Concerts

Four times during her term, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has invited applications for aldermanic seats that opened due to a resignation. A committee interviewed them before she interviewed finalists and made the decision. She appointed four relative moderates, in terms of Chicago politics—two with family connections to the ward, three women of color, two Millennials, one gay man. They call themselves the Newbie Caucus.

All of them said that Lightfoot was dealt an extremely challenging hand by fate and faced additional difficulties due to her race. None of them were willing to endorse Lightfoot during the interviews.

“I am laser-focused on the six opponents that I have,” Alderperson Nicole Lee (11th) said. 

“I’m focusing on my race,” said Alderperson Anabel Abarca (12th).

“I am only concerned with my election,” said Alderperson Monique Scott (24th). 

“I’m staying totally focused on my own race,” Alderperson Timmy Knudsen (43rd) said. “It’s important because I have not been elected. So why am I endorsing anybody?”

The 11th Ward office, 3659 S. Halsted St., is also Cook County commissioner John P. Daley’s (D-11th) office and the ward Democratic organization’s office. It’s stacked with Daley family memorabilia.  

The ward’s local organization is helping Nicole Lee out with her campaign. It’s the first one in a very different 11th Ward that now includes all of Chinatown. Bridgeport has long undergone demographic changes, thanks to Asian migration from the north and Latinos from the southwest side, and the ward is now majority-Asian. 

Lee’s grandparents immigrated to the United States. Her mother owned a Chinatown beauty shop. Her father, Gene Lee, founded Chinatown’s Chicago Dragons Athletic Association and was former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s envoy to the Chinese American community, a conduit for Chinatown residents to City Hall. 

In 2014, Gene Lee pled guilty to embezzlement and tax fraud charges; federal prosecutors said he stole money from a community group, spent it on personal uses, and didn’t pay taxes.

“I’m very proud of my father. I’m very proud of all his contributions,” Alderperson Lee said. “He’s a human being. He’s paid for his mistakes at this point. He owned them. He’s taken responsibility, and we live in a country where you’re allowed to do that.”

11th Ward alderperson Nicole Lee Provided

Before her appointment, Lee got a public policy master’s degree from the University of Chicago’s Harris School and worked in corporate philanthropy as a United Airlines executive. She also served on the Haines Elementary Local School Council.

She said she spent the first months of her tenure “really and truly getting my arms around what it is to be the alderman” before budget season came around last fall. “This is the leg up I’ll have if I win,” she said. “The budgeting process was really educational. Every single department had to come sit before you and talk about what they’ve done, where they were the year before, what they’re asking for now and the changes, and you’ve got to really drill people on that.”

She spent time asking about Asian American promotion rates and employment trends in the city bureaucracy, something she said Asian American city employees repeatedly thanked her for. She noted that the city’s top economic officials, Budget Director Susie Park, Comptroller Reshma Soni, and Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett, are all Asian women but that only around 2 percent of Fire Department employees are Asian American. She expects improvements and said she wants to work with the leadership to make them happen.

Crime remains her top local concern. Lee tells people that she, the mayor, and the police cannot fix the issue alone, comparing herself to someone trying to extinguish a forest fire with a water gun. 

“What we need to do is try to smother this from a lot of different angles, big and small,” she said. “Oftentimes when I’ve been on some of these public safety calls, especially with the new district council conversations and the people who were appointed to the board, a lot of the conversation was leaning more towards the left than to the middle, where I tend to sit. I had to say, ‘I live in a community where everybody in my community, for the most part—people that I talk to—want more police, that we don’t have enough, because we don’t feel protected.’ In Chinatown especially.” 

Anabel Abarca was former alderperson George Cardenas’s chief of staff.

I personally believe I was chosen because I knew how to get the job done on day one,” she said. “And I don’t think anybody else, either in the race or prior, during the application process, can say that. No one else had run a ward of 55,000 residents. And that is valuable experience because we had a seamless transition.”

She’s the daughter of immigrants from Guerrero state and Mexico City who met in Chicago while working at a restaurant. She remembers translating for her mother as a child when they went to City Hall on an errand for their auto repair business. They sent her to Chicago Public Schools through Taft High in Norwood Park. After not fitting in as a city kid with bright-red dyed hair at a small liberal arts college in rural Iowa, she transferred to DePaul.

Before a law degree from Loyola, Abarca got a master’s in public administration from Arizona State University, during which she worked for then-beleaguered Arizona State Senate and Maricopa County Democrats at a time when the local sheriff and state government were racially profiling Latinos.

“It’s one thing to be able to go to Arizona and come from parents who are Mexican, but it’s another thing to realize that so many of the Latinos at the time were being completely ignored,” Abarca said. “And when the party doesn’t have enough Spanish speakers, people feel left out.”

12th Ward alderperson Anabel Abarca

You may have heard about Backpage, a website where you could find ads for just about anything you can think of. That’s because it made national headlines a few years back because some unsavory people were using it for questionable reasons. That said, many people used Backpage legitimately such as buying or selling regular goods like you can do on popular sites such as OfferUp.

While Craigslist is one possible (and popular) alternative to Backpage, it no longer has personal ads either. So, read on to learn more about twenty of the best Backpage alternative websites. First, we’ll cover Backpage alternatives in terms of meeting people for casual dating or hookup purposes (like Tinder), then we’ll cover alternatives for buying and selling goods.

11 Backpage Alternatives for Meeting People and Dating

A lot of people appreciated Backpage for its personal ads page as a way to find other people looking for “casual” encounters. So, we’re going to start off by looking at some of the best Backpage alternatives when it comes to casual online dating or finding hookups.There’s a large variety here, so you’ll want to read through to find out which site or app may be the best choice for you. Also, you should be aware that some of these pages may have some of the same issues that plagued Backpage and ended up getting that site taken down. So, please take into account the following disclaimer:

While most of these sites are perfectly legitimate, there are a few that might have scams and/or ads for illegal activities. In general, you should always exercise extreme caution when using largely unvetted public sites or Backpage-type websites. Remember to meet in a public place and always trust your gut.

1.) Tinder

This one doesn’t really require an introduction, as just about everyone and their mom has heard of Tinder. It’s gone global and is now the number one dating app in the world in terms of registered accounts, largely due to its popularity with millennials and gen Z. In case you’re unfamiliar, Tinder is a pretty straightforward app. You see random profiles in your area, with photos and a little bit of text. You then swipe right to indicate your interest, or left, if you don’t. Then, you’ll be matched with people who you swiped right on who also swiped right on your profile. From there, you can start messaging and go from there. As with the other sites, there’s a free version as well as a paid tier (Tinder Gold) for additional features and unlimited swiping.

2.) Ashley Madison

You’ve probably seen ads for Ashley Madison on *ahem* those websites. That’s because this site is all about connecting adults who are looking for casual hookups. One big plus for Ashley Madison is that it really prioritizes discretion. For example, if you decide to become a paying member, your credit card statement will simply read “Online services.” And you will probably want to do that if you’d like to take advantage of everything this website has to offer, including features such as “Traveling Man,” which lets you reach out to people from the area you’ll soon be visiting. Check out our full Ashley Madison review.

3.) Adult Friend Finder

When it comes to alternatives to Backpage for romantic encounters, Adult Friend Finder is easily one of the top choices. It cites itself as “The World’s Largest Sex Dating Site & Swinger Personals Community,” and it has a staggering amount of people signed up—over 100 million accounts, in fact. Just as with Ashley Madison, there’s a free option but it’s rather limited compared to the paid subscription tier. There are chatrooms, vlogs, messaging, and a (paid) feature called Stories that lets you discuss your dream dating life so other people can see if they share the same vibe or goals. Click here to read more about Adult Friend Finder.

4.) Kasual

Kasual, formerly known as Yumi, is a cool Backpage alternative because it’s really unique. Instead of getting matched up via algorithm or swiping, you get connected randomly to a person and the two of you can begin talking right away and see if there’s a connection. This app is available for Android and iOS, and the free version is pretty complete. If you like, though, you can always opt for the Premium membership. Ultimately, Kasual is a breath of fresh air compared to many hookup sites like Tinder because it’s ultra-focused on casual hookups (hence the rebranded name).

5.) Plenty of Fish

Plenty of Fish, or POF, refers to the old dating mantra that there are “plenty of fish in the sea”—in other words, don’t sweat being single or getting broken up with, because there are a whole lot of people out there (billions, in fact). You can use POF as a website or app, which is kind of nice. It’s a pretty typical dating site, where you get matched up with people based on shared interests. They also have a nice video-date feature that may make you feel safer (especially women) about meeting up with someone after seeing them over video first.

6.) Pernals

Logo

Pernals is an app that’s all about personal ads. It allows you to create your own personal ad for free so you can state exactly what you’re looking for (a relationship, casual hookup, friend, etc.). Pernals even lists itself as a direct alternative to Backpage classified ads. They feature relationship categories like Backpage’s personals page used to: platonic, woman seeking woman, woman seeking man, man seeking woman, etc. It’s only available as an app, which you can download either with Google Play or the Apple Store.

7.) Bedpage

Bedpage is another Backpage alternative. Although it features many different categories, the ones that may be of most interest to people looking for a Backpage alternative would be the “Dating” and “Adult” categories. You should definitely proceed carefully with this site, however, as there are no doubt many people trying to use it to scam people and/or conduct illicit activities.

8.) Doublelist

Doublelist is another site that’s similar to Backpage. One slightly annoying aspect is you have to sign up in order to browse their site, which leads with the tagline “Connect with straight, gay, bi and curious!” So, it isn’t hard to know what most people are looking for with Doublelist. They claim to have more than three million users in the U.S., however, so there might be a good chance you can find something that you vibe well with. As always, watch out for catfishers and other scammers.

9.) Oodle

Oodle has features very similar to old personals sites, with categories such as “Men Seek Women,” “Women Seek Men,” etc. There are also some filters including age, which can be nice if you want to narrow things down. There don’t appear to be a ton of people using this site, but it might be worth a shot. At least for my area, there are a lot more men posting on it than women, so depending on what you’re looking for it might not be a great option.

10.) Locanto

Locanto has a similar set up to Oodle and the other Backpage personals imitations. For example, there’s a “Casual Encounters” category with lots of subcategories. You can post a personal ad to let people know what you’re looking for. Like with Oodle, it appears to be mostly men posting and some of the female postings seem rather scammy. As long as you use your best judgment, Locanto could end up being a solid option for meeting people.

11.) eBackpage

Ebackpage is—you guessed it—a Backpage clone that’s just about identical to Bedpage in terms of its look. Like Backpage, there are personal ads available, and like Bedpage, there are both “Dating” and “Adult” categories with the usual options. This site didn’t appear to have many people posting, however. In the “Women seek men,” section, for example, the last posts were from May 2021. You can give this site a try but be aware that there are plenty of scammers on it.

9 Backpage Alternatives For Posting Classified Ads

While the above websites and apps all have the goal of connecting people for dating purposes, Backpage was really a one-stop shop for everything. So, this next batch of Backpage alternatives will focus on sites where you can post ads for buying and selling goods, whether that’s an electric guitar, Playstation, couch, or other items.

1.) Craigslist

If you’re in the U.S., Craigslist probably doesn’t need much introduction as it’s been a household name for a while. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Craigslist. As with any of the sites listed in this review, you have to watch out for scams, but in general I’ve had dozens of easy, smooth transactions with people in my community. Although Craigslist no longer has a “personals” page in the wake of the Backpage scandal, it’s definitely one of the best places to go if you’re looking to buy or sell something in your area.

2.) Offerup

Offerup is a website for the buying and selling goods, whether that’s shoes, clothing, headphones, guitars, furniture, you name it. While you can use it on your desktop, the app itself is a bit better. Also, unlike Craiglist, there is an option for shipping, so you can find stuff from all over the country as long as the person is willing to ship whatever it is that they’re selling. As a buyer and seller, this opens you up to more options. Another cool feature with Offerup is there’s a “free” section so you can take advantage of what people are trying to just quickly get rid of.

3.) Pennysaver

PennySaver is another popular website for those of us out there who are always trying to save money. You can look for real estate listing, cars and motorcycles, jobs, services, even pets! There are a ton of different ways to save money through the PennySaver, which has been in operation for more than fifty years with its original printed classifieds and mailers. This is another great Backpage alternative with a local focus so you can save money whether that’s on a plumber of dining out.

