If you’re looking for apps for making friends or apps and websites that are kind of like Tinder for friends, then this article is for you.
Mobile apps are a blessing and a curse. Most of them come and go. They start by having a decent amount of users, then they become full of fake or inactive accounts. In other words, most of them don’t work as you’d expect. But still, if not just for the fun of it, they can be of some use.
You can meet new people using new mobile apps. It’s just not guaranteed to work, so don’t take them too seriously. You also need to try a lot of them, play around and see what works for you. That is why today, we’ve compiled 19 apps for meeting friends. Choose which ones are perfect for you.
Here are 19 apps you can use to meet people and make friends.
1. Bumble BFF
Availability: worldwide
Bumble BFF is a perfect way to meet people, make friends, and expand your social circle. Whether you’re new in town or are just looking to meet new people in your own city, the Bumble app can help you out.
Although BFF is a term more associated with female friendship, both men and women use the friendship feature of the Bumble App. Bumble already has a good reputation, compared to other friendship apps that are closely tied to dating apps.
Since launching Bumble BFF, more and more people are not only using it for dating but also as an app for making friends nearby.
2. We3 App
Availability: worldwide
We3 focuses on helping you meet people who are “shockingly similar” to you by using their “Smart Matching” algorithm. You go through a few tinder-like cards that show you values/beliefs/activities/interests, and you swipe left or right to select what you like. The app then matches you with people who are into the same things.
Interestingly, We3 does something different from other friendship apps. Instead of just paring two people together, you are placed in a group of 3 along with other people who share your interests, hence their name: We3. You automatically have the chance to nourish a friendship group instead of having to build one yourself.
3. Citysocializer
Availability: UK, Europe, the US and Canada
This website and app will help you connect and engage in fun activities with new locals. It shows you upcoming and/or ongoing events nearby. It also allows you to create new ones so if you want to host your own party, invite others, and make new friends, posting it on this app will surely be helpful.
Citysocializer is more active in larger cities and towns than smaller ones; as of now anyway. So if you’re living in a big city, or have just moved to a new city and are looking to meet local friends, make sure you take advantage of this app.
4. Nextdoor
Availability: United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and Canada
If you’re not there already, subscribe to Nextdoor, and meet your neighbors. This app/website attracts mostly adults and parents, but it can provide great opportunities for neighbor-to-neighbor friends for any age group. You can also find events that are held, places people usually go to, and the kinds of people that visit different areas in your community.
Nextdoor also provides information exchange between members of a community. You’ll find contact information on reliable babysitters, what to order at cafes and restaurants, and how to keep your family secure should you need to take measures. You are most certainly able to find friends in a helpful community such as this.
5. MeetMe
Availability: worldwide
MeetMe is an app that acts very similarly to Facebook and Facebook Messenger, wherein you can find and meet people and chat with them online.
This is a good app to use if you already know what you want going in. The app still recommends other users that have similar interests and hobbies as you, but you have to take the initiative to chat them up first if they don’t already do so to you. Knowing this, it’s kind of like how you’d normally socialize in a bar, but you chat with them online instead of talking to them in person.
6. For women looking to meet female friends, Hey! Vina app is the right one for you
Availability: Hey! VINA is available in 158 countries
Hey! Vina is the ultimate social media app for women of all ages and backgrounds who are looking to make friends online. This app aims to help women from all around the world build their social circles or meet new people in a different city. Whether you’re traveling to a different place for a few days or weeks or are moving in for good, this app will help you make female friends in that area.
Aside from helping women make friends everywhere, Hey! Vina also holds a lot of programs and activities for women to participate in. As a user, you can also make your own event and invite the other women on the app.
7. Atleto, an app for making friends with athletes and sports enthusiasts
Availability: worldwide
Atleto is an app for making friends with athletes and sports enthusiasts. It will assess you as an athlete based on your choice of sport and skill level and match you with others who are similar to you. Not only will you be able to take advantage of your love of sports, but you’ll also meet people who are in range with you.
You will find on the app different activities and sporting events around your area and you can request to be included. You can also host your own events if you want to. You will be able to grow your sports network and your skill as an athlete with Atleto.
8. Meet and Make friends who live in your building with OneRoof app
Availability: USA
If you live or recently moved to a New City and want to meet new people then you should get the OneRoof app. OneRoof makes it easy to chat, meet and make friends with similar interests living in your building and form new friendships. Communication should go further than a nod in the elevator.
It is a fun way to –
- Buy and sell items from each other
- Organize dog play dates
- Ask a neighbor to dog sit
- Find a gym buddy
- Attend board game nights
- Do cloth swapping
- & much more
9. Meetup
Availability: Worldwide
Meetup is a platform for finding and building local communities. People use Meetup to meet new people based on their interests or locations, learn new things, find support, get out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions, together. Meetup is a great app to meet new friends, especially if you’re looking for people with the same special interests as you. Say if you like traveling, cooking, or playing a certain sport, it can connect you to a group of friends you can enjoy your time with.
Once logged in, you can directly select your city and the things that interest you. From there, you can find various meetups that can take place in your area. Meetup is recommended for those who are looking for clubs or groups to join. If you’re interested in a running club, music club, or book club, you’re sure to find one to sign up for.
10. Eventbrite
Availability: worldwide
Eventbrite is an American event management and ticketing site. The service allows users to browse, create, and promote local events. The service charges a fee to event organizers in exchange for online ticketing services, unless the event is free. You can find things to do depending on what you like, wherever and whenever.
