Your definitive guide to all the best sex apps on the market – but would you use one?
Dating apps have survived the test of time – many of us are guilty of a Sunday night swipe session when The Fear still hasn’t passed and Monday Dread kicks in. But instead of the traditional drinks-and-a-movie hook up, more and more of us are downloading a handful of the best sex apps promising no strings sex.
We all know Tinder is notorious for being one of the best sex apps out there, but, fun fact, it isn’t the only one.
So, without further ado, read our full edit of the best sex apps to help you find the ideal Netflix and chill buddy, or to practice the best kamasutra sex positions with. Whether you’re after a hook-up or no-strings sex, there’s an app for everyone. Oh, and while you’re here, do make sure you read our guides to the best sex toys and the best sex toys for couples, too. You can thank us later.
17 best sex apps to try for casual hookups
1. Thursday
How does Thursday work?
Perhaps surprisingly, Thursday only works on… yep, you guessed it, Thursdays. The new app, set to launch on 6th May in London and New York, is based around the premise that you should actually be having IRL dates, so only gives you a short but sweet 24 hours to chase those matches and arrange those dates.
It’s invite only, and according to the app, 110,000 lucky users are already signed up. Plus, catfishing is banned, and all users must be verified and prove their identify (with a passport or driver’s license scan) pre-joining.
Don’t worry if you don’t live in London or New York – the app will roll out to Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow and Dublin later in the month.
Why is it one of the best sex apps?
Well, it’s very talked about at the moment, semi-exclusive, and encourages you to get off your screen and spend more time actually out there dating… what’s not to like? Plus, they’re hosting members only events from the summer. Enjoy.
What reviews say:
Smudge897 says: “My kind of dating app! I’ve been using Thursday since it launched and I’m a big fan. The concept of the app really works for me and I’ve been on a few dates with matches from Thursday already. It’s great to cut the small talk and make plans off the bat, especially knowing that matches are expecting that.”
“Having been on it since the start, I can already see its growth and how the team are taking feedback on board and making improvements to the user experience. I’m excited to keep using Thursday and to see what comes from it!”
2. Lover
How does Lover work?
Fun fact: 87% of people said they felt ‘greater sex life satisfaction’ having used Lover for just a week. Not bad. Lover promises to offer a science-based approach to sexual hiccups and issues and essentially acts as a personal sex therapist. Think research-based content and guides covering exactly what you’re keen explore sexually.
Why is it one of the best sex apps?
As above, it comes complete with guides, videos and educational games, so you can watch, listen, play and learn. Not only will it spice things up in the bedroom, but it’ll help you educate yourself on how to improve your sexual wellbeing, too. Think feeling more relaxed during sex, getting connected with your partner, and expressing your sexual desires. Because having a healthy sex life = better health generally. Hear, hear.
It’s free to download, but to unlock all content, you have to pay a £9.99 weekly subscription fee.
What the reviews say?
Kevin_Mackey says: “Amazing at the insight and connection to me. It feels as if the author is or has been on the path I am walking. How quickly and accurately I was able to identify areas and reflections about me and my experiences.”
“I truly feel the positive possibilities about making amazing improvements and changes in my our sexual journey.”
3. Ship
How does Ship work?
This is dating with a difference – instead of tirelessly swiping right, your friends do the hard work for you. All you have to do is decide whether or not the matches they’ve made on your behalf are up to scratch. You create a crew with your BFFs which opens a group chat and you pick the people that you think your pals would be suited to, and they do the same for you. You can chat privately in your crew, discuss potential matches, and share profiles of people who you want to set up.
Why is Ship one of the best sex apps?
It’s fairly new, so you might not find as many potential partners as the original apps – but give it time. The concept is fun and gives you the opportunity to match people you might not usually swipe right for.
What the reviews say?
Nickname EG says: “I’ve been in a relationship for a while and haven’t been on the apps. I love that I can now participate and swipe for my friends. If they ever incorporate the idea of finding friends I am totally in.”
