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Tinder may be the granddaddy of hookup apps, but plenty of singles are still using it as their go-to for a no-strings good time, says Brown-James. In fact, Tinder’s 2023 statistics indicate half of all users are looking for either a one-time or ongoing hookup situation.

Out at the bar and trying to search discreetly? Tinder’s dark mode helps keep others from getting a peek at your screen.

Pros:

• International user base, available in 190 countries and 45 languages
• No expiration on messages
• Specialty in-app features like Tinder Passport (for out-of-town searches) and Tinder U (for college students)

Cons:

• Profiles offer limited information
• Complaints of fake profiles and bots

Free version? Yes

Cost: $8/month (Tinder Plus), $24/month (Tinder Gold), and $30/month (Tinder Platinum) are all ad-free with tiered, increased likes, boosts, and privacy options

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Putting yourself out there in a dating profile, especially when it comes to your sexual interests, can feel vulnerable enough as it is: The last thing you want is a total stranger using it to judge or harass you. Taimi is an LGBTQ+ centered app with a strict anti-bullying policy, says Engle. The community is warm and inviting, making it a great app for safe, spontaneous exploration among people in the queer community. It also has a social media component, letting users create groups, post photos and update their walls, or go live.

Pros:

• Recognizes a spectrum of genders and sexualities, and provides many pronoun options
• Prioritizes safety through profile moderation, 24/7 live support, PIN/Fingerprint/Face ID, and screenshot protection
• Wide global membership network to link up with wherever you are

Cons:

• Activity and access is limited depending on tier level
• Some users complain about seeing repeat profiles

Free version? Yes

Cost: $4.99 (Bronze), $6.99 (Silver) and $9.99 (Gold) per month for a tiered increase of search filters, likes, and control options

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Like the name suggests, 3Fun is for consensual multi-partner experiences with a range of search options that include threesomes, polyamory, and partner-swapping. “If you’re a single person interested in exploring group sex, it’s a great choice,” says Engle. For discretion, users can hide their profile and location and opt to share private photos only with those they’ve matched with.

Pros:

• It’s specifically designed for erotic, no-strings attached matches
• Unlimited private messaging among couples and groups
• Allows users to roll back previously dismissed profiles

Cons:

• Complaints of more male members than women
• Might have larger user bases in metropolitan areas

Free version? Yes

Cost: $29.99/month for a premium membership, which allows users to send messages to people they haven’t matched with and boosts their profiles by showing it 10 times more than others

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You don’t have to worry about mixed messages here. Pure is purely about sex, billing itself as an anonymous hookup app for those seeking a one-time encounter. Pure encourages users to seize the moment: After 24 hours, chats disappear unless both parties choose to keep the conversation going. No nudes are permitted in profiles, but they can be used in chats. The app will even store them for you in your own Pure Album so you’ll have them handy to DM someone when the mood strikes.

Pros:

• Free for women
• An option to be fully anonymous through app-generated user nicknames
• Heavily filtered photos aren’t approved

Cons:

• Limited time window to start a conversation or view a like
• People with different genders have to pay different membership fees

Free version? For women only

Cost: Membership for men and nonbinary daters starts at $14.99/week, plus additional fees to chat or send compliments

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Feeld prides itself on being “A Dating App for the Curious,” so if you’re interested in casually exploring a different side of your sexuality (like kink), Feeld’s got you covered. A quick pro tip: “If you’re doing kink with a new partner, ask for references from past kink partners who can vouch for them first,” advises Engle. “Anyone who is good at kink should be willing to provide references.” Feeld is also extremely inclusive, with over 20 sex and gender identity options to choose from.

Pros:

• A wide range of specific match types and sexual preferences
• Cutting to the chase is encouraged
• A sex-positive community which members describe as frank and non-judgmental

Cons:

• Users tend to be metropolitan, so those in less populated areas may have more trouble finding matches
• Requires Facebook or a personal email address for verification

Free version? Yes

Cost: “Uplift” membership is $10/month to show your profile in searches early on; “Majestic” membership is $14.99/month with bonuses that include incognito mode and additional filter options

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Mainstream apps like POF can have dual functionality, says Brown-James. Some people use them to pursue serious relationships, while others may use them solely for “U Up?” situations. If you’re looking for the latter, simply choosing the “Something Casual/No Commitment” label will clarify your position.

POF’s fun NextDate dating game feature is basically sexy speed-dating, allowing you to video chat with a potential match for 90 seconds—the perfect amount of time to size up your sexual chemistry and take things offline.

