Best 6 Free Local FWB Apps of 2021: Main Features, Pros and Cons

Key Takeaway: Find like-minded souls who are looking for the same form of casual sexual intimacy, coupled with the support of a friendship, with these FWB apps. They are perfect to find FWB partners quickly and easily. 

1. Best FWB app for FWB Partners You Click With:  OkCupid- OkCupid does the homework for you to find people you can vibe with and have a common ground to spark some chemistry. 
2. Best FWB app for Selection: Tinder – Everyone knows about it and this is where the crowd is. So if you prefer a multitude of options, Tinder wins hands down. 
3. Best FWB app for Spontaneous Fun: Pure- Although men have to pay for it after a free trial, it’s the easiest to connect to find fast and anonymous casual relationships of all forms including FWBs. 
4. Best FWB app for Being Female-Friendly: Bumble- Instead of drowning in dozens of messages, Bumble allows the ladies to take charge of who they want to talk to and the 24-hour window encourages genuine connection. 
5. Best FWB app for Meeting Honest People: Badoo- Badoo encourages people to build connections based on honesty. This means being crystal clear about your intentions and who you’ll like to find. 
6. Best FWB App for Compatible Kinks: Hud- The Bedroom feature allows you to see what others are into in the Bedroom before even matching with them. 

Table of Contents:

1. OkCupid: Best FWB App for FWB Partners You Click With
2. Tinder: Best FWB App for Selection
3. Pure: Best FWB App for Spontaneous Fun
4. Bumble: Best FWB App for Being Female-Friendly
5. Badoo: Best FWB App for Meeting Honest People
6. Hud: Best FWB App for Compatible Kinks
7. 8 Ways to Start a FWB Relationship
8. FAQs

Friends with benefits (FWB) is like the perfect hybrid of a relationship and friendship.

It allows casual intimacy and friendship to co-exist, but without the fuss on a committed relationship. 

If you’re looking for an arrangement where you prefer not to be hooking up with different people and have a level of support, then FWB would fit your situation well. 

As long as the line is clear and both of you are disciplined on what you want, FWB could work well. 

Then the only question that remains is where do you find them? 

Here is our list of top friends with benefits apps to find like-minded people, who are seeking non-serious relationships, but could also be a friend who could meet your sexual needs. 

1. OkCupid: Best FWB App for FWB Partners You Click With

Source: OkCupid/Apple

Availability:  iOS and Android

Free version: Yes

1 month premium: USD34.99

3 months premium: USD29.99

6 month premium: USD 24.99

If you’re looking for FWBs you can vibe with and want a proper foundation to start on, OkCupid is great for that. 

You’ll feel you have more substance than just your pictures here and you have more to show than your selfies. 

While Tinder and Bumble are great in terms of its convenience, OkCupid is best if you want people to see you for who you are and match with people you can get along with. 

After their major rebranding in 2018, they offer 13 gender identities, 22 sexual orientations and a dedicated space is given on your profile for preferred pronouns. 

It really opens up the door to basically everyone to join the dating game and not feel like their profiles don’t do them justice. 

While some may find it daunting to be filling up so many questions, they’re actually pretty fun to do. 

You’ll get “Best sauce for chips?”, “Do you clap when a plane lands?”, “Do spelling mistakes annoy you?” and “Are you a morning person?”. 

They’ve even introduced a IQupid feature where they’ll give you tips to up your dating game such as uploading more photos, expand your “About me” section to at least 50 words and answer five more questions. 

You’ll also see a chart to show your progress in achieving questions-related milestones and it’ll up your chances of being featured in their Question Pros stack in Discover. 

Speaking of stacks, they’ve divided a few stacks in your Discover page so you can find other easily according to Match percentage, Climate Change Advocates, Passport, New People, Online, Popular, Questions Pro and Nearby. 

This gives you various options to search for your pick and each one of them will have a percentage to show how well both of you match. 

On your profile, you can choose if you’re looking for a monogamous, non-monogamous or open to either. 

You can get specific that you’re looking for a FWB in your profile by answering the question of “What I’m actually looking for?”.

