AdultFriendFinder vs. Ashley Madison: Which Site is Better?
Key Takeaways
- Both AshleyMadison and AdultFriendFinder focus on casual relationships.
- The main difference between AdultFriendFinder and AshleyMadison is in the set of features
- AshleyMadison has been more publicized than AdultFriendFinder, but the latter is still more visited: 42M monthly visits vs Ashley’s 6M.
- In 2015, AshleyMadison suffered a major data breach, and since then, it has paid utmost attention to security.
- AdultFriendFinder has the most uncensored and open community as well as an abundance of interactive features, like webcams, sex academy, blogs & forums, etc.
- AdultFriendFinder costs start at $17 per month, and on AshleyMadison, you’ll have to pay $59.99 for 100 credits.
The main difference between AdultFriendFinder and AshleyMadison is in the set of features. Both websites work for people seeking all types of casual relationships, but AdultFriendFinder is also a platform where members can share their amateur content, while Ashley is, first and foremost, a place where people meet, chat online, and then meet in real life.
Can’t choose among these two dating platforms? Well, it’s not surprising at all because both AdultFriendFinder and AshleyMadison are one of the best dating services in the United States right now. However, it’s obvious that there can’t be 2 equally good websites.
We’ll compare AdultFriendFinder vs Ashley Madison to help you make the right choice.
Overall impression
After reviewing AdultFriendFinder vs. Ashley Madison, we can assume that AdultFriendFinder is an ideal platform for those looking for various relationships and expecting to use various communication features.
Overview
Adult Friend Finder | Ashley Madison |
---|---|
One of the biggest dating platforms in the US with more than 75,000,000 unique monthly visitors | Android and iOS apps are available (the apps are perfectly optimized and provide all the same features available for the PC users) |
A perfect website for those searching for all types of arrangements: from FWB and situationships to threesomes and polyamorous relationships | A perfect platform for extramarital affairs, but those searching for a casual relationship will find something here, too |
A great Android app for those who prefer mobile dating (no app for iPhones, unfortunately) | Women don’t need to buy credits to send messages |
Only email verification is available, no ID or video verification | A lot of premium features such as Priority Man and Travel Man |
Lots of communication tools | Stealth feature—you can change the icon of the app |
Key differences between AdultFriendFinder and Ashley Madison
- AdultFriendFinder aims at adults looking for everything from casual hookups to more serious relationships, while Ashley Madison is launched to facilitate extramarital affairs.
- Ashley Madison suffered a significant data breach in 2015 where users’ personal information was exposed, while AFFs fallout has not been as widely publicized as Ashley Madison’s.
- Both platforms offer a variety of features to facilitate connection and interaction. However, AFF is more feature-rich with elements, like blogs, sex academy, webcams, and more, reflecting its broader focus on adult and sexual content.
What types of relationships are people seeking on AdultFriendFinder and Ashley Madison?
- Casual hookups. Many users are looking for no-strings-attached encounters or one-night stands.
- Friends with benefits. A lot of people search for ongoing casual relationships where friendship and sexual activity are involved.
- Polyamorous relationships. Some users seek relationships with multiple partners, with the consent of all involved.
- Swinging. Certain users, often couples, are interested in swapping partners or group sex experiences.
- Extramarital affairs. Originally, the site was designed for married individuals seeking discreet extramarital affairs.
- Discreet relationships. Some users, married or not, seek discreet relationships outside their current situation.
- Casual hookups. A lot of people on the site are interested in no-strings-attached sexual encounters.
- Friends with benefits. Many users are looking for ongoing casual relationships where both friendship and sexual activity are involved.
- Sugar arrangements. Some people are looking for mutually beneficial relationships, often involving financial arrangements.
Comparison of AdultFriendFinder and Ashley Madison matching algorithms
AdultFriendFinder | Ashley Madison |
---|---|
It uses the details in your profile to suggest potential matches, including sexual preferences, kinks, and the type of relationships you’re looking for | This website uses profile details for matching, but the focus is more on the discretion of encounters rather than specific kinks or interests |
It provides matches based on your location, making it easier to find people nearby for real-life encounters | The site suggests matches based on your location, which is particularly useful for people traveling who want to meet discreetly |
The website offers extensive search filters, allowing you to refine potential matches by physical attributes, lifestyle choices, and other factors | Search filters are less extensive, focusing more on essential criteria like age, location, and physical characteristics |
It considers user’s interaction with the site, including the profiles they view and interact with, and offers the best matches | Matches are are usually recommended based on the user’s set preferences and location |
Users can upgrade to a paid membership to message potential matches | Users should purchase credits to send and receive messages |
Pricing comparison
AdultFriendFinder and Ashley Madison have different pricing and features available, so let’s compare them in more detail.
