The most effective hookup sites have a high guy/girl ratio, are free to join, and let you communicate with your matches via text and video chat. They also have a strong reputation for security and safety.
Tinder’s feminist sister, Bumble lets women send the first message and bolster their profile with unique questions. This app has millions of users, making it easy to find casual encounters or one-night stands.
Hinge
Hinge’s more serious stance (it’s actually marketed as “a relationship app”) and unique features set it apart from the competition. First of all, users are asked what type of relationship they’re looking for when they create their profile. You can choose from a few options (monogamy, non-monogamy, or figuring it out) and those preferences are used to filter your discover feed.
Unlike Tinder, you don’t swipe left or right to pass or like someone; rather, the process is more akin to your pickiest friend trying to set you up on dates with people they think you will find interesting. This approach could help Hinge wrest away the dating market from Tinder and other rivals, just as Facebook has done to more traditional social networks.
You also get to choose which photos you want displayed on your profile. And you can mark your preferences for things like height, family plans, religion, and more. Then the algorithm does the work, creating matches based on your answers and usage data.
HUD
When it comes to casual sex, there’s no shortage of hookup apps that can help you find a quick encounter. These apps specialize in matching people for short-term flings and one-night stands. They also focus on privacy and discretion, with some even using self-destructing messaging to keep your details private.
GetItOn is one of the most popular dating and hookup apps that specializes in quick encounters. Its large user base makes it easy to meet people nearby and its straightforward nature ensures compatibility. However, the app does have its fair share of scammers and catfishes, so it’s important to be careful when meeting new people.
Another great option is Pure, a swipe-based app that lets you know exactly what you’re getting into from the start. Its overtly sexy profile and messaging options make it easy to identify potential matches for a night of fun. Plus, its short window for chatting means you don’t waste time on people who may not be down to hook up.
OKCupid
The OKCupid app allows you to use all the site’s features on quick, one-handed swipes. You can also send messages, and soon you’ll be able to share photos, too.
The site’s algorithm finds potential matches for you based on your answers to its 15-question personality test. It shows you potential matches as percentage-based results on the homepage. Only other users can see your profile, and you can choose to hide it from anyone — except for people who like or message you. You can buy a subscription to get ad-free viewing and unlimited SuperLikes, which replenish each week.
The app doesn’t have a customer support phone line, but the site has a comprehensive FAQs page and a community forums that are helpful in finding answers to your questions. If you’re looking for a relationship, it’s a good idea to say so in your profile. This will increase the number of likes you receive from long-term prospects.