How we chose the best hookup apps
These hookup apps are safe and secure and welcome LGBTQ+ members. Before you sign up for an app, make sure to research what makes it the best option for you.
Select the right hookup app for you
You can get a free version to see how the app works and if it is right for you. To find the right fit, take a look at each app’s features and select the ones that you feel will best suit your needs. Before downloading any of the apps from our list, be sure to read the reviews on Google Play or App Store.
Security and safety tips
There are many risks associated with hooking up online with strangers. Make sure you use every safety, privacy and security feature your app provides. You should also follow sound safety tips such as those on RAINN.org.
Top 10 Hookup Apps You Should Try
- Tinder – The Top Pick
- OkCupid – The Best Messaging Platform
- DOWN – The Best Free Version
- Feeld – Ideal for Singles and Couples
- Pure – Best Incognito Features
- Hud – Best Custom Preferences
- Grindr – Best for Gay, Bi and Trans People
- Happn – Best Geo-Targeting Features
- Bumble – The Best for Women
- Coffee Meets Bagel: The Best Hookup-to Dating Potential
Our Hookup App Reviews
Tinder – The Top Pick
Download: Android | iOS
Tinder is the original creator of electronic matchmaking via swiping. It quickly became a popular hookup app. Its simple, user-friendly interface promotes quick connections. You can browse photos of other users in your local area, and swipe right or left to say no. If you are mutually interested, start messaging your matches. Make sure you are clear in your profile. Let people know that you don’t want to be serious and just looking for fun hookups.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $0.99 – $299.99
- Customer support: Email, Phone
| Tinder Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Optional bio to notify hookup availability | Video chat is not available everywhere |
| Use “Super Likes” to communicate urgency | |
| For out-of-town fun, use the “Paid Passport” function |
OkCupid – The Best Messaging Platform
Download: Android | iOS
OkCupid, a veteran dating app, supports all kinds of relationships. It can help you find and connect with potential partners. You can filter your search results to find only compatible people using the “hookup” filter. To indicate your search criteria, you can choose to “hook up” in the profile. The majority of OkCupid users are between 18 and 44 years old.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $0.99 – $179.99
- Customer support: Help center
| OkCupid Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Vast user base | There is no in-app video chat |
| Gender options and a sexual identity that is adaptable | Extensive questionnaires to get matched |
| Free version with many functions |
DOWN – The Best Free Version
Download: Android | iOS
DOWN is a platform for casual adult fun and dating. It uses a swipe function that allows you to choose the one you are interested in. A swipe up indicates that you are interested in dating and a swipe down means you want to hook up. If it’s not a yes to both, swipe right. You can use the free version to communicate with mutual matches. You can also use the chat app to continue your conversation. VIP DOWN is $19.99 per month.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $1.99 – $84.99
- Customer support: FAQ
| Pros and Cons of Down | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Mutual opt-in notifications | There are no in-app video calls |
| Undo option for regretted swipes | Only 10 profiles per day with a free version |
| It’s easy to use |
Feeld – Ideal for Singles and Couples
Download: Android | iOS
Feeld is “the first dating app that couples and singles can use,” it was created to help people who are open to other relationships find one another online. These matches can include polyamory and throuples as well as open relationships. You can browse, search, and chat unlimited in the free version. Majestic membership can be upgraded for a fee to upload private photos, view who has liked you, add privacy functions and other features. The app has 35% of its members who identify as couples. 50% are heterosexual and the largest age range is 25-34.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $1.99 – $124.99
- Customer support: Help center
| Feel Pros and Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Community of sexually-open-minded people | There is no in-app video chat |
| 20+ Sexual and Gender Identity | Upgrades are required to ensure more privacy |
Pure – Best Incognito Features
Download: Android | iOS
Pure is open about its goal to help people find a partner privately, discreetly and without leaving any trace. Register anonymously using a Google Sign in or Apple Sign in. You can create a personal ad that describes what you are looking for. If you want, you can also add your photo. You have 24 hours to meet up with another user within your proximity. If you don’t, the connection will end and you can’t extend it. If both chat partners agree, the chat timer can also be disabled. The app will notify you if anyone attempts to take a screenshot from the chat conversation. The majority of users are between 25- 40 years old, with more women than men. The app offers excellent privacy features such as video chats with virtual masks that blur the screen if it is removed, and self-destructing images.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $1.00 – $79.99
- Customer support: FAQ
| Pure Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Excellent safety and privacy features | Subscriptions auto-renew |
| Automated scammer alerts with word alerts | |
| Weekly Subscriptions Available |
Hud – Best Custom Preferences
Download: Android | iOS
Hud is Hook Up Dating. It clearly states what you are there for. For more convenience, the app can be used on both laptops and mobile devices. You can view the profile of a user without liking it by scrolling through their match feed. To further establish compatibility, users can use the My Bedroom feature to reveal their sexual preferences and kinks. You can send unlimited messages and video calls, as well as basic search matches. Up to 60 matches may be displayed on your feed simultaneously.
