We all know that online dating apps have completely changed the way people meet prospective partners and interact in the early stages of their relationships. While dating apps have certainly had a major impact on modern romance, the same can be said for how more casual hookup apps have revolutionized short-term flings and one-night stands.
Today, entire apps are geared towards pairing people together for no-strings-attached meet-ups and casual sex. Unlike traditional online dating apps, which help pair prospective partners in hopes of helping them find lasting partnerships, hookup apps are specifically designed to connect people looking for short-term, physical encounters.
To help you avoid wasting your time, we are going to take an in-depth look at some of the best hookup apps out there. We will rank some of the most well-known apps you can download and even provide the advantages and disadvantages of using each app. The majority of these apps are available on both iOS and Android, some on only one. So, if you are ready to add a few notches to your bedpost, let’s get right down to our rankings of the seven best hookup apps.
7 Best Hookups Apps for Casual Dating in 2024
| Rank | Brand | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | GetItOn | Compatibility |
| 2. | BuddyBang | Uncomplicated hookups |
| 3. | Adult FriendFinder | Friends with benefits |
| 4. | Ashley Madison | Discretion |
| 5. | Tinder | Accessibility and widespread use |
| 6. | Passion | One-time hookups |
| 7. | Hinge | Younger users |
1. GetItOn: Best for compatibility
It’s no surprise that GetItOn is at the top of our list. This app was specifically designed for finding a casual relationship, short-term fling, and no-strings-attached, one-time hookup. While it’s definitely not the only app that offers this, it is tailored specifically to those looking to ensure compatibility during their casual encounters.
This is because GetItOn uses a comprehensive and effective compatibility matching system that connects users with a potential partner who shares their desires and preferences. Rather than shooting in the dark, GetItOn assesses what you are looking for, so it can match you with others that meet those preferences. It also ensures that anyone who is matched with you is looking for what is detailed in your biography. In short, you will get what you are looking for, and so will your matches.
Unlike most hookup apps, which match users based on surface-level characteristics and features, like age, height, and location, GetItOn also pairs users according to sexual preferences, like kinks and desires. This makes it an effective hookup app, as its matching algorithm actually assesses sexual compatibility.
While it is relatively basic in its design, GetItOn is incredibly user-friendly. The user interface is straightforward to navigate and has a real intuitive feel. You do not have to worry about losing conversations or not knowing how to change your user profile. There are also numerous ways that you can communicate with a potential match directly within the app, such as text-based chatting and video chatting.
While it is free to sign up and use GetItOn, we will warn you that there are limited features when using the unpaid version. You will likely want to pay a little extra for a Gold Membership to get the most out of the app. Premium membership starts at $14.93 per month if you sign up for an entire year, but we recommend trying out the free version before upgrading.
GetItOn markets itself as the world’s largest online sex community. With just over 10 million registered users, this claim may be somewhat exaggerated. That said, it welcomes all types of users, including all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Unfortunately, GetItOn is not without its faults, as some users complain that there is a limited user base in more rural areas. For those living in more densely populated areas, there tends to be a larger and more active user base, so this is definitely something you should try out with the free version before taking out your credit card.
Another drawback of GetItOn is that it only has an app available for iOS users, which can be annoying for Android users. As mentioned, the free version is also somewhat limited in features.
While customer satisfaction tends to vary according to physical location, experiences tend to be positive. We highly recommend trying out the free version, as it can be a great way to find highly compatible matches to make sure your next hookup is what you’re both looking for.
Pros:
- Highly effective and compatibility matching features
- Free version available, so you can try it out risk-free
- Very inclusive of all ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities
Cons:
- Some important features, like photo galleries, are locked for free members
- Not available for Android
- Relatively low use outside of cities
Premium Version Pricing:
| Membership Length | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $29.99 |
| 3 months | $19.93 |
| 12 months | $14.93 |
2. BuddyBang:Best for uncomplicated hookups
As the name suggests, BuddyBang is pretty much a strictly business hookup website. If you are looking for no-strings-attached one-time sexual encounters or a “friends with benefits” arrangement, it is pretty much the ideal option.
The app version of BuddyBang is available for iOS and Android, but it goes under the name XMatch in the app store.
While other apps focus more on compatibility and fostering romance, BuddyBang was specifically designed to be a no-judgment hookup app. Its features reflect this, as it mostly centers around basic browsing and chatting tools. Put simply, the entire aim of using BuddyBang is to find suitable sexual partners in your area.
As you would expect from a hookup app with such an explicit purpose, you can post and view uncensored sexual content directly in the app. The app itself is straightforward to navigate. BuddyBang allows you to create a profile with all the essential information and more sexually graphic information, like your kinks and fantasies. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find someone with similar tastes.