In the app, you can find what’s new and trending in a variety of places nearby. Stay up-to-date with what’s happening today, this week, this weekend—whenever. Get custom event recordings for whatever interests you. View event details, so you can be on time and own it. Buy tickets and just check on your mobile phone.
11. Barkhappy
Availability: worldwide
The best part of being a dog owner might be meeting other people’s dogs. BarkHappy helps you do just that. It allows you to find dog-loving communities, dog-friendly places, and dog-friendly events. You can even host your own event. You’re also sure to find dog-friendly restaurants, bars, hotels, parks, and more. Even you can see their pet policies and amenities on the app!
The app offers a number of features that are specific to the service of puppies and their owners. Some of these features include events, special products, and offers; however, these are only available to BarkHappy members. This is a free app, but you can register to become a member. It’s great to connect with dog lovers. But anyone can find real friends through the app.
12. Peanut – A safe space for women to connect
Availability: Worldwide
Peanut is a safe space for mothers, expectant mothers, and those who are trying to conceive. It allows them to build friendships, ask questions, and find support. Peanut is very useful for moms who feel isolated and would like to connect with other moms who understand what they are going through. It connects women “through fertility and motherhood”.
It’s common for a new mother to feel very isolated as postpartum depression can make women especially lonely. It’s good to have an app that lets you connect with someone who is walking through the same emotional, sometimes messy terrain, as you.
13. Party of 4: the Couples Only App for making friends
Availability: active in the Netherlands mostly, but available to download anywhere.
Party of 4 is a couples-only app to find friends based on your location and the stage of life you’re in. It’s for finding Platonic friendships only (strictly enforced). Make a profile today and start swiping!
Swipe through couples that are near you, in the same situation as you. Whether they’re parents, childfree, etc.
Also: Read our interview with Megan, the founder of Party of 4 here, or our article on making friends as a couple. Download the free app and start making friends!
14. SKOUT
Availability: Worldwide
Skout allows you to meet people around your area or from anywhere in the world right away! You can see who’s broadcasting live, which you can do too! Millions of people connect and meet every day through Skout. You can use their exciting in-app features to increase your chances of making friends or chatting, namely: chat, share photos, live stream, and even send virtual gifts.
Skout wants to bring back the magic of casual reunions by letting you search for new friends online. It allows you to search by preference and proximity, which makes it easier to get to know each other before meeting in person.
15. UNBLND
Availability: Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Brussels (Belgium), Berlin (Germany), Chicago (IL, USA), London (UK), Montréal (Québec, Canada), New Jersey (NJ, USA), New York (NY, USA), Toronto (Ontario, Canada) and trying to reach more cities.
UNBLND is a global social network that connects strangers and turns them into a group of friends. You come into contact with like-minded people based on your interests and hobbies. You can get to know real people, reveal their profiles, and make plans!
Wondering how this app is different from others? First, there is no profile picture visible. You’re anonymous. People look for friends based on their common interests and preferences. In the app, beautiful photos, likes, and popularity are not important. It’s only your true self that counts. Second, you can’t search for users or groups yourself. The advanced algorithm automatically suggests interest groups. UNBLND’s approach is as personal and thoughtful as possible.
16. Internations
Availability: Worldwide
InterNations is a global social network based in Munich. The network operates in 420 cities and 160 countries worldwide. It’s the world’s largest network for people living and working abroad. As a member of its global community, you can network, socialize, and find expat-relevant information—both online and face-to-face which is a big opportunity for you to make new friends.
On the app or website, you can get the following features:
• Connect with international people in your city and around the world
• Meet other people from your home country
• Find InterNations Official Events and Activities happening near you
• Post and receive updates on your upcoming events while you’re out and about
• Join InterNations Groups covering a wide range of hobbies and interests, including outdoor activities, sports & fitness, cooking, photography, travel, language & culture, sightseeing, family & kids, singles meetups, career & professional networking, and so much more!
• Check your messages on the go
• Check out other InterNations Communities when you’re traveling
17. Wink
Availability: Worldwide
Wink is a popular app to make new friends from all over the world! It’s as easy as swiping right and starting up a conversation with your potential new bestie. Now it may be similar to the Tinder app, but it’s not a dating app.
It’s a good app to use if you already know what you want to get into. It always recommends you to other users who have the same interests and hobbies as you. Sometimes, you should take the initiative to chat with them first if they don’t make a move. Actually, this is a lot like how you normally socialize in a bar, but online.
18. Jaumo (Dating app currently transitioning to friendship & meeting people)
Availability: worldwide
Jaumo is a free social experience app to meet people and make new friends. On Jaumo, you can use filters to find like-minded people from nearby or join online audio rooms of up to 9 people and chat with users from all over the country. There are fun, themed icebreakers that’ll help you keep the conversation flowing in audio rooms, from Never Have I Ever Questions to pop culture trivia.
If you find someone you connect with, you can add them as friends and keep chatting through direct text messages or even start your own audio room with them. If you choose to, you can also invite your own friends into the app, or event directly into a specific audio room, and socialize together with your Jaumo friends.
19. Pally – Enhanced Networking with AI
Availability: London, UK
Still in waitlist phase, Pally is now an app powered by AI. It helps you meet the right people at events, using AI to suggest good matches. The app also keeps you updated on important things happening in your friends’ lives. Plus, it has a neat messaging feature where you can sort your chats into different groups. Pally is all about making it easier and more meaningful to connect with others, whether for friendship or work.
Try at least a couple of these apps for making friends and meeting people. You never know what these will do for your social life!
– Paul Sanders