4.) Kijiji

Kijiji is the perfect Backpage alternative if you just so happen to live in Canada. Since it’s a Canadian site, you can browse in English or in French, plus there’s a Kijiji Autos page just for people looking to buy or sell their car. As with Backpage, you select your region and then your city. You can find just about anything on Kijiji, as with PennySaver, so that means getting deals on cars, apartments, services, and pets.

5.) Geebo

Geebo bills itself as “Safe Community Classifieds.” To this end, Geebo has a “Scams & Shams” page that encourages its users to follow certain safety practices, such as purchasing locally, meeting in public, bringing a friend, and following your gut. These are good rules to apply in general to all the sites reviewed here, but it’s nice that Geebo goes out of its way to try to encourage a safer experience. Geebo also has a job portal that can help you potentially find your next employee—it does seem like an expensive service, however, at $299 for 1 month of access.

6.) Gumtree

Gumtree is the Craigslist of the U.K., so if you happen to live there then this is definitely one of your top options. You can peruse job listings, cars, gaming consoles, apartment listings, etc. Gumtree also has an option to rate people who you conduct business with, which is a nice feature as you’ll have a better sense of whether or not someone is trustworthy before you start engaging with them. In general, Gumtree has solid online reviews, as people appreciate the easy-to-use interface.

7.) Free Ads Time

Free Ads Time is a global classifieds website, which is nice because you can potentially use it all over the world wherever you go. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to have many active users, as I could hardly find any postings for my city (a relatively good-sized one). As with most of these sites, Free Ads Time has all the usual categories, meaning that you can look for apartments or houses to rent, roommates, jobs, pets, cars, furniture, clothes, etc.

8.) Want Ad Digest

Want Ad Digest is like Penny Saver in that it goes back some 50+ years. This site has a specific focus on the East Coast, catering to states such as New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, etc. You can use Want Ad Digest to find watches, electronics, cars, campers, even farm equipment! It’s got all the usual categories that you’re accustomed to finding on other sites, with a special focus on cars, trucks, powersports, trailers, boats, and the like.

9.) LetGo

The basic idea of LetGo is right there in the name, encouraging us to let go of what we have so that others might enjoy it. LetGo is a newer app that shares a fair amount in common with OfferUp (see above). This means that it’s only accessible via mobile app (iOS or Android). Like OfferUp, LetGo is all about letting you access the “secret economy right in your neighborhood,” as their website says. As with Gumtree and OfferUp, you can rate other users on the site who you transact with, which makes these sites feel a little safer than some of the others reviewed here.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a ton of options in terms of Backpage alternatives. If you read all of these reviews, however, you can see that that definitely doesn’t mean that they’re all created equal. In fact, some of these are much better than others.

In general, if you’re in the U.S., your best bet is probably to stick with one of the major dating or hookup sites, such as Tinder, Adult Friend Finder, or AshleyMadison (or another one that’s similar to those). And if you’re looking to buy and sell stuff, then your best bet is to probably stick with OfferUp or LetGo. If you’re in Canada, then Kijiji, and if you’re in the U.K., then Gumtree.

Some of the other sites may be okay, but a fair amount seem to host quite a lot of scams, so remember to be extra careful if you’re using one of the lesser-known sites. Make sure you follow basic common sense and never send strangers any money before you’ve actually met with them and have verified that everything is legit. When in doubt, trust your gut and stay safe out there!

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It’s as simple as this: we all have sexual urges from time to time. Occasionally, we don’t have the energy required to find someone to meet IRL (in real life) for a quick hookup to satisfy our NSFW (not safe for work) needs. In the digital age, sexting is the newest form of casual sex available to us. We are lucky to have that type of human connection available to us by just the tap or click of a button.

For those of you who haven’t tried it, sexting is a unique way to sexually interact with a stranger or someone you know via messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and more. It’s instant, easy, and gets the job done! You don’t have to woo anyone or take them out for drinks before you start sexting. It can happen right away, with someone you’ve only met seconds before on a sexting site.

Sexting is also a much more reliable and safe way to engage in sexual activities with people you may or may not already know. That’s why we love these sites and apps. Is there a catch? Only one: There are so many hot sites to choose from! That’s why we’ve taken the time to list and review some of our favorites. Below you’ll find over 20 sexting sites that will get you off quickly! Oh, and most of them are free.

Best Sexting Sites and Apps For NSFW Messaging in 2023

Best Free Sites:

Best for local sexting – Instabang Best overall sexting website – ArousrBest new sexting site – SweetsextBest for messaging with models – SnapchatFor advanced sexters – SextFriendBest anonymous sexting site – SkibbelBest for sexting beginners – Sext LocalPopular sext and hookup app – TinderBest for couples who sext – BetweenGreat for intellectual sexting with real people – Zoosk

Best To Meet New People:

Best for dirty talk with local strangers – Ashley MadisonGreat for fetishes and kinks – Adult FriendFinderBest for shy people – FriendFinder-XBest for finding new naughty text friends – Kik FrienderExchange nudes with locals – BangSexting

Best Free Sexting Forums/Chat Rooms:

Best free random chat – Talk With StrangerMost reliable free sexting message board – /r/sextingfriendfinderPopular chat room site with all sorts of categories – ChatzyRaunchiest chat rooms with multiple people – LewdChat

Best Encrypted Messengers:

Most secure encrypted messenger – ConfideBest protection against screenshots – DustMost user-friendly messenger – SignalYou can erase messages from other devices – Wickr

1.) Instabang: Get Nudes Fast

Instabang, formerly known as SnapSext, is another free sexting site where you can pay for erotic texts. However, you won’t be paying by credit but rather paying for time-based packages. For example, you can pay by the day or sign up for an entire month.

Instabang has the quickest way to find someone to send you nudes. This is because it has an effective search engine, so you won’t waste your time browsing through their gigantic user base. It is also a way to find someone to hook up with, if you choose to search locally.

This is a sexting site with a lot to offer. There are regular people to talk to and professional sexters. But if you get bored sexting, you can always check out their live streams, cam girl chat rooms, nudes exchanges, and live video action.

2.) Sweetsext: Try Something New

From the wonderful folks who bring you Instabang comes SweetSext, a brand new sexting site that delivers the goods.

In most ways, SweetSext is the true spiritual successor of the famous SnapSext (RIP). The interface is almost identical and the girls are just as hot. Since it’s been a few years, the girls tend to be pretty experienced when it comes to dirty talking.

In addition to exchanging nudes, you can catch live stream content or chat with multiple girls at once in the chat rooms.

3.) Ashley Madison: Originally A Site For Affairs

Ashley Madison is an amazing website for meeting new people. Whether you are in the mood to sext, exchange photos, find a new hook up, or just fool around, Ashley Madison will deliver all of that to you and then some.

This site does get bad press because it’s famous (or shall we say, infamous) for supporting affairs. Oh well, we aren’t here to judge you for indulging in forbidden fruit. What we can say is that the people who sign up for Ashley Madison are always “in the mood.” That is what makes it so easy to find someone who is excited and willing to have a naughty chat with you. Even more exciting is that these people usually live close by to you, just in case you’re in the market for some physical action.

It should be mentioned that those you meet on Ashley Madison probably are going to be older than 20 years of age and they might already be in a “committed” relationship. But, it is still the best way to meet someone new to sext—hands down. Check out our full Ashley Madison review for more.

4.) Arousr: Meet Professional Sexters

Arousr is an exciting free sexting site where you can pay to sext (payment occurs in the form of credits). When you sign up for Arousr, they’ll gift you a sweet 100 free credits to chat with the paid talent.

Arousr is certainly a site that caters more towards men. Women sign up for Arousr because they enjoy sexting and want to get cash for it. When you use your credits on Arousr, you are essentially paying gorgeous ladies to flirt and send hot messages to you. There are pros and cons to this, but one thing we love about the credit system is that it incentivizes women to keep the chat extremely sexy and interesting.

This sexting site also has some fun features that you can take advantage of, like video chat or voice notes. And, like we said, these women you are paying have every reason to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

5.) LewdChat: Erotic Chat Rooms

LewdChat is an anonymous sexting site where you can find someone to send erotic messages to in a snap. You literally only need to plug in a temporary username, and you’re off to the races!

Here is how most people use LewdChat to sext: First, they check out the chat rooms that LewdChat has to offer. They are set up like regular chat rooms, but the subject matter is raunchy. If you’ve ever experienced a chat room before, you will feel right at home. As people explore the chat rooms, they often find another user in the room that turns them on. If that user is down, the two will move to private messaging.

LewdChat is for someone who doesn’t have time to waste. They want to sext, and they want it right now. With the fast sign-up process and subsequent launch into naughty chat rooms, LewdChat makes it easy to find someone to sext. Don’t expect bells and whistles on this site though. It’s very basic, but that is on purpose.

6.) Bangsexting: Talk To Strangers About Your Fantasies

Bangsexting is a messaging platform where users come to express their sexual fantasies to hot strangers on the web. It’s an adult matching site that pairs compatible sexters with one another. And it’s strictly for sexting or hookups—not dating. This is made extremely clear when you visit the homepage. “No bots, no long dates, and no spending lots of money on unnecessary things,” are all part of the rules of Bangsexting.

Bangsexting was created as a place where people didn’t have to feel shy about their desire to sext. Through Bangsexting, you can chat with people in your area. This allows for the sexting to evolve into an in-person hookup, if that is what you’d prefer.

Signing up is easy and requires you to answer four questions about your sexting preferences. From there, you’ll be matched with other users on the site. Bangsexting also offers a feature which allows you to stay anonymous throughout the entire process.

7.) Reddit: Free Message Board

We’d be surprised if you haven’t already heard about Reddit. It’s one of the most popular message boards on the worldwide web, where people can come to express themselves on virtually any topic you can think of. This includes nudes and erotic messages.

There are plenty of messageboards (called subreddits) that cater to sexting fiends, but our favorite is r/sextingfriendfinder. It shouldn’t be hard to see why. The name of this subreddit pretty much says it all! It’s designed as a meeting place where strangers can come to find sexy friends. While you are searching for the erotic sexter of your dreams, you can explore the sexy or nude content that already exists on the forum.

Reddit is absolutely free to use, so you know the folks posting in sexting subreddits are there for the right reasons. In other words, you won’t be paying anyone to sext. These subreddits are full of genuinely horny individuals who want to have a little bit of fun. If someone wishes to be paid for their erotic texts, they will likely inform you right there on the subreddit page.

8.) Kik Friender: Find New People To Talk To On Kik

Kik has long been a reliable app for open-minded people. Plenty of sexters have used Kik (a free app) to connect with people because it’s an anonymous messaging app. It masks your identity through usernames within a sexy and accepting environment. But you need the username of the person you want to sext before you can enjoy all the perks that Kik has to offer. This can be done easily by searching the hashtag #kikme on Twitter, or you can use Kik Friender!

Kik Friender is a site that can be used in conjunction with Kik for the ultimate sexting experience. Use Kik Friender to find usernames of the hottest people around so that you don’t have to spend your time searching for those usernames. Kik Friender allows you to make friends all over the world and find new sexting partners to explore your fantasies with.

Right when you hit the homepage, Kik Friender introduces you to a list of beautiful people (primarily women) in the form of thumbnails. These people are selected based on their activity on the Kik platform. Keep in mind that many of the ladies found on Kik Friender are expecting to be paid for their nudes.

9.) Talk With Stranger: Unique Sexy Chat Rooms

Talk With Stranger is a random chatting site where no registration or payment is required. Yup, it’s totally free. Simply visit the website and get to meeting new people! But, beware of the ads that seem to overtake the homepage (the price you pay for free chat we suppose). Talk With Stranger has some of the best sex chat rooms available to you on the web, which is why it’s ideal for people who love sexting.

Talk With Stranger is a unique chat room site because it offers an array of desirable sexting categories for you to choose from. There are LGBTQ+ chat rooms, rooms for lonely people, younger chat rooms, and rooms for people who want to sext and find love. Pick a chat room that seems interesting and you’ll immediately be introduced to like-minded people.

If you connect with someone in a chat room, you always have the option to move from the public chat forum into a private chat room where pictures and videos can be exchanged. Talk With Stranger is a wonderful way to meet people to sext on the Internet discreetly and anonymously.

10.) SextFriend: Meet Other Experienced Sexters

SextFriend is a combination site that is for both sexting and adult dating. For a matching site, they’ve got one of the quickest and easiest sign-up processes. Within five minutes of hopping onto SextFriend, you could be sexting with a hottie.