The app itself almost functions like a sort of digital classifieds section. You can see who is local to you, what they are looking for, and if they are currently online. If you find a profile that matches your preferences, you can reach out directly within the app for easy access.
While there is a free version of BuddyBang, it limits you to creating a profile, browsing other profiles, and reading inbox messages. In other words, you can reach others. So, if you want to use the app as intended, you have to use the paid version.
In addition to unlocking all of the messaging and browsing functions, the paid version also provides access to the BuddyBang Sex Academy, a collection of custom-made materials that can help improve your sexual prowess. You also get access to the Hot or Not feature. This interesting roulette-type game allows you to upvote or downvote profiles so the app’s algorithm can more accurately pair you with potential partners.
Most users enjoy using BuddyBang, as it offers exactly what it advertises. With that said, there has been a recent trend where many accounts are fake or bots. Hopefully, the BuddyBang support team will address this issue, but we would definitely recommend practicing some degree of caution while using the app.
Overall, it is a great option if you want to cut to the chase and use a hookup app designed for that purpose.
Pros:
- Accurate and detailed search options
- Very easy to navigate
- No confusion due to the direct nature of the app
Cons:
- Free version is very limited
- Issues with fake accounts and bots
Premium Version Pricing:
| Membership Length | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $39.95 |
| 3 months | $26.95 |
| 12 months | $19.95 |
3. Adult FriendFinder: Best for friends with benefits arrangements
Adult FriendFinder is one of the most well-known hookup and fuck apps. The website version has been around longer than just about any other mainstream hookup site, and the app continues to be one of the most popular.
While the primary function of the Adult FriendFinder is to help people find compatible sexual partners, it also helps facilitate a wide range of other intimate relationships, such as “friends with benefits” arrangements, threesomes, swinging, and even extramarital affairs. In fact, seeking out short-term “friends with benefits” arrangements tends to be the most common use of the app.
The paid version of the app also features some unique options, like viewing webcam shows and other explicit video content. With that said, these are optional features added to enhance the in-app experience, so don’t feel like you need to give them much attention.
If you are using it for its basic hookup function, it is a relatively straightforward app. You can build a detailed profile and search for suitable partners with the same goals. The user experience is excellent, as the app has a very clean and simple interface. With millions of active users at any given time, there is also a good chance that you will find matches near you, even if you live in a low-population area.
Since the app has a fairly direct sexual nature, you don’t have to worry about matching profiles looking for a more long-term arrangement. With that said, the app does suffer from issues with bots, fake accounts, and inactive profiles. This is partially due to its popularity, as the high number of users means it is a ripe hunting ground for scammers.
Despite its faults, it is one of the most trusted and reliable hookup apps, so it is worth trying out. If you enjoy the experience, you can always upgrade to the paid version.
Pros:
- Extremely detailed search feature makes it easy to find what you are looking for, even if you have unique preferences
- Millions of active users
- Most users are open-minded and eager
Cons:
- High volume of scammers
- Free version is limited and contains many ads
Premium Version Pricing:
| Membership Length | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $27.95 |
| 3 months | $19.95 |
| 12 months | $14.95 |
4. Ashley Madison: Best for discretion
Ashley Madison emerged as a controversial hookup app geared directly towards enabling extramarital affairs. With its eye-catching slogan, “life is short, have an affair,” the website became synonymous with immorality and infidelity. While a large segment of the app still caters to people currently in relationships or looking to sleep with married individuals, it is also a good hookup app for general use.
The main appeal of Ashley Madison continues to be the fact it is a discreet, no-judgment hookup platform. Given its nature, Ashley Madison prioritizes discretion and the privacy of its users. In fact, even billing is discreet, and the app features a more discreet layout for use in public.
Its longstanding history and headline-catching nature have also made it incredibly popular, so it has a massive and widespread user base. No matter where you live, you will almost certainly encounter active profiles in your area.
The app features built-in messaging and live chatting tools. One thing that can be off-putting for first-time users is that there is no free version for men. While women can use the app for free, men must join one of the membership tiers to message or live chat with other users. The various membership packages allow you to purchase credits at varying prices, which are used to send messages.
In terms of customer satisfaction, the thing that keeps Ashley Madison users coming back repeatedly is that the user base is very active. Unlike most hookup apps, Ashley Madison also claims to have more female users than male. Given that the app has such a stigma and direct purpose, most Ashley Madison users are also eager to hook up, as they’re on there for a reason.