“I do wish that friends could chat with the prospects. I’d like to be more hands on and groom some of these dudes (: My only complaint is that the profiles show how far away people are but not where they are located. My friend is moving to my city soon so I’d like to make sure the 60 mile away prospects are 60 miles in the correct direction!”
4. Blendr
How does Blendr work?
Free for iPhone users, it asks to link to your Facebook to access your location, photos, interests, plus ‘friends’ who are signed up too. It links you up to singles who are up for sex in your postcode, but remember – the more info you put on about yourself, the more you can see about others.
Why is Blendr one of the best sex apps?
Popular with young professionals (we came across a mix of 20-something chefs, builders, students, musicians and lawyers) who aren’t shy when it comes to no-strings sex.
What the reviews say:
Xiylo says: “I think the app has an awesome selection of gentleman looking to just be friendly but take care of business when the opportunity presents itself. I like the premium feature, but I felt I couldn’t stop the influx of people coming in and they start to increasingly get mad at me for not getting to them, but I have Ike over 99+ likes already. Really quick and easy place to find a good person. So far, I’ve met someone on here (only two days using the app, btw) and he turned out to be really nice. 
”
“Other than feeling overwhelmed by selection, this app is the most successful for me that I’ve ever used. Love this place. Oh my last complaint would be the messages they send out to the people who I like. I didn’t want to start a conversation the way they did, because I didn’t want to be authentic and respond to the bit question they asked an interest. But seriously, otherwise, really great app.”
5. HUD
How does HUD work?
With a tag line like ‘why be limited to one option at a time’, you know what you’re getting with HUD. Join 9 million users on the casual dating app by linking your Facebook profile or mobile number and you’re off. No strings attached.
Why is HUD one of the best sex apps?
It’ll definitely help you on your no strings sex quest, but be warned – people can join anonymously, which does compromise the quality of people you’re meeting a little. Although their video chat does have an auto blur safety feature.
What the reviews say:
Ender5200 says: “So i’ve been using the app for about 2 months now on and off and it does what it is intended to do. so much better than all the other so called hookup apps… in fact i would go as far to say this is better than the pure app (if you know what that is). But it does have some draw backs. It has some great safety features to keep only the right people on the app, but that also means some people get permabanned for no reason and not told what they did wrong.”
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6. Disckreet
How does Disckreet work?
An app that keeps your naked photos, belfies, and sex videos safe and secure. You can only access the files if you and the other person(s) involved enter passwords. The idea behind this is that only you and your partner can watch your previous bedroom antics together.
Why is Disckreet one of the best sex apps?
Good for couples or f*** buddies who want to spice things up in a safe way. It’s a solution to revenge porn.
What the reviews say:
JassonOnin says: “Great idea but needs a few tweaks. I finally found an app that does private messaging through an app that seems to be secure and that only allows one on one conversations to avoid the dreaded “I accidentally messaged my mom scenario”.”
“I understand the concept is it is geared for people in relationships that could go south but narrowing its use too tightly will turn a lot of people off (This apps advertised functions are essentially telling you to download this app if you don’t belong in your current relationship and nobody will use it as it is explicitly telling the other person you don’t trust them), especially if they are in long term relationships or want to use the programs function for business.”
“I feel that if they were to focus more on trusting relationships by allowing an option to access to photos even without permission at all times. It feels too much like babysitting in the conversation.”
7. Sexy Vibes
How does Sexy Vibes work?
An Android app that turns your phone into a vibrator. Yes, really. It can be controlled remotely by your partner, making even long distance hook-ups possible.
Why is Sexy Vibes one of the best sex apps?
Call us prudes, but we’re not keen on the thought of our phone (that goes so close to our face) being used as a sex toy.
What the reviews say:
D_Curman says: “Better than others. Good app but wish continuous vibration was included without purchase. Can’t turn off screen while using.”
