12 FWB Sites for Local Friends with Benefits Dating

Looking for a FWB partner near you? We have found 12 most popular friends with benefits websites on the web, choose the one that best suits your needs.

Josh Noah
DateHug
10 min readJun 3, 2024

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Finding a good Friends With Benefits (FWB) arrangement isn’t easy. It lands in that awkward middle ground between discreet one-time casual hookups and long-term dating. However, today there are quite a few options of friends with benefits dating sites that cater specifically to seekers of that kind of casual relationship.

We’re looking at overviews of 12 of the best FWB dating sites for dining friends with benefits relationships, hopefully allowing you to jump headfirst into the scene.

1. FWBDatingOnly.com

№1 Choice on Our Top Friends With Benefits Sites List

FWBDatingOnly is exactly what it says on the tin — a site for pursuing Friends with Benefits (FWB) relationships with no strings attached. The platform lets users know upfront exactly what they’re signing up for: a fun, casual relationship without the complications of traditional dating.

One of the main advantages of using a dedicated FWB dating site like FWBDatingOnly over a general dating site is the lack of ambiguity. You don’t have to play games or navigate mixed signals. Everyone that’s on the friends with benefits site is looking for the same thing.

FWBDatingOnly includes a simple verification process to ensure user authenticity, discreet messaging services to maintain privacy, and detailed profiles highlighting users’ interests. Additionally, a fun “hot or not” game helps users quickly find matches based on mutual attraction, similar to Tinder. It’s free to join, making it accessible to anyone interested in friends with benefits dating.

Finally, one of the standout features of FWBDatingOnly is the live webcam streaming option for members. This feature allows users to connect in real-time, adding an extra layer of excitement to the FWB dating experience.

2. Tinder

The Most Famous Hookup App

No surprise here, Tinder is possibly the most popular dating app globally, and almost ubiquitous in the online dating scene. Hence, there’s no way we could pass it over.

Tinder’s biggest claim to fame is its ‘swipe-right-to-like’ style, making friends with benefits dating a bit of a game on one’s phone.

For us, Tinder is not exclusively for FWB relationships, but that giant user base can’t be ignored. It’s a popular choice for trying your hand and seeing who bites.

With Tinder’s geolocation feature, you can find local matches quickly, and its straightforward, easy-to-use design makes it one of the most accessible FWB dating apps.

What’s also useful is Tinder’s photos and simple profile style, which make for a flashy visual experience while on the app. It’s similar to Instagram, with a focus on great images.

Now, because most users are looking for a more serious relationship on Tinder, it can take some navigational prowess and honesty to find users with the same mindset as you. However, once you do, Tinder is a tried and true choice for FWB relationships (and everything else).

3. Match.com

The Most Classic Dating Sites

One of the most classic dating sites, Match has had a pretty good reputation throughout its history. It allows you to select from a wide variety of relationship types.

While, like Tinder, its traditional reputation is for finding long-term relationships, the massive user base makes it a good choice for people looking for friends with benefits as well.

Match is best known for its algorithm, which uses detailed information about you to help you find a good match. In most cases, this is more important for those looking for committed relationships, but nothing is stopping you from using it for more ‘shallow’ concerns.

In part, this is why the profiles on Match are pretty detailed, and their advanced search can pick up on a lot of different criteria for a pretty good filtering experience.

With its long-standing good reputation, clean interface, and active user base, Match.com is a solid platform to add to your mix when looking for fun and FWB dates.

4. Plenty of Fish (POF)

Longest-running FREE Dating Sites

Similar to Match, Plenty of Fish, often seen as POF, is another one of the longest-running, mostly free dating sites with a big user base. The new fun and friendly-looking design is also a welcome difference in the ‘sea’ of same-y-looking dating sites.

Again, while not explicitly designed for FWB dating, the sheer volume of users makes it worth investigating.

On POF, you can send messages for free, but you need a subscription for some of the most useful features. Of these, there are extensive and fun personality tests to try and some solid advanced search options.

