or kinks are. All the BDSM mainstays are here: bondage, master/slave, torture, etc.

Although the site has a much smaller content library than many sites reviewed here, every single video is exclusive, helping boost the overall value. And helping offset this smaller library is the addition of two new scenes per week, always shot in 4 or 5K.

Another big plus for KinkVR is its low pricing—monthly passes come in around ten bucks and a yearly membership means even more savings at less than $100.

As with all these sites, there’s one thing that holds back KinkVR from being truly excellent, and that is its slow download speeds, which can be a major boner-killer (literally).

Pros

Perfect for all you kink-lords (and queens) out thereTons of exclusive, super-extreme contentCheap compared to other sitesEmphasis on VR immersion

Cons

Smaller content librarySluggish downloading

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOS

5. SexLikeReal

SexLikeReal isn’t its own studio but an aggregator—that is, it compiles scenes from multiple studios.

On the plus side, this means that they have a huge variety of VR content. As you might expect, there are lots of categories and these are conveniently sortable by resolution, softcore/hardcore, teledildonic-supported, and other features.

This is also one of the few sites to feature livestreaming VR content, which is still somewhat of a rarity while the technology gains traction.

SexLikeReal also scores major points for its bevy of super-high-quality stuff, even up to 6K. For porn connoisseurs after more of a cinematic experience, they also have hour-long videos. And for the guy trying to squeeze one out before Econ 101, there are ten-minute scenes as well, so there’s really something for everyone and every situation with SexLikeReal.

Another perk of this aggregator is their flexibility in terms of accessing content. You can opt for pay-per-view or choose to subscribe. Although an expensive site relative to most, SexLikeReal does offer a lot of value.

Porn enthusiasts who might hanker for exclusive content will be a little disappointed in that respect. Many of their scenes can be had for cheaper elsewhere, but SexLikeReal does provide a convenient “one-stop-shop” for VR content.

Pros

Literally thousands of VR videosPay-per-view or subscriptionExtensive weekly updatesLivestreaming VR content

Cons

Quite pricy relative to other sitesMostly non-exclusive content

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboard

6. PornHubVR

Everyone knows PornHub as it’s the world’s largest and most name-dropped porn site. As you might expect, they’ve been working to stay up with the latest in VR offerings.

While VR was formerly an exclusive feature of their premium package, PornHub has since started offering free VR content. One drawback with these is that you’ll have ads unless you pony up the cash for the premium membership (the ads aren’t all that bad, though).

Unlike VR Bangers, PornHub works with both iOS and Android phones, making this a more accessible option. Plus, you can count on the same interface that you’re used to with the original PornHub.

Compared to an aggregator like SexLikeReal, however, or even other standard VR sites, Pornhub VR does lack in variety and overall number of videos. Plus, some viewers report perspective issues while streaming, so it’s probably best to take the time to download what you watch.

Pros

Fewer ads than many sitesGood selection of free contentBoth Android and iOS compatible

Cons

Weaker selection than many sitesOccasional perspective issues

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

7. NaughtyAmericaVR

NaughtyAmericaVR takes advantage of their status as one of the best studios out there to deliver high-quality VR content. For exclusive-hungry viewers, they have more than 400 exclusive scenes, with many of them coming in at over forty minutes!

In addition, their scenes—of which there are at least two new ones per week—are usually filmed with the biggest names in porn, like Aidra Fox and Adriana Chechik.

Plus, you get to appreciate them in either 4 or 5K, with all the newer content shot in 5K. Unfortunately, the high quality does come with a cost—slow download speeds. A nice feature that somewhat offsets this issue is the inclusion of high-res photos.

Another nice aspect of NaughtyAmericaVR is the ability to chip in extra money for access to seven sister sites (the caveat being you must purchase a twelve-month subscription). There’s also an impressive flexibility in how you can purchase your subscription, like using Bitcoin or even giving up unused gift cards!

Perhaps the most frustrating drawback to NaughtyAmericaVR is their site’s poor user friendliness. Finding your exact preference can take a while compared to other sites, but admittedly they help make up for it with such top-tier content.

Pros

Tons of 5K scenesThe biggest names in pornLots of VR categories and exclusive contentA number of payment options

Cons

Sluggish downloadingNot the most user-friendly site

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

8. StasyQ VR

StasyQ VR is a pleasant change of pace from the usual steady stream of hardcore videos. You can think of their site instead like a private strip club.

