New York is the city that never sleeps, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to find someone to sleep with. We know how intimidating it is to tackle the world of hookups in such a major city. But it doesn’t have to be this huge, impossible task. (Like trying to find an empty seat on the L train during rush hour.) If you’re new to town or just new to dating, lean into hook up sites in NYC to scratch that itch. As with most big cities, online dating is the best way to find casual sex these days. Within a matter of minutes, you’ll have a whole world of dating at your fingertips.
So how do you know which apps are worth your time? With the help of your friends here at DoubleList. We’ve put everything you need to know about hooking up and dating in New York right here. We cover the dating scene, safety, and the best hookup sites in NYC hands down. So whether you’re out in Staten Island or you’re at the heart of the East Village, we’ve got your back.
What’s It Like to Look for Hookups in New York
Let’s start with the basics. Before you can get laid, you must get a lay of the land. Whether you’re looking for a fling or a relationship, there are two ways to describe “the scene” in New York:
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Endless Options.
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Busy, busy, busy.
Here’s what those two things mean. For one, New York is the most populous city in the United States. People move there from all over the country and the world. It’s the top destination for countless industries, from finance to fashion to food. It makes sense that a vast dating pool would be in that sea of people. If there’s one thing you don’t have to worry about, it has enough options. Plus, with how walkable the city is, it’s not hard to meet people even if you’re not on dating apps or hook up sites in NYC.
Now let’s talk about the second thing. The Empire City is fast-paced in every sense of the word. We’re not just talking about the average walking speed of a Manhattanite pounding pavement. We mean in terms of lifestyle. People are ambitious, on-the-go, and driven. They don’t have time to waste.
What does that translate to for you, the hookup hopeful? If someone catches your eye, go for it before it’s too late. But on the other hand, get ready for ghosting a’plenty from busy prospects who don’t have time to text back. We know. It sounds intimidating now. But hey. If you can make love here, you can make love anywhere.
Is It Safe to Use Hookup Sites in NYC?
Yes, it’s safe to use hookup sites in New York. Or at least as safe as using them in most major cities. Anytime you go on any website or app, it’s important to use basic safety. Like not giving out sensitive information such as your banking info or passwords to other sites. You also want to avoid sites and ads hiding viruses or malware. Another thing to keep in mind is that since NYC is so popular it’s a prime target for scammers. Bad actors find less of an audience in smaller towns. So your odds of encountering malicious sites may be higher in good ol’ Gotham.
Besides online safety, hookup safety is it’s own thing as well. After using hook up sites in NYC, prep for your encounter by buying protection and making sure everyone involved is STI-free. If you need an up-to-date screening, check out helpful resources like NYC Health + Hospitals.
Of course, big cities come with big city problems. When you’re headed to a hookup, be aware of your surroundings. Have something like pepper spray on you in case things go south, and share your location with someone you trust.
Are Hook up Sites in NYC LGBTQ+ Friendly?
Absolutely! Hook up sites in NYC and free gay dating sites are LGBTQ+ friendly. After all, this is the city that brought you Stonewall, Ballroom Culture, and Broadway. With so much gay culture, rest assured hookup sites (online and in person) are for everyone. Now, does that mean it’s 100% safe? Of course not. Listen, no place on the internet (or in real life) is completely free of homophobia or transphobia.
However, New York has a thriving gay community and more allies than many American cities. Even if you’re new to town, you probably know about famously queer-centric neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and the East Village. More recently Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen have joined the ranks of “gayborhoods” as well. And of course, Brooklyn and Queens aren’t just for hipsters and startups. The point is if you’re looking to date, hookup, or just exist as an LGBTQ+ person in the city, this is your place.
Why Use Hookup Sites in NYC
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: no one’s trying to waste time in New York. Yes, you could do things the old-fashioned way and pick someone up at a club or bar. Or you could do the whole office romance thing but that’s far riskier. But if you’re just trying to get off, do you really want to go through the extra trouble?
With apps and sites, everything’s basically instant. Plus, you can filter through all the duds and go straight to someone looking for the same thing as you. Apps and online dating also give you a better shot at anonymity. Say you’re trying to pull off a one-night stand. You don’t want to see this personal all the time. It’s better to go with someone you found on an app instead of someone who lives in your building. Trust us, using hook up sites in NYC may not sound like a Sex and the City fantasy. But it’s a sure bet to boning bliss.