Pros:

• No links to social media or real names required
• In-app dating games encourage fast connection
• Available as both an app and website

Cons:

• Unlimited free messaging potentially yields more spam
• The free version includes ads

Free version? Yes

Cost: Tiered pricing starting at $19.99/month and is ad-free with quicker access to new users, read receipts, and additional search options

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While some apps prioritize discretion, Raw requires transparency and spontaneity. Similar to the social media platform BeReal, users must take a new, unfiltered photo of themselves once a day at any given moment when prompted by the app. It might sound like a pain, but if you’re seeking immediate intimacy (yet worried about old or deceptive pics), a Raw profile will give you a pretty accurate look at what you’ll be getting IRL.

And don’t worry if you don’t capture the most boudoir-friendly selfie on the first try: Raw lets you retake pics as many times as you’d like.

Pros:

• Authenticity when it comes to appearance
• Deters catfishers and scammers
• Discourages ghosting by limiting the amount of open chats allowed

Cons:

• Missing the daily photo prompt blocks your swipe feed until the next day
• Beyond photos, profiles offer fewer details compared to other apps

Free version? Yes

Cost: N/A

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If getting down to business as quickly as possible is your goal, Brown-James recommends proximity-based apps like Happn. Happn uses an interactive map that shows users currently in your area or people you’ve recently crossed paths with.

If you’re on the move, you don’t need to reset your search parameters: The app does it for you with or without it being open, making it ideal for finding fast, impromptu, out-of-town romps while traveling.

Pros:

• Facilitates easy meet-ups
• You can opt out of tracking with “Invisible” mode
• 5 free video calls a month

Cons:

• Free version contains ads
• Limited matching algorithms beyond location

Free version? Yes

Cost: $24.99/month includes no ads, additional filter options, unlimited likes and boosts

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Women make the first move on Bumble in heterosexual dating dynamics—allowing you to set the tone from the start, if you’re a woman seeking male sexual partners.

“It can be very empowering to take charge and be honest about what you’re looking for,” says Engle. And because only women have “first move” privileges, you won’t get an avalanche of men sliding into your DMs without permission. You can also set travel searches from home, perfect for setting up a hot rendezvous during an upcoming trip.

Pros:

• No unsolicited messages or photos
• In-app video chat function
• Inclusive gender identity options

Cons:

• No backtracks and limited swipes on the free version
• Matches expire after 24 hours

Free version? Yes

Cost: $39.99/month for Bumble Premium, which includes extended match times, backtracks, unlimited swipes, and the chance to rematch with an expired connection

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No, the Kardashians didn’t create a dating app, but as its name clearly states, Kasual is strictly for commitment-free matches. And while lots of apps offer discretion and anonymity, Kasual prides itself for being “as anonymous as you can get.” The app’s customer service team internally vets ages and identities for legal and security reasons, but beyond that, users are free to share as much or as little personal information as they’d like. Kasual even offers in-app photo filters and stickers to further conceal your identity.

Pros:

• Offers complete anonymity
• No profile prompts or questions to answer
• Profile suggestions are location-based for faster meetups

Cons:

• Matches expire after 24 hours
• No location changes in the free version

Free version? Yes

Cost: Kasual Elite is $29.99/month and offers location changes, read receipts, and advanced filters

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Hinge profiles require users to pick three open-ended prompts to describe themselves. “It’s a fun chance to get spicy and creative,” says Brown-James. Prompt selections range from basic (“What I’m Looking For…) to flirty (“I’m Weirdly Attracted To…”), so letting members know you’re DTF can be as simple as pairing suggestive prompts with sexually-charged answers. Prompts can also be answered via 30-second audio notes, which can serve as aural foreplay prior to meeting up in person.

Pros:

• Prompts showcase personality
• Offers “most compatible” recommendations based on settings and preferences
• Members can see who likes them free of charge

Cons:

• Many users are looking for more serious relationships
• Limited daily likes with free version

Free version? Yes

Cost: Hinge+ is $14.99/week and offers unlimited likes and more preferences, while HingeX at $24.99/week provides enhanced match suggestions

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Sure, the name is corny and no, it doesn’t have the most sophisticated interface, but many consider AFF fast and efficient. It’s been around since 1996, and boasts an international user base of over 80 million. Based on size and scope alone, there’s a decent shot of finding someone nearby with similar preferences to get the job done. AFF also offers several options for virtual pleasure including video chats, live streams, and group chat rooms.

Pros:

• Fast registration
• 24/7 customer support
• Large global user database

Cons:

• A potentially overwhelming amount of nudity
• Exceptionally limited and ad-heavy free version

Free version? Yes

Cost: Gold membership at $27.95/month offers ad-free, more advanced search features