Many sex-driven people have gone looking online for free and legit hookup sites. These singles know exactly what they want from the dating scene, and it’s not dull small talk and a long-term commitment. They want to get laid without playing games or paying for subscriptions.
Free hookup sites that actually work
Fortunately, a lot of casual dating sites have done away with pay-to-play models and provide legit matchmaking services for free members. You just have to know where to go to get the best deals and meet the most attractive people. Our dating experts have scouted the casual sex scene and identified the most popular and successful hookup sites with a free version on the market.
Here are some of the top spots for singles and swingers who are seeking casual sex with a stranger.
1. BeNaughty
★★★★★
3.9/5.0
Relationships: Hookups, Chats
Match System: Search by encounter, location, and more
Our Experts Say: “BeNaughty is a premier hookup app where you can feel comfortable expressing your desires. Plus, it’s free to join, browse, and flirt…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 48%*52%* | 13.3 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
BeNaughty has claimed the hearts and satisfied the libidos of countless single people. This casual dating site doesn’t waste time with mutual matching or relationship questionnaires. It gets right to the good stuff with its fast-paced swipe and search tools.
One thing casual daters love about BeNaughty is its free communication offers. Every female user on the hookup website can send messages for free — as long as she uploads a valid profile picture. That deal isn’t the same for male users. Single guys have to upgrade to a paid membership if they want to read and respond to their messages.
BeNaughty ranks as the best hookup site in our book because the dating pool is so diverse and sex-positive, and users have a lot to explore even if they stick with the free version.
2. Adult Friend Finder
★★★★★
3.5/5.0
Relationships: Hookups Only
Match System: Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say: “Make no mistake: this site isn’t about making friends, it’s about short-term “hookups” and affairs only. Note that a basic account costs $14.95/month, but it’s well worth it if casual sex is your goal…”
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 65%*35%* | 25.5 Million* | $14.95/Month |
Adult Friend Finder has over 105 million profiles, 14 million discussion posts, and hundreds of strip tease videos playing 24/7, so this is basically the ultimate adult hookup website. All it takes is an email address, a username, and $0 down payment to join the fun flirty network.
AFF provides an array of chat forums, groups, filters, and matchmaking games for people who are actively seeking a casual hookup. Private chatting is a premium feature on the adult dating site, but public posts and chat room activity is available for free.
Since the 1990s, the AFF community has grown more popular and inclusive than ever. It currently welcomes trans singles as well as poly couples and casual sex seekers.
3. FriendFinder-X
★★★★★
3.4/5.0
Relationships: Hookups Only
Match System: Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say: “A hookup site specializing in casual encounters, secret affairs, live chats, and member videos, FriendFinder-X skips the awkward “dating” stage of a relationship and fast-forwards straight to the sex…”
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| Singles & Couples* | 64%*36%* | 1.2 Million* | Browse Members Free |
FriendFinder-X can guide singles to casual sex opportunities by using local search tools. The website makes smart match recommendations based on dating profile information, and it has filtering options based on age, weight, appearance, and other factors.
Millions of people have used this adult hookup site to spice up their sex lives and recharge their flirtatious batteries. It’s also a good place to look for reading and watching porn.
Free members can review the X-rated content on FriendFinder-X and send profile likes to man or woman who catches their eye. However, only a paid subscriber can send private messages through the hookup service. That pay-to-chat policy is in place to keep a scammer with a fake profile from causing trouble.
4. Flirt.com
★★★★★
3.5/5.0
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats
Match System: Search by age, location, gender, orientation, and other factors
Our Experts Say: “Flirt.com frees singles to chat with attractive locals and pick up dates on the spot. This hookup site is always open to horny and sexy people seeking one-night stands, casual dating, threesomes, and other sexual encounters…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 48%*52%* | 1 million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Flirt.com is a free hookup site where sexual attraction leads to sexual action. The network includes millions of single adults, and all it takes is a quick search to find the hottest dates within a local area. Just don’t forget to upload a profile picture when you create your account because Flirt members with verified photos receive the most likes and messages.
