Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
The online world gives singles the opportunity to mingle anonymously and freely 24 hours a day. And you don’t need to know anything about online dating to get started.
Sex-oriented sites are often more accessible than a local bar — and more crowded with singles as well — so it’s no wonder that so many people prefer to prowl for dates in this virtual terrain.
If you’re looking for an extremely short-term hookup (aka one-night stand), then you’ll have the best luck on the following fast and loose platforms, all of which are completely free to join.
Relationships:
Hookups Only
Match System:
Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say:
“Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun...”
Browse Free:
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today's Deal
All Singles*
65%*
35%*
25.5 Million*
3 Months @ $19.95/Mo
Got a libido that just won’t quit? Then AdultFriendFinder may be the right place for you. This sex-positive website offers strip tease videos, erotic blog stories, sexually explicit content, sexy photos, and, of course, flirtatious chat options to help singles and swingers come into their own.
Over 105 million people have joined the AFF community to date, and the site claims to have made over 4.4 million connections. Some of those matches led to honest friendships, while others were simply one-night stands. There’s no shame in the hit-it-and-quit-it game on AdultFriendFinder.
Singles, couples, and groups can get into the mix on AdultFriendFinder and build online connections that translate to IRL dates and hookups.
Relationships:
Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats
Match System:
Search by location, age, and appearance.
Our Experts Say:
“OneNightFriend is a dating website that provides a fast track to a one-night stand with a flirty partner. The network has chat rooms, search filters, and safety features to help spark real connections…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles*
60%*
40%*
500,000*
Browse Profiles FREE
As a free hookup site, OneNightFriend aims to make one-night stands available to people across the U.S. The adult dating service makes it obvious what it’s for (hot sex), and it can arrange late-night hookups without making people jump through too many hoops.
Don’t let the name fool you — OneNightFriend is more about facilitating sex than friendships, and it makes hooking up much more straightforward.
As soon as you join OneNightFriend, you can start matching with locals who share your outgoing and forthright nature. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, build confidence, and pick up dates on the spot.
Relationships:
Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs
Match System:
Search by age, location, appearance, and more
Our Experts Say:
“With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships...”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today's Deal
All Singles & Attached*
71%*
29%*
65 Million*
Start Now for FREE
Ashley Madison is well-known as an affair dating site, but it’s not just for married men and women — it can also be useful to singles seeking a sexy one-night stand.
Due to the nature of Ashley Madison, users feel liberated to keep things casual because they know their crush is already spoken for and unable to really make a big commitment. Discretion is of the utmost importance on this site, and Ashley Madison has gotten positive reviews for its ability to tempt and satisfy people in all sorts of situations.
The majority of Ashley Madison users are looking for an extramarital affair. In fact, in a survey of over 2,000 users, 61% said they wanted to find sex on Ashley Madison, and 54% said they were specifically interested in short-term affairs.
Since 2001, Ashley Madison has seen over 80 million signups, and it currently arranges both online and offline encounters between sexually curious individuals.
4. Flirt.com
★★★★★
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats
Match System: Search by age, location, gender, orientation, and other factors
Our Experts Say: “Flirt.com frees singles to chat with attractive locals and pick up dates on the spot. This hookup site is always open to horny and sexy people seeking one-night stands, casual dating, threesomes, and other sexual encounters...”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
1 million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Flirt.com offers a fun, sex-driven alternative to mainstream online dating. The hookup website is full of flirty chat rooms, effortless matching, and search filters that allow singles to date based on their own criteria. There are no judgments and few inhibitions on this sexy site.
Flirt.com puts daters on a level playing field and encourages them to reach out to the person they desire the most. The only information you have to provide on your profile is your age, location, and orientation — everything else can remain a mystery until you’re ready to share.
Flirt.com doesn’t even require users to upload a photo to browse the database; however, only members with photos can send free messages and likes.
5. BeNaughty
★★★★★
Relationships: Hookups, Chats
Match System: Search by encounter, location, and more
Our Experts Say: “BeNaughty is a premier hookup app where you can feel comfortable expressing your desires. Plus, it's free to join, browse, and flirt...” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today's Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
13.3 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
First up, we have BeNaughty, a sinfully entertaining place to flirt and date. This site is so raunchy that it has photo filters and profile screening to ensure that users only see X-rated content if they want to.
BeNaughty stands out in the casual dating scene because it offers totally free communication for all female users. All you need is a valid photo, and you can start sending flirtatious chats to anyone who strikes your fancy. Men on the site must use credits to respond, so spam messaging isn’t an issue.
It’s easy to get the ball rolling in this fast-paced atmosphere. The BeNaughty platform supports millions of one-on-one conversations, and it also has a mass messaging feature that allows singles to send a greeting to everyone who meets their dating standards. For all these reasons and more, we think BeNaughty is a legit hookup site for singles of all backgrounds.
Relationships:
Hookups Only
Match System:
Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say:
“A hookup site specializing in casual encounters, secret affairs, live chats, and member videos, FriendFinder-X skips the awkward "dating" stage of a relationship and fast-forwards straight to the sex...”