Overall, a lot of what POF has to offer isn’t that compelling if you’re just looking for a hot FWB. Still, with a decent dating pool and its long-standing reputation, it’s worth giving a chance.

5. Zoosk

Zoosk combines the traditional dating site style with minimalist mobile app design, making it a good choice when sleuthing out a friends-with-benefits relationship.

With its innovative Behavioral Matchmaking technology, Zoosk continuously learns from the actions of over 40 million members, enhancing its ability to deliver real-time, tailor-made matches.

Zoosk’s standout feature, SmartPick, is an adaptive matching technology that recommends potential matches by analyzing your preferences and behaviors and making cutting-edge suggestions. It’s like your own personal dating assistant, getting to know you better the more you use it and improving your recommendations, not unlike the YouTube or TikTok algorithms.

Another reason to try it? The vast user base. 40 million registered users and a global reach. It’s available in over 80 countries and in 25 languages. Compared to other FWB dating sites on our list, it’s one of the most widespread, making it great to use when traveling. It’s also the #1 grossing online dating app in the Apple App Store, underscoring its popularity and effectiveness.

However, like any platform, Zoosk has its pros and cons. At the same time, the FWB site starts with a free sign-up, like most of these, a premium service lurks around the corner. In addition, some users have reported hidden fees that have turned them off from the site.

Despite these drawbacks, Zoosk’s combination of advanced technology, extensive user base, and global accessibility makes it a worthy option for a Friends with Benefits relationship.

6. Badoo

Badoo is our second globally relevant FWB dating app with a massive user base. The app blends traditional friends with benefits dating site features with social media elements like live streaming and video chat.

Perhaps Badoo’s biggest focus is on user authenticity. First, there’s a robust photo verification system to ensure everyone on the site is real. For some looking for discreet FWB relationships, this may not be ideal, but for others, it helps to ensure their safety.

Badoo includes an “Encounters” feature, a Tinder-like swiping mechanism that helps you quickly find potential matches. There’s also Badoo’s geolocation feature, “People Nearby,” which allows you to find potential matches locally. Like with Grindr, this feature is perfect for finding hookups and casual encounters. It also makes spontaneous meetups a real possibility, adding to the app’s appeal for quick connections.

Finally, Badoo lets you connect your Instagram account if you’re sick of constantly uploading new pics for each new FWB dating app. Despite some mixed reviews online, Badoo has some good qualities. Its extensive features, large user base, and emphasis on authenticity make it a worthwhile option to consider.

7. DownApp

DOWN offers some innovations to its approach to casual relationships. Its swiping mechanism is different from that of other FWB dating apps. You can swipe up if you want to date or swipe down if you just want to hook up or pursue something more casual. This third option makes it uniquely useful as an app when looking for FWB but still open to other kinds of connections.

One of DOWN’s other standout features is its user-friendly design. The app’s minimalistic layout, with its stark and sensual purple and black color scheme, creates a nice atmosphere for browsing. Everything is well organized and intuitive, and all its features are easy to access.

The DOWN app stands out for its honesty in user intentions. When creating a profile, users are encouraged to be upfront about what they seek, whether a casual encounter or a more meaningful connection. It lets you skip the small talk and find compatible matches. The app also offers ‘Icebreakers,’ online games that help users get to know each other, such as “Would You Rather.”

Unfortunately, while the DOWN app has great potential, it is still in development. Its network of users needs to grow if it’s going to compete with the big boys. Despite this, the friends with benefits app offers a refreshing approach to casual dating.

8. Happn

Among the different friends with benefits sites, Happn’s unique twist is connecting you with people you’ve crossed paths with in real life. The location-based app is perfect for those who want more organic feeling encounters.

Imagine you keep bumping into that cute barista at your local coffee shop — Happn makes it possible to make that connection. The app shows you profiles of people you’ve been near, giving you an opportunity to connect.

Happn’s charm lies in its ability to turn everyday encounters into potential matches, making finding a friend with benefits feel more serendipitous and less contrived.