As far as communication goes, Flirt.com definitely plays gender favorites. Single women can read incoming flirts and send unlimited messages for free, but single men must upgrade to a paid membership to enjoy similar perks and privileges. Keep in mind that a Flirt membership costs less than $1 a day, so it could be worth the cost if your goal is to meet a lot of flirty folks at once.
5. Ashley Madison
★★★★★
4.0/5.0
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs
Match System: Search by age, location, appearance, and more
Our Experts Say: “With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles & Attached* | 71%*29%* | 65 Million* | Start Now for FREE |
Singles aren’t the only ones intrigued by the idea of a steamy sex hookup. Ashley Madison encourages married and attached daters to go outside the bonds of monogamy and find a sex partner who is open to engaging in an affair. Over 65 million users have jumped on this opportunity to engage in a casual relationship with no strings attached.
Ashley Madison supports anonymous sexual exploration. The dating platform gives users the option to mask or blur their faces in photos, and its discreet dating profiles do not require any real names, Facebook logins, or personally identifying information. People of every relationship status can keep things casual and use their Ashley Madison profile to add a little excitement and mischief to their love lives.
6. MenNation
★★★★★
4.0/5.0
Relationships: Daters & Hookups
Match System: Search by age, zip code, more
Our Experts Say: “MenNation is a well-established gay dating and hookup brand, having been founded in 1996. It’s totally free to join, view profiles, receive matches, and flirt…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| Singles & Couples* | 95%*5%* | 780,000* | Start for Free |
MenNation is a gay dating platform for men only. Straight users will have to find their next missionary sex partner elsewhere — because this adult hookup space is all about gay sex.
Single men who identify as gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning can explore MenNation to meet like-minded dates. The sexually charged chats could lead to a casual encounter in the real world if the chemistry is right.
On average, MenNation sees about 57,000 daily active users. That’s equivalent to a football stadium full of attractive dates. And they’re at your fingertips for free with a standard account on the online dating site.
7. LesbianPersonals.com
★★★★★
4.0/5.0
Relationships: Hookups Only
Match System: Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say: “LesbianPersonals provides a fun, quick, and easy experience for gay and bisexual women looking for sex online. Join for free, and you’ll be able to search and communicate immediately…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| Singles & Couples* | 10%*90%* | 500,000* | View Profiles Free |
LesbianPersonals has put in a lot of work to support single lesbians, bisexual women, and their admirers. The lesbian dating site keeps things casual by putting few demands on new users. After completing a quick survey and submitting an email address, account holders have the run of the site, including its raunchy photo gallery.
Whether you’re a college student or a single mom, you can let your hair down and explore sexy chats and videos on LesbianPersonals. The hookup website is open to both singles and couples in open relationships. It even has a niche group for swingers looking for a threesome.
Both aspiring and experienced unicorn hunters have pursued viable dates in this lesbian dating website.
8. Tinder
Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has gotten a lot of traction as an international hookup app. It has been downloaded over 430 times and facilitated more than 60 billion matches in 190 countries.
How did Tinder become so popular so quickly? It invented swipe-based matchmaking and put singles in control of their own romantic destiny. No one can send unsolicited messages on this dating platform. Its conversations start with mutual consent, so singles can be confident in every new match.
Tinder offers free swiping and chatting to all users, though it does have limits on the number of dating profiles a person can view per day. Tinder Plus users can enjoy unlimited swiping in their area and other parts of the world, and they can also rewind profiles in their potential match list.
Whether you’re looking for a casual fling or a meaningful connection, Tinder can make valuable introductions based on shared interests and physical chemistry.
9. Grindr
This one is for all the single fellas looking for a hot guy. Over the last decade, Grindr has established itself as the most popular gay dating app known to man. Some guys use it for friendship, social networking, or long-term relationships, but survey after survey has shown that the majority of Grindr users are interested in casual sex and local hookups with a gay man.
For all intents and purposes, Grindr is a hookup app where guys can let their imaginations run wild. The app doesn’t allow nude photos on profiles, but they’re fair game in private texts.
