Skip the small talk — these sexting apps get straight to the point

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Who it's for:

Supposedly dreamt up as a way to send nudes, Snapchat has evolved into a full-blown social media platform where users can share all kinds of content with their followers. Snapchat is truly the OG nudes app — and it's completely free to download and use.

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

Why we picked this:

Snapchat has moved up the app food chain over the past 12 years, becoming a staple in the mainstream social media roster. We'd say it's right up there with Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok. According to the Associated Press, there are approximately 406 million active users on the app daily, and more than 7 million Snapchat+ subscribers.

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 one 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 it. 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. 

In May, Snapchat released even more new features. Now, you can edit chats for up to five minutes after sending, express yourself with emoji reactions, and get reminders through "My AI Reminders." Plus, there are some new AI lenses, including a '90s-themed lens, which makes me a little sad — were the '90s really that long ago?

Despite its robust features and ephemeral nature, Snapchat poses some risks. You could accidentally send a hot-and-heavy snap to the wrong person or worse — post to your story.

In addition to human error causing a potential disaster, Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg have been in the news for targeting Snapchat's secrets through "Project Ghostbusters." As Mashable reported, the project let Facebook decrypt Snapchat's network traffic to get a competitive edge over the popular messaging app. Facebook couldn't snoop on messages or photos, but the company used software on users' smartphones to secretly measure Snapchat usage data.

Even though the actual project dates back to 2016, Project Ghostbusters was only recently revealed in documents unsealed as part of a class action lawsuit against Meta. So, if privacy is your top concern, Snapchat is not going to be your app. Remember that sexting is only as secure as the platform you're using — or the person on the other end of the conversation.

Who it's for:

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

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 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 from your device and your recipient's. As a 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 on Android devices in some areas of the app. 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:

If you're new to sexting or can't fathom talking dirty to a stranger (or you're too nervous to sext your partner and need a little practice), candy.ai might be your best bet. Candy.ai is an AI chatbot that offers a safe and non-judgmental space to sext with a virtual companion.

It's ideal for anyone too shy or anxious to engage in explicit conversations or share NSFW content directly with another person.

Why we picked this:

Candy.ai is an AI sexting site, part of a fast-growing niche. Unlike its poorly designed competitors (like Character AI, Muah AI, and Kupid AI), which often produce awkward or nonsensical responses, Candy.ai's technology is advanced enough for you to have convincing chats with your AI companions.

This sexting site gives you the power to explore your fantasies however you want with your fantasy partner. You can create a virtual companion of your own, customizing the way they look, their career, and their sex drive. The only downside is that you'll need to upgrade to enjoy the best (and naughtiest) features. The premium membership is $25.99 per month (but there's usually a discount running, so it's really around $12 per month), and with it you'll be able to listen to AI voice messages, make AI phone calls, remove the image blur (oh la la), and enjoy unlimited sexy text messages.

If you'd rather not waste time creating a character (or paying money to chat), you can choose from a selection of pre-designed virtual companions, including anime characters. It's free to start sexting with any of the models on the site, but additional features like receiving explicit photos or getting naughty voice messages will cost you extra.

Critics worry there's a dark side to AI companions, especially for lonely young people struggling with mental health issues. Whether AI companions help people cope with feelings of loneliness, or only alienate them further from the world, is an open question.

AI chatbots with a sexual edge aren't going away, and many users report positive experiences with their digital companions. If you're interested in testing out this new technology for yourself, then we recommend Candy.ai as your best bet.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email [email protected]. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

Who it's for:

If you've ever dreamed of exchanging sexy messages, photos, or videos with your favorite porn stars or cam models, then you need to know about SextPanther. This paid sexting app lets you exchange racy messages and start video chats with real adult performers.

Why we picked this:

We hate to break it to you, but your favorite adult performer is never going to respond to your unsolicited messages (if they do, there's approximately a 100% chance you're being catfished). Instead of sliding into her DMs, try SextPanther, a pay-to-play sexting service.

Paid sexting apps and sites are a relatively new phenomenon, but this niche is growing fast. It's similar in concept to OnlyFans, except instead of a monthly subscription, SextPanther lets you pay to send and receive messages from adult performers, dommes, and kinky companions. The site has even attracted some well-known names in the porn world, meaning you can turn your fantasies into reality — for a price.

SextPanther lets performers set their own chat rates. So, when you find someone you want to chat with, you will see prices for text messages, audio notes, pictures, and video chats. If the performer is online, you can start sexting right away.

Some users will appreciate the transactional nature of SextPanther. With this app, you know exactly what you're getting. The site has had security challenges in the past (some performers' personal information was left vulnerable, though no user data was ever compromised). However, based on the recent popularity of the site and the vast number of models available for sexy chats, we think it's the best chat service of its kind.

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 occasional phone sex.

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 are 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. 

On March 5, 2024, POF took a page from OkCupid's book by teaming up with Busch Light to create a Fish Pic Badge. This new feature is exactly what it sounds like: a profile badge for POF users that showcases their love for fishing (and, maybe, enjoying a cold beer).

“Our research reveals that the majority of singles (67%) enjoy fishing, and 70% would like to go fishing on a date,” Shannon Smith, PR Director, Plenty of Fish, said in a press release. “Our partnership with Busch Light and the launch of the Fish Pic Badge supports our brand ethos of being a more welcoming place to date, while also providing our outdoor-activity loving singles a chance to find meaningful connections over shared interests.”

Who it's for:

Tinder isn't a dedicated sexting app, but it is 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.  

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 right now.

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.

Although the app doesn't notify you if someone's taken a screenshot, you can still report creeps and block those who can't take a hint with features like "Does This Bother You?" Plus, they've added an "Are You Sure?" nudge to make people think twice before sending something offensive.

Tinder's also been cracking down on bad behavior with an update that warns you if you're breaking the rules. The company says this update encourages respectful and consensual behavior and allows users to "course correct" if their activity on the app becomes harmful or offensive. We always like to see apps making an effort to keep their platforms safe(r).

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.

Read our full review of Zoosk.

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.