Free features
Adult Friend Finder | Ashley Madison |
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Registration, creating a dating profile, uploading pictures | Discover feature (advanced search filters) |
Viewing photos and videos of other users | Account creation |
Using all the search filters | Sending winks to other members |
Writing comments in the AFF blog Adult Chat Rooms—you can join any room and chat with other members | “Stealth” (changing the icon of the mobile app) |
“Hot or Not”—a roulette-type matchmaking game | Profile browsing |
Paid features
Adult Friend Finder | Ashley Madison |
---|---|
Sending messages and using a live chat | Sending messages to all types of members |
“Flirting”—if you click the “Wink” emoji, the member will be notified (free members can’t respond to “Winks”) | Sending Priority messages (the ones that are ranked higher in the inbox) |
Sending virtual gifts and tips to other members | Priority Man—profile highlighting |
Watching the Sex Academy instructional videos | Traveling Man—the feature that allows those planning a trip to a certain area to contact the users from that area in advance |
Live streaming—you can watch the other members having a sexy live stream session on Adult Friend Finder for free | Message Plus—with this feature, you can send messages to anyone you’ve contacted previously even if you have 0 credits |
Cost and prices
Adult Friend Finder | Ashley Madison |
---|---|
The website has two premium subscription types—Standard and Gold | A classic credit system where you can exchange credits for services |
The Standard membership costs $17 per month | 100 credits cost $49, 1,000 credits cost $249 |
The Gold subscription costs $40 for 1 month, $80 for 3 months, and $240 for a year | Sending an email costs 5 credit, using the live chat costs 30 credits for 30 minutes |
Standard users can send messages but free members can’t contact them | You don’t have to pay for every email you send, only for the first one |
Free members can send messages to Gold members only | Virtual gifts cost 20, 30, and 50 credits |
Comparison of AdultFriendFinder and Ashley Madison user interface and design
AdultFriendFinder | Ashley Madison |
---|---|
The interface has numerous options and content to explore, which can make you feel a bit lost | It sports a much cleaner and simpler interface compared to AFF, making it less overwhelming for first-time users |
Features, like live webcams, chatrooms, blogs, and magazines, are all accessible from the main interface | The site looks and feels more similar to a traditional dating site, with all features available on the main page |
Search functionality is robust, allowing users to filter potential matches based on a wide range of criteria | Search functionality has fewer criteria |
AFF’s interface often displays explicit content, including adult photos and videos | Ashley Madison offers less explicit content for both male and female users |
Profiles on AFF are detailed, and the design supports showcasing a wide range of user information (sexual preferences, kinks, etc.) | Profiles are less detailed and have a clearer design, focusing on essential details and preferences |
Our editor’s conclusion
After spending time on AdultFriendFinder (AFF) and Ashley Madison, I can confidently say that AFF emerges as the clear winner. While both platforms offer valuable services and cater to a specific niche of online dating, AFF provides a more expansive, feature-rich, and flexible platform for adults seeking various types of relationships and experiences. It accommodates a wider range of relationship preferences, from casual hookups to more serious connections.
FAQ
You can try Tinder or Badoo, though both are regular dating apps, not tailored for hookups, affairs, or sugar relationships. Unfortunately, most specialized hookup apps and sites offer free signup and basic features but require a premium membership for messaging and other communication features.
AdultFriendFinder uses Standard (from $17) and Gold (from $40) monthly subscriptions, while AshleyMadison relies on a credit system with package rates ranging from $59 for 100 credits to $289 for 1,000 credits.
The AdultFriendFinder subscription includes more features, like live streaming, Sex Academy access, tips and gifts, and more. And Ashley Madison’s credits will only give access to messages and private photos. We believe AFF is better suited for online entertainment, while AshleyMadison helps bring relationships to real life.