The best hookup apps, reviewed: I swiped until my thumb hurt
Overview
Table of Contents
In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) hot to go with the tap of a button. Thanks to the best hookup apps, finding a sexy new friend can be just as easy as ordering a pizza. As for the quality, well, that’s probably the same too — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.
Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you. I've personally vetted eharmony.
AdultFriendFinder
—
readers’ pick for casual connections
Tinder
—
top pick for finding hookups
Hinge
—
popular choice for regular meetups
"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Biird and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."
And here's a little insider secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "free tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.
So, whether you're looking for a one-night stand, a regular FWB situation, or just a space to explore your sexuality, I've got you covered. Based on all my hands-on testing and expert consultations, I’ve broken down the best hookup app for every type of person and mood.
Tinder
Best hookup app
The Good & The Bad
- A massive global user base
- The best hookup app for men, college students, and many women
- Estimated 75 million+ active users means endless options for quick connections
- Fast, no-fuss swiping gets to the point quickly
- Optional paid upgrades (Boosts, Super Likes, and Platinum features like "Priority Likes") give you serious visibility boosts
- Photo verification helps keep things real-ish
- Free version hits you with ads
- "Swipe fatigue" is real, so prepare for it
- Very little profile info means you're judging mostly on looks
- User base skews male
Our review:
Read our full review of Tinder.
Who it's for:
Even after all my testing, if someone asks for the quickest, no-fuss way to find a hookup, my answer is still 97 billion matches worldwide, and hookups aren't hard to come by. (Pro tip: Use the "Free Tonight" feature, especially on weekends.)
It's built for rapid-fire connections, not lengthy love stories (though some people, including Mashable's own Tech Editor, met their long-term partners on the app).
Why we picked Tinder:
Love it or hate it, Tinder remains one of the most popular dating apps for a reason. It's fast, easy, and reliable, making it an easy choice for my top pick.
"Tinder, hands down, is the best app for hookups," Modes"), Tinder's heart remains casual. There's also been some positive change in terms of safety and authenticity (which is always a plus). This month, Tinder announced that all new U.S. users will soon be required to complete a facial recognition scan (Face Check) using a video selfie. This "Face Check" was designed to help verify that the user is real, matches their profile photos, and isn't using the same face across multiple accounts. And the initial results seem promising: Tinder reports this has already led to a more than 40 percent decrease in reports of bad actors where implemented.
While I always recommend upgrades like Tinder+ or Gold for extra features, this mandatory verification is a big step towards making the platform safer for everyone swiping.
Details
Our review
Details
Pure
Best anonymous hookup app
The Good & The Bad
- Guaranteed anonymity with self-destructing photos and videos
- Purely focused on no-strings-attached hookups, cutting out the mixed signals
- Instant matches based on geolocation for spur-of-the-moment connections
- Artsy, discreet interface
- Users can specify turn-ons and filters for couples
- Risk of catfish due to anonymity (always be cautious!)
- Smaller user base compared to mainstream apps, success depends on location
Our review:
Who it's for:
Why we picked Pure:
I picked Pure because it's "hot, weird, and way better than Bumble" for finding a casual connection. Its core features are designed for direct, exciting encounters: chats and photos self-destruct in 24 hours, and the app never even asks for your name, guaranteeing total anonymity.
In my four weeks of testing, I was honestly surprised by the results. The conversations were leagues above what I've found on other apps, and I received hundreds of likes daily, even outside of a major city like New York. While anonymity can be a concern, Pure balances it with safety features like the app announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with TBD Health to provide users with at-home STD testing kits directly through the app. Users who test can even add a "Verified by TBD Health" badge to their profiles, which gives some peace of mind on multiple levels.
That said, it's a space to navigate with intention. Weiss notes that Pure isn't as specifically geared toward the kink and queer communities as Feeld, so you may encounter more straight cis men who are just looking for a conquest. The biggest trade-off remains the smaller user base compared to mainstream apps like Tinder, though its recent explosive growth in the European market suggests that may be changing.
