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Looking for an Alternative to Ashley Madison? Check out These Flirty Hookup Sites

Sophie Personne

15.02.2024

Ashley Madison Review: Is Ashley Madison Legit in 2024?

With a staggering 124 million monthly visitors, Ashley Madison once reigned supreme in the online dating realm for those seeking flirtatious encounters.

However, with recent unwelcome attention, Ashley Madison has lost its appeal for many daters in search of excitement. But does that mean the thrill of adventurous, mysterious dating is gone? Not at all! In fact, there are numerous free alternatives to Ashley Madison available.

While many individuals utilize dating platforms to find a compatible partner, not everyone is seeking a serious commitment. A significant 26% of Americans admitted to using dating apps specifically for casual hookups rather than pursuing long-term relationships. And this isn’t exclusive to singles; those in relationships also frequent hookup sites, with studies indicating that one-third of Americans don’t adhere to monogamy. Whatever the motivation, if you’re on the hunt for a lively and flirtatious dating platform, your search ends here.

1. Storyloves

Storyloves is focused on finding you the right match for hookups and relationships, thanks to its compatibility quiz

Best for: User experience

Starting price: $3  for 3-day trial

Connection type: Long-term

Storyloves is a dating app designed to help individuals find meaningful and lasting relationships. With a focus on storytelling, the app encourages users to share their personal narratives, fostering deeper connections beyond superficial profiles. The interface is user-friendly, featuring an engaging design that makes it easy to navigate. Users can create detailed profiles that highlight their interests, values, and experiences, allowing for more personalized matches. Storyloves also includes various communication tools, such as messaging and virtual date options, to facilitate interactions and help users build genuine connections.

When comparing Ashley Madison to Storyloves, the key difference lies in the intended purpose and user base of each platform. Ashley Madison is primarily known for catering to individuals seeking discreet extramarital affairs, emphasizing privacy and anonymity. In contrast, Storyloves aims to connect people who are looking for serious, long-term relationships. The focus on storytelling in Storyloves allows for deeper and more meaningful connections, whereas Ashley Madison prioritizes confidentiality and convenience for its users. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on what type of relationship one is seeking: a fleeting, secretive encounter or a genuine, lasting bond.

 

Pros
  • Deeper Connections Through Storytelling
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Comprehensive Communication Tools
Cons
  • Limited User Base
  • No paid plans under 6 months

2. Hinge

BHinge allows users to be as anonymous as they choose, so anything you choose to keep private stays that way

Best for: Free casual dating

Starting price: $2.97 for 3-day trial

Connection type: Casual

Hinge is a dating app that distinguishes itself by focusing on fostering meaningful relationships rather than casual encounters. Marketed as the app “designed to be deleted,” Hinge encourages users to build comprehensive profiles through prompts, photos, and detailed personal information. The app’s algorithm suggests matches based on these detailed profiles and mutual interests, enhancing the likelihood of compatible connections. With features like commenting on specific parts of a profile and interactive prompts, Hinge facilitates more engaging and personalized conversations from the start, aiming to create deeper and more genuine interactions.

When comparing Hinge to Ashley Madison alternatives, the primary difference lies in their target audiences and the nature of the relationships they promote. Hinge is geared towards individuals seeking serious, long-term relationships, with a focus on meaningful connections and comprehensive profile building. In contrast, Ashley Madison and its alternatives often cater to those looking for discreet, casual, or extramarital encounters, prioritizing privacy and anonymity. Hinge’s emphasis on detailed profiles and in-depth conversations sets it apart from apps focused on casual dating or affairs, making it a suitable choice for users who are genuinely interested in finding a lasting relationship rather than a fleeting connection.

Pros
  • Emphasis on Meaningful Relationships
  • Interactive and Engaging Profiles
  • User-Friendly Interface
Cons
  • Premium Features May Require Payment
  • Potential for Limited Matches in Certain Areas

3. PlanetOfLoves

PlanetOfLoves is a great place for people who would like to connect with established and educated individuals, even just for hookups

Best for: Finding intellectual partners

Starting price: Free trial, membership from $31.95 per month

Connection type: Long-term

PlanetOfLoves is a dating app designed to connect individuals seeking meaningful and lasting relationships. The app features a robust matching algorithm that considers users’ interests, values, and lifestyle preferences to suggest compatible matches. Profiles on PlanetOfLoves are detailed, allowing users to showcase their personalities and what they are looking for in a partner. The app also offers various communication tools, such as messaging and video chats, to help users build genuine connections. With a focus on fostering real relationships, PlanetOfLoves provides a supportive and engaging environment for those serious about finding love.