It’s completely free to join Grindr, swipe on profiles, and send messages to mutual matches. The only catch is the gay hookup app has limits on the number of profiles you can view and like in a day. Only Grindr Xtra members have unlimited match opportunities. Guys with a paid membership also have the ability to swipe on international profiles and use targeted filters for height, weight, body type, relationship status, ethnicity, and other potential dealbreakers.
10. Plenty of Fish
Plenty of Fish is an online dating site and app with 100% free messaging. Needless to say, it’s popular among singles who aren’t looking for a major investment.
The POF community has grown to epic proportions over the last 20 years. It currently boasts having over 150 million users in 20 countries, and its members exchange approximately 3 million messages per day.
POF offers a footloose and fancy-free place to strike up conversations with potential dates. The free messaging isn’t without limits though. The dating site limits the number of unsolicited messages that can be sent in a day to 55.
Unlike some less legit hookup sites, Plenty of Fish maintains rather strict community guidelines, particularly when it comes to dating profiles and photos. Users cannot share nude pics, nor can they post their social media handle or contact information in their bio. POF also screens new members with a personality quiz and periodically deletes incomplete, inactive, and suspicious profiles.
11. Feeld
Feeld is a sex app for polyamorous, fluid, and open-minded people. It was founded in 2014 on a mission to empower individuals and couples to explore nontraditional relationships and romances. The app openly promotes couples dating and sexual exploration, and it has become well-known as a safe haven for kinksters the world over.
The Feeld dating app has over 20 gender identity and sexual preference options available. It is one of the few apps to acknowledge daters who are polysexual, pansexual, and heterosexual. Whether you’re a queer woman or a polyamorous couple, you can find your people on this free dating site.
“I’ve received so many emails where people have told me they look at us as saving them from society. We’ve created a special place where people can come and connect,” said Feeld Founder Dimo Trifonov in a DatingAdvice interview.
OneNightFriend.com
★★★★★
4.0/5.0
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats
Match System: Search by location, age, and appearance.
Our Experts Say: “OneNightFriend is a dating website that provides a fast track to a one-night stand with a flirty partner. The network has chat rooms, search filters, and safety features to help spark real connections…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 60%*40%* | 500,000* | Browse Profiles FREE |
OneNightFriend is an open-ended dating platform where members are looking for a little playful action. The popular hookup site provides instant access to dating profiles with no credit card required upon signup. It requires either an email address or a phone number to verify the dating profile however.
OneNightFriend starts with a basic free membership to ease online daters into the swiping experience. Singles can anonymously view profiles and send likes to their favorite ones; however, the instant messaging options are limited without a photo picture or a paid membership.
As a local dating app, OneNightFriend prioritizes the closest match options first, so it’s a great way for horny singles to find a nearby casual hookup.
13. Seeking.com
Seeking.com (aka Seeking Arrangement) is a sugar daddy dating site for singles with refined tastes and high expectations. The platform pairs wealth and beauty in its match list and inspires mutually beneficial relationships. All sugar babies can use this adult dating chat room for free; however, a sugar daddy or sugar momma will have to pay upfront to get in touch with local cuties.
The vast majority of users on Seeking.com identify themselves as sugar babies in search of a wealthy match. According to the dating platform’s internal stats, sugar babies outnumber sugar daddies by about 4 to 1, and the average user gets into a sugar arrangement within five days of browsing.
14. SCRUFF
SCRUFF has positioned itself as a social networking space for gay, bisexual, and queer men seeking companionship. Its swiping tools have prompted single guys to expand their social circles and see how far they can take a new flirtatious connection.
Sexual attraction is a must on this casual dating app. All members must post a photo of themselves (perhaps shirtless) to complete their dating profile. That way, SCRUFF members know exactly what to expect from their new match.
The SCRUFF community has over 20 million members all over the world. Its members range in age, background, and sexual orientation, but the majority tend to be sex-driven gay guys in their 20s or 30s.
In addition to its free swiping options, SCRUFF has an events list and travel matching features to encourage a gay man to get out of his shell and meet a compatible date anywhere he goes.