Not any strip club though—a very high-end one, as they only select the most gorgeous models.

Although you won’t get to see any intercourse, StasyQ VR offers a unique, more intimate experience. This is in large part thanks to the binaural sound they offer, which enhances the already-more-intimate feel of VR porn to begin with.

One downside, in addition to their relatively small library, is the fact that StasyQ costs about the same as regular hardcore VR sites. It’s more forgivable, though, when you consider their super-high production value.

Pros

A nice softcore optionStunning modelsElegant aestheticHigh-quality (binaural) sound

Cons

No intercourseSmall library

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboard

9. VRB Gay

There aren’t a ton of gay-only VR sites, so VRB Gay wins points for that alone. It’s also a sister site to VR Bangers, so it makes sense that the production quality is similarly elite.

Unfortunately, you can’t get a package for both VR Gay and VR Bangers, as you might expect, which might disappoint some bisexuals out there. Another downside is that the catalog is relatively small, with fewer than 100 videos.

Making up for this shortage in scenes, though, is an emphasis on extreme quality and content featuring some of the most notable models around.

Like its sister site, VR Bangers, VRB Gay is user friendly, with plenty of filters for quickly finding what you’re into. Another nice touch is the fact that videos are 2D-friendly, meaning you can still benefit from their high-quality content if you don’t happen to have your headset with you—and hey, who hasn’t gotten off away from home base?

Pros

Only super-high-quality contentVery user-friendly site

Cons

Small libraryNot teledildonic supported

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

10. WetVR

WetVR is from the Tiny4K studio, which made a name for itself with high-quality videos. You can thus expect the same insistence on high-res video from this site.

A downside of that, though, is that it may not be as suitable for people with weaker internet speeds or lack of storage for downloading video.

You might also be frustrated that there’s no video preview because you could end up downloading a video that you wouldn’t have if you had gotten a preview first. On the plus side, their download speeds tend to be good as long as your internet is.

All around though, WetVR offers super-high-quality content with household—well, maybe frat-household—names. Nothing is extreme hardcore, but it’s all tasteful and a must for anyone who loves to see their favorite porn stars slathered in oil.

Pros

Best newcomerStrong industry tiesGood download speeds

Cons

No video previews5K only

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

11. Dark Room VR

Dark Room VR offers a more authentic experience with their content. You won’t find all that many bleach-blonde actresses sporting fake smiles and moans.

Instead, Dark Room VR promises more realistic scenes with high production value. They also feature some of the most gorgeous European models.

Another big perk to Dark Room VR is their free previews, which allow you to make a better call on whether you want to shell out for a subscription. Plus, you can download and stream their videos at different resolutions, so if you’re having trouble with streaming or download speeds you can simply dial it down.

A high-quality site overall, two small downsides to Dark Room VR are its lack of crypto payment and relatively small library compared to other sites.

Pros

More realistic productions100% exclusive contentFree previewsDownload at different resolutions

Cons

No crypto paymentsSmaller library

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

12. 18VR

A sister site of BaDoink VR, 18VR offers similarly top-tier quality. This is a site to throw on your shortlist if you’re into nasty, slutty girls. There are lesbian, anal, threesome, even gangbang videos.

The quality is all POV, 5K, and featuring binaural audio plus a full 360-degree perspective. Even better, their videos work with almost all manner of VR headsets and toys.

One downside, as with other 5K-only sites, is that you may have issues if you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or lack a lot of space for higher-quality downloads.

Pros

Videos compatible with all VR devicesFree Google Cardboard includedOne free video download

Cons

Exclusively 5K videos

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

13. Wankz VR

Wankz VR is a great site for beginners as there is helpful content such as tutorials and a user community that provides useful feedback.

Wankz VR also wins points for its ease-of-use, especially on mobile. They also are on the forefront of innovation in terms of teledildonics, so you can enjoy nearly two hundred scenes synced up to your preferred sex toy.

While the site does accept a solid variety of payment options, the lifetime membership is quite costly compared to other sites. Plus, certain categories remain unavailable with the regular subscription options, which is honestly annoying.

Pros

Huge selectionRelatively low costFree previewsLots of teledildonic-supported scenes

Cons

Requires lifetime subscription to access sister sitesLifetime subscription is pricy

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRiOSAndroid

14. MILF VR

MILF VR is one of the top VR sites for mature content. If that’s your thing, you don’t really need to look any further.

