Finding a bit of sexy fun on the internet doesn’t need to be difficult. But it’s really important that you get off to the best possible start by choosing the hookup app that’s right for you.
Whether you’re looking for a fuck buddy, casual fling, or whether you’re not sure what you want just yet, I’ve rounded up the best hookup apps so that there’s something for everyone.
In this article, I’m going to take a look at the best hookup sites that are out there at the moment. I’m going to dissect each one thoroughly so that you can make a better decision regarding which one(s) to sign-up for.
For each site, I’ll be looking at:
- How does it work?
- My personal experience with the site
- How much it costs?
- Pros and cons
Ready? Let’s make a start.
Best Hookup Apps of 2020:
1. Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison is the OG adult dating site for adulterous couples. It’s aimed at cheating partners who want to inject a bit of spice into their otherwise boring sex life. But while it’s marketed at married couples, anyone can join the fun – you don’t need to be married (but it helps).
How Does It Work?
Signing up to Ashley Madison is easy and – as I just said – you don’t actually have to be married in order to create an account. All you need to do is complete a few mandatory steps (during which you’ll be asked for your basic information). You will also need to specify your relationship status (it’s best if you tell the truth here – no one will judge you).
Signing-up on this dating site is free but guys will need to purchase credits to send messages to women. The dating site is free for guys looking for guys, whilst women also get to use the whole site for free.
How do credits work? You can essentially buy as many credits as you need, and these credits allow you to send virtual gifts, send messages, and access other features (more on costs soon).
To find other members, you can adjust the search filters. Once you’ve seen someone you like the look of and have purchased credits, you’re free to start a conversation, either by composing a message or sending “winks” or other virtual gifts. If the conversation goes well, it’s time to arrange a date.
My Experience
When I created my profile, I was completely honest about my relationship status – I was a young, single guy who was ready to have some fun with a married woman.
Initially, I ran into a major problem: I was swamped by fake profiles. Over time, however, I soon learned how to tell the fakes from the genuine profiles, and it wasn’t long before I was buying credits and sending flirty messages to horny married women.
That said, the best way to play Ashley Madison is to use the Priority Man feature, as this will boost your visibility. And as a guy, I learned that it’s always best if the women message you first. Why? Because besides the fake profiles, lots of women choose to remain anonymous by blurring their pics. Therefore, it can be difficult to find someone you like the look of, and who’s genuinely interested in dating. If they message you first, it’s a good sign.
Moreover, always remember that people are on here to have an affair. They want you to be the guy or woman who’s going to make them feel sexy again. They don’t want you to be the “nice guy.”
With time and patience, I managed to land two successful dates. Read the full review here.
What does It cost?
Women can use all the features for free, but men can’t send a message to a woman until they’ve bought credits.
Ashley Madison offers 3 payment packages:
- Elite – 1,000 credits
- Classic – 500 credits
- Basic – 100 credits
Pros:
- Feature-rich
- Women can message for free
- Best dating site for married people.
Cons:
- Too many fakes
2. AdultFriendFinder
The Godfather of all hookup sites, Adult Friend Finder has been around for the best part of two decades. It’s a straight-up hookup site that comes with lots of features, including webcam shows and adult movies, and it’s for anyone of any sexual persuasion. It’s home to millions of users and a major reason for its popularity is that it allows nude pics.
How does It work?
AFF is super easy to use. To get started, you need to fill out a few fields and answer a few questions about yourself. Within minutes, your profile will be up and running.
Armed with some pics, a bio, and your sexual preferences, you’re then free to start looking for other members. And because everyone’s face (and other body parts) is plastered on the homepage, all you need to do is tweak your search filters to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Think of AFF as a social network site for adults. You can send messages, but you can also send nude pics, share videos, and you can even watch live streams. Everyone is very open, and nothing is off-limits.
My Experience
I had a lot of success on AFF dating site. I used the search filter to find members who were near me, and who were online recently, and I was very forward with my messages. Before long, I was arranging to meet a few different women who wanted what I wanted – no-strings-attached sex.
As well as sending messages and swapping naughty pics, I immersed myself in the AFF community. I commented on blog posts, talked to people in the chatrooms, and generally got involved. I had a great time but what I will say is that you should only use AFF if graphic content doesn’t bother you. Many users have explicit photos in their profiles. Read the full review here.
What does It cost?
- 1 month – $20
- 3 months – $36
- 12 months – $108
Pros
- Everyone is horny
- Straight-up hookup site
- 80,000,000+ users all around the world
- Great features, including live webcam shows
Cons
- Dated web design
3. Tinder
Tinder is the original “swipe” dating app that was originally designed for hookups. Nowadays, people also use it to find their soulmate, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still full of horny singles looking for a bit of sexy fun. And with millions of daily active users, it’s well worth a look.
How Does It Work?
The tinder hookup app has a very basic premise: You sign up for free, login, and get swiping. If someone catches your eye, you swipe right. If they like you back, you’re a “match” and can start exchanging messages.