15. HeatedAffairs
Heated Affairs is a hot place to meet new people and pick up a casual date. Even if you’re technically in a relationship or marriage. The hookup website facilitates couples dating as well as affair dating, so anyone can satisfy their curiosity and encounter sexy matches.
Over 48 million profiles on Heated Affairs share a common interest in discreet dating, and the local search filters can ensure the most compatible options stand out.
Heated Affairs can help online daters let go of their inhibitions and strike up flirtatious conversations that could lead to new friendship or a sex hookup. Individuals can choose their own dating adventure on Heated Affairs by browsing online profiles, photo galleries, videos, and other adults-only content.
16. OneNightFriend.com
★★★★★
4.0/5.0
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats
Match System: Search by location, age, and appearance.
Our Experts Say: “OneNightFriend is a dating website that provides a fast track to a one-night stand with a flirty partner. The network has chat rooms, search filters, and safety features to help spark real connections…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | Today’s Deal |
| All Singles* | 60%*40%* | 500,000* | Browse Profiles FREE |
OneNightFriend has a domain name that says it all. It’s the best free hookup site for one-night stands with a new person.
Singles can follow their passion and discover like-minded dates in this free-thinking, sex-positive space. The hookup website is an extension of the BeNaughty network, which means it has access to millions of sex personals around the world.
The free membership on OneNightFriend starts as soon as you finish your dating profile. A picture is not required, and neither is a social media login or text verification. The hookup website only requires new users to submit a valid email address, a username, and some basic personal information (age, gender, location, etc.)
It’s important to note that OneNightFriend does not require users to upgrade to a paid membership — unless they want to take their dating game to the next level by sending private messages.
17. Mixxxer
Mixxxer touts itself as a mobile sex finder that singles and couples can use from any desktop or mobile device. The X-rated dating website puts sexy profiles at people’s fingertips and supports private chats that can turn into a real-life hookup.
It’s important to note that even though Mixxxer uses GPS data to recommend nearby matches, the dating platform will not reveal a person’s location on the profile. Mixxxer also has photo-blurring tools to help individuals maintain their privacy online.
Mixxxer has a triple-X in its name because it contains a lot of sexually explicit and even pornographic content. All users must verify that they are over 18 years old to gain entry to this adult dating forum. And anyone caught lying about their age will be swiftly removed from the site.
18. Alt.com
Adults can come together on Alt.com and embrace their kinky nature. This alternative dating site highlights BDSM and fetishes in its dating profiles. Whether you’re into bondage, roleplaying, or some other kink, you can join this sexually charged and nonjudgmental space to encounter desirable partners.
Alt.com has created a sex website where no sex act is taboo as long as it is between consenting adults. Dominatrixes and submissives can explore BDSM relationships without stigma, and curious daters can learn the ropes from experienced bondage partners. All it takes is a free profile to jump into this kinky dating pool.
19. XMatch
Not all online dating is about finding the perfect forever match. Some casual daters are willing to go for XMatch to enjoy more short-term romances with any single person who is available and feeling chatty. A casual encounter on XMatch could lead to a sexting conversation or a local hookup, and it doesn’t cost anything to take a look around the sex network.
XMatch is a hookup dating site with a lot of X-rated content, including naked pictures, strip tease videos, and erotic blog posts. It is just as useful as a porn site as it is a dating site, and that’s what makes it so popular among horny individuals who want to explore the sexiest corners of the internet.
How Do Free & Legit Hookup Sites Actually Work?
Free and legit hookup sites should begin with a quick registration process that requires little more than a person’s age, location, gender, sexual preference, and email address. Some sites go the extra step to confirm a new user’s identity through Facebook, and some apps require a text verification to get started. Uploading a photo is the last step to complete the dating profile — it is possible to skip this step on some platforms.
Once the dating profile is done, users can swipe or search for local singles based on customized dating criteria. They’ll be able to send likes or winks to show interest, and some hookup platforms facilitate free communication between mutual matches.