Details
Hinge
Best dating app for regular hookups
The Good & The Bad
- Massive, rapidly growing user base (around 23 million globally) offers plenty of choices
- "Dating Intentions" feature clearly signals if you're down for casual or FWB
- Prompts and voice notes give you a better sense of personality, leading to more compatible (and fun) hookups
- Filters for specific preferences (e.g., drinking, smoking, family plans)
- No desktop version
- Some users are strictly looking for serious relationships
- Slower-paced than apps like Tinder
Who it's for:
Don't let with a growing user base.
Why we picked Hinge:
Even though Hinge attracts a relationship-seeking crowd, Hidden Words," which filters out specific words or emojis from incoming messages, and introduced a more nuanced content moderation policy in late September 2025. Instead of just removing content, the app now notifies users exactly which part of their profile was flagged and gives them a chance to fix it.
While its marketing focuses on relationships, I think Hinge's smart features and engaged user base make it a solid option for finding hookups that might start with a decent conversation.
Details
Bumble
Best hookup app for women
The Good & The Bad
- Free to sign up and start matching
- Opening Moves gives women and non-binary users more control in starting conversations
- Balanced user base, which can lead to better quality matches
- Dating intentions make it easy to find a compatible partner
- Users must upload at least four photos to sign up
- In-app verification adds a layer of safety
- Voice and video chat are offered for free
- Matches vanish if no "Opening Move" is made within 24 hours
- Recent user backlash over blocked profiles reappearing is a trust issue
- Free version has limited swipes
Our review:
Read our full review of Bumble Premium.
Who it's for:
Opening Moves" feature (a change from the original "women message first" rule that made it famous) puts you in the driver's seat. It's also great if you want to find someone who's upfront about wanting "fun, casual dates" or "intimacy, without commitment."
Why we picked Bumble:
"Bumble is a helpful app for women who want to avoid being creeped on and only hear from men they're interested in," Weiss tells Mashable. You have 24 hours to make the first move, then your match has slowing growth, accelerating revenue and paid user declines, and hotter competition from rivals like Hinge. The analyst warned that a bounce-back might not even be expected until 2027 (yikes!).
Despite these recent issues and a challenging market, Bumble still stands out for many users. You can chat via text, voice, or video without spending a dime, and free users still have access to basic filters like age, distance, and verified profiles. While premium features (Bumble Boost or premium membership) offer advanced filters, they're not essential to find a potential hookup buddy.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Openly encourages honesty about what you want, from FWB to kink
- "Anti-Commitment Mode" badge clearly signals you're here to hook up
- Inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities
- "My Bedroom" feature lets you specify desires (kinky or not!)
- Video chat with auto-blur and photo protection for safer screening
- Large user base for more potential matches
- Not available on desktop
- Some reports of account suspensions without clear reasons
- Potential for message delivery glitches
Who it's for:
If you're tired of Tinder, I think 18 million users worldwide as of early 2025, HUD has a lot of possibilities for your next hookup.
Why we picked HUD:
If Hinge and Pure had a baby, it would be HUD. This app doesn’t beat around the bush, but it’s also artsy in presentation and has a kinky-fun community behind it.
Like Hinge, you can answer prompts (up to three), add photos (up to five), and note whether you’re into smoking, drinking, or drugs. There’s also a really cool "My Bedroom" feature that lets you choose three "desires" that you’re really into, three "desires" you’re "open" to, and three you’re definitely not into. Examples include "bondage," "butt stuff," and "golden showers." There are tons of "desires" to choose from, even if you’re not that kinky, so have fun with it.
In addition to its "My Bedroom" feature, HUD also has an "Anti-Commitment Mode" badge you can add to your profile to let potential matches know why you're here. You’ll also get to pick your archetype (if you’re not sure what yours is, the app has a little quiz) to help you find your match. You can even add your favorite song to your profile.
The chat features are also a little more developed than what you see in a typical hookup app. You can engage with someone’s profile just by liking or commenting on their prompts, photos, etc. The video chat option also shows both cameras blurred until you both decide to reveal yourselves. Of course, you can get more features with a premium subscription, but the free version offers a lot.