When comparing PlanetOfLoves to Ashley Madison alternatives, the most notable difference is the intended purpose and target audience. PlanetOfLoves is geared towards individuals seeking serious, long-term relationships, emphasizing compatibility and meaningful connections through detailed profiles and comprehensive matching algorithms. In contrast, Ashley Madison and similar platforms cater primarily to those looking for discreet, casual, or extramarital encounters, often prioritizing anonymity and privacy. Therefore, while Ashley Madison alternatives might attract users interested in short-term flings or secretive meetings, PlanetOfLoves appeals to those who are genuinely interested in building lasting and authentic relationships.

Pros
  • Focus on Serious Relationships
  • Detailed and Personalized Profiles
  • Comprehensive Communication Tools
Cons
  • Potential Cost of Premium Features
  • Smaller User Base in Certain Areas

4. Badoo

Badoo is a reputable dating site with a large dating pool a helpful algorithm to help you find your next match

Best for: Diverse membership

Starting price: $35.99 per month

Connection type: Long-term

Badoo is a popular global dating app that combines traditional online dating features with social networking elements. It boasts a vast user base, making it easier to find matches both locally and internationally. Badoo offers various ways to connect, including swiping, browsing profiles, and participating in live video chats. The app allows users to create detailed profiles, including photos and personal information, and its search filters help users find matches based on specific criteria. With a user-friendly interface and a range of interactive features, Badoo caters to those looking for casual dates, friendships, or more serious relationships.

When comparing Badoo to Ashley Madison alternatives, the key differences lie in their focus and user demographics. Badoo is designed to appeal to a broad audience, offering opportunities for casual dating, friendships, and serious relationships. Its extensive user base and social networking features create a dynamic and engaging platform for various types of connections. On the other hand, Ashley Madison alternatives are primarily geared towards individuals seeking discreet, often extramarital, encounters. These platforms prioritize privacy and anonymity, catering to users looking for secretive and short-term relationships. Therefore, Badoo is a more versatile option for those open to different types of relationships, while Ashley Madison alternatives are more suited for users seeking confidentiality and discretion in their dating experiences.

Pros
  • Diverse and Extensive User Base
  • Versatility in Types of Connections
  • Interactive Features Enhancing Engagement
Cons
  • Potential for Less Meaningful Relationships
  • Privacy Concerns with Social Networking Elements

5. Tinder

Tinder offers ID verification that makes it easy to find trusted members. Just swipe left or right and find a match in no time

Best for: Easy-to-use app

Starting price: Free trial, membership from $12.49 per month

Connection type: Casual or long-term

Tinder is one of the most well-known and widely used dating apps globally, famous for its swiping feature. Users can create profiles with photos and brief bios, and then swipe left or right to indicate interest in potential matches. It offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to browse through profiles and initiate conversations with their matches. Tinder also provides additional features like Tinder Boost and Super Likes to increase visibility and attract more matches. While Tinder is often associated with casual dating and hookups, many users also use it to find meaningful relationships.

When comparing Tinder to Ashley Madison alternatives, the primary distinction lies in their intended purposes and user demographics. Tinder is widely used by individuals seeking a range of relationships, from casual hookups to long-term commitments. Its popularity and large user base make it suitable for various dating preferences and lifestyles. In contrast, Ashley Madison alternatives typically cater to users specifically seeking extramarital affairs or discreet encounters. Therefore, while Tinder offers a broader scope of relationship possibilities, Ashley Madison alternatives focus on a niche market of users seeking secretive and often short-term relationships outside of their primary partnerships.

