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7 Best FWB Dating Apps and Sites to Find Singles
Online dating has become the go-to method for finding romance, with roughly 30% of U.S. adults using online dating services (according to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey). Among these, a significant number of people are seeking Friends With Benefits (FWB) relationships.
These relationships, characterized by their no-strings-attached ethos, cater to individuals who prefer a casual connection with the freedom to explore.
We’ve compiled a list of the seven best FWB dating apps and sites tailored to help you navigate this world safely, effectively, and enjoyably.
Find a friend with benefits online: The best apps and sites to use
Each platform on this list boasts distinct benefits designed to cater to a diverse range of individuals. We have been mindful to incorporate numerous cost-free options too. Scroll the list below to discover the ideal friends-with-benefits dating apps and sites that align with your preferences.
| Rank | Site | Free Link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | AdultFriendFinder |
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| #2 | OneNightFriend |
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| #3 | AshleyMadison |
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| #4 | NoStringsAttached |
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| #5 | Be Naughty |
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| #6 | VictoriaMilan |
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| #7 | Seeking |
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№1. Adult Friend Finder
BEST FOR:
Casual sex only
OUR EXPERTS SAY:
Let’s make it clear: this platform is designed for different types of relationships, from casual sex to finding your next FWB partner. If you are looking for some friends with benefits, AFF can be an excellent option for you. Remember that basic Gold Membership is priced at $26.95/month, but it may be worth it if you want to start FWB dating right today.
More Information
AdultFriendFinder
Gender ratio:
42%
58%
Visits/Month:
1M
Pros
- Large friends with benefits community
- Diverse subgroups and niches
- Decent free features of this dating site
- Helpful online tips
- Lots of ways to communicate compared to other traditional dating websites
Cons
- A paid membership is slightly pricey compared to similar sites
Adult Friend Finder presents an array of romantic prospects that surpass what you might typically experience in everyday life. This FWB dating site is welcoming, complimentary, and perpetually accessible, eliminating the need to wait for your love life to improve passively.
The active community on AFF can facilitate your journey in dating, allowing you to take proactive steps toward your goals.
№2. OneNightFriend
BEST FOR:
Meaningful relationships
OUR EXPERTS SAY:
OneNightFriend is a platform developed specifically for individuals seeking brief encounters or casual hookups. It provides a user-friendly interface and an array of functionalities (including chat rooms and refined search tools). They will aid you in locating compatible sexual partners. Access to certain features necessitates a premium membership, priced at $0.69/day under the three-month plan.
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OneNightFriend
Gender ratio:
41%
59%
Pros
- Easy account creation
- Free 5 messages daily
- Free Flirtcasts to send
- Chance to find free friends for sex
- The very diverse user base
Cons
- A mandatory verification procedure(s) is unavailable
- Few communication channels
- The platform may not fit the expectation of people looking for traditional dating
OneNightFriend distinguishes itself from the dating apps crowd by facilitating one night stand meetings. However, you still can find your dream partner, which means finding FWB relationships in your area.
№3. Ashley Madison
BEST FOR:
Friends with benefits dating
OUR EXPERTS SAY:
Ashley Madison, with its extensive user community and transparent privacy provisions, stands as the leading dating site dedicated to anonymous encounters, dates, or relationships. Users can find an FWB partner for long-term relationships or casual dating. Unlike other friends with benefits sites in our rating, a credit system is used there: the minimum amount you can buy is 100 credits for $59.
More Information
AshleyMadison
Gender ratio:
60%
40%
Visits/Month:
800K
Pros
- A huge membership base
- Free profile creation and search for potential friends
- Simple credit system
- Various communication features
- Transparent payment options, so your bank won’t know you want to find a casual fun
- Responsive support team
Cons
- A mandatory verification procedure is unavailable, so you can meet some fraudsters there
- As with other dating sites, male users should get a Premium membership before connecting with random people on this platform
Ashley Madison has established itself as one of the most popular FWB dating sites. You could be looking for open relationships or want to find friends and have some casual fun—this website will be an affordable dating option.
№4. NoStringsAttached
BEST FOR:
Discreet affairs or casual sex
OUR EXPERTS SAY:
No Strings Attached differs from other dating sites for those who look for casual dating without emotional bonds and with total privacy. It offers people to find friends aiming for carefree enjoyment. With a Premium account starting from $29.95/month, you can access features turning your search for local singles into excellent entertainment (e.g., unlimited sending and receiving messages). It makes discussion suggestions even easier.
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NoStringsAttached
Gender ratio:
51%
49%
Pros
- You can find traditional relationships and discreet interactions on one website
- High-level security proved by solid privacy features
- The detailed matching system helps to search for users with the same values
- An extensive user base that allows people to find best friends online
Cons
- Free members have limited features for finding best friends
- Users can choose from only three VIP subscription packages (1-month, 3-month, and 6-month plans)
- You should pay for the Highlights feature to appear higher in this FWB dating app
NoStringsAttached differs from other FWB dating apps with features that make finding friends online even more effortless. You can look for some romantic relationships and live sex affairs on this dating app. Besides, NSA is best known for its prime feature of ensuring user privacy and many people seeking friends with benefits.