SextFriend is not for those who are new to sexting. It doesn’t really hold your hand through the process. It’s for the more advanced sexters and adult daters who know exactly what they are looking for. SextFriend lets you sign up for their services and then throws you into the deep end of the adult dating pool. Whether you are searching for a hookup or a kinky conversation on the web, your fate is in your own hands when you use SextFriend.

SextFriend is known as a vibrant sexting community and caters to all sorts of sexting needs. Through the platform, you can meet people to sext, use their messaging feature, video chat, and send photographs. You can also move from texts to a real meetup in a jiffy if that’s what you are after. However, if you’d prefer to simply send naughty messages to people through the site, you can do that too.

11.) Chatzy: Most Straightforward Chat Site

Chatzy is a quick, straightforward, no-frills chatting platform. Though the website feels a bit out-of-date, it does a fantastic job at connecting people for the purposes of sexting and erotic chatting.

Joining the platform could not be easier. All you really need is to create a username. Once you do, you are welcome to enter one of the various Chatzy chat rooms and join in the conversation. There are all sorts of chat rooms on Chatzy, and they don’t all have to do with sexting. To find the naughty rooms, use the Chatzy search function to look up sexy keywords that will introduce you to the sexting chat rooms you prefer.

You can also create a chat room if you wish or move into a private room with another Chatzy user. For fast anonymous chat, Chatzy is a nice option because it doesn’t bog you down with any distractions or advertisements. It’s a plain and simple chat room platform with nothing standing in your way of juicy messaging. However, if you are trying to meet a local or have a more in-depth experience, we’d suggest looking elsewhere for your sexting needs.

12.) Skibbel: Random Sext Chat

Skibbel is a free application that was created specifically for sexting. It creates random chat opportunities with other people who want to send naughty messages, photos, or videos to one another.

If you are a fan of Omegle or Chatroulette, you’ll surely enjoy Skibbel. In fact, Skibbel calls itself the “better Omegle,” and we’d have to agree. Omegle has an old-school feel whereas Skibbel is a very modern, user-friendly, and attractive platform designed for sexting and sexting alone.

If you are a bit of an exhibitionist, you can take advantage of Skibbel’s livestream feature where you can broadcast a video of yourself to the Skibbel community. However, if you’d prefer to sext one-on-one with a stranger from around the globe, you can do that too.

Unlike Omegle, Skibbel requires that you set up a profile (don’t worry, it’s very simple and doesn’t take long). Skibbel prides itself on anonymity, so it will never ask you for your e-mail address or any identifying information. It just wants to know your gender, what you are looking for, and a sentence or two about yourself.

13.) Sext Local: Adult Dating App + Sexting Site Hybrid

Sext Local takes the features of a local dating app and applies it to a fun, free sexting site. With Sext Local, you will meet real people in your area to talk to. This is also good for someone who might want to meet IRL.

With other adult dating apps, it’s hard to know whether or not your match will be comfortable sexting immediately. With Sext Local, there is no guessing. All users who sign up must fill out a questionnaire that ensures that they are on board, willing to sext, and able to adhere to the safety guidelines.

Sext Local knows that images and videos are an important part of sexting, so they have features to accommodate that sort of communication. People love this site because the user base is full of real and genuine locals. Catfishes are few and far between on Sext Local!

14.) Snapchat: The Original Nudes App

Snapchat is an extremely popular app where folks can send each other disappearing images and utilize fun filters. If they want to share something with all of their Snapchat friends, they can create a story (similar to the ones you see on Instagram) that disappear after 24 hours. It’s easy to see why it’s referred to as the “original nudes app.” However, today it’s used mostly by tweens to communicate with one another through innocent images. Like all sites and apps, you need to be careful about who you are engaging with.

There are still plenty of people who use Snapchat for hot pics and texts. People feel good about using it for that type of material because it notifies users if their messages are saved or screenshotted.

Plenty of pornstars will use Snapchat as another way to lure customers and make a living. They often refer to their Snapchat handles as “Premium Snapchats” because they will cost you a premium to view and interact with. There are sites all over the web listing the best Premium Accounts that are worth spending your money on.

You can use Snapchat to securely sext with people you already know, meet new sexting friends, or engage with Premium accounts for a fee.

15.) Friend Finder X: A Casual Sexting Site

Friend Finder X is technically a hookup site, but sexting is widely encouraged between the users on the platform. On the home page, you will be informed that the folks you’ll meet through Friend Finder X are regular people, not pornstars or sexting professionals.

Most people use Friend Finder X to find casual sex, but they are always eager to flirt through the message function before meeting up. This means that raunchy communication happens frequently on the Friend Finder X platform.

Friend Finder X will put you through a small sign-up process and then introduce you to their user base in the form of thumbnail photos. If you are a man seeking a woman, you will notice that the ladies on Friend Finder X are on the younger and raunchier side.

It’s an adult dating site that aims to skip all the dating awkwardness and head straight to the sexual side of a casual relationship, so don’t be shy to initiate sexting with any of the Friend Finder X users who you meet.

16.) Confide: Most Secure Messenger App

Confide is an extremely secure instant messaging system. It’s basically the Fort Knox of sexting apps. But it’s not specifically for sexy chat. Confide is used by business professionals and regular people as a way to send encrypted messages. Each message that is sent or received immediately self-destructs after it is read. It is also screenshot-proof and encrypted.

This might feel like overkill for some, but sexting and exchanging nudes can be seriously risky when in the wrong hands. Using Confide is a way to confidently send those raunchy notes without the fear or paranoia that they’ll be leaked to the public or cause problems in your life.

Confide is not a site where you can go to meet new sexters. It’s best used with someone you already know as a way to keep sexting sexy, and without worry or fear.

17.) Dust: Most Anonymous Encrypted Messenger

Dust is very similar to Confide in that it’s an encrypted secure messaging system that can be used for nudes along with other confidential information. Its main function is disappearing messages and providing security.

You can use your social media platforms to sign up with Dust, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not secure. It is simply a way to figure out which of your friends or followers also use the Dust app. It’s good for seeing if an old flame or former hookup also uses Dust. However, if you don’t feel comfortable signing up with your social media account, you can always choose to provide the bare minimum which is simply a username and password.

All of your texts will self-destruct in 24 hours. You can also choose to delete messages if waiting 24 hours for destruction is too long. Dust is also clever in that it never shows your name on your messages. So if someone wants to be sneaky and take a photo of your messages on their phone with another device, Dust won’t allow your name or username to link in any way to that image. However, screenshotting isn’t disabled on Dust.

18.) Tinder: Swipe Through Potential Sexters

Tinder is a free hookup app that tons of people swear by. Its primary use is to find someone to either go on a date with or hookup with, but there’s no reason why it can’t be used for sexting.

Tinder is a swipe-based application that allows you to swipe left for “no” and right for “yes.” What are you saying yes or no to? It’s pretty much based on who you think is hot or not. When you find someone worth swiping right on, Tinder will notify you if it’s a match. Then, you can begin chatting.

If you want to find a sexting friend that could also be a hookup friend, Tinder is the app for you. However, you might find yourself wasting time on people who aren’t in the mood to sext with you. Many users of Tinder are seeking a relationship, so they aren’t keen on getting right to the sexual stuff. You might offend some folks with your naughty messages, but it’s OK because there are so many users on the app at any given time. You are bound to find someone quickly who wants to send naughty messages to you.

19.) Adult FriendFinder: Talk About Your Fantasies

Adult FriendFinder is a site recognized by many as an effective hookup site. It’s beloved by adult daters, swingers, and sexters. Hanging out on Adult FriendFinder is like going to a sex party. You never know who you are going to meet, but everyone is in the mood.

While it’s used primarily for meetups, the people on Adult FriendFinder love to sext. There are so many unique ways to chat with fellow hot strangers on Adult FriendFinder. You can sext through e-mail, instant chat, live streaming, or video chatting. You can also rate people based on their sex appeal.

Adult FriendFinder also makes your sexting search a breeze with their advanced search function. Narrow down your options by filtering by hotness rating, looks, or even kink. Adult FriendFinder is fantastic for those who have very specific fantasies and fetishes in mind.

20.) Zoosk: Meet Real People To Sext

Zoosk is a popular dating app that is used for a variety of relationship types. It’s on this list because sexting tends to be a popular activity for users of the app.

When you visit Zoosk, you’ll notice that the app itself feels very clean. There aren’t suggestive images and it presents itself as a serious dating app. You can browse other members on the app to figure out who you are attracted to. With 40 million people using Zoosk, you have many options to choose from.

It’s an adult dating app that requires verification, so catfishes and scammers never slip through the Zoosk cracks. That’s really what makes it great for sexting, aside from their massive selection of users.

Sexting is something you’ll need to ask for in the messages with your matches because it’s not explicitly what Zoosk was made for. That being said, sexting happens frequently between two Zoosk users who feel an attraction to one another.

21.) Wickr: Reliable Messaging Application

Wickr is a reliable, safe messaging app that is widely used amongst sexters and other people who wish to keep their information private. It’s rumored that Wickr is the messaging platform which celebrities use to safely and discreetly sext!

It’s become very popular because it is genuinely safe and secure. Wickr, like other messaging applications, utilizes end-to-end encryption for all types of messages (including text, video, photos, and more). It provides a secure way to exchange private messages with someone who you already know. It won’t introduce you to strangers on the web, but it will make you feel more at ease and secure with people who you already know.

Wickr doesn’t offer screenshot protection, but does have a very useful “Shredder” function. The Shredder allows you to permanently erase your messages, photos, or videos from another person’s device without issue. You can also select a time limit for all of your messages which causes them to self-destruct once that time limit is up.

22.) Between: App For Sexters In A Long-Distance Relationship

Between is a free sexting site for people who already know each other. This Korean-built chat app allows for multiple forms of private communication between two people. For instance, you can chat, call, send nudes, video call, and more.

It’s best used between people who might already be in a relationship (potentially a long-distance one) and want a platform that is used exclusively for their sexual mobile relationship. This has a lot to do with the other special features which Between offers. There is a way for two Between users to share each other’s schedules, making it easier to know when sexting is on or off the table. We can all agree that sexting is easiest when not in the middle of an important meeting or at breakfast with Mom.

Again, Between is free unless you choose to go premium. We can assure you that you won’t need to pay in order to enjoy Between. However, you can shell out some change if you want to experience some of their more personalized features.

23.) Signal: For Discreet Communication

Signal is a secure open-source messaging platform that is free for you to use. While it wasn’t created with sexting in mind, it offers the security you’d need to have discreet sexting fun.

Like other messaging applications, Signal is a place where you can send naughty encrypted messages to someone. You can also set your messages to self-destruct on a timeline of your choosing. Whereas other messengers will automatically destroy your messages immediately or within 24 hours, Signal gives you the power to control when the message disappears from your partner’s screen.

Signal is a fantastic sexting app for people who want to keep their nudes discreet. Worrying while sexting kind of takes all the fun out of it. Signal will help you keep that fear at bay and allow you to simply relish in your naughty fun! With Signal, you can send voice or text messages, videos, photos, and more.

How To SextThe idea of sending dirty words through a phone or computer might make you anxious, but that’s OK. With practice, you will begin to feel more comfortable and develop your own style of sexting. However, there are some things to know before you’re able to master the art of sexting.

Always get consent: It can be tempting to send unsolicited nudes to someone, but it’s never a good idea. You want enthusiastic consent before you engage in any sexual activity with another person, including sexting. Remember that your text partner is sharing intimate private thoughts or photos. Do not share or screenshot without their consent.Only do what you feel comfortable doing: Draw the line if you feel uncomfortable. Perhaps your sexting style doesn’t include photos or videos because sending those gives you anxiety. That’s fine! Set boundaries for yourself so that you can move through erotic messaging confidently.

Take the pressure off of yourself: Sexting isn’t something that people are automatically experts in. There is a learning curve to this. You might stumble through a few sexting sites and experiences before you get a rhythm going.

Get creative: Sexting is a writing exercise. You are using your words to evoke feelings of passion from your partner. That’s why you’ll want to use your imagination and creativity. Describe how you are feeling in intricate detail. It will keep things hot!

Have nudes on hand: Sexting is usually quite fast-paced. Having nudes in your library will make them easier to send quickly. That way, you don’t lose momentum by trying to get the perfect shot!

Example Sexts

This is a good example of a nice rhythm. The partners here are playing off of one another and carrying on as if they were speaking to one another. There is a building momentum here where you can tell that they are both really turned on.