Pros
  • Large and Diverse User Base
  • User-Friendly Interface with Swipe Feature
  • Versatility in Relationship Options
Cons
  • Potential for Superficial Interactions
  • Limited Profile Information

6. Adult FriendFinder

Adult FriendFinder caters to alternative daters including swingers, and allows for couple accounts for people looking for a unicorn

Best for: swingers and alternative daters

Starting price: $39.95 per month

Connection type: Alternative

Adult FriendFinder is primarily aimed at the swingers and alternative dating community, enabling fun, judgment-free casual flings. With features varying from cam chats to co-owning an account as a couple, the website can help you get personal with like-minded people.

On Adult FriendFinder, you can get started for free by setting up your profile, viewing other users’ photos and basic information, and using parameters to filter your dating search. However, for access to one-on-one chats and users’ full profiles, you need a paid plan.

Pros
  • Cam chats
  • Catered to swingers and alternative daters
  • Couple accounts
Cons
  • Messaging behind paywall
  • Potential fake profiles

7. Gleeden

The focus on discretion and anonymity makes Gleeden the perfect for women who are interested in alternative dating

Best for: Women in a relationship

Starting price: $14.99 for 25 credits

Connection type: Affairs

If you’re a woman looking for a memorable dating app experience, Gleeden is designed for you—and if you’re in an existing relationship, even better. Discretion is key, so members can opt for anonymity for certain profile sections such as photos. Gleeden is well known for eliminating bots and fake profiles, so you can be assured, generally speaking, that you’re speaking to real people.

Women get free usage of the website. Men are charged for credits, which are used on actions such as sending messages.

Pros
  • Discretion and anonymity focus
  • Empowering female-driven dating
  • Expressing interest is free
Cons
  • Unread messages may expire
  • Men are charged for messaging

8. Heated Affairs

Heated Affairs easily connects you to other spouses, enabling straightforward conversations and possible hookups

Best for: Meeting people looking for an affair

Starting price: $3 for 200 credits

Connection type: Affairs

If you’re married or in a relationship, Heated Affairs can connect you to other spouses, thus enabling straightforward conversations. On the website, you can join interest groups, watch live webcams, and filter member profiles according to criteria such as personal kinks.

As far as adult dating sites go, Heated Affairs offers sufficient functionality for you to find your online affair partner. The website boasts a strong member base of 48 million profiles—but the company doesn’t have a huge reputation for deleting fake profiles.

Pros
  • Livestream webcam
  • High member base
  • Targeted at affair enthusiasts
Cons
  • Potential fake profiles
  • Messaging behind paywall

9. FriendFinder-X

On FriendFinder-X you can find people of all backgrounds and sexual orientations for friendships, hookups, or any other purpose

Best for: Casual encounters

Starting price: $20 per month

Connection type: Casual

Whether you’re looking for friends or a bit more, FriendFinder-X can help you find your match. It attracts casual hookup enthusiasts from a variety of backgrounds, including married, single, couples, LGBTQ+, and more. With such a varied pool of prospects comes an in-depth filtering feature, with which you can browse profiles according to sexual orientation and other identifiers.

A differentiator for FriendFinder-X is its erotic story group chat feature, through which you can learn about members’ private preferences and initiate one-on-one chats.

Pros
  • 2-way webcams
  • Extensive filters and profile info
  • Group story sharing feature
Cons
  • Limited free membership
  • No matching algorithm

10. NoStringsAttached

NoStringsAttached is great for finding casual hookups with people of all types, as well as live video chatting to others

Best for: Great security features

Starting price: $29.95 per month

Connection type: Casual or affairs

Operating for more than ten years now, NoStringsAttached provides an attractive alternative to Ashley Madison. This site is designed specifically for single people or those involved in committed relationships and offers a convenient way to find your best match for whatever purpose.

With excellent security features to keep things discreet and more than 3 million monthly users, this site has everything you need to feel safe about what you are looking for (and looking at).

Pros
  • Excellent privacy features
  • Face-to-face livecam
  • Plenty of users
Cons
  • No app available
  • Free membership is limited

Are hookup and affair sites safe?

In general, hookup and affair sites are considered safe. While the occasional data breach may grab headlines, servers storing online data are seldom completely impenetrable. However, selecting a provider with a proven track record of safeguarding user privacy is crucial.

