Online hookup apps make it oh-so-easy to find a quick fling. But they can also be dangerous, fostering a hookup culture that prioritizes casual sex over long-term relationships. In fact, a study by The Kinsey Institute found that 34% of men and 24% of women who use hookup sites have engaged in risky sexual behavior, including unprotected sex. To help you stay safe and find a partner who’s right for you, check out our list of the best hookup apps that have strict verification policies and a low rate of fake profiles.
Bumble offers a unique approach to the hookup app experience, focusing on matching you with potential dates who have mutual interests. It’s free to download and use, but you have to pay for premium features like boosting your profile or sending private messages. Bumble is popular among a younger demographic and is open to the LGBTQ community. Its popularity has caused some problems, though, such as the site lagging and a tendency for users to feel bombarded by unwanted messages.
Badoo is one of the largest dating platforms in the world, with over 350 million members globally. It’s simple to use and has a clean interface, making it one of the best hookup apps around. Badoo is available in over 80 languages and has a very active community, with conversations always flowing. Messages and photos can be self-destructed, so you can remain completely anonymous if you want to. And since matches are based on location and interest, you won’t have to worry about sifting through a bunch of irrelevant profiles.
OkCupid is a popular dating site that also provides an excellent hookup option. Its 50-million-plus members are a mix of straight and gay people, but the site definitely leans left. Unlike Tinder, OkCupid uses a personality questionnaire to narrow down your search so you don’t waste time swiping on incompatible matches. The site’s algorithms are so sophisticated, in fact, that someone finds their match every 14 minutes on average.
While eHarmony is designed for lasting relationships, it’s also an outstanding hookup site. Its 20-minute questionnaire helps you find compatible singles based on your preferences and provides an incredible match rate—with someone finding their soulmate every 14 minutes, on average. The only downside is that the site lags sometimes and can be expensive for some.
Once aims to slow down the swiping frenzy by pairing you with one match per day. The site uses a scientific algorithm to pair you with potential partners whose interests align, and matches are verified by ID checking and photo authentication. This app is available for iOS and Android devices.
While it may be difficult to determine compatibility through an image alone, WhatsYourPrice lets you put a price tag on your worth. The site connects women with generous men who are willing to “buy” a first date. The site uses strict verification policies to prevent scammers and catfishers, and it’s been reported that women accept over eight million offers each day.