Details
Feeld
Best for open relationships
The Good & The Bad
- The free “Constellation” feature lets you link your profile with up to five partners
- Extensive and specific tags for Desires and Kinks (e.g., "Bondage," "Threeway," "Cuddling")
- A non-judgmental community for exploring non-monogamy and relationship anarchy
- Strong emphasis on safety and active consent
- A disastrous 2023 relaunch was plagued by bugs and privacy issues
- App can still be buggy and less reliable than mainstream options
- Key features like seeing who likes you and advanced filters are behind the "Majestic" paywall
Who it's for:
attracting more "vanilla" users (those with conventional tastes) lately, which is changing the dynamic somewhat.
Why we picked Feeld:
Full disclosure: I previously removed Feeld from this list after its late monogamous singles), its features are still super sex-positive and have an otherness that mainstream apps just don't have.
The free “Constellation” feature lets you be transparent by linking your profile with up to five partners, and you can use more than 20 labels to define those connections, from "Lover" and "Dom" to "Friend with benefits." (While this feature links your profiles, your private chat histories and existing connections are not shared with your partners.) The app also offers detailed desire and kink tags, from "Bondage" to "Cuddling," so you can find exactly what you're looking for.
"Feeld is a good app for finding hookups because the people on it are sexually open-minded but also conscious," says Weiss. "Many of them are looking for casual sexual encounters, but not 'casual' in the sense of wanting to make a conquest or put in minimal effort," she adds. "I often recommend this app to couples who want to find a third person to play with or date, as well as singles who want to explore different sexual fantasies and subcultures."
Details
Grindr
Best for queer men
The Good & The Bad
- The absolute go-to for gay, bi, trans, and queer men looking for a hookup
- A massive user base with millions of active users
- Hyper-local, fast connections: Location-based grid for quick meetups
- Ideal when you're in a new city and want to meet someone fast
- Easy, straightforward interface
- "Right Now" feature shows immediately available users
- Can be very NSFW (expect explicit profiles and photos)
- More features are moving behind paywalls (XTRA, Unlimited)
- Some users report glitches and biphobia
- "Taken on Grindr" timestamp is opt-in and limited, so remain cautious
Our review:
Read our full Grindr XTRA review.
Who it's for:
his review, the app feels almost "broken on purpose" with endless ads and crashes, unless you pay up.
Why we picked Grindr:
Despite its flaws, Grindr's ability to connect you with nearby guys instantly is unmatched, especially in smaller towns where the queer community might be limited. Its location-based grid means finding someone available right now is incredibly easy.
Grindr's also been expanding its features, including a little AI-testing with automated chat summaries and curated "no Zionists" ban earlier this year. To its credit, Grindr has made positive strides in safety and authenticity recently. They launched an in-app Safety Center, added the "HIV status sharing and PrEP reminders. While the free experience can feel bogged down by ads, pushing users towards paid tiers like XTRA, Grindr is still the undisputed King for quick, location-based connections in the gay community.
Details
The Good & The Bad
- Created by and for queer women
- Offers a safe, inclusive space for "lesbian, bisexual, queer women, and gender-non-conforming icons"
- Profile tags like "something casual" make your hookup intentions clear
- Vibrant community with events and social feeds
- Photo-verified profiles for added safety
- Free version has limited search filters (only age & location)
- Contains ads in the free version
- Not available on desktop
- Recent acquisition by Match Group has caused user apprehension
Who it's for:
15 million users, the app is brimming with opportunity for whatever you're looking for.
Why we picked HER:
HER makes it easy to signal your intentions. The "Looking for" section on your profile lets you add a "something casual" tag, which is displayed out in the open. More recently, the app introduced "Reddit fearing the "enshittification" of another beloved queer platform. While HER founder Robyn Exton expressed optimism and Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff pledged to "protect" what makes the app special, the sapphic community is largely holding its breath to see if they live up to that promise. As of September 2025, we haven't reported on any problems related to the acquisition.