These partners are very descriptive and making a nice use of emojis to convey passion. Notice how the woman is describing how she likes to be pleasured, and the man is responding by playing into her fantasy.

The man who is sexting is extremely specific, which makes it easier for his partner to respond. He also breaks up his sexts and it flows really well, as if he were telling a sultry story.

Sexting Site Safety TipsCybersex is hot, but it comes with some personal responsibility. When you meet someone new on the Internet, or share intimate photos, you immediately are placing yourself in a vulnerable position. For some, the risk is part of the thrill. But you always want to put your safety first.

Don’t give out your personal information: OK, we know this sounds silly. What could be more personal than a spread-eagle shot of your junk? Here, personal information refers to info such as your home address, banking information, social security number, and other identifying details. Sadly, scammers love to find prey anonymously through the Internet.
Use encryption when you need to: We’ve all seen tabloid headlines that read, “Celebrity Nudes Leaked!” The second-hand embarrassment is nearly tangible as we read an article containing images of the nudes or screenshots of Instagram DM sexts. Had those celebs simply sent their pictures through encrypted messenger, they wouldn’t be available for everyone to see. That’s why these apps are available to you too. Use them if they make you feel more secure while sexting.

Is Sexting Better Than Dating?First off, the two aren’t mutually exclusive. You can sext someone you are dating. You can also use apps to find a stranger to send naughty messages to. To answer the question simply, different strokes for different folks. Sexting is far more casual than in-person interactions. But there are major benefits to sexting:

It’s safe: If you can be smart about your privacy online, sexting sites offer ways to connect with new people without placing yourself in physical danger.

It’s easy: Sexting is very convenient. If you’ve got a phone and Internet connection, you can find someone to sext in just minutes.

It’s fun: Due to the veil of the Internet and the ability to remain anonymous, you might feel more comfortable letting your freak flag fly.

Read More

Traditional dating isn’t for everyone. Some people want serious relationships while others want something more casual, like a hookup. The taboo around casual dating has subsided in recent years. Casual daters have plenty of options, but most opt to try hookup sites to find what (and who) they want.

Different sites cater to different tastes. A site’s speciality is not always immediately apparent. So it can be a challenge to find the right site for you. That’s where we come in. We’ve signed up for and tried the best hookup sites and apps for casual encounters to get some action.

Let’s dive into the reviews and ratings.

Click ↓ next to the name of the site to jump straight to the review.

Best Hookup Sites and Apps for Casual Dating in 2023

RankSiteBest For1.Adult FriendFinder ↓Best overall hookup site2. BuddyBang ↓Runner-up3.BeNaughty ↓Best for flirtiest singles4.Ashley Madison ↓Best for affairs5.Seeking ↓Best for sugar baby/sugar daddy/mommy6.ALT ↓Best for alternative and BDSM sex7.OKCupid ↓Top choice for millennials8.Hinge ↓Somewhat serious, but mostly FWB9.Zoosk ↓Best for short-term dating10.Bumble ↓Best for women11.Plenty of Fish ↓Best for lots of options12.Tinder ↓Most popular app13.Pure App ↓Best for fantasy based14.Feeld ↓Most open-minded singles15.Sex Messenger ↓Best for anonymous hookups16.Reddit R4R ↓Best completely free option

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best overall hookup site

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Adult FriendFinder is one of the oldest hookup sites and remains one of the most popular. Although its name sound relatively innocent, you can think of it as being short for “Adult Friends with Benefit Finder.”

Adult FriendFinder caters primarily to people looking for FWB, swinging, non-monogamous relationships, threesomes, and other more experimental arrangements. Whether you’re looking for something with NSA (no strings attached), a one-night stand to spice up your marriage, or a quick fling, you likely won’t have to go too far to find someone who’s interested.

Once you create a profile on Adult FriendFinder, you can customize your search quite a bit to make your search more efficient and find these like-minded people more quickly.

Adult FriendFinder also has bonus content such as webcam shows and erotic stories. So, if you need a little warming up before connecting with someone, you’re covered. In some senses, you can think of Adult FriendFinder as a kind of interactive PornHub, as it really is home to a large community of kinky and sex-positive people.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About Adult FriendFinder

“I was on another site. Met a guy who told me about Adult FriendFinder (AFF). I signed up. Have been on AFF for a little over a year and a half. Have nothing but praise. When AFF works, it WORKS! For the most part, I have met some truly wonderful men. Local men, business men coming through my area, couples. Overwhelmingly positive experience and exactly what I was looking for: no strings, no drama, casual sex.”

Need a little more info before taking the plunge? Check out our in-depth Adult FriendFinder review.

2.  BuddyBang – Runner-up

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

As you might expect, BuddyBang is all about linking up people interested in no-strings-attached hookups or being friends with benefits. This no-judgment site operates like an express train to sex. Its goal is to be as simple as browse, chat, bang.

While you are not likely to find romance here, you will find plenty of passion. Horny adults flock to BuddyBang to chat and make new erotic connections. Ultimately, the goal is to arrange a meetup with a saucy stranger in your area. If you’re lucky, that one-night stand might turn into a longer-term arrangement.

With a relatively affordable monthly subscription and advanced search filters, getting laid on BuddyBang is fairly straightforward. In any case, it’s likely to be more efficient—and more bang for your buck (see what we did there)—than shelling out tons of cash for dinner dates that may lead nowhere.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$39.95 totalThree months$26.95/month ($80.85 total)One year$19.95/month ($239.40 total)

What Users Think About BuddyBang

“A lotta hookup sites out there, which means a lot of scams. Gotta be honest, at first I was skeptical of BuddyBang. Seemed like another fake site that just wanted your cash. But I was pleasantly surprised. More than that, I was very happy with my experience. I met a couple real girls here who, let’s just say, were down to get down. And that’s all I wanted. I wasn’t a creep. I kept it cool, wasn’t aggressive with messaging and it all worked. I recommend it!”

3.  BeNaughty – Best for flirty singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

BeNaughty unsurprisingly attracts people who are kinky and after a good time. I mean, it’s right there in the name. Fortunately, breaking the ice is easy as BeNaughty gives users many different ways to connect. You can browse the gallery or enter a naughty chat room for potential dates. When you find someone you like, you can send a wink, a message, or start a live one-on-one chat.

BeNaughty works well because it gets right to the point. Users are looking for fast fun, leaving little time for hot and cold games. They want a hookup and they usually want it ASAP. BeNaughty uses a Tinder-type function that’s geography based, which helps keep your searches relevant. After all, who’s trying to drive (or fly) hundreds or thousands of miles for a one-night-stand?

Open-minded and discreet, BeNaughty provides many filtering options that help streamline your search, whether that’s for singles or couples to join. By adjusting your searches and filters, you can find your ideal scenario and dispense with people who aren’t a good fit for you.

Membership LengthPriceThree day trial$1.05/dayOne month$27.01 totalThree months$15.15/month ($45.45 total)Six months$12.24/month ($73.44 total)

What Users Think About BeNaughty

“Here you can be selective. The choice of profiles is quite large. The girls are active, many of them are constantly online. There are those who only like online communication and do not want to go on dates. However, it is their choice. If you are interested in online flirting, it will be a lot of fun with this site. Some people want more, so I’m still looking for someone to go on a real date with me.”

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Ashley Madison has the reputation of being a site for affairs and discreet married dating. Its slogan is literally “Life is short. Have an affair.” The brand has become notoriously in recent years for being a site for married people to flirt and hook up.

Since the site caters to people in relationships or looking to have sex with married people, Ashley Madison is generally a place where you don’t need to fear negative judgment. It’s a great site for anyone looking to add some excitement to their life and explore the world of extramarital affairs.

Ashley Madison is the first website dedicated to helping married people have affairs, and its highly committed to discretion. Despite the backlash and its somewhat negative reputation, this site remains popular and boasts a massive database that crisscrosses the globe.

Membership TierPriceBasic100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic500 credits at $0.34/creditElite1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

You message and live chat with users in exchange for credits. It’s about 5 credits to sent a message or 50 credits/hour to live chat. For more information about credits and other aspects of the site, see our full Ashley Madison review.

What Users Think About Ashley Madison

“As a woman, I can tell you that this site works. I’ve met and hooked up with a lot of great guys. However, I will say that since there are considerably more men than women on the site you have to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Women like to be wined and dined and brought on business trips, to a nice hotel, etc… Be patient, it works. I found a great guy who I have been hooking up with on a regular basis for over 2 years now and we are very happy with the arrangement.”

5.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Seeking may have undergone a brand transformation (fka Seeking Arrangement), but it still attracts a straightforward target audience: wealthy and experienced individuals seeking the young and attractive. This sugar daddy site is all about helping daddies and mommas find sugar babies or cubs for hookups.

There are many more women than men because the “sugar baby” focus attracts many young women to the site. In fact, Seeking claims to have four times the number of women than men in their database. The only real prerequisite for would-be sugar daddies is that they have money to throw around. They give priority to verified “elite members” who join with the sole intention of lavishing money and attention on would-be sugar babies.

While Seeking is a great site for beautiful young women looking for fun, attention, and a “daddy” to spoil them, it can be quite competitive for sugar babies. And the hopeless romantics out there are probably best avoiding sites such as Seeking in general. It’s much more geared toward hookups that may have a rather transaction-like feel.Women who’d like to meet a well-off older man also aren’t risking much with Seeking because it’s free for women seeking men.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$89.95/monthThree month$79.95/month ($239.85 total)Diamond (more premium features)$249.95/month

What Users Think About Seeking

“Came across them on Facebook and decided to spend a few bucks to find some men. Although not all the men were true to their description and some being scammers, it was pretty easy to find the genuinely interested ones from the fakes. It is a dating site for the wealthier crowd as we spend a lot of money but you can find a suitable candidate here.”

Still not sure or need more information? Check out our full Seeking review.

6.  ALT – Best for alternative relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

ALT is a full-on casual sex website. It’s not for anyone who is on the hunt for a serious relationship. This site is all about casual sex in every form to gratify any sex-seeker! The website’s community is made up of those who are into alternative bondage, who enjoy hooking up online, live, and in-person for sex dates.

It’s a dating site that caters to people who want to find alternative, BDSM, bondage, and fetish partners who can connect online and meet in person. ALT speaks to swingers, dominatrixes, and mistresses looking for power exchange.

ALT is the leading BDSM site, with almost 2 million members. You can easily customize your fetish and find someone who is into the same kinks as you! Remember that this site is all about kink, such as orgies, being humiliated, or being tortured, and not about vanilla sex. So, if you’re looking for just plain sex, opt for another option on this list.

Membership TierPriceSilver$19.95/monthGold$29.95/month

What Users Think About ALT

“Don’t listen to all the haters!!!! Alt.com is one of the best sites. Been using it in the past and it worked quite good. Nowadays I’d also try Casuasexonly.com and Fetlife.com. And there are also a few smaller sites that work but they are more ‘special niche sites’.”

7. OKCupid – Best for millennials and young people

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★★

OKCupid is a mainstream dating app that caters to many different kinds of relationships. It provides a multitude of choices for millennials looking not just for long-term relationships but options for short-term relationships, casual dating, and hookups. All you have to do is set that as what you are looking for, and they match you to like-minded people!

This site gears toward a generally younger audience—the age group between 18-29. This site is also one of the most inclusive mainstream dating websites that includes many gender and orientation options, helping you zero in on the particular pool of choices you want!

OKCupid may be a mainstream dating app that includes finding long-term relationships, but given its wide range of options, filters, and preferences, it’s a great app for hookups and casual sex as well. Just be up-front and be prepared to meet a great bunch of locals looking for the same things as you.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalSix months$9.95/month ($59.70 total)

What Users Think About OKCupid

“OkCupid is a dating app worth checking out. For the most part I have been disappointed with my dating app experiences. I have been pleasantly surprised with the results from OkCupid. There seems to be an endless supply of genuine women interested in a relationship. After several weeks of using the app for free, I decided to become a subscriber. I have been satisfied with my decision.”

8.  Hinge – Best for hybrid serious and FWB relationships

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Hinge is a mainstream dating app that focuses on finding real romance—but it is also used to find casual sex and friends with benefits. The truth about Hinge is that it’s “designed to be deleted.”

But fear not! This app is incredibly popular with the younger crowd (18 to 29 years of age) and has filters to state the nature of the relationship you’re interested in. This setup is the best for friends with benefits because you have to answer questions about yourself and your preferences, which will bring you closer to meeting someone you share similar interests with and are attracted to!