8. Pure
How does Pure work?
Great if you want to find no strings sex right now. Once you’re a member, you submit a request and state whether you’re looking for a man or a woman and where you’d prefer to meet. You’ll then be given some potential matches.
Why is Pure one of the best sex apps?
Great for privacy. Your photo and tagline are only displayed for an hour at a time, which also means you’d better move fast.
What the reviews say:
Keeley Bennett says: “Definitely the most female-empowering dating apps currently on the market.”
“I’m genuinely into one-night-stands – they’re just such an exciting thing to do – but I obviously want to have the highest level of security possible when looking for one. Neglected by many girls is data security and anonymity as well. There is no reason to share your social media profile, to share a lot of pictures and give out details on your life. Pure offers the ability to create chats which automatically delete themselves – you can video chat with virtual masks and you can activate the automatic destruction of pictures you send to someone after a fixed time frame.”
“It’s not pseudo-anonymity like Tinder or Lovoo, it goes much much deeper than that. This is why I recommend Pure for women looking to have a casual dating experience, as it’s the safest option out there right now. While there are certainly always “creeping” men on every app, Pure has a very responsive support team. Once when I used it, a guy brought up zoophilia. I connected with a support team member and received an answer within minutes. Five stars, I hope this start-up is going to bloom and stick to its core values.”
9. 3Fun
How does 3Fun work?
3Fun recommends profiles based on the GPS and users’ preferences. If you want to like someone’s profile, you can tap the heart button. If you don’t like a profile, you can tap the “X” button. Whenever you like a profile and that person likes your profile, then you both become matched. It is Free to chat with your matches.
3Fun is mainly aimed at individuals looking for threesomes, and allows couples to chat synchronously from one account – If new users choose the ‘couple’ option when they initially create their 3Fun account, they will both be able to log in to that account from two different mobile devices and chat with others at the same time.
Why is 3Fun one of the best sex apps?
3Fun is the fastest-growing dating app in its field. Most of the important features are free. There are a lot of members using the app who are interested in these kinds of “three people” arrangements. The unique photo verification feature helps its users avoid meeting the fake and scammers. It previously had some data privacy issues, but a rep said to MC: “Since the app’s vulnerabilities were discovered in 2019, we’ve done a comprehensive overhaul of its security and safety features that fully protect user data from leaks, breaches, and vulnerabilities. It now has a Certificate of Penetration Testing, too.”
What the reviews say:
Nolank270 says: “Good looking people but missing a lot of features. The concept of 3Fun is great as a location based swipe app, and a good portion of the people are fairly attractive. However, there are some big holes in a few of the features.”
“One of the biggest needs is to be able to sort and search messages and matches. For example, we traveled to Portland recently, then Dallas, and now back to Florida, but our matches and messages are all jumbled up and it’s cumbersome to sift through them to find who is currently local. What happens when we are back in Portland? How do we then sift back through the hundreds of matches? Suggestion – make the match / message list searchable for terms and other info AND sortable to location, status, etc. It would instantly make this app more usable to actually meet others.”
10. Feeld (otherwise known as Thrinder)
How does Feeld work?
Always wanted a threesome but never known where to find that special (extra) someone? Well, just like 3Fun, Feeld is a dating app to help you out. Feeld works much like Tinder; log on through Facebook (there’s an option to change your name), choose the composition of your group (2+1, or 1+1+1) and swipe through hundreds of potential matches in your area.
Why is Feeld one of the best sex apps?
This app has the ease of tinder, and much like that, most of the fun lies in the swiping. Once you’ve matched, how things proceed is up to you. Just remember to keep your friends informed of your whereabouts – taking extra precaution when meeting strangers is always advised.
What the reviews say:
FM_M says: “It’s better than most apps, particularly if you’re LGBTQ+, queer, neurodivergent, kinky, and/or poly. There’s more space here for different loving, and if you fall under that umbrella, it’s really refreshing.”