Is It Safe to Use a Hookup Site?
Adult hookup sites can seem sketchy at first glance, but they’re actually safe forums for sexual expression and light romance. You’ve just got to look before you leap into a first date.
I’d even say meeting a new person on a hookup site is actually safer than meeting a rando at a bar or club. When you’re online, you have greater control over the interaction. You can keep your physical distance and even adopt an alias as you flirt online — and the block button offers an easy out if anyone crosses a line.
Online daters can vet their love interests through conversation and photo exchanges. Some apps have a video chat option to further build trust in a safe environment.
Online hookup sites can get a bad reputation if they’re not proactive about identifying fake profiles and scam accounts. Craigslist Personals shut down in 2018 because it became overrun with sex workers.
That’s one of the most common complaints we hear from casual sex seekers — they run into a lot of questionable characters and don’t know if their sexy chat is real or a scammer.
The good news is many dating companies have recently made a push to bring greater legitimacy to this space. Ashley Madison has shored up its cybersecurity holes and reinforced user privacy features. Plenty of Fish and Zoosk have photo verification badges to make sure catfishing pictures aren’t a concern. And, finally, Match Group has entered into a deal to add background checks to its major dating platforms, including Tinder and OkCupid.
How Do I Know How to Choose the Best Free & Legit Hookup Site?
Choosing the best service is just a matter of taste. Some online daters prefer a large dating pool where they can swipe all day without reaching the end of their potential match list. Others are more interested in niche dating sites that cater to a particular demographic type or sexual fetish.
Do some research in the online dating industry to understand the options available. Now, older isn’t always better, but in many cases, a platform’s longevity can speak to its legitimacy. Thousands of dating services have risen and fallen in popularity over the last 25 years, but Adult Friend Finder has remained a solid adult dating resource since its launch in 1996.
AFF.com
★★★★★
3.6/5.0
Available on: iOS, Android
- Relationships: Hookups Only
- About the App: With 77 million members, Adult Friend Finder is one of the most popular apps for the sex community. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or part of a couple — you’re welcome to search for sex buddies, threesomes, and other casual encounters. And you won’t have to pay to do that as well as download the app, fill out a profile, and chat.
- Browse Free: View Profiles Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) | App Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Singles* | 65%*35%* | 25.5 Million* | Free Download |
Knowing what you want out of your next dating encounter is a big part of choosing the right dating site or app. For example, if you’re looking for love and marriage, then AI-driven platforms like eharmony and Match.com will best suit your interests. These platforms were designed to identify deep compatibility, not physical chemistry, so they’re ideal for serious relationship seekers but not as useful for finding a casual fling.
Online hookup sites are not for relationships. These platforms put greater emphasis on photos and quick matches to satisfy the carnal needs of casual daters. Our reviews have covered the most popular and legit hookup sites with free membership options to help singles find the perfect place to up their flirting game.
Is It Better to Use a Paid Hookup Site?
Short answer: Maybe. Free dating sites and apps typically put limits on free users that can be a real buzzkill or cockblocker for people with high sex drives.
If you have the money, it can be worth spending $10 or $20 a month on a hookup site’s paid membership because you’ll get more features and chat opportunities at your fingertips. Paid users often rank higher in search results and match lists, and therefore receive more attention. Some platforms even throw in live video streaming and anonymous messaging as part of the deal.
That being said, plenty of completely free dating sites and apps provide free messaging. These platforms make it possible for singles to meet a compatible person without spending a dime. It just may take a little longer or require more of a concerted effort.
Hookup Sites Can Take Online Dating to Another Level
Finding hot sex can be quite the challenge on some relationship apps, and that’s why hookup sites have taken off around the world.
A trustworthy hookup website or app can be an invaluable tool in the online dating scene. If you play your matches right, it could lead to a sexual encounter within a few swipes and chats. We hope our list of free and legit hookup sites can shed some light on the best options out there.
Thanks to online dating, singles and swingers don’t have to leave home to meet a new sex partner and form an instant connection. A hookup platform can do all the work for you — so get after it!