Hinge is a great hookup app for those who want to find a casual relationship where you hook up with the same person a few times instead of just a one-night stand. Just be straight up with what you’re looking for—and you might just meet a new FWB with absolutely no strings attached.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.95 totalThree months$20.99 totalSix months$29.99 total

What Users Think About Hinge

“Hinge is amazing! I think the thing that I like about it is that if you don’t pay it limits you to 10 likes a day and so it’s more likely that people will pay attention to you rather than getting distracted by yet another profile. And everyone is more careful about who they pick so if you match you’re more likely to talk I think. It also does a great job of conversation prompts that go with photos or without. Definitely check it out.”

9.  Zoosk – Best for short term dating

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★Customer service★★★★

Zoosk is a great short-term dating site that is internationally famous. It has a community of 35 million users in 80 different countries, and it is open to singles of all ages, races, religions, and sexual orientations—making it one of the most diverse casual dating apps.

This app may not be the best for casual hookups and one-night stands, but it is a good contender for short-term dating. If you’re in your early to mid-20s, you’ll find a great selection of singles who are interested in short-term or casual relationships.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$29.95 totalThree months$19.98/month ($59.94 total)Six months$12.49/month ($74.94 total)

What Users Think About Zoosk

“Satisfied with the outcome, pretty good dating site. I think the price is OK and I liked the option of pausing account, very useful when you’re trying to focus on one person. As we all know, it takes several attempts to meet someone you are really interested in.”

10.  Bumble – Safest for women

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★★

Bumble has gained a reputation for being different from most other mainstream dating and hookup apps. If you haven’t heard of this app already, Bumble is one of the first and only sites where women make the first move and get to screen potential men immediately. Men simply cannot reach out to any women unless they’ve initiated contact and interest.

It is catered towards and attracts more women than men looking to mingle or find networking opportunities, friends, or hookups! Even though it has a relatively positive and clean rep, it’s a great site for educated, good-looking men who are searching for successful, bold women.

Membership TierPricePremium$8.99/month

What Users Think About Bumble

“The Bumble app has an easy format to navigate and I like that women have to make the first contact. That Helped me out of my comfort zone. I liked that you can adjust your distance from possible matches.”

11.  Plenty of Fish – Best for lots of options

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Plenty of Fish has the largest user base. POF was launched in 2003, being one of the oldest dating sites. Since it’s free and easy to sign up, you’re going to be exposed to a lot of different types of people, looking for different things, so you’ll have to filter through them all.

Since it’s been around for a long time, it has gained a reputation as a matchmaker site that will ask questions about your family, career, and interests to match you with similar users. It’s catered for people who want to dip their toes into dating and hookup sites to explore options.

Plenty of Fish may or may not have people looking for casual sex, depending on your luck. It’s a matchmaker site that is geared more for a long-term commitment. So you have to be prepared to screen different kinds of people.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$19.99/monthThree months$9.80/month ($29.40/total)One year$5.95/month ($71.40 total)

What Users Think About Plenty of Fish

“Plenty of catfish and foreigners who can’t speak English. However, even if you’re not a paid subscriber you can opt in for only paid subscribers. The site also provides an option for voice calls through the app. I’m going to try the site out for a month or so, then may upgrade to being a paid subscriber. POF has really improved its website since I was on it a year ago. Have fun and meet someone!”

12.  Tinder – Most popular app

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

You didn’t think this list was going to end without this sex gem of an app, did you? Tinder is the most widely known hookup app of this generation. It has an infamous rep for finding casual sex ASAP.

Tinder caters to men and women looking to get laid based on appearance. It’s known for its classic swiping left to reject and swiping right to like someone’s profile. If you’re looking for sex, Tinder has a huge user base and a large number of locals, meaning you can probably secure a sex date tonight—but the catch is that your profile needs to stand out. If you’re not conventionally attractive, you’re going to struggle to find dates.

For men who can’t seem to find dates, Tinder has a large user base of escorts who will private message their rates. If you’re horny and want it—then maybe you can meet a potential escort on Tinder.

Membership Length/TierPriceLimited SwipesFreeOne month$9.99 total if you’re under 30One month$19.99 total if you’re over 30

What Users Think About Tinder

“I’ve been using tinder for quite some time and I really enjoy it! I travel a lot and t’s great way to meet new people. Tinder has a feature called Face To Face you can use to video chat within the app. Tinder has on-demand safety features via Noonlight, which offers a Timeline feature where users can share first date details on their Timelines, like who they’re meeting, when and where. Users can also discreetly contact emergency services via Noonlight.”

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasy based hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Pure App was created for shameless and judgment-free fantasy and desire-based dating. This app is purely for NSA affairs and is completely secretive and anonymous. It encourages its users to be whoever they choose to be and still be themselves.

It caters to people who have wild fantasies or desires that aren’t celebrated on mainstream dating and hookup apps. It allows your individuality to shine through—choosing your gender and sexuality—and providing guaranteed privacy and safety to video chat and meet whoever shares the same fantasies as you.

Pure App uses your GPS location on your phone to find other Pure users looking for some NSA action. You just have to post a photo and an up-front headline and wait to see if anyone close is interested. When you’re done, your profile will vanish, along with all your messages and photos—no need to worry about deactivating or privacy issues.

Membership LengthPriceOne week$14.99 totalOne month$19.99 total

What Users Think About Pure App

“I am a 25 year old attractive woman, I have never been on a site before however After almost a year of dating and taking things slowly and 4 months of not being interested enough to take things further, I broke and downloaded pure. Downloaded Wednesday, Thursday (yesterday) spontaneously arranged to meet a really really attractive guy who spent a few great hours with me. We got along really well. I also had a video chat with a really attractive couple who I’ll be meeting soon. I’m speaking to other really attractive guys as well.”

14.  Feeld – Best for adventurous singles

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★★Customer service★★★★

Feeld is a hookup app for couples and singles to explore their kinks and desires in a no-judgement atmosphere.

It includes couples’ accounts where you and your partner can date a lover or meet someone for a threesome. It’s inclusive for all genders and sexual orientations. Overall, it’s a sex-positive space for anyone looking to explore beyond “the norm” in today’s society.

Feeld prides itself on being responsible and ethical. It connects people with like-minded folk and encourages curious monogamous couples to link with partners who are also interested. It is a safe space that allows couples to explore their desires in the most honest way possible.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.99 totalThree months$29.98 total

What Users Think About Feeld

“It’s called the ‘Tinder for threesomes’ for a reason. I’ll let you do the imagining.”

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymous hookups

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★★

Sex Messenger is an anonymous instant messaging app—like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. But you never share your name because it’s meant to be discreet and only for sexting and trading nudes.

This app is an adult social network that is much more than an online sex chat. It caters to people who want to connect with other people who want to engage in sex and dirty talk, and fulfill each other’s sexual fantasies. Instant messaging on this app and posting blog entries will help you gain the attention you want from like-minded people.

All members must verify their accounts, so this weeds out fake profiles, scammers, and bots. Members can contribute to the website through Sex Messenger’s forums, chats, group sections, sex stories, and blogs. It’s all anonymous and fully discrete. This app is a great way to sext, increase sexual tension, and finally meet up to do the deed.

Membership LengthPriceOne month$14.95 total

What Users Think About Sex Messenger

“I’m recently single and wanted to have a little fun but was skeptical about trying something online. You hear about the horror stories. I found Sex Messenger and immediately thought SCAM. But I gave it a shot and found a couple fun guys within a couple weeks. I didn’t need to renew my membership.”

16.  Reddit R4R – Best completely free option

SpecificationRatingUser experience★★★★Real profiles★★★★Success rate★★★★Customer service★★★

Reddit R4R is one of the best options for browse casual sex options for free. If you’re looking for a hookup but don’t want to sign up, post photos of yourself, and write out a bio to describe who you are and what you want . . . you found the site for you!

This site works as a personals subreddit. It works like any other subreddit. Anyone can post—no photos, no personal information needed! All you have to do is list some things about yourself and the type of person you’re looking for. And then you wait to see if anyone responds to your post.

Reddit R4R is free, so all you have to do is download the Reddit app, and you don’t need to worry about spending money. If you want to be a trusted member and not get blocked, just follow the posting rules! Users love this site to get laid because it’s easy to use, free, and starts an instant conversation with like-minded people.

Membership TierPriceUnlimitedFree

What Users Think About Reddit R4R

“Look, it’s Reddit. You ‘get what you pay for,’ but it’s cool to scroll the profiles and chat for free. Too many guys but I definitely found and met up with a couple hotties.”

Hookup Site Guide

Still on the fence about whether or not you should start using hookup apps? Or maybe you’re already using them but want some more information? Check out this useful guide to answer any lingering questions you may have and walk away with some important safety tips about casual sex.

What Makes a Hookup Site Good?

It’s important to note that different sites cater to different kinds of people. So before creating a profile on any old hookup site, read the reviews to make sure it meets your needs.

Here are a few tips to find the best hookup site specific to you:

If you have a particular kink or preference, keep an eye out for it. (example: Looking for discreet affairs? Ashley Madison is the one for you!)
Make sure the size of the user base is relatively large. More options mean a better chance of finding someone to hook up with.
Find a site that allows users to be up-front about what they want. Usually, apps have preferences, and you can set yours to “casual relationship” or “hookup.”
Make sure the customer service contact information is front and center. You shouldn’t have to go on an expedition to contact the site.

FAQs About Hookup Sites

Q: Are hookup sites safe?

Like any online dating platform, reputable hookup sites have embedded safety features that still require user discretion. It can be dangerous if you don’t take proper safety measures. Generally, these sites and apps regulate safety by banning bots and scammers and have options to report any bad or suspicious behavior. So if you’re planning on joining, be aware and try your best not to be too gullible—you can never be sure who you will come across online!

Q: Are there any completely free hookup sites?

It sucks that most dating apps and casual sex apps require you to subscribe to get optimum results. But sites like Reddit R4R and Craigslist Activities offer a free platform to chat, flirt, and arrange sex dates. But the only downside is that there is no moderation and you won’t be talking to a verified profile and have to be extra cautious.

Q: What hookup sites are free for women?

The reality is that dating apps make it very easy for women to find sex. Most high-rated dating sites offer women free memberships (mostly to balance out the male/female ratio on their site). Sex sites that are free for women include Bumble, OkCupid, Tinder, Seeking, Hinge, Her, and Pure.

Q: What is the best LGBTQ+ option?

Though there are a few options, only two rise to the top. HER is the best for women seeking women and Grindr is best for men seeking for men. These two sites also cater to non-binary people.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for some action tonight, welcome to the world of casual sex sites and apps.

The best hookup sites are on top for a reason—everyone on there is eager to find sex and casual flings just like you! More than mainstream dating apps that cater to a plethora of things such as long-term dating, friendships, and so on, hookup apps are catered only towards sex and NSA fun!

The best hookup site is Adult FriendFinder (AFF) followed closely by BuddyBang. AFF emphasizes anonymity, safety, a massive user base, and a brand name that is verified. Most people on this site are looking for a good time with so many different types of kinks and fantasies. So what are you waiting for?

Hopefully, this list gives you an idea of what sex app is the best for you to get started on today.

Read More

Let’s be honest—sometimes a casual hookup is just what you need. A serious relationship can be great, but it can also be exhausting and stressful. And if you’ve just gotten out of one, especially a long-term one, the last thing you probably want to do is try plunging yourself into another one.

People have long enjoyed the thrill of the one-night stand, and it’s now easier than ever to find one thanks to the internet. In recent years, dozens and dozens of sex and dating apps have popped up, but they are definitely not all created equal.

So, we’ve put together this list compiling 32 of very best sex apps available in 2023. There’s seriously something here for everyone interested in casual hookups, so keep reading to find the sex app that’s perfect for you. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to getting laid! And most importantly, in a safe way (scroll to the bottom for more information about how to stay as safe as possible when using these apps).

