This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
In the age of on-demand everything, hookup apps are the go-to for casual dating. After all, if we can stream movies (thank you, Netflix) and order a takeaway with just a few taps, why can’t we find a potential partner the same way?
Sometimes all you want is a little fun, and there’s an app for that.
How do you find a hookup?
It’s still possible to find a connection in the real world. Meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens on a regular basis. You’re simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site.
Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.
Using dating apps and sites is also a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.
Should you use free dating apps?
The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don’t cut it.
For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you’re looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We’re sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don’t come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you’re looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.
What makes an app good for hooking up?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hookup apps. What works for your friends might not work for you. Your best bet is to download a handful of options and see which one clicks with your vibe.
Skip the apps that are all about romance and happily ever afters (we’re looking at you, eharmony). Instead, keep an eye out for apps that get straight to the point. The best hookup apps make chatting quick and easy (messaging, video calls, all that good stuff), and even the free ones should have features like profile verification to help keep you safe.
If you really want to pay for a premium membership, that’s up to you. But we recommend starting with the free versions of cult faves like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. These popular dating apps give you just enough functionality to connect with potential partners for casual encounters — all without spending anything.
What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?
The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.
Whether you’re looking to have a one-night stand, exchange nudes with strangers, or have some phone sex before you doze off, we’ve rounded up the most reliable hookup apps for every type of single. You can download them via Google Play or the App Store and start swiping in minutes.
These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2025.
