The Best Hookup Apps of 2024
Written by: BestApp.com App Testing Team - Updated: Mar 24, 2021
Tinder is what pops into most minds when you think "hookup app." The app provides a simple way to connect with like-minded singles near you. Tinder is our number one choice for most people looking to hook up, but we also found nine other great hookup apps with advantageous casual dating features if Tinder isn’t for you.
Top 10 Hookup Apps to Try
- Tinder – Top Pick
- OkCupid – Best Messaging System
- DOWN – Best Free Version
- Feeld – Best for Couples and Singles
- Pure – Best Incognito Features
- Hud – Best Custom Preferences
- Grindr – Best for Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer People
- Happn – Best Geo-Targeting Features
- Bumble – Best for Women
- Coffee Meets Bagel – Best Hookup-to-Dating Potential
How We Chose the Best Hookup Apps
Our hookup app picks have robust safety and security features, and they welcome LGBTQ+ connections. But before joining an app, it’s important to explore what makes a hookup app the best choice for you.
Choose the hookup app that’s right for you
Free versions give you a good idea of how each app works and whether it’s effective for your hookup goals. But to find the best fit, look at the app’s specific features to select a few options you think will be suitable for your needs. Reviews are an excellent resource, so be sure to browse the Google Play and App Store user reviews before downloading one or more of the apps on our list.
Follow safety and security tips
Hooking up with a virtual stranger poses several risks, so be sure to use all the available security, privacy, and safety features your chosen app offers. It’s also a smart idea to follow some sound safety tips like those found on RAINN.org.
Our Hookup App Reviews
Tinder – Top Pick
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
As the originator of the swiping function for electronic matchmaking, Tinder made a name for itself as an effective hookup app right away. Its simple, user-friendly interface promotes quick connections. Browse pictures of other users in your area and swipe left for no or right for yes. Start messaging your matches and plan a meetup if you’re mutually interested. Be sure your profile sends the right message by letting users know you’re not looking for anything serious, just fun hookups.
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 for hookup availability notification | Video chat not available everywhere |
| “Super Likes” option to convey urgency | |
| “Paid Passport” function for out-of-town fun | |
OkCupid – Best Messaging System
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
OkCupid is a veteran dating app that supports all types of relationships, from hookups and nonmonogamous matches to serious dating and finding “the one.” The free version has enough functions to locate and connect with potential hookup partners. The app’s search function has a “hookup” filter for availability, letting you limit your parameters to only like-minded people. You can also choose “hook-up” in your profile to indicate what you’re looking for. Most OkCupid users range from 18 to 44 years of age.
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 pool | No in-app video chat |
| Adaptable sexual identity and gender options | Extensive questionnaires to get matched |
| Generous functions in free version | |
DOWN – Best Free Version
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Designed for hookups and casual adult fun or dating, DOWN uses a swipe function to identify which one you’re interested in. An up swipe is for dating, while a down swipe indicates a desire to hook up. Swipe right if it’s a no to both. The free version allows messaging for mutual matches. If you want to move forward, you can take the conversation off-app. The VIP DOWN is a $19.99-per-month upgrade.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $1.99 – $84.99
- Customer support: FAQ
| Down Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Mutual opt-in notifications | No in-app video chats |
| Undo option for regretted swipes | Only 10 profiles daily with free version |
| Simple to use | |
Feeld – Best for Couples and Singles
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Labeling itself “the first dating app for couples and singles,” Feeld was designed to help people who prefer alternative relationships to find each other online. These matches include open relationships, polyamory, throuples, and other nontraditional matches. The free version allows unlimited browsing, searching, and chatting. A paid upgrade to Majestic membership lets you upload private pictures for your connections, lets you see who’s liked you, gives you more privacy functions, and adds other features. 35% of the member accounts on the app are couples, 50% identify as something other than heterosexual, and the largest age group is 25 to 34.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $1.99 – $124.99
- Customer support: Help center
| Feeld Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Community of sexually open-minded people | No in-app video chat |
| 20+ sexual and gender identities | Need paid upgrade for more privacy |
Pure – Best Incognito Features
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Pure is up-front about its purpose to help people hook up privately and discreetly, leaving no trace behind. You can register anonymously with a Google Sign-in or Apple Sign-in. Draft a personal ad describing what you’re looking for and add your photo, if you wish. Once you match with another user in close proximity, you have only 24 hours to set up a meeting before the connection ends and the chat disappears, unless you both decide to extend it. The chat timer can be turned off upon agreement of both chat partners, and the app sends a notification if someone tries to take a screenshot of the chat conversation. Most users are between 25 and 40, and there are far more men than women. It’s also worth noting that the app has excellent privacy features, including video chats with virtual masks (if the mask slips off, the screen will be automatically blurred) and self-destructing photos.