It’s a premium site too in that it offers up to 8K resolution on select videos. There’s also a streaming option in case you’d rather stream than download.

Another nice feature is that you gain access to some fourteen other VR sites, which will help keep you busy should you want to venture away from all those MILFs.

One drawback of MILF VR is its library featuring a lot of remastered videos. Even though they’ve been “remastered,” the quality won’t quite be the same as with the more recentlyshot content.

Pros

Super-high-quality videosAccess to a bunch of VR sister sitesNearly 200 original videos

Cons

Many of the videos are older remastered onesSome of the actresses are rather young

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

15. Virtual Taboo

Virtual Taboo ranks among our top overall sites for its impressive quality and staying on the cusp of VR porn innovations like 7K resolution at 60fps, binaural audio, and 180-degree POVs.

All these features make Virtual Taboo among the most immersive experiences. It’s also very reasonably priced considering how high the overall value is.

One downside, however, is that your subscription is only good for content on the Virtual Taboo site. But while you won’t get other content, you’re likely to be satisfied with theirs given their consistent high-quality content and three weekly updates.

Pros

Super-high-quality videosFrequent updatesUnlimited streaming

Cons

No sister site-content

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

16. VRCosplayX

If you’re the kind of person who plans on going to Comic-Con every year, you’re probably going to appreciate what you’ll find at VRCosplayX. They really stick to their niche, so this site will only be for you if you’re into cosplay porn.

If so, you’re going to love the highly immersive VR experience that they deliver. As part of the BaDoink VR umbrella, you not only get access to BaDoink but can also count on the same high production value.

Unfortunately, VRCosplayX loses some points for maxing out at 5K, having a relatively small library, and the inability to save favorites—honestly, it seems like it would be such an easy feature to incorporate!

Pros

Free Google Cardboard includedAccess to BaDoink VRRelatively inexpensive

Cons

Maxes out at 5KLimited number of scenesCan’t save favorites

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

17. VR Latina

Last but not least, VR Latina offers some incredible Latinas like Veronica Leal, brought to life through the magic of VR. This site has high-quality 5K content as well, plus reasonable pricing.

The ability to purchase a single video for $2.99 as a tester before subscribing is a nice feature. In our humble opinion, more sites should offer free or inexpensive tester videos like this so would-be subscribers really know what they’re paying for.

Something that may detract from the experience is that the scenes tend to be in Spanish. So, if you don’t know Spanish and care about the dialogue, you’ll probably feel like you’re missing out. But hey, talk about a creative way to learn Spanish, right?

Another small downside is the relatively small library that VR Latina offers. Given that this is a niche site, though, it’s understandable.

Pros

High-quality 5K contentStunning Latina actressesReasonable pricing

Cons

Relatively small libraryMainly Spanish dialogue

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

Our ranking criteria

Here are the criteria that we kept in mind for our reviews of these different VR porn sites, so it’s helpful for you to understand them.

Overall selection

You need to factor in quantity and quality of the site’s scenes.

Oftentimes sites charge around the same amount, but one might have only a tenth of the video library that the other has. The other site, however, might have ten times the production value.

So, it depends on what appeals to you most: quantity, or quality? Ideally, you can find a site that has both.

Compatibility

What VR device(s) do you have? Will it work with the content (or most of the content) on a given site? It’s best to do your research to ensure that your headset will be compatible and, while you’re at it, that your smartphone operating system will be as well.

Price

VR Porn is a premium experience and, as such, it carries a premium in terms of cost. There’s really no way of getting around it. That said, you can aim for sites that will bundle content with sister sites or opt for an aggregator to maximize the content you get.

Also, if you go with a lifetime subscription, you probably want to stick to well-established studios so you don’t end up losing out on money (and new content) down the road.

Resolution

VR quality is not necessarily the same quality as you get on your TV. It’s still a fairly new technology, after all (at least in its most current form).

4K is the new standard, with some sites offering up to 8K. This carries a premium, however, in terms of cost, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it to you.

Wrapping up

If you’re ready to enter the brave new world of VR porn, you’ll have a good head start with this guide. Don’t be afraid to take a little time before you invest your money into a subscription, particularly an annual or lifetime one.

Take account of the various factors above to ensure you settle on something that you’ll be plenty happy with. After all, why compromise that special alone time?

Either way, though, you’ll be in good shape with the high-quality offerings from these sites.

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

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

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

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