“Their paid tier (“majestic”) gives you one free ping (a way to connect with other members) per day, and having that daily ping refresh and be available to use has, for me, been really spotty. They say they’re working on it, but it’s been a while and it’s still an issue. Hopefully they’ll get that fixed one of these days.”
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11. Bumble
How does Bumble work?
Bumble calls itself a feminist app; for any matches that happen, the woman must start the chat within 24 hours, or it disappears. It’s become one of the best-known dating and sex apps on the market for helping people to build valuable relationships. Not the best option for casual flings, but definitely worth joining the millions who use the app if you’re after something a bit more invested.
Why is Bumble one of the best sex apps?
Pressure is high with that time limit, but it helps you quickly figure out whether that guy is worth the initial message. Plus, the control is totally in your hands, and you know that rules and safety regulations should be strict, as it’s such a well known and developed app.
What the reviews say:
Rascal.406 says: “I’ve been using Bumble date for a few days and found it a tad confusing for the first hour or so but soon got the hang of it. Faults or not is the question, photos can’t be cropped on the app ( of course you can do it before) so do you get more true likenesses ! Guys can’t message until they receive a message and you will only get one if you ‘like’ each other . You therefore either have to ‘swipe ‘ right on everyone or pay to see who likes you!”
“That said the quality of the members ( the females ) is very high. Provided the profiles are real (many sites use fake profiles) I’ve been impressed by the standards of photos, profiles, education levels. Maybe it’s due to the ladies been more in control so I guess us guys can’t have it both ways. The key is patience chaps . A quality most don’t have so maybe you can win the heart of a lady and learn patience too.”
12. Wingman
How does Wingman work?
Going on holiday? Who cares what’s at the end of the plane journey, with this app the fun starts before you even land. Wingman lets you connect with others on your flight, giving you the chance for a sneaky in-flight get-together. Perhaps one to download for post-lockdown when we’re allowed to travel again…
Why is Wingman one of the best sex apps?
We’re not sure how likely it is that there’s someone fanciable on your flight who also has this app. But if you want to start your holiday romance before you’ve even left UK airspace, it’s probably the best place to start.
What the reviews say:
Lottiesatitagain says: “Me and a few friends have had dates from this app. One of which has moved in with a guy she met from her, that I fixed her up with. I’ve never had any issues with the technical side either. Safe secure and handy that I just use Facebook to log in as I never remember passwords.”
13. Her
How does Her work?
Forget Grindr, Her is a hook-up app for LGBTQ+ women, by LGBTQ+ women. While it sells itself as more of a lesbian/bi/trans community rather than a dating platform, it’s one of the most popular apps for the audience in the entire world. Beyond meeting other like-minded individuals, you’ll also be able to find out about gay-friendly news and events going on in your area so you can take things offline.
Why is Her one of the best sex apps?
There aren’t enough apps out there for our LGBTQ sisters and as far as they go, this is one of the best. We love the news and events updates, too.
What the reviews say:
JustMeAshe says: “I downloaded this app by recommendation of a friend to branch out and exploring my pansexuality more than I have been able to in the past. I really liked the app and I made some friends on there but the biggest thing that came out of this app is my now girlfriend of 4 months.”
“I didn’t expect anything from this app, was going to just keep things casual but this girl is literally my world, my literal better half and soulmate and it’s been probably the best 4 months of my life. I don’t think I would have ever met her if it weren’t for her app. It allowed me to meet someone outside of my small town and it’s been the best thing to have happened to me truthfully. She is truly my best friend and my world.”
14. Happn
How does Happn work?
If you want the magic of a meet-cute alongside your one night stand, Happn is a good bet. It started out in France back in 2015, but it’s quickly picked up speed around the world. The way it works is this: after you’ve finished setting up your profile, it tracks where you and other users have crossed paths – as well as how many times it’s happened (or happnd). It functions the same way as a match and you can strike up a conversation with them on the app.