The friends with benefits app is free for Android and iOS. While the site’s profiles might be a bit simple, they do indicate if someone is local or just visiting, which is key for location-based matching.

You need at least one photo to create your account, and adding more can help attract attention. Happn’s free version is limited, with daily swipe caps and ads, but a premium subscription unlocks unlimited likes and removes the ads. Subscriptions range from $10 to $25 per month, with options for one-time purchases.

Happn is a great option for those seeking a natural and spontaneous FWB relationship.

9. Ashley Madison

Ashley Madison is infamous as the go-to site for extramarital encounters. Trust us, there have been many documentaries and news stories about the scandal it caused. Since the site got hacked and lots of personal information leaked in July 2015, it has evolved into a solid platform for finding a casual or FWB relationship.

Due to its original clandestine nature and the previous data breach, the site’s privacy and discretion are now fairly unmatched, with robust security measures in place to protect user information.

For demographics, Ashley Madison’s user base tends to be more mature, attracting individuals who are clear about their desire for no-strings-attached fun. The site’s sleek design and straightforward messaging system make it easy to connect with potential FWB partners, and the site is particularly good for people used to old-school online friends with benefits sites like POF.

So, if discretion and privacy are your top priorities when looking for hookups, Ashley Madison provides a safe and secure environment to get yourself out there.

10. Pure.app

Pure prides itself on spontaneity and directness, making it perfect for those seeking immediate, casual encounters without the fuss. The friends with benefits app’s approach is refreshingly different: profiles and messages disappear after 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. This time-sensitive setup encourages users to act quickly, great for those who prefer fast, no-strings-attached hookups.

Pure’s minimalist yet cool and modern design focuses on getting straight to the point, eliminating small talk, and getting you directly to what you’re looking for. This format fosters a pressure-free environment where you can meet like-minded individuals. Pure is free for women, while men can test the waters with a three-day free trial.

Despite its appeal, Pure has its downsides. The app’s success largely depends on location, with active users concentrated in specific areas like the United States. Additionally, while paying for visibility through gifts can initially seem effective, many users also see it as pretty exploitative and frustrating.

11. Flirt

A bit less ‘serious’ than most of the other FWB dating sites and apps on our list, Flirt is just that: a fun and flirty platform for mixing sexy messaging with casual dating.

The more playful atmosphere lends it a sense of whimsy rather than hardcore smut, allowing you to message with playful banter and silly flirts rather than jumping to stats and sexual preferences from the start.

With special features like Flirtcasts, you can message a bunch of people at once in pseudo-group chats, letting you see who’s online and ready to mingle in a kind of house party or clubbing vibe. This gives Flirt a different vibe than other friends with benefits sites, making it a great social activity in its own right.

It’s still a bit new and not as popular as other apps, so your mileage may vary. But if your city has a good community on the app, it’s worth checking out for the potential to find your next FWB.

12. Passion.com

Passion.com is designed for those seeking ‘passionate’ connections. Catering to singles and couples eager to explore their desires, Passion.com offers an excellent range of features to help them explore freely. From live webcams and chat rooms to user blogs, this site is a hybrid between a social media platform and a friends with benefits dating site.

The site boasts a robust and active user base — over 67 million members in the United States and more than 100 million worldwide — one of the biggest on our list. It’s a pretty active user base, with over 100,000 members online most days and over 150,000 photos uploaded weekly.

Passion.com’s extensive search options allow users to filter profiles based on specific criteria, ensuring that you find matches that align with your preferences — whether you’re seeking a Friends with Benefits relationship or something else adventurous.

It’s free to join as a standard member, enabling you to create a profile, perform searches, and view profile summaries. While free members can’t initiate regular messages, they can use instant messaging and video chat.

Gold members can send and receive more levels of messages, participate in group video chats with other members and cam models, and view a more complete picture of member profiles and photos.

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Josh Noah
DateHug

You can’t buy love, but you can pay heavily for it.