Some notable features
- Available for free: 7-day premium and a version
- In-app purchase price: $4.49 – $119.99
- Customer support: Contact form
| Hud Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Chat for free | Contact us online for customer support |
| Blurred video and photo protection | Only binary male/female gender options |
| Couples can sign up together as “we” |
Grindr – Best for Gay, Bi and Trans People
Download: Android | iOS
Grindr is a location-based dating app for gay, bi and trans people. To find the right person, users can browse through a list of thumbnail profiles. If you both are interested, reach out and chat to set up a meeting. Grindr users don’t usually look for serious relationships. Grindr uses geolocation targeting to allow you to check out a person in person and make your move.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $0.99 – $359.99
- Customer support: Help center
| Grindr Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Large user base | Minimal user support |
| Sign up quickly and easily |
Happn – Best Geo-Targeting Features
Download: Android | iOS
This location-based app shows only users you have met in the last seven days. If the person you met and want to meet up is also a member of Happn, then this feature can be used as a missed encounters function. You can heart someone you like if you spot them. You can message each other if they like your photos and feel the same way about you. This is an easy and quick way to establish a connection and find out if they are interested in a relationship. The app can be frustrating if you don’t live in a large city, or if people don’t feel comfortable sharing their location to the app.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $0.99 – $144.99
- Customer support: Help center, FAQ
| Happn Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Undo pass feature for regretful passes | The matches presented are solely based on the location |
| Integrates with Facebook and Spotify | Not recommended for heavily populated areas |
Bumble – The Best for Women
Download: Android | iOS
Bumble’s first mover is the woman. It puts you in control of your hookup search as a woman. This will ensure that you don’t get bombarded with messages from people who aren’t interested in you. If you have an icebreaker and are interested in a potential match, they can send you a message back to let you know if they’re interested. If the feelings are mutual, you can communicate to determine your interest and then move on. You can either start interest if you are looking for a partner in same-sex.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $0.99 – $149.99
- Customer support: Help center
| Bumble Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Good for up to 24 hours | Only rematches with paid membership |
| Version robust and free | Personality matching features are limited |
| Report and block features |
Coffee Meets Bagel: The Best Hookup-to Dating Potential
Download: Android | iOS
Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB), an app that focuses more on serious dating than casual hookups, is called Coffee Meets Bagel. However, users can still find compatible matches who want to be physical right away. Each day, you receive a list of matches at 12 p.m. The messaging limit is seven days. This is a great feature for hookups, as urgency is often a factor. Your unliked matches are automatically deleted after 24 hours. CMB is a popular dating app for those who are looking for long-term relationships. This app can be used by people who may be open to more after a hookup.
Some notable features
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $0.99 – $179.99
- Customer support: Help center
| Coffee Meets Bagel: Pros and Cons | |
|---|---|
| What We like | What we don’t like |
| Discover tab profile browsing | Matching criteria very narrow |
| Free Messaging |