Why is Happn one of the best sex apps?
We really love the concept of Happn and there’s some mighty fine talent on there. Its 250m radius is awesome for big sprawling cities like London, but if you’re somewhere like Leamington Spa then the pool’s going to dry up quick.
What the reviews say:
Dallaswomen says: “I met my best friend and love of my life on Happn a little over 2 years ago. Without Happn we might not have ever met. No app is perfect for finding love, there is a bit of magic to it all but I loved the initial appeal that it was a more natural way of meeting the person you are supposed to be with.”
“You could have crossed paths with the one seconds before or after them a hundred times and would have never know. This just gave us the visibility we needed, a nudge. Thank you! Forever grateful for whoever came up with this. I’d like to think my story is what you were trying to create with this app.”
15. Casualx
How does Casualx work?
It’s like Tinder but exclusively for one-night stands. If you’re looking for a casual but ongoing hook-up, an FWB situation, or simply a one-time only bit of fun, the app is for you.
Why is Casualx one of the best sex apps?
Users know that they’re signing up for no-strings sex, and the app is really easy to use. Plus, the security features will help you feel safe. The downside, however, is that if you’re looking for something quick and close your matches might not be that nearby.
What the reviews say:
IAND says: “Signup was easy and painless, and the interface is intuitive enough! So that’s all good.”
“HOWEVER, once you go through 45 swipes it says something along the lines of “you’ve used all your free swipes for the day”, which I thought “fair enough”… that was 3 days ago and it hasn’t refreshed and I suspecting it is a little misleading, and it should say “you’re only allowed 45 swipes” full stop.”
16. String
How does String work?
So, you’ve heard of String, the dating app that wants you to ‘date with your voice’. String hopes to change how you date by matching singles by encouraging you to. communicate differently. When you connect with someone, you must send each other recorded voice notes if you want to chat.
Why is String one of the best sex apps?
Well, it already guaranteed to be somewhat more intimate than sending a simple text message. You may feel like it’s easier to bond with your date if you’re constantly talking via VN.
While we were busy using text talk like ‘WYUT’ and ‘Cu l8r’ as teenagers, the founders are targeting students as sending voice notes is the most popular way of communicating when it comes to Gen Z. Of course, things might get a little long-winded if you match with a chatterbox – but it’s worth a try, right?
What the reviews say:
BB says: “A fun concept but needs some work as lots of glitches!”
17. iPlaySafe
(@iplaysafeapp)How does iPlaySafe work?
Ok, ok, so not an actual sex app per se… but an important sex app of another kind to have on your radar. iPlaySafe App is a new informative and educational sexual health and wellness app that encourages you to take sexual health testing in your own hands.
Encouraging users to make better informed, more open decisions by means of sexual education, it allows users to order STI tests easily and discreetly, creating a safer physical and digital environment for all ages and communities.
Why is iPlaySafe one of the best sex apps?
The team works with reputable partners, such as AccLabs, plus it’s normalising sexual health one step at a time.
What the reviews say:
Bianca Jade Dunne says: “This is such a great concept. I really hope it takes off. I am single and use dating apps a lot and asking about someone’s STI status is always so awkward.”
How do you stay safe when using sex apps?
And now, the serious bit. Meeting up with total strangers is not a risk-free exercise, and more so if the prospect of having no strings sex is on the cards.
- Avoid revealing your exact location, keep it vague or change your address.
- Do a background check on Twitter and type their name into google to pull up further info on them.
- Speak on the phone before meeting to get an idea of their personality.
- Look for inconsistencies, such as where they say they live or what they do. If you think they are lying. Make your excuses and cut contact.
- Go with your instinct and gut feeling.
- Always arrange to meet in a public place during the day.
- Have your own transportation.
- Let a friend know exactly where you are meeting and make them check in with you by text a couple of hours in to check all is ok.
Have you got a dating story you’d like to share? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter @marieclaireuk
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