Best Sex Apps for No Strings Attached Sex in 2023

RankSiteBest For1.Adult FriendFinder Best sex app overall2.Tinder Best mainstream app3.SeekingBest for meeting wealthy men4.Ashley MadisonBest for affairs5.OKCupid Top choice for millennials6.BuddyBang Best pure hookup app7.BeNaughty Best for naughty singles8.ALT Best for alternative and BDSM9.Hinge Best for FWB and more serious possibilities10.ZooskBest for short-term dating11.BumbleSafest for women12.Plenty of Fish Best user community13.Pure AppBest for fantasies14.Feeld Most open-minded community15.Sex MessengerBest for anonymity16.Reddit R4RBest free option17.Flirty MatureBest for ages 40 and up18.FlirtBest free trial19.JSWIPEBest for Jewish singles20.OneNightFriendBest mobile site21.ThursdayBest new app22.ShipMost innovative app23.BlendrBest for young professionals24.HUDTop choice for sex positivity25.PureBest for women26.3FunFor threesomes27.WingmanBest for frequent fliers28.HerBest for LGBTQ+ women29.HappnBest for urban dwellers30.CasualxFor extremely casual hookups31.StringBest for the bold32.Established MenBest for finding a sugar daddy

1.  Adult FriendFinder – Best app overall

Some sites are more obvious than others about being sex apps. Adult FriendFinder is pretty clear about that. This means that it’s established a userbase full of people who are looking for casual hookups, which is a big plus if that’s what you’re hoping to find.

Adult FriendFinder also has a bit of a niche when it comes to swinging and open relationships. If you are already in a relationship and looking to open things up, or are hoping to be the third person in a threesome, then Adult FriendFinder is one of your best bets out there.

AFF is also one of the longest running sites, so it’s pretty trustworthy. Another nice aspect of AFF is that you can modify searches to find people looking for the same thing as you. This can help you save time and get down to business faster.

Pro tip: You don’t have to hold back on Adult FriendFinder, so be yourself! There are plenty of other people on there who will be looking for the same kind of thing as you, no matter how kinky.

Check out our full AFF review.

Pros:

Straightforward sex-oriented site
Makes finding like-minded people an easy process

Cons:

Relatively expensive compared to some sites/apps
The free membership is heavy on the ads

Pricing:

One-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/monthOne-year membership: $19.95/month

2.  Tinder – Best mainstream app

When it comes to sex apps, Tinder is very likely the world’s most well-known and popular one. It’s definitely true that Tinder has garnered a hefty share of the market when it comes to the hookup and dating space. This is particularly true of younger people, like millennials and Gen Z, but you can find people of all ages on Tinder these days.

Tinder has long had a reputation for being a casual hookup or sex app. That’s still very much true, but there are also many people who are on there hoping to find true love or something serious. It helps to pay attention to people’s profiles—oftentimes they will specify if they are not looking for something casual.

Even though it’s gone more mainstream and there are now lots of people on there who aren’t so interested in casual sex, Tinder remains one of the best sex apps out there. This is largely due to the fact that it has such a big userbase, meaning that your chances of finding someone to hook up with are pretty solid.

Pro tip: Understand that not everyone on Tinder is looking for casual hookups. You should be upfront about your intentions in order to waste as little time as possible.

Pros:

Massive userbase
Many people looking for casual hookups

Cons:

Lots of fake profiles and spammers
Arguably oversaturated at this point

Pricing:

Free: limited number of swipesOne month: $19.99 total if you are under 30One month: $39.99 total if you are over 30Six months: $59.99 total if you are under 30Six months: $119.99 total if you are over 30

3.  Seeking – Best for sugar relationships

Some people may just be looking to hook up, but others may be looking for something more. And no, we don’t mean a romantic, long-term relationship. We’re talking about extra benefits, the kind that accompany sugar relationships.

If you’re looking for a sugar relationship, which is when a (usually) older person spoils a younger person in exchange for dates, company, and whatever else they agree to, then Seeking (fka Seeking Arrangement) is a great bet.

This is a specific niche, and it may not appeal to everyone. If it does, however, it’s hard to go wrong with Seeking since it’s one of the first and most popular sugar sites around. They’ve been attempting to go for a more mainstream angle lately, but they very much remain a sugar-focused site when it comes to its user base.

Pro tip: If you’re a woman, Seeking can be quite competitive. If you’re a man, however, you should have more than your choice of young women to spoil.

Pros:

Free signups for women
Favorable woman-to-man ratio for men
Relatively safe way for women to find a sugar daddy

Cons:

Fairly expensive to use as a man
Hookups may not feel natural, more transactional

Pricing:

One-month membership: $89.95/monthThree-month membership: $79.95/monthDiamond membership (more premium features): $249.95/month

4.  Ashley Madison – Best for affairs

Ashley Madison is another sex app that doesn’t have any haughty pretenses to morality. They know what they are and they own it, hence the company’s motto “Life is short. Have an affair.” Hell, they even advertise on porn sites, where they know they might find some people who are feeling unfulfilled in their relationships.

If you don’t mind Ashley Madison’s straightforward and rather amoral approach, then this is a great place to go for finding casual hookups. They’re all about discretion, meaning that you don’t have to worry about “ASHLEY MADISON” showing up on your credit card bill.

The main thing is that you recognize that there will be plenty of people on there who are looking to have an affair. If that doesn’t bother you, then you’ll be in good shape. Just be careful!

Pro tip: Ashley Madison works on a credit-based system. The more credits you buy the better cost-per-credit average you get (which is fairly common when it comes to these apps/sites).

Pros:

Women can use it for free
Discretion prioritized
Judgment-free space

Cons:

Site actively advocates cheating
Can get expensive for men

Pricing:

Basic Plan: 100 credits at $0.59/creditClassic Plan: 500 credits at $0.34/creditElite Plan: 1,000 credits at $0.29/credit

Check out our complete Ashley Madison review.

5.  OkCupid – Best for millennials

OkCupid has been around a long time, before Tinder and some of the newer sites that have gained in popularity (e.g. Hinge, Bumble, etc.). Due to this longevity, OKCupid is quite popular with some older millennials who may have used it back when they were teens or in their early twenties.

In any case, OkCupid is doing some things right, because young people continue to gravitate towards it. It may be not be as popular as Tinder, but OkCupid still has a huge user base of people. As with most of these sites, it’s best to be upfront about your intentions. Thankfully, OkCupid lets you easily do that.

Pro tip: Be sure to set your gender and orientation options, as well as what you’re looking for, to have the best success and avoid wasting time!

Pros:

Solid filtering options
Varied and large user base
Relatively affordable

Cons:

Many people are looking for love (i.e. Cupid’s arrow)
It can be fairly time-consuming compared to other apps

Pricing:

One-month membership: $19.95 totalSix-month membership: $9.95/month

6.  BuddyBang – Best pure hookup app

The concept behind BuddyBang is pretty simple. Like the name suggests, it helps you find a buddy to ba—… *ahem* sleep with. Like Adult Friend Finder and Ashley Madison, this is another site that doesn’t hide what it’s all about. So, if you’re looking for casual sex and to find a friend with benefits, then BuddyBang is a solid option for you.

BuddyBang is pretty much a pure hookup app, which may turn some people off. In fact, some people may be so thirsty that you feel like you can’t even have a little warm-up conversation first. If you run into this problem, then you may want to try something else.

Some benefits to BuddyBang are that it’s straightforward about what it’s about (i.e. casual sex), it’s relatively affordable, and there are a number of useful features (like filtering options that help you pare down possible matches).

Pro tip: If you use BuddyBang, be prepared for people who are looking to get down to business fast. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then you’re probably better off trying something else.

Pros:

Engaged user community
People are very direct
Nice filters to make things go faster
Not too expensive

Cons:

Obnoxious ads on the free tier
People may be too direct for your taste

Pricing:

One-year membership: $19.95/monthOne-month membership: $39.95 totalThree-month membership: $26.95/month

7.  BeNaughty – Best for naughty singles

We’re talking about sex apps here, so it might not be too surprising that many of them have names like BuddyBang or BeNaughty. You might find them obnoxious, or maybe you appreciate the straightforward aspect. Either way, the name definitely helps ensure that everyone’s on the same page.

So yeah, as you might guess, BeNaughty is all about casual hookups. The goal is to connect people so they can chat and get down to hooking up asap. One cool thing about BeNaughty is that they have numerous ways of finding people, not just the swipe method that has become so ubiquitous. There are various chat rooms you can join and even galleries to look through before starting a one-on-one chat.

Overall, BeNaughty is a strong choice as a sex app because people are there for the same reason. It also features some solid filtering options, meaning you can save some time and get to what you’re there for in the first place.

Pro tip: Be sure to try the various options offered on BeNaughty for meeting people, like the communal chat rooms and galleries.

Pros:

Innovative options for finding people
Community that won’t judge
Couples as well as singles
Trial option won’t break the bank

Cons:

User base can be a bit superficial and thirsty
Hard to use without the premium membership

Pricing:Three-day trial: $1.05/dayOne-month membership: $27.01 totalThree-month membership: $15.15/monthSix-month membership: $12.24/month

8.  ALT – Best for alternative and BDSM

At one point, the homepage of ALT featured a man bound and gagged with the words “Don’t get tied down, get tied up.” This should tell you just about everything you need to know about this hookup site!

Yes, ALT is all about casual sex and specifically for the kinky ones out there. If you’re hoping to go nice and slow and find some vanilla sex, then this is probably not the place for you. People on ALT generally know what they want, and they want it now.

If you’re a kinky type, then you’ll probably be in heaven on ALT. You can find someone out there for just about anything you might be into. Plus, there’s a user base of over two million people, meaning that you have a good chance of linking up with someone like-minded.

Pro tip: ALT has a super specific niche, so if you’re not down for fast and kinky hookups, then you should probably stay away.

Pros:

Sort by your kinks
Browse NSFW content
Webcam shows

Cons:

Watch out for bots and scammers
Premium account required to really get the most out of the site

Pricing:Silver Membership: $19.95/month (with longer plans available)Gold Membership: $29.95/month (with longer plans available)

9.  Hinge – Best for FWB & more serious possibilities

In recent years, Hinge has become super mainstream dating site. At least on the surface, they are all about matching people up for long-term relationships, hence their motto “The dating app designed to be deleted.” (We’re not sure how that makes for a good business model, though.)

In any case, Hinge is popular with all kinds of people looking for all kinds of things. So, if you want to use it as a sex app only, don’t hesitate to give it a try. Yes, you may come across people who specify that they want something serious, but you’re also sure to find people who just want something casual.

Luckily, Hinge makes this a smooth process, thanks to a filtering feature that allows you to specify what kind of thing you’re looking for. This saves everyone time and energy.

Like Tinder, Hinge has a massive user base, which makes it a solid option, especially if you live in a sparsely populated area.

Pro tip: Be straightforward on Hinge, since many people on there will be looking for something more than just a casual hookup. If you state that you’re looking for friends with benefits upfront, you’re less likely to waste time and hurt people’s feelings.

Pros:

Trendy app with younger generations
Top-notch matchmaking algorithm
Can find people looking for friends with benefits
Massive user base

Cons:

Many people here want something serious
A bit pricey

Pricing:One month: $12.99 totalThree-month membership: $20.99 totalSix-month membership: $29.99 total

10.  Zoosk – Best for short-term dating

Despite its silly, Dr. Seussian name, Zoosk is a good option for short-term dating. It’s actually in 80+ countries now, meaning that it may come in handy if you’re a frequent traveler.

Another big benefit to Zoosk is that it has a very diverse user base. Many people may want something more serious, though, so if you’re looking for casual hookups only, be sure to be clear about that.

Pros:

Engaged user community
Worldwide user base

Cons:

May not find as many casual hookup opportunities as other apps
Additional features can add up

Pricing:One-month membership: $29.95 totalThree-month membership: $19.98/monthSix-month membership: $12.49/month

11.  Bumble – Safest for women

Not sure why, but Bumble has gone with a “bee” vibe with its name and branding. In any case, this app has succeeded in getting a lot of buzz by helping people find their next honey. (Yes, we know, that was god awful.)

Part of its popularity and trendiness is that women are the ones to make the first “move” on Bumble. So, if you’re a man on this site, you won’t be able to reach out to women first. This is quite frankly a nice change of pace for everyone, especially if you’re a confident woman or a somewhat shy dude.

Women have flocked to Bumble since it puts them in the driver seat and means they are much less likely to get harassed and deal with asshats. For men, this is a great place to find a confident, self-assured woman. That said, many of them may want something serious, so you’ll have to be sure to be clear about what you’re looking for upfront (as always with all of these sites basically).

Pro tip: If you’re a guy, work hard on your profile, as that will be the one thing that women assess before deciding to message you or not. And if you’re a woman, don’t be shy! It’s up to you to make the first contact.