Moreover, reputable hookup websites prioritize user safety by investing in algorithms designed to weed out fake profiles and bots. This ensures that your interactions are with real individuals, enhancing your overall experience and enjoyment.

How much do hookup sites cost?

The pricing structures vary among different hookup sites. Even some of the best free hookup platforms may offer additional features that require payment. In many cases, adult dating sites offer free access for women while men are required to purchase credits or subscribe to a monthly plan.

Credits are typically used for specific actions, such as sending messages or accessing private videos. Monthly subscriptions, which typically range from $20 to $65, often include features like messaging, live cams, and access to group forums.

It’s essential to thoroughly understand how a website charges you before providing your credit card details to avoid unexpected or excessive charges.

How to find the best hookup sites

When searching for the best online hookup sites, consider where you want your profile to be visible. If you prefer matches based on detailed interests and preferences, platforms like eHarmony or FriendFinder-X might suit you. Alternatively, if you’re interested in features like cam chats, group forums, and live streams by professional models, NoStringsAttached and Adult FriendFinder could be more appealing.

For those who are married and seeking hookups in a discreet and private setting, specialized websites like Gleeden and Heated Affairs may be suitable options. These platforms cater specifically to individuals in relationships who are looking for extramarital affairs while prioritizing confidentiality and privacy.

Why choose from these hookup sites?

The concept of hookup or affair websites may seem confusing to some. Here are the top reasons why an adult dating app may be the right choice for you. 

To Meet Like-Minded People

If you’re keen to embark on a hookup or affair, you likely desire to connect with someone in similar circumstances through casual hookup sites. The platforms on our list cater to various dating preferences, including swingers, couples, ethnicity-based connections, LGBTQ+ dating, and more.

Although meeting new people at work or in bars has its allure, specialized dating websites and apps can streamline the process with matching algorithms and expansive member bases. These features enable you to find compatible partners more efficiently and explore your desires with greater ease.

To Hide Your Identity

Pursuing your fantasies entails risks, and it’s essential to select a platform that prioritizes privacy and offers anonymity features, such as the ability to use fake profile names and share private photos.

Many mainstream dating platforms like Tinder require connection through social media accounts bearing your real name, which may not align with your desire for anonymity. Conversely, affair and hookup sites typically provide tools to safeguard your privacy and ensure your actions remain discreet.

To Protect Your Data

Effective communication is crucial in any relationship, especially in extramarital ones. If you seek discreet conversations with new partners, opting for a password-protected app or website can be advantageous.

Numerous hookup sites employ industry-standard encryption protocols to safeguard sensitive data like names and emails. Additionally, some platforms encourage users to report any bugs or vulnerabilities encountered on the site, further enhancing security measures.

To Enjoy the Best Hookup Sites

Exploring dating platforms that utilize compatibility algorithms or offer member livestreams can facilitate connections with individuals who share similar dating patterns, fostering a liberating experience.

For those in existing relationships, seeking a non-judgmental community can be paramount. Alternative dating websites provide a space where you can explore your preferences openly and honestly, free from societal scrutiny or condemnation.

The Bottom Line on Cheating and Affair Websites

Cheating and affair websites prioritize discretion and offer guilt-free enjoyment for individuals who may feel overlooked on mainstream dating apps. These platforms often allow users to specify their marital status in their profiles and search filters, fostering transparent communication with potential matches.

With a plethora of options available—from webcam-centric sites like NoStringsAttached to algorithm-driven matches on eHarmony—comes the responsibility of selecting the right platform for your needs. While hookup websites can provide a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to find suitable partners by leveraging your profile depth, adjusting search parameters, and honing your conversation skills. Ultimately, the success of your experience on these platforms relies on your ability to make informed choices and engage effectively with potential matches.

Ioana contributes to Top10.com as a passionate dating & relationship expert, as well as a tech and media management consultant and business writer. She holds a BSc in Business Management from King's College, with 5+ years of experience consulting in the industries of tech and media. Her insightful, female-forward articles on dating and relationships have been published on Thrive, Medium's P.S. I Love You, and Newsbreak.
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