Browse Free:
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today's Deal
Singles & Couples*
64%*
36%*
1.2 Million*
Browse Members Free
FriendFinder-X is a local hookup site where singles can be upfront about their desires and interests. Many members state in their profiles that they’re looking for sex, so there’s no need to play it coy here.
By removing the guessing games from dating, FriendFinder-X has made it easier for singles to find a partner who’s exactly their type and into the same things.
It’s free to create a FriendFinder-X account and browse millions of profiles; however, only paid subscribers can up the intimacy by sending private messages.
Relationships:
Casual Dating, Hookups, Friends with Benefits
Match System:
Search filters, Suggested matches
Our Experts Say:
“SaucyDates is a straightforward hookup site with a reputation for safe dating. The team manually checks profiles and photos. Naughty pics are allowed…”
Browse Free:
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7. SaucyDates
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
All Singles*
67%*
33%*
46,500*
Download FREE
SaucyDates has what it takes to transform lonely singles into sexual adventurers with a calendar full of one-night stands. This free hookup site has earned its reputation as a reputable and efficient place to meet adults and arrange a saucy date.
SaucyDates has over 20 gender identity and sexual orientation options available upon signup, and it has proven an ally to people across the sex spectrum.
The SaucyDates team promises “no swiping, no games, no delays” in the user experience. If you want to get to know someone, you can click the message button and send a flirty greeting or a winky face emoji on the spot.
SaucyDates got its start as a U.K. hookup site in 2007, and it has since expanded to the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa.
Relationships:
Daters & Hookups
Match System:
Search by age, zip code, more
Our Experts Say:
“MenNation is a well-established gay dating and hookup brand, having been founded in 1996. It's totally free to join, view profiles, receive matches, and flirt...”
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
8. MenNation
★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today's Deal
Singles & Couples*
95%*
5%*
780,000*
Start for Free
MenNation is hands down the most sexually active dating site for men only. The hookup site has many active members, and it is constantly buzzing with flirtatious activity.
As the name indicates, MenNation is an exclusively male-only dating site, and it helps gay singles and couples escape the more straight-laced mainstream dating scene. The niche site has all the bells and whistles of a typical sex dating site, and it also includes interactive dating forums where men can ask questions, swap stories, give dating advice, and find a sex-positive community online.
Relationships:
Casual Dating, Sexting, Hookups, Friends with Benefits
Match System:
Search filters, Suggested matches
Our Experts Say:
“Pure is a straightforward hookup app designed to make immediate connections. Profiles are only live as long as the person is actively on the app looking for dates. So, basically, everyone you see is available…”
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
9. Pure.app
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
All Singles*
65%*
35%*
500,000*
Download FREE
Pure is a trustworthy hookup app that revolves around meeting up ASAP. The matching and chatting system is truly one of a kind. You can only chat for 24 hours before your conversation disappears forever, and your profile (which is basically just a selfie and some basic details) is only visible when you’re actively online.
The Pure dating app can stimulate instant connections between singles seeking sex on the down-low, and it is particularly popular in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, and London.
You can make a quick match on Pure and start a private chat to see where things go. If things feel right, you both have an incentive to trade contact information and set up a date before the opportunity passes you by.
“This website is cool because girls here are ready for a real meeting,” said Dean_dragon in a testimonial. “They know what they want, and this excites me.”
10. DOWN
DOWN is one of the most efficient dating apps for people who are looking for casual hookups. The app sets clear intentions from the outset by asking members if they want to “get down” or “get dates.” The algorithm then connects new people who have the same expectations.
The DOWN community has over 13 million users from all walks of life, and it has led to countless IRL dates since its launch in 2013.
When our dating experts reviewed DOWN, we praised its innate ability to get down to business and foster instant connections between users. Today, the app continues to impress with its sleek look and discrete features.
It’s easy to get on board with the DOWN dating philosophy. According to the DOWN team, “We want to spread sex positivity and honesty and help people worldwide be more successful in their dating lives.”
11. Tinder
Now we have to give Tinder its flowers because it is the original swiping app. Tinder got started in 2012, and the app quickly amassed a global following because it gave singles something they had always wanted: a choice.
At long last, singles could be the deciders in their inboxes and filter out the creeps and jerks before they even say hello.
Today, Tinder is responsible for creating over 97 billion matches, and the dating app has been downloaded over 630 million times. Plus, the app leads to more than 1.5 million first dates a week.
The Tinder app is definitely useful for singles searching for a one-night stand. Free members can spend a couple of hours swiping and come away with a tempting pile of mutual matches and conversations that could lead to real-life dates.
Tinder offers a free basic membership that includes chatting with matches; however, there are swipe limits and location restrictions that can be lifted with a Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold membership. The premium perks are optional, but worth it for some go-getters.
“My first, and probably last, Tinder hookup was an incredible experience,” said a 24-year-old woman on Reddit. “Best sex I’ve ever had. He was absolutely brilliant in bed… I don’t think it gets better than this.”