From personal experience, be honest with your intention here and answer as many questions so you’ll be rewarded with the best matches. 

I’ve actually met really great people here whether to hookup or as FWBs, as we have a lot to talk about due to the shared interests. 

2. Tinder: Best FWB App for Selection

Source: Tinder/Apple

Availability: iOS and Android

Free version: Yes

Tinder Gold: USD 29.99 per month

Tinder is a consistent contender when it comes to dating apps and actually great to find a local FWB partner. 

Its addictive ease of use attracts some 66 million people to use Tinder, making it a top-rated dating app. 

If you’re living in a highly populated area, you’ll have better chances on this app. 

You can even have video chats on this app and not risk giving out your number to anyone. 

It’s also no secret that Tinder is the place you go to to find hookups, due to its convenience to match and chat. 

It’s possible to turn any of your hookup prospects to FWBs, if you feel you can vibe with them. 

However due to its high number of users, Tinder is known to also attract scammers and catfishes. 

They’ve taken steps including photo verification, but scammers are still very possible here. 

Just like other apps, always be on high alert and keep the chat in the app as much as possible, until you feel you can trust the person with your phone number.

Tinder has a free version but it comes with limitations.

However, you can choose to upgrade to enjoy more features such as unlimited likes, see who likes you and boost your profile. 

The key to creating a beeline on Tinder is to include your best photos, which you take effort in and write up on an overall positive bio where you shine.

Don’t be afraid to make fun of yourself in your profile as it shows you’re not an uptight person and seem more approachable. 

3. Pure: Best FWB App for Spontaneous Fun

Source: Pure/Apple

Availability: iOS and Android

Free version: Yes, with in-app purchases

Pure is known for being the new kid in the block for anonymous hookups.

Due to its feature in creating ads, you can see people searching for other kinds of casual relationships and that includes FWBs. 

The ad post is where you can state what you’re looking for and it’ll be up for an hour to find people in your area, who’re into the same thing as you. 

You can choose to add a photo to your profile or exchange photos later to self-destruct. 

Any chats will self-destruct (Mission Impossible style) in 24 hours, unless both of you mutually turn it off. 

The app is well thought out for casual relationships as the limited time to interact, really gets people to get straight to the point. 

Here, you don’t have to be shy about being upfront about your intentions and people won’t judge you for it. 

They even have a video feature now so if you want to verify their faces first, you can do it within the app. 

Pure is great for quick matches and cutting all the crap in between. 

It’s refreshing and really saves a lot of time searching for FWBs, compared to Tinder.

The only thing is it all depends on your area and how many people are on this. 

Also, men have to pay after a three-day trial to use it while it’s free for women. 

So for the men, it really depends if they think it’s worth it but decide after trying out the free trial.

But in terms of fast connections while keeping your privacy intact, Pure is the friends with benefits app to try. 

4. Bumble: Best FWB App for Being Female-Friendly

Source: Bumble/Apple

Availability: iOS and Android

Free version: Yes

1 week premium: USD 8.99

3 month premium: USD 16.99 per month

6-month subscription: USD 13.99 per month

Bumble is known to put women on the driver’s seat when it comes to making the first move. 

You may also know it as the app developed by an ex-employee of Tinder. 

Men may actually love it as they can sit back for once and not always feel like they always have to get the gears moving. 

For women, you’ll feel relieved to know that your inbox is not filled with unwanted messages. 

The app is also known to have a more balanced ratio of men and women compared to Tinder. 

Ladies have 24 hours to initiate contact with men once both have matched. 

This doesn’t apply to same-gender connections as both parties can message each other immediately after matching. 

If the lady doesn’t send the men a text, the match will disappear after 24 hours. 

Also once both of you matched, you can video call or a voice call. 

They also have a profile verification so ladies may feel safer here. 

If that wasn’t good enough, you’ll also rejoice in knowing that they have two other modes, which are Bumble Bizz and Bumble BFF. 

Bumble Bizz is known for networking for its career opportunities and expanding your network. 

Meanwhile, Bumble BFF can help you look for meaningful friendships, especially if you moved to a new area. 