Pros:

Nifty premise (women make first contact)
Solid ratio of women to men
Basic but well-crafted UI

Cons:

May have trouble finding people down for casual only hookups
Premium membership will cost you a pretty penny

Pricing:Premium Membership: $8.99/week

12.  Plenty of Fish – Best user community

You have to go back nearly twenty years to the beginnings of Plenty of Fish (POF), all the way back to 2003, which honestly feels like forever ago at this point. The good thing about this is that POF is not one of these dating sites that has just popped up, and its longevity suggests that it’s been good at connecting people.

One of the best things about POF is its large user base and the matchmaking algorithm it uses to pair people up. While this is standard with dating sites in general, POF seems to have one of the more robust algorithms out there.

Since it’s not a casual hookup-focused site, you’ll have to be upfront about what you’re looking for to ensure you don’t waste anyone’s time.

Pro tip: Be thorough when answering the questions and when providing other info to POF. Doing so will help ensure that you get the best possible matches.

Pros:

Top-notch filtering options
Huge user community
Cheaper than other apps listed here

Cons:

Many people may want something serious
Watch out for fake bot accounts and scammers

Pricing:One-month membership: $19.99 totalThree-month membership: $9.80/monthOne-year membership: $5.95/month

13.  Pure App – Best for fantasies

Pure advertises itself as all about “shameless dating,” and is pretty straightforward about its approach as a hookup site. Hell, the logo they’ve even used at times (see above) resembles a vagina…

In any case, Pure is great for people who don’t quite feel at home with the more mainstream apps and sites. You can really be yourself here, and doing so will ensure that you find other people you’re compatible with.

Pure is one of the best apps out there for no-strings attached hookups, and it has some solid features that help keep things feeling safe and secure, like disappearing profiles and safe video chatting.

Pro tip: If you aren’t in a major urban area, you may have trouble finding people near you on Pure since it hasn’t yet taken off quite like some of the other apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Focus on privacy and discretion
A breeze to join and get going
Good for fantasy seekers

Cons:

Relatively small user base
Better if you’re in an urban area

Pricing:One week: $14.99 totalOne month: $29.99 total

14.  Feeld – Most open-minded community

Feeld isn’t one of the best-known hookup apps out there, but it makes up for its relative youth by being a great platform for open-minded people looking to find other open-minded people.

With Feeld, it’s all about creating a non-judgmental space where people can feel comfortable looking for no-strings attached hookups. Its focus in particular is in enabling couples to find a third person to join in on the fun.

Feeld’s sex-positive ethos and inclusivity make it one of the best new hookup sites around, and we’re honestly hoping that it takes off soon.

Pro tip: A Facebook account is (unfortunately) needed to verify your identity in the sign-up process. Also, Android users can’t use the premium version, which is a major downside.

Pros:

Very sex-positive platform
Open-minded community
Top app if looking for threesomes

Cons:

Android users locked out of premium version
To verify your profile you need a Facebook account

PricingOne-month membership: $14.99 totalThree-month membership: $29.98 total

15.  Sex Messenger – Best for anonymity

Messenger (fka Facebook Messenger) and Whatsapp are used and loved by more than a billion people on the planet now. Sex Messenger is hoping to play into this appreciation for messaging apps by creating a hookup app that focuses on discreet sexting and messaging.

Sex Messenger is so discreet, in fact, that your name is not even shared with the other person. This helps keep things anonymous, which is especially appreciated for people who prioritize discretion and may be already engaged in a relationship (or relationships).

Sex Messenger is great for discreet sexting, which ramps up the tension, and then meeting up to really get down to it.

Pro tip: This app is all about anonymity and discretion, so don’t go around sharing details about your personal life or asking other people for information about theirs. The whole idea is to keep things light and discreet.

Pros:

Makes sexting relatively safe and secure
Ideal for casual hookups

Cons:

For full access you need a premium account
The anonymity part may not be everyone’s cup of tea

PricingOne-month membership: $14.95 total

16.  Reddit R4R – Best free option

If you’re aiming to find a casual hookup buddy, you might as well try Reddit’s personals forum (i.e. “subreddit.”) Why? It doesn’t cost anything, so you really have nothing to lose (besides the few minutes it takes you to make the post or browse other people’s and send a DM or two).

You won’t often find pictures on r/R4R, which makes it somewhat less superficial and more anonymous than mainstream apps like Tinder or Hinge. It’s more about shared interests and conversation. If the DM’ing goes well, then you may be well on your way to a casual hookup (and without paying a cent).

Pros:

Totally free
No subscriptions or memberships necessary

Cons:

Can be competitive
No way to get priority (no paid features)

Pricing:Free

17.  FlirtyMature – Best for ages 40+

Not everyone is a millennial or Gen Z’er and wants to jump on Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge. For people a bit older, FlirtyMature is a solid option. This hookup site is all about older people, so it’ll be of interest to you either if you are older yourself or want to find someone older than you.

FlirtyMature has a pretty simple and intuitive IU, and its user community is fairly active. There’s a high response rate here, which you definitely don’t always get on other sites (like the ones mentioned ab0ve).

Pro tip: FlirtyMature, like the name suggests, is targeting older users, so it doesn’t make sense to join unless you’re in the 40+ age range or you’re just looking for someone in that age range.

Pros:

Pretty affordable
One of the few options for Gen X and older
Straightforward to use

Cons:

Somewhat annoying registration process

Pricing:1-week: $7 per weekOne month: $28.80 per monthThree months: $48.60 ($16.20 per month)

18.  Flirt – Best free trial

Are you a flirt? Well, here’s an app with your name—so to speak— on it!

On Flirt, you know that you can find other people who are ready to get flirty and find other people who are ready for casual hookups. There’s a solidly active user base on here, despite the fact that Flirt doesn’t yet have the name-brand recognition that a Tinder or Hinge has.

Pro tip: Take advantage of Flirt’s free trial before committing to a paid membership. It’s one of the better free trials around when it comes to hookup sites/apps.

Pros:

Cool SMS feature to take things off-site
Engaged user community
Registration is a breeze
Truly free trial option

Cons:

You can’t do much without a premium membership

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $22

19.  Jswipe – Best for Jewish singles

Known by some as the “Jewish Tinder,” Jswipe has a pretty obvious niche—catering to the Jewish community. So, if you’re single and Jewish, then JSwipe could be a good option for you to find someone. If nothing else, you have Judaism in common.

While some younger and less orthodox people of Jewish faith may be more open to casual hookups, you’ll have to recognize that many people on JSwipe will be looking for something serious and longer lasting. To prevent wasting your time or anyone else’s, you’ll want to be clear about your intentions upfront if they involve casual hookups.

Pros:

Top option for Jewish singles
Relatively affordable
Nice UI

Cons:

You need Facebook to sign up
Not targeting users after casual hookups

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $24.99 totalThree months: $44.99 total

20.  OneNightFriend – Best mobile site

Like BuddyBang, AdultFriendFinder, or BeNaughty, the name behind OneNightFriend attempts to make things pretty clear. So, if you’re looking for a “friend” for one night, then this is a solid option to consider.

That said, there are a fair number of issues with OneNightFriend. The main problem is that it doesn’t do a great job at preventing bot profiles. This means that you may have to be rather patient when using OneNightFriend.

One big positive for OneNightFriend is its easy and free sign-up process.

Pro tip: You might as well give OneNightFriend a try since it’s free, particularly if you’re on a budget. Just be careful for spam profiles.

Pros:

Can’t beat free sign-up
Streamlined for mobile

Cons:

The free plan is limited, and the one-month plan is pricey
Tons of fake profiles to wade through

Pricing:Free: limited featuresOne month: $39 totalThree months: $65.70 total

21.  Thursday – Best new app

Thursday is a cool app with a unique premise. It gets rid of the idea of 24/7 dating that’s available due to the internet. This gives you the chance to take care of the rest of your life the other 6 days of the week, including focusing on actual in-person dates.

For the moment, it’s restricted to certain large urban areas (like London and New York), but they have plans to open up to other cities soon. This is one app to keep your eye on for sure.

Pro tip: Thursday is full of young professionals and is trendy, so this may not be the ideal scene for everyone.

Pros:

Unique concept (available on Thursdays only)
Trendy, lots of young professionals

Cons:

Geographically limited at the moment
Concept may not appeal to everyone

Pricing:Free: limited featuresPremium (“BlackCard”): $14.99 per month

22.  Ship – Most innovative app

Ship is another cool and trendy app based around a new concept. Rather than endless swiping and waiting around for matches, Ship has your friends help you play matchmaker.

It works by setting up a group chat with your friends. You then pick people you think would be good for your friends, and they do the same. You can then discuss possibilities with your friends.

This is a fun concept and is great for people with lots of friends, but it may not appeal to everyone.

Pro tip: Ship is pretty new, so you may need to give it some time before it takes off. It’s got a promising concept, though, so we won’t be surprised if it does sooner rather than later.

Pros:

Emphasizes the social aspect of dating
Nice change of pace from most apps

Cons:

Small user base (because new)
Concept won’t be for everyone

Pricing:

100 credits = $0.99500 credits = $3.991,000 credits = $6.992,000 credits = $9.99

23.  Blendr – Best for young professionals

Blendr depends on Facebook and is primarily for iPhone users, so you’ll need those two things if you would like to use it. The focus with Blendr is on young professionals, so this is great if you fall into that kind of group. If not, you may want to look elsewhere.

The people on Blendr tend to be pretty open (and up for) no strings-attached sex, making it a nice option for people looking for casual hookups.

Pro tip: Ensure your Facebook is up to date (with information you want to be shared) so that when Blendr pulls your info from Facebook it gives you the kind of profile you want.

Pros:

Relatively simple process to get started
Free for iPhone users

Cons:

Mainly compatible with iPhone
Requires Facebook to get set up

Pricing:

Free: limited featuresPremium: price per feature varies

24.  HUD – Best for sex positivity

HUD has a motto that gives you a pretty solid idea of what they’re about: “Why be limited to one option at a time?”

In other words, HUD operates in the same vein as Ashley Madison or AdultFriendFinder, aiming to find users that are looking for discreet sex (and who may be in relationships already).

If you’re after purely casual hookups, then HUD is a solid option seeing as they have a large user base (roughly 9 million members).

Pros:

Large userbase
Designed for casual hookups
Video chat has safety features
Prioritizes discretion

Cons:

Anonymous sign-ups can detract from quality and safety

Pricing:

1 month: $24.993 months: $49.996 months: $69.9912 months: $199.99

25.  3Fun – Best for threesomes

3Fun is all about having fun—3-person style. Yes, we’re talking about threesomes. While this is fairly niche, it’s nice to have a site dedicated entirely to what you’re looking for (assuming that’s the case). This makes it way easier to be on the same page from the get-go.

3Fun has a pretty straightforward concept. You simply press “X” if you’re not interested in a profile, while tapping the heart button if you are. From there, you’re matched and can start chatting (just like Tinder and many other dating/hookup apps).

One cool feature is that you can sign up as a “couple,” which means your account can be used from two different phones at the same time, helping to facilitate finding a third person for your threesome.

Pros:

All about threesomes
Innovative features
Intuitive UI

Cons:

Very niche
Messaging feature could use improvement

Pricing:

1 month: $29.996 months: $79.9912 months: $99.99

26.  Wingman – Best for people who trust their friends

No, wingman isn’t about finding someone to hook up with on your flight. And it has nothing to do with Top Gun. Like the app Ship, it’s all about having your friends help you out with your dating by playing matchmakers.

In fact, it’s basically the exact same idea as Ship, although it doesn’t seem to be quite as popular yet. If you’re interested in this kind of app, you may want to go with Ship for now, though there’s nothing stopping you from trying both out and seeing which you prefer.

Pros:

Facebook log-in is convenient
Fun concept that involves your friends

Cons:

Not great if you don’t want to involve your friends
Relatively new = small-ish user base

Pricing:

Free

27.  Her – Best  for LGBTQ+ women

Billing itself as the “world’s most loved LGBTQIA2S+ dating and community app,” HER is the perfect app for lesbian, bi, and queer dating. You can kind of think of this as the more feminine version of Grindr.

While there aren’t a whole lot of apps to compare this to, that works in HER’s favor as it has attracted a large number of its target audience. Many people have found love or just a casual hookup through Her, and the site allows you to specify what you’re looking for, which is always ideal in our opinion.