№5. BeNaughty
BEST FOR:
Casual dating and friends with benefits relationships
OUR EXPERTS SAY:
BeNaughty is an advanced platform for finding best friends, fostering an environment where you can freely communicate your interests. Besides, it offers free registration, browsing, and options to state your commitment free relationship expectations. You can start your 3-day trial for $2.97 and test all features to search users.
More Information
Be Naughty
Gender ratio:
45%
55%
Pros
- A large and diverse user base of open-minded people
- Lots of flirty tools at your fingertips
- A user-friendly interface
- The free app is available for Android and iOS users
- Responsive 24/7 customer service
- The website is available in 27+ languages, which is excellent compared to other dating websites
- Helpful dating advice on the BeNaughty blog section
Cons
- Paid plan renewals are turned on by default
- Only Premium users can start instant messaging on the platform
- Lots of emails and push notifications (you can turn them off in the My Settings section)
BeNaughty offers a secure, unbiased, and cost-effective platform for dating. Registering an account and commencing your quest for attractive partners is entirely free. As a subscriber on a monthly basis, you gain unlimited access to messaging and engaging in lively conversations to your heart’s content.
№6. Victoria Milan
BEST FOR:
Anonymous friends with benefits dating
OUR EXPERTS SAY:
VictoriaMilan is a dating platform for married individuals and committed partners seeking to make their dating fantasies come true. It is a decent choice for the most frequented FWB dating websites for those desiring a romantic interest beyond their spouse. Acknowledging the sensitive nature of its service, the website features a Panic button. It redirects you to a completely different page upon activation. Users can choose from 2 paid packages with a 1-month plan of $89.95.
More Information
VictoriaMilan
Gender ratio:
100%
0%
Visits/Month:
940K
Pros
- High-level safety proved by robust security protocols
- Intuitive interface
- The online user list is available on the homepage
- You can download a dating app from Google Play and App Store
Cons
- Free membership features are limited
- Premium plans are costly
In short, Victoria Milan is a solid friends with benefits site with decent security measures and a fair monthly fee; it might just be the online home that teaches you to have fun again. You only need to try using a website or dating app and find discreet friends.
№7. Seeking
BEST FOR:
Relationships on your terms
OUR EXPERTS SAY:
SeekingArrangement is a favored platform primarily for successful and attractive singles. However, it also harbors potential partners for FWB dating. Its online dating community is known for maintaining lofty standards and explicit expectations for its dating encounters. They seek beyond a casual relationship—they aspire to find a partner for their dynamic duo. This website offers paid subscriptions starting from $109.99/month.
More Information
Seeking
Gender ratio:
52%
48%
Visits/Month:
40M
Pros
- Easy signup process
- Top-notch support in 139 countries
- Easy statement of what you expect from spark meaningful relationships
- Free chat for all verified users
- Video messaging with all who seek excitement, adventures, and love
- Premium users can get up to 20x more messages from attractive and successful people
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Only Premium members can provide contacts
- Subscription packages are costly
- The mutual matching system is unavailable
Every Seeking member understands their role and contribution in a relationship, allowing two individuals to connect on this platform. This dating site simplifies the complexities inherent in local friends with benefits romances.
Such an arrangement can benefit both men and women, facilitating honest discussions about their needs and aspirations.
The Benefits and risks of friends with benefits relationships
Friends with benefits (FWB) is a relationship where two individuals engage in a sexual relationship without any commitment or expectation of a romantic relationship. The focus of the relationship is primarily physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction.
There are quite many advantages of friends with benefits relationships, and there can be many more, but the ones we don’t include in the following list are more likely personal than widely known.
- No commitment. There is no commitment to a long-term relationship, which allows both individuals to have sexual satisfaction without the stress and pressure of building a traditional relationship.
- Sexual freedom. Both individuals are free to explore and experiment sexually without worrying about societal norms related to traditional relationships.
- Convenience. FWB relationships are often convenient because both parties are familiar, which means there is less pressure and no need to go through the awkwardness of a first date.
- Emotional support. Although FWB relationships are primarily sexual, there is a level of emotional support and understanding that can come from a friendship, which can benefit both parties.
Quite many, right? But though it seems attractive, we should remember the risks of friends with benefits relationships:
- Unbalanced feelings. One of the most significant risks in an FWB relationship is that one party may develop stronger feelings than the other, leading to hurt feelings and a potential end to the relationship.
- Miscommunication. FWB relationships require clear communication and boundaries to avoid misunderstandings and hurt feelings and to be 100% comfortable.
- Jealousy. It’s common for jealousy to arise in FWB relationships, especially if one party starts dating or shows interest in someone else.
- STIs and unintended pregnancy. With any sexual relationship, there is always a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, even if precautions are taken.
- Emotional detachment. While some people thrive in FWB relationships, others may find it difficult to separate physical intimacy from emotional intimacy and may feel emotionally unfulfilled.
FWB sites can be a fun and fulfilling path to explore one’s sexuality and emotional needs. However, you should consider all benefits and drawbacks of such relationships before creating an account on a Friend With Benefits website.