All that in one app and we call that a win.

5. Badoo: Best FWB App for Meeting Honest People

Source: Badoo/Apple

Availability: iOS and Android 

Free version: Yes

1 month premium: USD 9.99

Badoo promotes itself as the dating app to chat, date and meet new people honestly. 

The app encourages people to be honest about what and who they’re looking for on the app, so nothing is ambiguous. 

They encourage verified profiles through three steps and you can choose to connect with only verified profiles to find friends. 

You can share your mood now too such as whether you’re ready to chat, looking to meet up and craving for coffee. 

Badoo also gives you several options to match which are, to find people nearby and to see Badoo’s selection for you. 

You can send a message to anyone nearby and you can see how near they are to you. 

If you pick Badoo’s selection, you would need to match before you can chat. 

You can video or voice call with people through the app, once you’ve matched and after the other person replies your message. 

Also, Badoo detects any naughty photos sent to your inbox and automatically blurs them with a warning before opening them. 

If you like to find people nearby you and would like to match faster, then Badoo is your best bet. 

It may overwhelm some when it comes to the number of messages, but it’s the quickest way to connect with others. 

You can definitely find a few people of interest here and you can decide if you want it to develop into a FWB. 

It’s a noteworthy app to find local friends with benefits around you. 

6. Hud: Best FWB App for Compatible Kinks

Source: Hud/Apple

Availability: iOS and Android

Free version: Yes

1 week premium: USD 14.99

3 month premium: USD 59.99

6 month subscription: USD 119.99

Hud is well-known for being the app you download for any short-term and commitment-free relationships.

It’s a good option if you want to know what people are into in the bedroom from the get-go. 

The Bedroom feature is something that makes this app unique, as you can see if they’re into role play, submission, threesome, vanilla or even BDSM before liking them. 

This is best if you have a certain preference on what you want to do in the bedroom.

You don’t need to have the awkward conversation, or even end up going to their place to find out they’re not into the same kinks as you. 

Their safety features are also worth noting as they have included a video chat feature so you can verify their identity is real, as well as get to know them a little more than what their profile tells you. 

The cool thing is that the image is auto-blurred until both of you agree to unblur it, making you feel safe and protected. 

Instead of adopting a swiping method, they implemented a scrolling match feed so you can easily go through various profiles. 

The app may not have as many options as Tinder, but they also have a lot of options outside of Tinder. 

You can also look for verified profiles by using their one free premium filter option, so you don’t waste time on scammers. 

On a basic account, there are enough perks for you to get some nice matches here and with the one free premium option provided.

It really helps save a lot of time and one of the safest apps to find FWB partners. 

This FWB hookup app does take some time to build connections for you, but worth it if you like to know what you’re getting into before meeting anyone. 

8 Ways to Start a FWB Relationship

If you’ve decided that you want to dip your toes into the FWB pool, you’ll need to know how to start a FWB relationship and a lot of it has to do with who you’re picking. 

But FWB dating may not be as straightforward as one would think. 

It does require a certain amount of boundaries and rules to make sure you don’t get caught in a messy situation. 

Here are our top tips and advice from personal experiences, so you don’t go into an arrangement blind-sided. 

1. Be picky with who you choose

Pick someone who’s available and not entangled in a relationship or not recovering from a break up. 

It’s important to not find someone with baggage that could seep into the dynamics between you two. 

Find someone who makes you feel like you have a fun time together, emotionally stable and is cool with being spontaneous. 

2. Pick someone who’s not clingy 

You need to be sure that the person is really cool with the casual arrangement both of you have and is not going to cling on you for every second of your time. 

This includes asking you questions on who else you’re seeing and who you’re going to meet.

The whole point of the arrangement is to have a fun time and not be bogged down with commitments. 

3. Pick a person who’s not in your direct circle 

This could be your circle of friends or even work. 

If you pick someone you’re already very close to and you confide in, you would have to be okay with the risk of losing the person.

No one knows for sure what’s going to happen after the arrangement.

What’s important is that it’s temporary and meant to end soon. 

You may be okay resuming the friendship but the other person may not be. 