Best Hookup Sites in NYC
Finally. You’ve scoped out the dating scene. You’ve prepped (or PrEP-ped). You’re ready to get ridden like a Coney Island rollercoaster. Before you waste time combing through web search after web search, listen up. We’ve got the deets on the four best hookup sites in NYC right here. How did we select these four?
Well, we’ll be honest. We skipped the obvious go-to’s like Tinder, Grindr, and Hinge. We’re assuming if you’re here, you’ve already heard of or tried those avenues. Plus, we wanted to see what was the most popular in New York, or uniquely suited for the city. And finally, we made sure there was something for everybody. Every last one of these sites welcomes everyone. So no matter if you’re queer or straight, you’ve got a chance to shoot your shot.
1. Happn: The Best Hookup App in NYC
If you’re looking for something between a classic New York meet-cute and an internet booty call, you’re in luck. Happn is the best hookup app in NYC for missed connections. Say you saw a cute jogger in Prospect Park. Or you locked eyes with someone while checking out books at the Brooklyn Public Library. In another world, you’d have to live out the dream of what could have been in your head. Or relegate yourself to Craigslist scrolling. Not anymore.
Happn is a dating app based on location. But instead of how apps like Tinder and Grindr give you a scroll of people within a certain radius, Happn only shows those you’ve crossed paths with. You get a map of where you’ve run into your matches and from there you swipe yes or no.
Is there a downside to this app? Well, since the entire premise of the app revolves around location, it obviously tracks users. So if you’re uncomfortable with giving up a little extra information about your location, this might not be for you. However, if you’re sick of the usual hook up sites in NYC, give Happn a whirl.
2. Zoosk: The Down N’ Dirty Hookup Sites in NYC
Not everyone needs the fairytale “spark” moment. Sometimes, you’re just trying to cut to the chase and cum. If that’s you, Zoosk is worth a download. Unlike other hookup sites in NYC Zoosk gives you three options for finding your sexscapade partner:
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Carousel. This is the more traditional dating app interface you’re probably used to. Zoosk shows you potential matches and your swipe yes or no.
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SmartPick. Basically, you let technology take the reigns. Based on your habits and profile, the app curates a list of partners for you to choose from
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Search. Have some specifics in mind? You can search the app and toggle filters to find exactly what you’re looking for in a hookup.
The app has over 40 million users, welcomes all genders and sexualities, and functions in 25 different languages. This is a major plus in a city as diverse as New York. Also, if you’re working on a budget, this app works on a “freemium” model. Basically, it’s free to create an account, and you can use plenty of the features without spending a dime. However, you can purchase a membership if you want access to premium features and unlimited messaging and swiping options.
3. OkCupid: The Classic New York Hookup App
Sure, we wanted to stay away from the obvious hook up sites in NYC, but OkCupid gets a pass. Why? Because it’s an NYC favorite. In recent years, the app has embraced every kind of dater out there. From romantics to casual daters to kinksters in between, you can find a connection on OkCupid. It’s also perfect if social issues matter to you, even in a hookup setting. The app is decidedly left-leaning and focused on inclusivity, making it a perfect match for America’s City.
So what are the downsides of OkCupid? The app can be a little bloated. Since it’s free to use, you’ll see many dead or sock accounts that might waste your time. Another thing to remember is that since it is so all-encompassing, all the possible profile questions and search filters can overwhelm the casual user. But if those drawbacks don’t phase you, prepare for a good time.
4. DoubleList: The Best Free Hookup Site in NYC
You can use one thing in New York without paying a cent. No, we’re not talking about the NYC parks. We’re talking about DoubleList. DoubleList is, in our humble opinion, the best free hookup site in NYC. Whatever you’re into, it’s here, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Posting, replying, and chatting are all completely free to use. The site is an excellent replacement for Craigslist personals because it functions similarly. Pick the city you’re in and your interest category, and go to town.
You can respond to a feisty ad looking for some cam4cam action or put up your post for a no strings attached hookup. Or feel free to use it instead of Happn for your missed connection needs. Who says you can’t find that sexy someone you bumped into at Richmond Terrace with a steamy personal ad? Keep things online, or take your encounters IRL.
No matter your sexuality or how many people you want to have sex with at a time, you can find it on DoubleList. And, of course, your anonymity is always protected. If you’re ready to have a Big O in the Big Apple, sign up for a free account today!