Factors to consider when choosing an FWB app or website
When choosing a friends with benefits site, some factors should be considered to ensure a safe and positive experience. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Reputation and reviews. Research the app or website to see what other users have said about their experience. Look for reviews from reputable sources, and pay attention to any red flags, such as numerous complaints about fake profiles or scams.
- Privacy and security. Check if the dating app or website has an internal privacy policy and if they take measures to protect your personal information. Ensure that your profile and activity are only visible to other users that you’ve approved.
- User base. Consider the size and diversity of the user base. A more extensive user base means more potential matches, but it may also make it more challenging to find someone compatible. Also, there are flexible dating platforms or websites that cater to specific interests and preferences—they can also have extensive user bases, though it is rare. Niche sites are designed for a particular audience.
- Features and functionality. Look for an app or website with features that align with what you look for in an FWB relationship. For example, some apps or websites prioritize casual hookups, while others focus on building friendships first.
- Payment structure. Some Friends With Benefits apps or websites require a subscription fee or offer additional features at an extra cost. Be sure to read the pricing and subscription details carefully before signing up.
- User verification. Choose an app or website that verifies user identities to reduce the risk of fake profiles and scams. The verification process may include email, phone number, or photo verification.
- Ease of use. Look for an app or website that’s easy to navigate and use. The user interface should be intuitive, and the app or website should have clear instructions and support available (if needed).
When choosing an FWB app or website, it is best to take the time to research and pick the right app or website that can help ensure a positive and safe experience.
5 Tips for staying safe while using FWB apps and websites
Staying safe while using Friends With Benefits apps and websites is crucial to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. Here are five tips to keep in mind when using these platforms:
- Protect your personal information. Avoid sharing personal information such as your full name, address, or phone number. Use a separate email address and username for your FWB profile. Besides, avoid sharing your social media profiles until you’ve established trust.
- Trust your instincts. If a user or profile seems suspicious or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed cautiously. Be careful with other users who are pushy or seem overly aggressive.
- Meet in a public place. When you texted someone and decided to arrange an in-person meeting for the first time, choose a public location (e.g., the same coffee shop or same gym). Avoid meeting in private places such as a hotel room or someone’s home until you’ve established trust and feel comfortable.
- Communicate your boundaries. Be clear and direct about your boundaries and expectations in the FWB relationship. If you feel uncomfortable or violated in any way, communicate your feelings and end the relationship if necessary.
In summary, staying safe while using Friends With Benefits apps and websites requires being aware of potential risks and taking steps to protect yourself. You can enjoy a safe and positive FWB experience by following these tips.
The importance of communication and boundaries in FWB relationships
Gillian Myhill, a sex and relationship advisor, asserts that communication forms the cornerstone of any sexual relationship. Regularly attuning to each other’s ’emotional state’ is vital due to the inherently dynamic and fluid nature of emotions.
The absence of communication and delineated boundaries could lead to complications such as:
- Asymmetrical emotional attachment: One party may develop deeper feelings than the other, leading to emotional hurt and possibly bringing an abrupt end to the relationship.
- Misunderstandings and consent violations: If boundaries and expectations aren’t discussed, it could foster misunderstandings and even breaches of consent.
To foster trust and mutual respect, both individuals must actively participate in open communication and boundary-setting, integral to a successful FWB relationship, otherwise, it may come to an end, and not the most positive one with you two remaining friends, but simply cutting ties, which happens quite often.
This involves expressing needs and desires comfortably and demonstrating a willingness to listen to and respect the other’s boundaries.
In conclusion, crystal-clear communication and set boundaries form the bedrock of Friends With Benefits relationships. It’s indispensable to engage in open, honest dialogues about boundaries and expectations, while acknowledging and respecting each other’s needs and desires.
Conclusion
David Wygant
Dating Expert
Selecting a reliable FWB dating site that assists in finding a partner can be challenging. However, we’ve gathered a selection of some of the top options available in this article.
Most FWB online dating platforms offer free registration. Therefore, you can hop on your dating journey immediately. Even if traditional dating isn’t your aim, the superb features of these hookup sites simplify the search for Friends With Benefits relationships.
Video: Friends with benefits rules for guys
FAQ
Are FWB apps safe to use for finding casual hookups?
It depends on the specific app and the precautions you take. You should research and select a reputable app that prioritizes user safety and privacy. Besides, it’s crucial to practice safe sex and meet in public areas for the first time.
Are there any age restrictions for using friends with benefits apps?
Yes, most hookup sites require users to be a minimum of 18 to create a profile and use the platform.
How do FWB apps work?
Friends With Benefits apps work similarly to other dating apps, allowing female users and males to create a profile, browse other profiles, and message potential matches. The difference is that Friends With Benefits apps are geared towards finding casual hookups or FWB relationships rather than long-term romantic partnerships.
How do I find a FWB?
There are both online and offline methods for finding a FWB. In the first case, you can use Friends With Benefits apps, join online communities or forums, or visit social media pages that cater to casual interactions. As for offline ways, attending parties or trying to meet people through mutual friends is preferable.
