The best sexting apps for steamy chats and discreet digital encounters

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.

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

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 1 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. 

This month, the app announced that it'll be releasing even more features. You'll soon be able to edit chats for five minutes after sending, express yourself with emoji reactions, and get reminders through "My AI Reminders." Plus, new AI Lenses are coming, including a '90s-themed lens, which makes me sad—were the '90s really that long ago? Is my childhood nothing but a nostalgic free-for-all, a soon-to-be Halloween costume for today's youth?

Despite its features and ephemeral nature, Snapchat poses some risk, especially if you're in a hot-and-heavy conversation and accidentally send a snap to the wrong person or your story (*screaming*).

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, just remember that sexting is only as secure as the platform you're using — or the person on the other end of the conversation.

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Who it's for:

SextPanther isn't your everyday messaging app. This new platform connects users and fans with adult entertainers and models (via text, video, or audio). If you've ever wanted to engage in a steamy back-and-forth with a popular content creator, now you can — for a fee, of course.

It’s a sex-positive, gender-inclusive space where you can fulfill fantasies with real performers (or become one yourself).

Why we picked this:

SextPanther is like the modern-day version of the phone sex hotline. Here, you can sext, call, or video chat with the performer of your choice for their set fee. On the flip side, if you’re a performer yourself (a SextPanther model), you can set a rate and get paid to chat with fans.

Fans can also opt for the “girlfriend experience” or pick from a list of other tags to speak to someone who’s into the same things they are. This page has everything from #tattoos to #pegging.

"SextPanther is an interesting platform in how it appeals directly to the gap that's created in the many different social media platforms that are directly preventing people from sharing explicit content,” Sarah Gold, a sex work mentor and sex tech consultant, tells Mashable. “The interface is modern and feels more like a genuine texting experience, which feels less distant than contacting someone through a directory."

But it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, especially if you’re new to the industry.

“The biggest downfall for me in using SextPanther was that there’s not a lot of traffic generated within the platform itself, so it’s best used as an accessory to an existing social media following that wants to text, send pics, and even phone or video call,” Gold adds.

Who it's for:

Telegram Messenger is a popular messaging app that people turn to whenever WhatsApp is in the news for yet another privacy concern. So, basically, it's for anyone and everyone who wants a quick and easy way to communicate with others without worrying about privacy issues.

According to Statista, Telegram has around 900 million active monthly users as of April 2024.

Why we picked this:

Although Telegram isn't marketed as a sexting app, several users, including sex workers and adult entertainers, love its security features (like self-destructing messages and end-to-end encryption), anonymity, and the ability to create private groups or channels (perfect for group sexting).

It's also super-fast. One Reddit user says, compared to OnlyFans, it's like "swapping a horse and buggy for a jet plane," adding that Telegram is the James Bond of messaging apps for sexting. "It's got style, it's got speed, and it's got those privacy features that make you feel like you're in a spy movie, exchanging top-secret, sexy documents."

The app isn't just for behind-the-scenes messaging, either. In March 2024, the app launched Telegram Business (are they coming for Meta?), where business owners can create a profile and engage with their customers through chat. Telegram also announced that channel owners (with more than 1,000 subscribers) can now earn 50 percent of the revenue from ads in their channels in Toncoin (TON).

The company also likes to keep things up-to-date: In April 2024, Telegram rolled out a massive update with more than 15 new features, including profile management tools, birthday reminders, location-sharing improvements, and group chat moderation features.

In addition to its speed and encrypted messaging, you can lock your app with a passcode, hide your phone number or create a username, and even set up a "secret chat" that leaves no trace on either device. Just be sure to check your privacy settings and read through the company's rather long FAQ (it's worth getting a lowdown on all the settings and privacy options).

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.

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 AWS Wickr or 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.

But the investment is totally worth it for many people. Over on X, Greg Isenberg, the CEO of Late Checkout, recalls meeting a dude who admitted to spending $10,000 per month on his AI girlfriends at platforms like Candy.ai. The man told Isenberg, “Some people play video games, I play with AI girlfriends...I get to customize my AI girlfriend. Likes, dislikes, etc. It's comfort at the end of the day."

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 (s)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.

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 an occasional phone sex session.

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 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.  

Unlike other paid dating apps, 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.

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.

What's even better is that Tinder has been working tirelessly to make sexting (and hooking up) safer for its users. This February, the company released a new update that warns users whenever they're violating the Community Guidelines. 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.

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.

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.

Read our full review of Zoosk.