Details
OkCupid
Best dating app for inclusivity
The Good & The Bad
- Highly inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, and identities
- Detailed profiles and matching questions help you find truly compatible hookups
- You can explicitly state you're looking for a hookup or casual connection
- Large, diverse user base
- CAPTCHA helps filter out bots
- Questionnaire can be lengthy
- No video chat feature
- Free version includes ads
Our review:
Who it's for:
championing inclusivity with tons of gender and orientation options way before it was cool.
Why we picked OkCupid:
OkCupid attracts an informed, open-minded, and sex-positive crowd, thanks to its focus on important topics like politics, social issues, and non-monogamy.
"OKCupid is also not a bad option as a hookup app; it's a good choice for non-monogamous, LGBT, and sex-positive people due to the many options it allows you to select for how you identify and what you're looking for," says Weiss. "It does skew a little more toward relationships than, say, Tinder, but if you make it clear on your profile that you're looking for hookups, you should be able to find others seeking the same."
And she's right — you can be direct here. You can literally search for the keyword "hookup" or mark "hookups" as your preferred connection type right on your profile, making it easy to find others on the same page. With around 30 million users, there's plenty of opportunity, and thanks to its detailed questionnaire, you might actually connect on a deeper level, which should make those casual encounters even better in more ways than one.
Details
Sniffies
Best for cruising
The Good & The Bad
- Unapologetically designed for quick, no-strings-attached hookups
- You can browse anonymously without creating a full account
- Detailed "Cruiser Filters" let you search by body type, endowment, and specific sexual preferences
- Web-based platform means no app store downloads and less censorship
- Not for dating or relationships of any kind
- The explicit, uncensored nature can be overwhelming for some users
- The iOS app is no longer available for download
Who it's for:
men seeking men who want spontaneous and anonymous encounters.
The vibe is explicit and unapologetically focused on sex, so don't come here looking for a long-term relationship. While it's free to use and focused on anonymity, paid Sniffies users get additional privacy features for extra peace of mind.
Why we picked Sniffies:
If you feel like Tinder and Grindr aren't direct enough, I'd like to introduce you to Sniffies, the hookup platform that brings cruising into the 21st century. It Cruiser Filters" let you search for exactly what you're into, from body type to endowment size to your favorite sex positions.
It's also totally free to use, but a premium membership will get you perks like unlimited messaging, ad-free browsing, extra privacy, and read receipts.
Details
FetLife
Honorable mention
The Good & The Bad
- An enormous, established community for niche kinks and fetishes
- Extensive groups and event listings for finding IRL connections
- Unique integration of kink and gaming interests
- Designed for social networking, not finding hookups ASAP
- The interface can feel dated and less intuitive
- Not designed for quick, location-based matching like Tinder or Grindr
- Photo verification takes a while
Who it's for:
If your idea of a perfect match is someone who can discuss the nuances of rope suspension one minute and step in as Dungeon Master for your next D&D night, you should probably be on FetLife. To be clear, FetLife is a social network for the kink community, not a hookup app in the typical sense. That means users might not appreciate it if you try and treat it like a swiping app like Tinder. Still, as the online social destination for established kinksters, it's a great place to meet new sexy friends who share your very specific interests.
We think FetLife is also the best hookup app for gamers, for lack of a better option. While there isn't a hookup app made FetLife has become the de facto choice for those in the community looking for something more niche or kink-friendly. Its user base attracts a lot of self-described nerds, and there's a surprising amount of overlap between the gaming and kink communities.
Why we picked FetLife:
Unlike swipe-based apps, FetLife operates as a social network, and that community focus is exactly why it's our top pick for gamers. Weiss also recommends FetLife as her top choice for gamers: "FetLife is popular among gamers and even has some subgroups specifically for kinky gamers,” says Weiss. “The app/site tends to attract nerds and other fringe communities."