While its focus on infidelity may not be what you are looking for, it is a very popular hookup app that continues to appeal to millions of users.
Pros:
- Very active community
- Simple and intuitive app layout
- Discreet and option for an anonymous profile
Cons:
- Relatively expensive for male users
- Complicated pricing structure (you spend credits to send messages and to video chat with matches)
- Somewhat sleazy reputation can put off those not looking for extramarital affairs
Premium Version Pricing:
| Membership Tier | Price for Credits |
|---|---|
| Basic Profile | 100 credits cost $0.59 per credit |
| Classic Profile | 500 credits cost $0.34 per credit |
| Elite Profile | 1,000 credits cost $0.29 per credit |
5. Tinder: Best for accessibility and widespread use
Tinder is one of the world’s most well-known and widely used dating apps. Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has gained widespread use and social acceptance. Its enormous popularity is partly due to its simple and unique matching system, where users swipe right on profiles to express interest or swipe left to pass. If users both swipe right on each other’s profiles, they are matched, meaning they can begin messaging each other directly in the app.
Because it is relatively straightforward to use and incredibly popular globally, it is an app where you can see immediate success. The only reason Tinder is not higher on our list is the simple fact that it is not designed primarily as a hookup app. While many users certainly have a Tinder account for this reason, plenty of users are looking for more long-term relationships.
If you are purely interested in short-term relationships or one-time hookups, you can clarify your intentions directly within your profile biography. Naturally, this makes it easier to find like-minded hookup partners, but you should remember that many people assess potential matches purely on their photographs.
The app’s built-in geolocation feature is also incredibly useful, as it automatically displays available profiles in your area, no matter where you are. Another thing users like is the fact that the free version of the app gives you access to all of the features you need to match with potential partners. While you can upgrade to the paid version to access features like messaging prior to matching and the ability to match with users outside of your geographic location, it is unnecessary.
Overall, it is a very effective and versatile app, but you should anticipate more conversation and confusion over intentions than you would with an app designed purely for hookup arrangements.
Pros:
- User-friendly features and simplicity of app design
- Large and widespread user base
- Effective free version
Cons:
- Due to the emphasis on appearance rather than profile content, it can be challenging to communicate intentions early
- Issues with bots and scammers
Premium Version Pricing:
| Membership Tier | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| Tinder+ | $4.50 |
| Tinder Gold | $9.00 |
| Tinder Platinum | $26.99 |
6. Passion:Best for one-time hookups
Like BuddyBang, Passion is pretty explicit. The website and accompanying Android app were designed to help consenting adults meet for casual sex. Passion unfortunately does not currently have an iOS app.
While it is one of the less popular hookup apps, it still has tens of thousands of active users, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. One of the things that stands out about Passion is that its users are heavily skewed towards females. In fact, Passion claims to have a 5:1 ratio of female to male users, which is apparent even when you casually browse through the app.
Unlike Tinder, which has a relatively younger user base, Passion’s most active users are in the 25 to 35 age bracket. It also has over-35-year-old members, so it can be a good option if you are a little older. The community also tends to be very sexually empowered, so don’t be surprised if you start receiving explicit messages right off the bat.
Like any good hookup app, Passion allows you to describe your sexual orientation, desires, and even your kinks. This information is then used to help filter results and match you with partners that meet your preferences and geographic location.
One of the things users enjoy the most about Passion is how easy it is to register and create a profile. It takes just a few minutes to get your profile up and running, and it walks you through all the basic questions right at the start. You can start looking for casual relationship meet-ups quickly, which is an excellent option for those looking for a non-committal app to try out. It is also useful for those who are less tech-savvy.
While it may not be the best option on our list, it offers some fun and interactive features that some users may find useful.
Pros:
- Very active and responsive members
- Kink searching feature allows you to find users who match your sexual desires
- Users are looking for no-strings-attached meet-ups
Cons:
- Fewer users than some of the more mainstream apps
- No iOS version yet
- Lack of moderation
Gold Pricing:
| Membership Length | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $39.95 |
| 3 months | $26.95 |
| 12 months | $19.95 |
7. Hinge: Best for young users
Like Tinder, Hinge is incredibly mainstream. Even if this is your first time looking into hookup apps, there is a good chance you have heard people mention Hinge. While it is trendy and has a widespread user base, Hinge is geared more towards romance and long-term pairings; however, that does not mean people are not on there for shorter-term relationships.
The app is incredibly popular with the 18- to 35-year-old crowd. As you may know, younger users tend to accept casual relationships and “test the water” more than older relationship seekers. The app even has a built-in filter feature called “Dating Intentions,” where you can explicitly state the type of relationship you are interested in, so you can clarify that you are looking for something more casual right from the start. You can even indicate whether you are looking for a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship.
