Home Tech I tried the 9 best hookup apps of 2025

I tried the 9 best hookup apps of 2025

Dating apps on a phone screen

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get “dates” (I’ll use that term loosely here) hot to go with the tap of a button. Thanks to hookup apps like Tinder and HUD, finding someone who’s interested in a quickie is just as easy as ordering a pizza or an Uber. As for the quality, well, that’s probably the same too — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you’re located, and how hungry you are. (Who would have thought dating and DoorDash had so much in common?)

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps. I’ve spent the past three years (yes, really) researching, downloading, and testing out dozens of top dating apps to find the best ones for all kinds of daters, including the one-night-stand crowd. From discrete sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships, I’ve vetted them all. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

Whether you’re looking for a one-night stand, a friends-with-benefits situation, or just want to explore your sexuality, the right app can make it easier to find someone who’s on the same page. Below, I’ve rounded up the best hookup apps of 2025, based on hands-on testing, expert opinions, and user reviews.

What didn’t make the cut

  • Feeld (removed August 2024): Following its December 2023 rebrand, Feeld became buggy and had location-related safety concerns. We decided Feeld no longer met our standards for reliability and removed it until we have more information.

  • Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): After its recent rebrand, testing revealed key features, like free messaging for non-matches, were removed. We also noticed issues with repeat profiles. Overall, it doesn’t bring anything unique to the dating app table that other apps aren’t already doing better, meaning we no longer recommend it as a hookup app.

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