These spaces allow you to connect with and vet potential partners based on shared interests, from specific kinks to fandoms and gaming genres. This unique intersection of kink and gaming culture (which you definitely won't find on any other dating app) makes FetLife the best choice for finding a hookup where your passions aren't just a line in your bio, but the foundation of the community.
Details
Recommending hookup apps isn't something I take lightly. Your time, and more importantly, your safety, truly matter to me. That's why my selection process goes beyond surface-level swipes.
Here’s exactly how I make sure my recommendations are trustworthy and genuinely helpful:
Hands-on testing: I personally create profiles, navigate the interfaces, and test how well the matching algorithms actually work. I'm looking for apps that are intuitive, effective, and have solid user safety features. If an app feels clunky, pushes too many annoying ads, or just gives off a bad vibe, it doesn't make my list.
Expert and community feedback: I read user reviews across platforms to identify common issues and work with Mashable's dedicated Michelle Herzog, LMFT and AASECT-certified sex therapist
Continuous monitoring: The app world changes fast (sometimes faster than your relationship status). My work doesn't stop after I hit publish. I continuously monitor app performance and feature updates. This commitment means I'm ready to make tough calls and update my recommendations anytime an app no longer lives up to its promise.
Topics Tinder
Recent updates to this guide
long-term relationship, and I still recommend it for that. But for a hookup? You're just fishing in the wrong pond, so I've removed it from this guide to avoid any confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
My favorite hookup apps are the ones with free versions that offer enough functionality to actually use them. My overall pick is Tinder, but Hinge is another great free option that I've tested and enjoyed. While you don't usually have to pay to get results, just be aware that some apps, like Match, Grindr, and eharmony, are pretty limited without a subscription. (Grindr used to be a reliable free app, but the user experience leaves a lot to be desired in 2025.)
Meeting people online always comes with risks, like catfishing or fake profiles. However, the best apps have safety features to help you feel more secure. I recommend looking for apps that offer:
Photo verification: This helps confirm that the person looks like their pictures IRL.
In-app video chat: A great way to vibe-check someone before meeting.
Blocking and reporting features: Essential tools for your safety.
Your safety always comes first. My best advice is to be direct and set your boundaries early. Weiss suggests you can say something like, "I'm open to oral sex but not intercourse."
Weiss also points out a few red flags to watch for. Be cautious if someone:
Tries to push your boundaries after you've stated them.
Pressures you to drink or use substances.
Makes things feel transactional.
Tries to guilt you into anything. Beyond watching for red flags, always meet in a public place for the first time and let a friend know your plans.
My number one tip is to be direct. According to Weiss, you should state that you’re looking for something casual right on your profile to help manage expectations. You don't have to share everything, but being straightforward about what you want is the most effective way to connect with people who are on the same page.
Don't let Hinge's "designed to be deleted" tagline fool you — I think it's surprisingly effective for finding casual hookups. The key is to use its features to be upfront. You can use profile prompts to make your intentions clear and set your "Dating Intentions" to show you're looking for something short-term. It helps filter out the relationship-seekers and connects you with people on the same page.
In my opinion, both are great, but they serve different purposes:
Go with Tinder if your goal is a hookup with minimal fuss. I still consider it the reigning champion for rapid-fire connections because its user base is so massive you have endless options.
Go with Bumble if you're a woman or non-binary person who wants to control the conversation. I think its "Opening Moves" feature is a smart way to filter out low-effort messages and find people who are genuinely upfront about what they want.
Yes, they absolutely can. In my opinion:
Bumble is a great option for shy guys who prefer the other person to make the first move.
Hinge is my favorite overall dating app for introverts because its prompts encourage better conversations.
Pure is a perfect fit if you're looking for a more anonymous experience, since it's designed for no-strings-attached hookups and your chats disappear.
Grindr is still the king of hookup apps for gay men, but other options might be a better fit depending on what you're looking for. My top pick for a Grindr alternative is Scruff, while Sniffies is a map-based cruising site for quick, raunchy hookups.
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer and editor. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School of Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online pubs, including National Geographic, Insider, Kinkly, and others.