There is no search function on Tinder but it’s 100% free to send messages once you’ve matched with someone. To increase your visibility and see who’s liked you, you will need to upgrade your account. You can do this either via a subscription, or you can pay a one-off fee for special features, such as Boost.
My Experience
I used Tinder for hookups. I added my best pics, filled out a very short but witty bio, and then I paid a little extra for a few Boosts. Within a few hours, I had around 20-30 matches. I’d say 20% of them replied to my messages, and I landed 2 dates within a few days.
As I learned, the key to success on Tinder if you want a hookup is to be very clear from the start regarding your intentions. I flirted, I escalated the conversation quickly, and I arranged a date no later than 3 days after initial contact.
What It Costs
- Free to send messages but special features and subscription packages are available
Pros
- Free
- The high, active user base
- Uncomplicated layout
Cons
- Can be hard to stand out
4. OkCupid
OkCupid is a free dating site that’s aimed at anyone and everyone. It’s great for those looking for a hookup, as well as those who are looking for something longer-term. The profiles are often very detailed, and people even use it just to find a new friend. It’s especially popular with the LGBT community.
How Does It Work?
OkCupid changed their branding in 2018 and this dating site now has a very “cute” look. It’s designed to be a bit of a safe space for people who are sick and tired of creepy messages from other users.
As such, the signup process is lengthy, and while messaging other users is free, there are major restrictions. For example, you can only message someone if they’ve “liked” you back first, and you can’t send a follow-up message unless the match is mutual.
My Experience
OkCupid used to be my dating site of choice a few years back, but the rebranding has made life harder for all of us. True, the restrictions mean no one can be harassed anymore, but you’re often left waiting a while before someone has gotten around to “liking” you back. And until they’ve liked you back, they can’t even see your message.
That said, I made sure to let everyone know what I was looking for in my profile (a hookup), I filled out my bio and I only messaged users who were looking for the same thing as me. After 2 weeks, I’d arranged 2 dates. Read the full review here.
What does It cost?
- Completely free to send messages
Pros:
- Free
- Mobile friendly dating app and dating site.
- Users are looking for genuine, meaningful connections
Cons:
- Doesn’t seem to be many active users in smaller towns
5. BeNaughty
As you might have guessed from its provocative name, BeNaughty is an adult dating site that encourages everyone to remove their inhibitions. It’s aimed at both singles and couples, and the idea is that you get straight to the point. In other words, screw the lengthy “getting to know you” messages and just have sex already!
How does It work?
In keeping with its straight-to-the-point nature, it doesn’t take too long to sign-up to Be Naughty. However, all registrants must upload a photograph, and said photo must be validated by the Be Naughty team. Your photo isn’t allowed to contain nudity.
Once that’s done, you can use the free search bar at the top of the website to find potential hookups. However, to enlarge other user’s photographs and send them messages, men must upgrade their accounts. Women, on the other hand, can send messages for free.
My Experience
Be Naughty sounded like the dating site I’ve been waiting for all these years: Very few fakes and lots of users – singles and couples – who are up for anything, and who want sex soon.
That said, there were a few problems I ran into. Most profiles aren’t detailed, and making a genuine “connection” with people is tricky. I was bombarded with messages from women when I first signed up, many of whom asked to see more pictures. But I found that a lot of interactions are based on your pics, and if someone doesn’t like them, they won’t message back.
On the other hand, I quickly learned that playing the “cute or not” game was the best way to grab people’s attention. Then, you need to be super direct with your messages. If someone wants to see your pics, ask to see theirs.
Ultimately, I did very well on Be Naughty and landed a couple of hookups. Read the full review here.
What does It cost?
- 1 month – $30
- 3 months – $24 per month
- 6 months – $17 per month
Pros
- Free for women
- Great for hookups
- No need for small talk
Cons
- Lots of uses ‘hide’ their accounts via Safe Mode
6. XMatch
Another straight-up hookup site, XMatch is owned by the same company that runs Adult Friend Finder. Unlike its sister site, Xmatch is dominated by the 24 – 35-year-old age group. Most people who use it are young professionals who are single and looking for a bit of fun.
How Does It Work?
You need to complete a five-step process to register an account with Xmatch. As part of this, you have to create an eye-catching headline that will allow you to stand out in the search results, although you don’t need to upload a photo.
Once your profile is up and running, you must then upgrade your account if you wish to use the search filters and send flirts and tips to other users. However, you can join the chatrooms for free, and you can also add people you like the look of to your Hotlist.
You can also broadcast your own sex show for free, but you can’t watch other people.
My Experience
As soon as I signed up for Xmatch dating site, I immediately upgraded my account to Gold membership. This allowed me to message women, and it gave me access to all the contacting features.
I had a good time on Xmatch because – especially compared to AFF – most users are real, and most of them are up for chatting and meeting up. The special features – such as the blogs and erotic stories are worth checking out – and eventually, I arranged to meet two women off XMatch.
What does It cost?
- 1 month – $25
- 3 months – $15 per month
- 12 months – $12 per month
Pros:
- Millions of real users
- Feature-rich
- Webcam shows
Cons:
- Basic web design
7. Plenty Of Fish
Plenty of Fish (POF) is one of the oldest dating sites that was recently given a makeover. It now looks funky fresh, and it’s aimed at those looking for hookups, as well as those who are looking for their soulmate.