Pros:

Great for the LGBTQ+ community
Sleek and intuitive UI

Cons:

Not for everyone
Not exclusively for hookups

Pricing:

Monthly: $14.99 per monthAnnual: $89.99 per year

28.  Happn – Best for urban dwellers

Happn revolves around a neat concept—it uses location tracking to find people that you might have crossed paths with (and how many times). For example, it might let you find someone who’s always at the same coffee shop as you. If you both like that coffee shop, why not get coffee there and see if there’s a spark?

That’s the whole concept behind Happn, and it’s a pretty cool one ngl. The only problem is this will definitely not appeal to people who are more discreet and have privacy concerns (like letting an app track them 24/7).

Nonetheless, many people might find it nice that technology can allow us to rectify what otherwise might have been a narrowly missed opportunity.

Pros:

Unique and innovative concept
Growing user base

Cons:

Requires location tracking
Poorly rated app on Google Play (better rated on Apple)

Pricing:

Monthly: $24.99 per monthAnnual: $79.99 per year

29.  Casualx – Best for casual hookups

The idea behind CasualX is that it’s another Tinder-style dating app but with a focus that should be obvious from its name—casual hookups.

If this is what you’re after, then you’ll be in good shape. If not, then you should probably look elsewhere (but we’d also be kinda confused why you’re reading a “sex apps” article tbh).

One downside to this is that it’s a relatively small userbase compared to many of the apps reviewed here.

Pros:

Perfect for casual hookups
Simple interface

Cons:

Small-ish user community at the moment
Limited to 45 swipes per day

Pricing:

1 month: $15.993 months: $36.996 months: $55.99Free: Promote it on social media (1 day per every 10 followers)

30.  String – Best for the bold

String is another app that’s all about one specific concept. In this case, it’s voice memos. This is a popular trend among younger generations—i.e. communicating by sharing voice memos rather than texting. So, as you might expect, the community on String skews rather young. This might be a positive or a negative depending on your perspective.

It’s undeniable that there’s a greater level of intimacy and connection in communicating by voice rather than text. Texting has always been rather sterile, after all.

Unfortunately, some people have complained about the glitchiness of this app, so it would appear that they have some kinks to work out (and not the fun kind!).

Pros:

Perfect for people who like voice memos

Cons:

Fair number of glitches
Niche concept won’t appeal to everyone

31.  Established Men – Best for finding a sugar daddy

We started with a sugar site (Seeking) and we’re ending with one as well. Established Men is all about pairing successful, i.e. “established,” men with young and beautiful women. This is the classic “sugar baby-sugar daddy” relationship.

If you fit into either one of these molds and are looking for a sugar relationship, then Established Men is a top option for you (along with Seeking). If not, then it doesn’t really make sense for you.

Pros:

Top option for sugar relationships
Free for women

Cons:

Lots of scammers and bots
Gets costly for men

Pricing:

Free: limited features1 month: $793 months: $14712 months: $300

FAQs About Sex Apps

Is it safe to use sex apps?

Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to use sex apps. Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and dating apps in general are used safely everyday by millions of people. That said, you should always use common sense and basic safety tips. It’s important, for example, to watch out for scammers and phishing attempts.

How do you stay safe using sex apps?

Always trust your gut instincts and be cautious. It’s also super important to meet someone for the first time in a public place where other people are around (like a coffee shop, for example). It also doesn’t hurt to inform someone close to you where you’re going to be and that you’re meeting someone for the first time. You should also be wary of giving away more than very basic personal information to anyone you don’t know well.

Are there any free sex apps?

Yes and no, at least if you’re a guy. You can try platforms such as Reddit r/R4R or Craigslist, but don’t hold your breath. As for the other sex apps reviewed above, some of them offer free trials. Unfortunately, some of these free trials or free memberships are super limited. For the most part, you’ll have more success if you shell out for a membership.

Can women use sex apps for free?

Yes, many women can use sex apps for free. Some of the major ones that offer free memberships include Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, Happn, and Plenty of Fish.

Final Thoughts

You know what, sometimes relationships can flat out suck. And if you’re in a bad one or just got out of one, then the best thing for you may be some good old-fashioned casual hookups.

Nowadays, the power of the internet has made it easier than ever to find no-strings-attached sex. It can be as anonymous, open, kinky, or vanilla as you like. There are millions of people out there looking to hook up, and these sex apps we’ve reviewed will enable you to find them.

If you’re still unsure what’s right for you, you probably can’t go too wrong with some of the biggest names in the sex app world, like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, etc. But if you’re after something more niche, then use our guide above to find the one that makes most sense for you.

Whatever you choose, stay safe, have fun, and good luck!

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A mainstream Hollywood movie with four female leads all nearly 80 and up? That’s some of the most radical casting in commercial moviemaking. And it should be something to celebrate, especially when those leads are trailblazers Rita Moreno, Sally Field, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, inarguably brilliant women who have devoted their lives to militantly upending the status quo and breaking boundaries. So it’s infuriating to see them in the service of the abysmal 80 for Brady. 

The Paramount feature directed by Kyle Marvin markets itself as a paeon to female friendship, with a side of sassy senior attitude: four longtime gal pals fulfill a lifelong dream and take a shenanigans-filled trip to the 2016 Super Bowl. What it really is, however, is a 90-ish-minute ad for the NFL. Only in this NFL, there’s no racism, cheating, steroids, homophobia, or sexism—nothing but clean-cut boys who behave like Boy Scouts and look like Atlas, all packaged in a miasma of red, white, and blue (confetti, balloons, flags, costuming, lighting) that implicitly calls into question the patriotism of anyone who declines to cheer along. Brady gleams like a golden god throughout, coaching the women through crises of the body, mind, and spirit until they are called on in the final downs to return the favor. The writing is lazy as the plot spins through a laundry list of issues: cancer scare, infantile spouse, bad love affair, grief—all are resolved, all thanks to football metaphor. The focus is so soft the women’s faces look like masks. Not even a (criminally underproduced) Billy Porter musical number can fix this nonsense. PG-13, 98 min.

Wide release in theaters

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Inspired by Niobe Way’s nonfiction book Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection, this moving 2022 French drama from Lukas Dhont unfolds as a familiar tale of tragedy, guilt, and forgiveness, but coiling around it are acrid observations of the schoolyard and its role in sexual socialization. Lifelong pals Leo and Remi are inseparable over the summer, cycling together and sharing laughs, but once they begin high school together, their hands-on friendship is interpreted by their classmates as romantic. The girls tease, the boys bully, and Leo begins to pull away from his bosom friend, who is stung by the betrayal.

The early scenes are fascinating for their insight into the teenage shark tank, particularly how the genders work in concert to identify, target, and punish people who are different. Leo and Remi are first interrogated about their relationship at a lunch table by three girls sitting across from them whose ill-concealed smiles and knowing glances at one another signal a past conversation of spiteful hilarity. They all pretend they’re cool with the idea of Leo and Remi being gay, but really they’re just doing reconnaissance for the guys in school, who next move in with slurs and punches.

In his screen debut, Eden Dambrine captures both Leo’s brotherly love for Remi, played by Gustav De Waele, and his dismay that the other kids may be right about Remi and their physical intimacy. When Remi dies, Leo is left to pick up the pieces with Remi’s shattered mother, played with warmth and grace by Émilie Duquenne, and in the film’s last hour, Dhont largely narrows his focus to them. But there’s a piercing scene of a school grieving session where Leo refuses to participate, and one of the girls who taunted them now sits mute and tearful with remorse. PG-13, 105 min.

Music Box Theatre

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Alright, let’s talk about the evolution of the Magic Mike franchise. The original film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, was a deceptively dark, even tragic look at the lives of a group of male strippers who party hard and get hit by the Great Recession even harder. It’s about the American Dream, it’s about addiction, it’s about finding out Channing Tatum is freakishly athletic. Three years later, Soderbergh handed off the directorial reins to Magic Mike’s assistant director Gregory Jacobs for Magic Mike XXL, a feature-length chill session with the bros that ditches any semblance of conflict to deliver a liberating, radically joyful vision of masculinity.

Now Soderbergh returns as director to inject eroticism back into the multiplex with a sort of “Magic Mike’s European Vacation.” Splitting the difference between the tightly structured drama of the original and the looser, feel-good energy of the sequel, Magic Mike’s Last Dance continues to embody the series’ central thesis that a lap dance has the power to change lives. 

This time around, Channing Tatum’s Mike Lane is lured out of retirement by wealthy theater owner Max Mendoza (Salma Hayek), who flies him to London to direct a theatrical production of his striptease routine starring an Ocean’s Eleven-style group of the most talented strippers in the western world. If that sounds suspiciously like a 110-minute ad for the real Magic Mike stage show, which itself debuted in London in 2018, that’s because it is. This is pretty openly a fictionalized Magic Mike Live origin story, and because of that most of the dance numbers are performed by Channing’s ragtag squad of strippers rather than by Channing himself, who with two notable exceptions is here as a rom-com lead rather than as a dancer. Disappointing as that may be for the Tatum-heads in the audience, it hardly ends up mattering by the time we reach the main event: a nearly half-hour sequence of showstopper striptease choreo capped off by the titular last dance that successfully bridges the gap between Swan Lake and Hustlers. If it all ends up feeling like a backpedal from the ambition of XXL, it’s only a baby step in the wrong direction: in a decidedly sexless era of American cinema, Steven Soderbergh is still the only man brave enough to deliver proudly horny movies to the public. R, 112 min.

Wide release in theaters

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The demands on Sandra (Léa Seydoux) are extensive. She’s a widow raising a precocious ten-year-old daughter alone; her father, a famous academic, has rapidly advancing dementia and Sandra is in charge of finding him a care facility; and her job as a translator is demanding, particularly when she works live events.

But after a holiday movie season in which innocence was blown to smithereens in No Man’s Land (All Quiet on the Western Front), Steven Spielberg told you again why he loves to make movies (The Fabelmans), and Brendan Gleeson cut off his fingers for spite (The Banshees of Inisherin), it’s a relief to live through Sandra’s mundane experiences in One Fine Morning. Writer and director Mia Hansen-Løve has crafted a small miracle: a film filled with quotidian life events that doesn’t make you want to die from boredom or shake the main character onto a higher plane.

Hansen-Løve directs her matter-of-fact screenplay with crisp efficiency. Scenes don’t begin and end so much as get brushed aside; Sandra’s life is far too busy to linger. The audience becomes immersed in Sandra’s existence the same way she does: by experiencing similar events over and over until they add up to something bigger.

This movie is about everyday life, and it’s all the more transcendent for it. Even the affair Sandra embarks on with her husband’s old (and married) friend Clément (Melvil Poupaud) is part of the at-times joyous and other-times heartbreaking routine that is sandwiched between everything else. Seydoux is sublime, her natural performance anchoring Sandra’s busy, if routine, life. Don’t miss One Fine Morning. R, 112 min.

Gene Siskel Film Center

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Alberto Vázquez’s animated Unicorn Wars has been billing itself as Bambi meets Apocalypse Now. The film that it most reminded me of, though, initially, is Peter Jackson’s almost unendurably repulsive, anti-classic Meet the Feebles, in which adorable muppets suffer through a series of truly nightmarish horror sequences. 

There are no muppets here. But the adorable, Disney-influenced art substitutes an analogous neotenous squelch. Teddy bear soldiers are at war with the unicorns of the magic forest, and Vázquez delights in drenching his adorable protagonists in blood, urine, puss, and sociopathy. 

The wilfully mean-spirited desecration feels at points like wallowing in unpleasantness for its own sake. But the film has a larger point than adolescent snickering. 

The two central teddy bear soldiers—resentful, curdled Bluey and his sensitive, kind-hearted twin brother Tubby—have diametrically opposed reactions as they discover the ugliness and pointlessness of the war. Tubby wants to put the mission behind him and learn to reconcile with nature and with his enemies. Bluey, though, wants to destroy everything that hurt him and everything that didn’t. The sequences in which his dewy visage is transformed by a toothy snarl into an avatar of cruelty and mindless rage are among the most effective in a very accomplished film.

Vázquez also owes a debt to Tolkien and to Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke. The war on the unicorns is a symbolic destruction of the natural world and of the possibility of freedom and joy. The film’s portrayals of birds, forest animals, and frogs are hyper-detailed and limpid. In contrast, we catch glimpses of a slimy, amorphous monster, which calls out with a mother’s voice to lure smaller, weaker things into its lair. It is a metaphor for greed, hatred, war itself, and also for fascism, which embodies all the others as it consumes our better selves—teddy bears, unicorns, and all. 18+, 80 min.

Limited release in theaters and wide release on VOD

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