The best apps to meet people
Meeting new people has become much easier with a smartphone. Today there are apps for making friends in your own city, chatting casually, finding people with the same interests or starting a serious relationship. The right choice depends on what you are looking for.
How to choose the right app
Before downloading, think about your goal. Some apps focus on dating and show people nearby for you to like or pass; others bring together groups and events by interest, which helps if you want to expand your circle of friends. It is also worth checking whether the app is popular where you live: the more people using it nearby, the better your chances.
The best apps to meet new people
We picked the most popular apps, each with a different style. See who each one works best for and visit the official website of the one that suits you.
Tinder
For meeting lots of people near you
The best-known dating app. You see profiles of people nearby, swipe to like or pass, and when the interest is mutual, you can start chatting.
- Popular in most countries
- Photo verification
- Free version lets you chat
Visit the official Tinder website
You will be taken to the app’s official website.
Bumble
For calmer conversations
In matches between men and women, the woman makes the first move. The brand also has Bumble For Friends, a separate app for people looking for friendship.
- Friends-only version (Bumble For Friends)
- Photo verification
- Prompts and filters to show your interests
Visit the official Bumble website
You will be taken to the app’s official website.
Badoo
For chatting and making friends at your own pace
One of the oldest dating apps, used by people who want to chat, make friends or more. You can see people nearby and talk by chat or video call.
- Chat and video calls in the app
- Millions of users worldwide
- Profile verification
Visit the official Badoo website
You will be taken to the app’s official website.
happn
For finding people who crossed your path
It shows people who were near you during your day, at work, at college or on public transport. Great if you live in a big city.
- Connect with people who visit the same places
- Approximate location, never exact
- Free version to like and chat
Visit the official happn website
You will be taken to the app’s official website.
OkCupid
For matching by compatibility
You answer questions about your tastes, values and goals, and the app shows a compatibility percentage with each person.
- Compatibility based on questions
- More detailed profiles
- Good for serious relationships
Visit the official OkCupid website
You will be taken to the app’s official website.
Meetup
For making friends with shared interests
It is not a dating app: it brings together in-person and online groups and events about sports, languages, technology, books, hiking and much more. Perfect if you have just moved to a new city.
- Groups and events by interest
- In-person and online meetups
- Free to join most groups
Visit the official Meetup website
You will be taken to the app’s official website.
Getting started: step by step
- Choose one or two apps.Start with the one that matches your goal: dating, chatting or friendship. Two apps increase your chances without getting messy.
- Download from the official store.Use only Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). Avoid files from unknown websites.
- Create a great profile.Use recent, clear photos that show your face, and write a short bio with two or three of your interests.
- Start chatting.Open with something from the other person’s profile. A simple question works better than just “hi”.
⚠️ Important: Never send money, verification codes or bank details to someone you met on an app, no matter how trustworthy they seem. For a first date, choose a public place and tell someone you trust.
What you need
📋 To create your account
- An Android phone or iPhone with an updated system
- Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data)
- An email address or phone number to sign up
- Being 18 or older
- Two or three recent photos of yourself
- A few minutes to fill in your profile
Tips for better results
Photos make all the difference
Choose photos with good lighting, smiling and without sunglasses. Include a full-body photo and one of you doing something you enjoy.
Be yourself in your bio
Talk about what you like to do and what you are looking for. Honest bios attract people you have more in common with.
Chat in the app before sharing your number
Keep the conversation in the app until you feel comfortable. That way, if something goes wrong, it is easy to block and report.
Frequently asked questions
Are the apps free?
Yes. They can all be downloaded and used for free. Paid plans are optional and only unlock extra features.
What is the best app for making friends?
Meetup is great for friendships based on shared interests, and Bumble For Friends is made just for people looking for friends.
Which app has the most users?
Tinder is one of the most used dating apps in the world, which increases your chances of finding people near you.
Do I need to be 18?
Yes. The dating apps on this list are for people aged 18 and over.
How can I avoid fake profiles?
Prefer verified profiles, be wary of anyone who asks for money or avoids video calls, and report suspicious profiles in the app.
Want to discover other useful apps?
Informational content. SilvaDaily is not affiliated with or representing any of the apps mentioned. Names and trademarks belong to their owners. Always download apps from the official stores.