Also, there may also be a possibility that one of you develop feelings which may complicate things. 

So, the best is to pick someone who you know well enough to know they’re a good candidate, but not one of your closest buddies. 

4. Pick a person you’re already attracted to

This is where it may get a bit tricky.

You need to find someone who you like to spend time with, but not someone you would get into anything serious with. 

If you pick someone you would go all the way with, you may catch feelings along the way and ruin the arrangement. 

It could be someone you have a lot of sexual chemistry with but you’re okay not going into deep conversations with the person. 

5. Flirting is key

Once you’ve picked someone, be sure to flirt a lot to let the other person know you’re into them. 

It could even be subtle touches on the arm or something more, depending on how comfortable both of you are with each other. 

You never know.

They may be taking friends with benefits applications and you didn’t even know it, until you made a move. 

6. Ask them

Tell them you’re interested once you’ve caught their attention but tell them it’s nothing serious and you want a casual sexual relationship with them. 

Keep it light and how you bring it up depends on the chemistry between you two. 

Humour may work but make sure they get the hint that you’re not joking about having a FWB arrangement with them. 

You may hint saying that they are attractive and you like to take a FWB application if they’re up for it. 

7. Ground rules 

Every FWB arrangement is different but both of you need to set rules, before having sex with one another.

This ensures both of you are on the same page of what this is and to avoid anyone getting hurt. 

Set rules on how often you’ll see each other and decide how both of you should tell one another, if feelings start to get in the way. 

8. Communicate and respect

Talk to one another on the boundaries both of you need to set and check in with one another once in a while. 

This includes where to draw the lines when it comes to business in the bedroom and outside. 

If you’re hooking up with other people, tell them.

You don’t need to give them the full details but let them know so they’re aware and can decide if they want to continue on with you.

They also have their own sexual health to think about.

Respect is also key to keep the arrangement going and if you want to experiment with certain moves, tell them and ask how they feel about it. 

This goes both ways. 

If both of you follow all these steps, you’ll have a drama-free and easy-going arrangement!

FAQs

1. What app can I use to find friends with benefits and what is the best free app to date to find a FWB? 

We would definitely recommend trying our list of apps as they have been tried, tested out and actually do work to find FWB matches. 

But you must remain patient and also make an effort to find these people. 

These apps are not a magic wand but they are great tools for you to get started. 

But you need to actively make an effort such as taking good photos, taking the time to fill up your bio and take the time to chat with them.

To get started, you can definitely try Pure or even Badoo, as their free features are more than decent for a basic account. 

2. How to delete a FWB app account? 

If you’ve found your dream FWB partner or find that the app isn’t working for you, each app has its own ways to delete it if you’ve decided you can do without it. 

You can usually find it in the account settings. 

Some apps even allow you to go offline and be invisible for a while, rather than needing to delete the account altogether. 

3. What are the best apps to look for a FWB/NSA and what is the free site or app to find friends with benefits?

The apps we listed above are good options to start with and they’re usually easy to sign up in five minutes. 

They’re legitimate apps and they have basic free versions that involve no paying. 

For free sites, Reddit is your best bet for being totally free and you can easily access it on your desktop or even your Reddit app. 

For fun FWB subreddit websites, you can try r/FWBs/, r/hookup/ and r/Random_Acts_Of_Sex

You can find more subreddits to explore here. 

These are decent choices if you don’t want to be hit with an ad to pay for a subscription every time you’re on a dating app, but be warned that there can be scammers here due to the anonymity involved here. 

So, you would need to be careful with whoever you meet here and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of a scam or even getting hurt. 

-end-

(Last Updated: 26 April 2021)

About the Author

Kelvin Kevin is the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Content Editor of the World-Renowned HappyMatches.com Dating App and Dating Site. An avid writer since young, he is an Expert Dating and Relationships Coach for Casual Dating, Serious Dating and General Dating. You can follow him on Twitter (@HowToDateBetter), and also check out his personal Dating Blog, for the latest Dating Advice and Dating Tips to help Straight, Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Singles and Couples find and enjoy Fulfilling and Intimate Dating Relationships.

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