Best apps for sexting

Who it's for:

Plenty of Fish (POF) isn't just about catching a date; it's also a great place to find a potential sexting partner. With its large user base and active community, you're bound to find someone interested in sharing an intimate moment. POF is a place where you can cast your net wide and connect with someone on the same page, whether you're looking for a casual fling or an occasional phone sex session.

Why we picked this:

POF reeled us in with its whopping 150 million registered users worldwide. Yes, you read that right — this sea's teeming with potential matches. And chances are, some are looking for a sexting experience like you.

Even if you're not here for sexting and more interested in casual dating or a serious relationship, POF's intro survey lets you be upfront about your intentions right from the get-go. Choosing "something casual/no commitment" pops you into a pool of other daters who are open to exploring what's out there, which could include sending nudes, phone sex, or more intimate conversations.

Plus, POF knows how to keep things discreet. It doesn't require you to connect to any social media when signing up. You don't even have to use your real name if you don't want to; a username will suffice. Once your profile is created, you can search random profiles based on the criteria of your choice, use their UltraMatch feature, which matches you based on compatibility, their “meet me” feature, which is the dating site's hot-or-not option, or see who’s nearby. All communication between members is free, so you don't have much to lose. 

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Who it's for:

DUST is a secure messaging app for people who want to keep their conversations private without paying a premium. It features end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and anonymous messaging.

While it may not be marketed as a sexting app, the fact that DUST keeps you anonymous and automatically scrubs your messages makes it ideal for anyone who wants to send explicit images or texts without leaving a trace.

Why we picked this:

DUST: it's like Snapchat with encryption. This app is easily one of the top options for message security and privacy. (It's also a good alternative to Wickr Me, which is set to shut down on December 31, 2023.)  

Messages vanish after 24 hours, no questions asked. Whether they've been read or not, they're history. And if you're worried about those late-night texts haunting you, DUST lets you erase messages not only from your device, but from your recipient's, too.

If you're worried about screenshots, DUST has your back with screenshot notifications. It's like having a trusty guard dog that'll bark if someone tries to capture your messages. As an added security bonus, your username is never visible on the message screen. No self-identifying information is required to sign up, nor is anything permanently stored.

It's worth noting that DUST does prevent screenshots in some areas of the app on Android devices. However, for other operating systems, such as iOS, anyone can still capture and save what you send. Keep that in mind and exercise caution if you use a non-Android device.

Who it's for:

Snapchat is the OG nudes app, but it's evolved into a full-blown social media platform where users can share all kinds of content with their followers.

Even though it has a ton of other features, including videos and opportunities to meet new people, Snapchat still works pretty well as a sexting app — and it's a great free option.

Why we picked this:

Once known exclusively for sending explicit images, engaging in dirty talk, and anonymous sexting, Snapchat has moved up the app food chain, becoming a staple in the mainstream social media roster. We'd say it's right up there with Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok. 

The app's core functionality allows you to send anything you want (naughty images, sexy voice messages, or a private text message), and it'll vanish as soon as the recipient opens it. Users can choose a time limit of 1 to 10 seconds or the "infinity" option, which lets your recipient view a photo for as long as they want before they close out of the window. And, like the other apps on this list, Snapchat sends screenshot notifications, so you can send bae a brief glimpse of the goods without worrying if they’re secretly showing it to others behind your back. 

Who it's for:

Tinder isn't a dedicated sexting app, but a dating platform known for its relaxed, hookup-friendly atmosphere. It's the perfect app for anyone interested in online dating without the pressure of commitment.  

Unlike other paid dating apps, Tinder attracts people who are open to casual dating. With its straightforward setup and effortless navigation, you can bypass those lengthy compatibility quizzes and concentrate on finding someone who's up for some steamy digital fun.

Why we picked this:

Tinder, the pioneer of the "swipe right for yes, left for no" concept, is undeniably the go-to choice for casual hookup encounters. Its user-friendly interface streamlines the browsing experience, sparing you from sifting through extensive profiles. Instead, you can focus on the real reason you're there — to sext.

While Tinder technically falls under the dating app category, its reputation leans towards casual liaisons rather than serious commitments. It draws people looking for something less binding, setting it apart from more serious dating sites like Match or eharmony.

What sets Tinder apart in the world of sexting is that a significant portion of its user base (over 70 percent, according to one survey) never actually meets up with matches in person. While this may not be ideal for traditional dating, it's an advantage for anyone looking for no-pressure, text-based connections.

Who it's for:

While its marketing paints Zoosk as an app for finding long-term relationships and casual hookups, it often falls short of delivering a satisfactory experience for either group, which is exactly why it landed as a last resort on our list.

Why we picked this:

Zoosk's massive user base of over 40 million singles worldwide can be deceiving, as many accounts are inactive or even fake bots. Despite its outdated interface resembling something from 2009, Zoosk does have a valuable aspect for sexting: the photo verification factor. In a world where fake profiles and catfishing are prevalent, knowing that the person you're chatting with actually resembles their attractive pictures can elevate the excitement of your sexting experiences.

Unfortunately, Zoosk lacks screenshot protection, leaving your intimate exchanges vulnerable. However, investing in a paid membership can alleviate concerns about encountering inactive users and wasting time on individuals who aren't fully engaged with the app. It's also worth noting that Zoosk has faced legal challenges related to data breaches in the past.

Read our full review of Zoosk.