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 |
| Good safety and privacy features | Subscriptions auto-renew |
| Automated scammer trigger word alerts | |
| Weekly subscriptions available | |
Hud – Best Custom Preferences
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Hud stands for Hook Up Dating, clearly stating what you’re there for. The app is available on mobile devices and laptops for more convenience. The scrolling match feed lets you view a user’s profile without liking it first. With the My Bedroom feature, users can reveal their sexual preferences and kinks to further establish compatibility. The free version includes unlimited messages, video calling, basic search matches, and up to 60 potential matches on your feed at once.
Notable features:
- Free version and 7-day premium free trial available
- In-app purchase price: $4.49 – $119.99
- Customer support: Contact form
| Hud Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Free chat function | Online contact form for customer support |
| Video and photo protection blur | Only binary male/female gender options |
| Couples can sign up as “we” | |
Grindr – Best for Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer People
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
Grindr is a location-based hookup app created for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Users browse a grid of thumbnail profile pics to select users they’re attracted to. Reach out, chat, and set up a meeting if you’re both into it. Grindr users are typically not looking for anything serious. Because the app uses geolocation targeting, if you see someone in person you’re interested in, you can check the app to see if they’re on Grindr and make your move from there.
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 pool | Minimal user support |
| Quick and easy signup | |
Happn – Best Geo-Targeting Features
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
This location-based app only shows you users whom you’ve come across in the past seven days. Happn can work as a missed encounters feature if the person you saw and hope to hook up with is also a user. If you see someone you’re into, heart their profile. If they like your pictures and heart you too, you can message one another. This is a quick and free way to make a mutual connection and see if they’re interested in a hookup. This app can be a little frustrating, though, if you’re not in a larger city with lots of users, and some people aren’t comfortable sharing their location with the app all the time.
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 | Matches presented are based solely on location |
| Integrates with Facebook, Spotify, and Instagram | Only useful in heavily populated areas |
Bumble – Best for Women
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
The woman makes the first move on Bumble. As a woman, it puts you in the driver’s seat when looking for a hookup. That way, you won’t be overwhelmed with messages from people you’re not interested in. But once you reach out with an icebreaker, your potential match can message you back if they’re attracted to you. You can determine the interest level via messaging and move forward if the feelings are mutual. If you’re looking for a same-sex partner, either of you can initiate interest.
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 |
| Matches good for 24 hours | Can only rematch with paid membership |
| Robust free version | Limited personality matching features |
| Block and report features | |
Coffee Meets Bagel – Best Hookup-to-Dating Potential
Download: Android ★★★★★★★★★★ | iOS ★★★★★★★★★★
The Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) app is focused more on serious dating than hookups. But users can still find compatible matches that prefer to become physical right away. You receive a small list of matches each day at 12 p.m. The app imposes a seven-day limit on messaging. This works well for hookups since urgency is typically a factor. Additionally, your unliked matches expire after 24 hours. Because many users on CMB are looking for something long term, this app is suitable for people who might be open to more after your hookup if you both connect.
Notable features:
- Free version available
- In-app purchase price: $0.99 – $179.99
- Customer support: Help center
| Coffee Meets Bagel Pros & Cons | |
|---|---|
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Discover tab profile browsing | Narrow matching criteria |
| Messaging available in free version | |
Hookup Apps: Features Summary Table
| Hookup Apps Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| App | In-App Purchases | Features |
| Tinder – Top Pick | $0.99 – $299.99 per item | ✓In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| OkCupid – Best Messaging System | $0.99 – $179.99 per item | X In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| DOWN – Best Free Version | $1.99 – $84.99 per item | X In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| Feeld – Best for Couples and Singles | $1.99 – $124.99 per item | X In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| Pure – Best Incognito Features | $1.00 – $79.99 per item | ✓In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| Hud – Best Custom Preferences | $4.49 – $119.99 per item | ✓In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| Grindr – Best for Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer People | $0.99 – $359.99 per item | ✓In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| Happn – Best Geo-Targeting Features | $0.99 – $144.99 per item | ✓In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| Bumble – Best for Women | $0.99 – $149.99 per item | ✓In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |
| Coffee Meets Bagel – Best Hookup-to-Dating Potential | $0.99 – $179.99 per item | ✓In-app video calls ✓Same-sex matching ✓Safety features |