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Best Dating and Hookup Apps for Every Kind of Situationship

From a sex writer who’s spent way too much time on them. 

By Gigi Fong | Reviewed by Ysolt Usigan

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If you use dating apps, you know something strange happened around 2021. Dating apps sort of, died? And now, in 2026, any app that has a social element is a hookup app. Whether you’re on TikTok or Instagram, or on an app marketed as a dating app, anything is fair game when the dating pool has piss in it. 

Also, using a dating app meant for people as niche as you is sometimes your best bet – especially if you’re queer. There is a catch, however. Any social app is going to reflect IRL dating culture, and unfortunately, bots and specimens that look like they just crawled on the Earth are going to be mixed into your dating pool, too. 

Thankfully, the tech world has gifted this space a few new features that actually make sex and dating easier. Others not so much. No matter which app you’re on these days, you will come into contact with bots. It’s unavoidable. Thankfully, they’re so shitty they’re very easy to spot. 

Keep reading for hookup and dating apps that made the cut.

The Best Hookup and dating Apps at a Glance

Best App for Virtual Hookups: AdultFriendFinder

Best App for Kink and Alternative Lifestyles: Feeld

Best App for Casual Hookups: Tinder

Best App for Women, Hookups, and Situationships: Hinge

Best App for Gay Cruising 30 : Grindr

Best App for Gay Cruising: Sniffies

Best App for LGBTQ Users: HER

How we evaluated these apps

Earning the title of “Best Hookup App” or “Best Dating App” in 2026 comes with years of testing. We’ve personally tested 6 of the 7 apps on this list—yes, even AdultFriendFinder. For example, I’ve been on Feeld for three years now and have met multiple kinky partners on the app. Hinge? My favorite spot to secure summer situationships. Grindr? That map has gotten several of the homies laid… for years. Sniffies is the only one we haven’t personally tested, but according to online reviews, it’s on its way to unseat Grindr…

During these reviews, we look for apps that aren’t completely inundated by bots (although each app had some), the ability to actually meet people and get our rocks off, or fall in love. Both are possible despite the clusterfuck that is dating right now. Don’t get discouraged!!!

Best app for Virtual Hookups: AdultFriendFinder

Looking for a shame-free space to explore desire? Have unconventional kinks? Well, twenty years later, AdultFriendFinder is still alive and thriving — depending on what you’re looking for. It’s not going to gift you your next love story, but it’ll definitely gift you your next FWB.Unlike Tinder and Feeld, it’s not a swipe-based app. Instead, you join a free online hub categorized by the spiciest desires on the web. The most refreshing part: shyness doesn’t seem to exist on AdultFriendFinder. Everyone’s very open about why they’re there, and they have pics to prove it.

Inside the community section, you’ll find a huuge catalog of live webcam streams, chat rooms, private messaging, blogs, interest groups, and an activity feed that makes it feel more like a sex-positive social network than a dating app. If you have a type and often feel weird being vocal about it, the sign-up process gets that out of the way with questions like “body type” and “sexual orientation.”

That said, it comes with caveats. The user experience looks just like you’d expect from a website created in the 90s. I guess it’s so effective there’s no need to fix what’s working, but if you frequent apps like Hinge or Tinder, this will look outdated in comparison. Also, they’ve had a few data breaches in the past, but have since upped their security; still, be careful.

AdultFriendFinder at a Glance

Best for: Virtual hookups, sexting, and exploring niche interests

Vibe: Horny, direct, and refreshingly shameless

What you’ll find: Webcam shows, chat rooms, blogs, groups, and private messaging

Not ideal for: Finding a long-term relationship or polished app design

Price: Free to browse, with premium upgrades available

Read my full review of AdultFriendFinder.

AdultFriendFinder (opens in a new window)

Best App for Kink and Alternative Lifestyles: Feeld

Whether you’re poly or monogamous, kinky or vanilla, goth or Y2K, honest to God, you’ll find something—or someone—on this app. As the Queen of Side Quests (aka random hookups when I........

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