12. Grindr
Grindr is the go-to wingman for gay and bisexual men with strong sexual desires. This all-dude dating app uses a smartphone’s location data to pinpoint where the most viable dates are and introduce them on the down low.
Thanks to its fast matching process, Grindr has perfected the art of the one-night stand. Since 2009, Grindr has helped over 27 million singles meet their match and pursue a sexual encounter in real time.
Whether you’re at the club or at home, you can swipe on Grindr profiles to create instant connections that could lead straight to the bedroom. Grindr is actually known for being a great wingman for guys out on the prowl for a hookup because of the dating app’s location-based matchmaking.
“Grindr is whatever you make of it,” said a Reddit user from Texas. “If you message the hot torso pic, don’t expect a date. I’ve hooked up a lot on Grindr.”
13. Feeld
Since its launch in 2014, Feeld has won over online daters by supporting polyamorous and fluid dating.
Feeld has nearly 2 million members who can take their pick between 23 gender identities and sexual orientations. Couples can also pair their accounts with their partners, so swiping becomes a team effort.
Feeld has set itself apart as an inclusive, safe, and flirtatious place to arrange all types of relationships. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a one-night stand, a triad, or an orgy, Feeld is always open to discovery and exploration with like-minded humans.
If you’re curious, you can learn more about Feeld’s mission, founding story, features, and membership statistics by reading our in-depth review.
14. Lesly
Last, but certainly not least, the Lesly dating app is a favorite for LGBTQ+ women. Lesly supports women seeking women with its free membership and swiping tools.
It’s free to download the app, but Lesly members must subscribe if they want to get the most bang for their buck in the lesbian dating network.
Lesly pairs women who share similar personal attributes and live in the same area. Only members who have mutually matched can send unlimited messages to one another.
“I love Lesly’s overall design — clean, neat, fully functional, plus all its features are user-friendly,” said Jessie in a review in the App Store. “It’s the best dating app that I have ever tried. Hope all lesbians and bisexual women would enjoy Lesly the same way I do.”
FAQs: Are There Any Hookup Sites That Actually Work?
Yes, plenty of hookup sites can put you in the middle of the action in the dating scene and lead to full-on, hot-and-heavy romances. We’ve listed several popular and effective dating options already, and you may have noticed Ashley Madison was at the very top of our list.
We consistently rank Ashley Madison among the best hookup sites because it has a good combination of search tools, match features, and verified profiles. And it lets you blur or mask your face if you’re worried about privacy. It’s easy to get laid when you have such a sophisticated dating tool in your pocket.
What Happened to Craigslist Personals?
Craigslist left a gaping hole in the local dating scene when it shuttered its dating personals section in 2018. The company had come under fire for facilitating sex trafficking and other illegal activities, and unfortunately, all its legit members paid the price.
“Any tool or service can be misused.” — Craigslist team in a statement
The upside is that many more reputable dating companies have stepped up to take its place by facilitating casual encounters. We’ve seen several worthy alternatives to Craigslist pop up over the years, and some of them have gained a big following. For instance, Doublelist currently has 3 million users and publishes over 100,000 daily posts.
Doublelist is so named because of its two-step verification system. New members must provide a valid email address and phone number to create an account, and the site’s moderators check for fraud and duplicates.
What Are the Safest Dating Websites?
The safest dating websites have a thorough vetting system, 24/7 moderators, and transparent privacy policies that keep members from encountering scams or losing control of their personal information. You can tell a dating site is safe when it has lengthy community guidelines and member requirements that are strictly enforced.
For instance, dating apps like Tinder and Bumble require users to upload a photo or provide a phone number before browsing the database. Ashley Madison sends a text verification on its app and requires a photo ID check on its website.
You can create a unique username on AdultFriendFinder, but the site reviews and verifies other personal data to make sure phonies and catfish don’t stick around for long.
“AdultFriendFinder prohibits its members from engaging in illegal acts,” the AFF team says. “If you are aware of the aforementioned activity, please contact us immediately using the form below so that we can investigate it and take further action.”
Where Can Seniors Find a One-Night Stand?
One of the best platforms for daters over 50 is OurTime. While it doesn’t cater to singles looking for one-night stands, it has such a large user base that older singles looking for casual connections will likely find someone who wants the same.
OurTime is a popular dating app for senior people looking for companionship. It’s free to join and has enough free chat tools to spark a casual relationship online or offline.
The platform has a wide range of search tools, so users can filter profiles based on their type.
It’s Easy to Find a One-Night Stand on Dating Sites & Apps
Online dating provides a tremendous support system for singles seeking all types of romantic encounters. The local search tools are naturally a good wingman for singles in the mood to get down and dirty.
Casual daters can cut to the chase online and find the satisfaction they so desire within a few clicks and chats.
Millions of singles have used the dating sites on this list to enjoy a sexy atmosphere and meet playful dates who share similar fetishes and sensibilities. If you’re getting frustrated by the relationship seekers on other dating platforms, it may be time to switch things up and create a free profile on a local hookup site where sex is always on the table. Enjoy!
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