How Does It Work?
POF dating site has a rather lengthy sign-up process that requires you to answer over a hundred questions. You can skip some of these but uploading a few pics and writing a few lines in your bio is mandatory.
Search filters are easy to tweak so that you’re able to find the type of person you’re looking for. Messaging other users is free.
My Experience
The trick to succeeding on POF is to add an eye-catching headline and a strong profile pic. The way POF’s search function works means that, unless your headline stands out, your profile will be overlooked.
Also, POF allows you to list a few different intents. For example, I wrote that I was single, looking to date but nothing serious, as well as hang out. This allowed me to attract a few women who also weren’t completely sure what they wanted.
After exchanging a few messages – some short, some longer than others – I eventually arranged 2 dates off POF.
Overall, POF dating app seems more ideal for those who are looking for something serious, but who wouldn’t say ‘no’ to a bit of fun if it came along in the meantime. My tip, then, is that you fill out your bio, make yourself presentable, and start flirting with other users without crossing the line.
What does It cost?
Free dating app to send messages. You can upgrade your account if you want to see who’s liked you
Pros
- Free dating site
- Millions of users
- The revamped interface looks great
Cons
- Lengthy signup process
8. iHookup
iHookup is exactly what it sounds like – a straight-up hookup site and app aimed at singles and couples who want sex tonight.
How Does It Work?
iHookup is free to sign up, but once you’ve created your account the app does all it can to convince you to upgrade your membership. Until you upgrade, you can’t send messages to other users.
A graphic dating site, iHookup allows you to add nude pictures and watch XXX videos. However, it’s primarily a dating site, and all of its features – including the ability to send messages – require you to subscribe.
My Experience
iHookup was tough to get to grips with at first because I was literally bombarded with messages from what were clearly fake profiles. And because iHookup’s user base is relatively small, it was hard to find a match at first.
That said, most of the genuine users on iHookup are serious about what they want – and they want you to be serious, too. If you fill out your profile, add a few pics and have some patience (as I did), it’s possible to enjoy moderate success on this site.
What does It cost?
1 month – $39
Pros
- Looks great
- Ideal for hookups
- Lots of premium features, including cam shows and forecast reports
Cons
- Small user base
9. Fling
Fling.com is a dating site for casual dates and flings. It comes with lots of advanced search options for ease of use, but you have to pay to even view profiles.
How Does It Work?
The signup process takes less than 2 minutes, and you don’t need to add any pics at this stage. However, while you’re then free to use the search function, you cannot view or message other users.
The search filters are so advanced that you can even search according to someone’s eye color, and you will get a notification each time someone messages you.
My Experience
I did very well on Fling. Its active user base is buzzing with singles who are looking for some action, and the advanced search filters made it really easy for me to find the type of woman I was looking for.
Also, Fling works like a social media site in that you can update your status and regularly post new pics. This is a great way to attract attention and I used it to my advantage!
Because the profiles on this dating site are usually quite detailed, though, I soon learned to take my time with messages so that I was able to make proper connections with others. Within a week, I’d arranged my first date on the dating site.
What does it cost?
- 1 month – $45
- 6 months – $17 per month
- 12 months – $10 per month
Pros
- Advanced search filters make it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for
- Special features include a Sex Shop and live cam girls
- Active user base
Cons
- Expensive
10. Grindr
Grindr is a gay hookup site used by men who are looking for casual sex encounters. It’s the most popular app of its type that’s used by gay, bi, and trans men.
How Does It Work?
Signing up is free and registration takes around a minute. Uploading at least one photo is mandatory, and you can signup with your Facebook account if you wish.
Once you’re up and running, you can use the website version of Grind or the app. Then, you’re free to start browsing profiles. Each user has to label their sexual health on their profile, and they can add their social media accounts. You can also see how far away from you they are, and you can send messages for free.
My Experience
As I’m not gay, I didn’t use Grindr (it wouldn’t have been fair on the men who were genuinely using it to find dates). However, according to numerous user reviews, Grindr is the best gay dating app out there at the moment. It comes with a host of special features, such as Gaymojis, Favourite, and Tap, and because there are over 3.3 million active daily users, success is fairly easy to come by.
The general advice is that you should be respectful of other users, but that you should also be direct and upfront about what you want.
That said, users also complain that they’re often inundated with messages and that it can be hard to filter them.
What does it Cost?
Grindr is free to send messages but there are subscription services available for premium features.
- 1 month – $10
- 3 months – $9 per month
- 6 months – $7 per month
- 12 months – $50 per month
Pros
- Free to send messages
- The high active user base
- Straightforward design
Cons
- Easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant influx of messages
These are the best hookup apps of 2020. Not all of them will be suitable for everyone, so you must read through the list, make a note of the ones that sound right for you – and then go and check them out.
All the sites are free to join, so there’s no harm in creating an account and taking a look around. If you decide X site really is the best one for you, it’s then time to upgrade your account and get flirting!