While it may not be the right option for you if you are looking for a one-night stand, you can certainly use Hinge if you want to date around. Unlike Tinder, which is designed to let you swipe through profiles quickly, Hinge is designed to allow you to scroll through profiles in a more careful and considerate way. This makes it easier to find compatible matches.
The free version is also fairly solid, allowing you to connect with potential matches immediately. While the paid version is probably the better option if you seek a long-term partner, the free version of Hinge is more than adequate if you’re after hookups and short-term relationships.
Since Hinge appeals to a younger audience, it is a great option if you are young and looking to access many accounts that fall into your age bracket. While you should be prepared for matches that may want something slightly more serious, you can clarify your intentions and avoid any awkwardness or confusion. Overall, it is worth trying the free version, even if you are looking for casual hookups. Your casual fling could even turn out to be something more, especially given how much Hinge focuses on compatibility.
Pros:
- Free version is effective
- Enormous and widespread user base
- Relatively low number of fake accounts
Cons:
- Geared more towards long-term relationship matching
- Premium version is expensive
Premium Pricing:
| Membership Length | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $29.95 |
| 3 months | $19.00 |
| 6 months | $14.00 |
Hookup App Tips
If you are new to hookup apps, you might be curious about how to use them effectively and enjoyably. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back!
Give Your Profile Some Love
Take some time putting your profile together, even if you’re only looking to get a fling out of it. Your profile pic should be a clear, unfiltered photo of your face. Chances are that’s what potential matches will use to evaluate you, so make sure it represents who you actually are. Make your bio honest, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Forgo those “enjoys long walks on the beach” cliches and just be real.
Clarify Your Intentions from the Start
One of the most important things to remember is that you should always clarify your intentions from the beginning.
Transparency is key, even if you are on a platform specifically designed for more casual meet-ups. You want to ensure that any potential matches are on the same page, which will help you both avoid confusion and disappointment. Make sure there is some mention of the fact that you are only interested in casual dating, hookups, or short-term flings directly in your profile bio. You should also reiterate this early in any of your conversations. After all, you do not want to find yourself hooking up with a partner seeking romance and long-term commitment.
Keep Conversations Honest and Brief
On the topic of communicating your intentions, you should also communicate what you are both comfortable with in terms of the nature of your encounter and the frequency of your interactions. One-time hookups are very different than any other type of arrangement, so it is important to be honest and upfront right away. Remember, you want this to be a positive experience for both parties.
You also want to keep the conversation brief, especially if you are entirely set on this being a purely physical and short-term thing. Essentially, you don’t want to get to know each other too well if you don’t want to get attached. Get right down to the details while respecting any potential partners you match with.
Prioritize Your Safety and Comfort
Lastly, and most importantly, always prioritize safety. While hookups and short-term flings can be exciting and satisfying, you must ensure they are done safely. This goes beyond using adequate protection during the actual sexual encounter. You never know who you are talking to or if they are even who they say they are. Unfortunately, even the best hookup apps can be flooded with scammers, so do not share more personal or sensitive information than you need to. This is also why you should practice caution when sending intimate photographs, especially if they have your face in them.
Meeting your matches in a public place is also a good idea, especially for the first encounter. It goes without saying that consent should always be mutual before anything happens. If you get a bad feeling at any point, never be afraid to call things off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What apps are best for quick hookups?
Adult FriendFinder, Tinder, and GetItOn are often considered the best options for quick hookups due to their large user bases and straightforward nature. While some people use Tinder to find long-term relationships, most users of these apps understand that a significant portion of the user base is looking for hookups and casual dating.
Is there a hookup app that actually works?
There are plenty of hookup apps that work, but the effectiveness will depend on how you use them, as well as your geographic location. Any apps we reviewed above can work for you; you just need to use them properly and consistently.
What is the #1 hookup site?
While there is no established number-one best hookup site, Tinder, Hinge, and Adult FriendFinder are amongst the most popular options with the largest user bases.
What is the best online app for hookups?
While some would argue that the most popular hookup apps are the best, as they have more active users than others, it is important to consider your preferences. What might be the best hookup app for you to find compatible hookup partners might not work for someone else. Just make sure you are making your intentions clear and try using an app specifically geared towards finding a casual connection rather than a long-term relationship.
Is there a 100% free hookup site?
While there is not a well-known hookup app or site that is 100% free, many of the most popular options have a free version that you can use. Remember, most of these free hookup apps will only offer you basic features, but you should still try them out before committing to a long-term paid membership.