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Sexting (dirty talk, swapping nudes, sending explicit audio messages...the list goes on, depending on your personal preference and comfort level) is one way to take your dating life to new heights.
Whether you're single and ravenous for some sexy screen time with a stranger, in a long-distance relationship that's keeping the passion alive through digital intimacy, or interested in amping up your solo sex toy sessions with steamy instructions from an AI companion, mastering the act (art?) of sexting leads to a more fulfilling physical and emotional experience.
And, no, we're not talking about flirting with your crush on Facebook Messenger or sliding into someone's DMs on Instagram. We're talking about good old-fashioned dirty talk with a modern twist (think: video chat, sexy snaps, and erotic audio messages, with self-destructing features for added privacy). We made a lot of accounts to test the best sexting apps, and we've gathered our favorites below. You'll recognize some of them from our guide to the best dating apps, and for more adult fun, check out our review of the best hookup apps.
Once viewed as taboo, sexting is a mainstream way to communicate your desires
According to a 2023 survey of U.S. adults by the market research platform Statista, 77 percent of participants said they've sent at least one sext — that's up from 45 percent in 2019 and just 14 percent about 10 years ago.
And we're pretty sure those numbers will rise as tech advances and societal norms evolve to become more accepting and inclusive of sexual expression.
Sexting isn't just a saucy way to get off; it's a great tool for building trust and intimacy and sharing or exploring your wants and fantasies in a consensual and safe manner. It can also help you and your partner feel more connected and maintain a strong sexual bond (so the next time you get together, it may be even hotter). This is especially true in long-distance relationships or during periods of physical separation.
How to start sexting
For some, just the thought of sending an explicit message or racy photo can be intimidating. (And that's OK!) There are so many apps and resources out there to help even the most novice sexters feel empowered and confident.
Not sure where to start? Based on our research and hands-on testing, we've narrowed down the best sexting apps of 2024 to the following top contenders:
Our Pick
Who it's for:
Confide is our top pick for the best sexting app overall. Confide is a secure messaging app that allows you to have honest, unfiltered, and confidential conversations. It's the go-to secure messaging app for executives, professionals in sensitive industries — and people who crave flirty, off-the-record chats.
With end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, your secrets are locked tight. There's no screenshotting or forwarding, and messages are automatically deleted from both users' devices after they're read.
Why we picked this:
Confide's core feature revolves around the "no screenshot" guarantee. Thanks to its innovative "ScreenShield technology," every message sent or received on Confide can only be viewed one line at a time.
To read, users either run their finger or mouse over the message line-by-line until they have read the entire thing (lines disappear immediately after they're read). Additionally, Confide takes extra measures to ensure your privacy by never displaying a user's name on the same screen as the message.
Fun fact: Confide is the IRL version of the Evanesce app that Joe Goldberg used in season four of You, according to The Tab. So, if it's good enough to scare a serial killer, it's probably good enough to keep your intimate conversations secure.
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 800 million active monthly users as of Jan. 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).
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:
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 the ultimate AI sexting site. Unlike its poorly designed competitors (like Character AI and Muah AI), which often produce awkward or nonsensical responses, Candy.ai's technology is so advanced that you'll be hot and bothered in no time.
This sexting site gives you the power to explore your fantasies however you want with your dream partner. You can create a virtual companion of your own, from the way they look to their career and their sex drive. The only downside is that you'll need to upgrade to a paid plan to sext with them.
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.”
DUST
Best free sexting app
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:
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.
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 to your story (*screaming*).
In addition to human error causing a potential disaster, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg has been in the news for trying to steal Snapchat 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.
Zoosk
Best as a last resort
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.
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.
Wading through the world of sexting apps can be confusing and, frankly, a little risky. That's why we did the dirty work for you and put these apps to the test.
First, we did our homework: We scoured the internet, read reviews, and talked to users to identify the apps worth checking out.
Privacy was a top priority: We dug into each app's privacy policies, making sure they take your security seriously. We looked for features like data encryption and solid blocking options to keep your conversations safe.
Next, we looked at how easy each app is to use. We wanted to ensure that navigating them was easy and that chatting felt natural and smooth.
Compatibility matters, so we made sure each app works across different devices. Whether you're on iOS or Android, we've got you covered.
Finally, we got hands-on: We didn't just talk the talk, we walked the walk (or should we say, texted the text?). We downloaded every app, created accounts, and explored all the features. We wanted to see how they performed in real-life situations so we could give you the honest truth about what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the uninitiated, "sexting" means sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more consenting people via text. Like sex itself, sexting "is an opportunity for you to liberate yourself, explore what you want in bed, and get to know your partner better," writes Mashable sex and relationships reporter Anna Iovine. "Sexting can benefit both you and your budding relationship (or hookup, or however you define it)."
It's not easy mastering the perfect balance between being sexually explicit and tasteful, knowing when to be playful and serious, and understanding your partner's boundaries — especially if you're new to sexting or just met your potential sexting partner online.
Here's your quick-start guide to sexting safely and responsibly:
Don't forget to establish consent: Whether you're on a dating app, just met someone in a sex chat room, or are cruising the web for an anonymous sexting partner, there's one important rule that should never be overlooked: Get consent. Before you send an explicit image or message, check in with your partner (or potential sexting partner) beforehand.
Find an app that prioritizes user privacy: Privacy is often marketed as a priority for most sexting and dating apps, but not all apps are comparable from a security standpoint. While some private message apps like Confide and DUST have certain features to protect user privacy, such as end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, this doesn't mean a person can't snap a photo using the screenshot function or record a video with another device.
Be mindful of boundaries and respect them: The internet can be a very scary place where fleeting moments of trust can ruin reputations and compromise personal (and sometimes professional) relationships. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do it. In that same vein, communicate your boundaries and expectations as well. And, if you're really worried, look for an app that features a screenshot protection option to prevent any potentially embarrassing or harmful images from being shared without your consent.
Think twice before including your face or other identifiable features: While it may be tempting to add a personal touch to your explicit photos or videos, it's best to keep identifiable features hidden if you're engaging in anonymous sexting or if you just met the person online. This can help protect your identity and reduce the risk of your intimate content being shared without your consent.
Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know somebody long-term, especially if you're looking for any kind of serious, in-person relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that may benefit you in ways you didn't even think about.
Convenience: Whether you plan to wine and dine on your date or just hook up, meeting IRL always requires some extra effort. For those with super hectic schedules or those who just don't have room in their life (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn't go away just because you're busy. Sexting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without putting yourself all the way out there.
Freedom: As is the case with most behind-the-screen activities, with sexting, you can let go of your inhibitions and get comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing there's a certain barrier between you and the other person may allow you to experiment with language and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise explore in person.
Safety: Sexting can come with some privacy risks, depending on the platform you do it on. But to its credit, sexting offers an element of safety that in-person meetings don't. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and total strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be what you want it to be, and if a sexting session isn't going in the direction you want, it's just a matter of closing an app.
Exploring trust and intimacy: Getting comfortable with another person in close quarters doesn’t always come naturally for everyone — but opting for sexting gives way to a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t ever have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice feeling vulnerable without any strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.
Fun: Let’s be honest for a second here. A night of sexting is always going to be a lot more fun than endlessly swiping right on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over. Having the option of opening an app on your phone and engaging in a little virtual foreplay offers instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.
Amy-Mae is a freelance writer covering tech at Mashable.
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer, editor, SEO & content strategist. Aside from writing for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School of Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online pubs, including National Geographic, Insider, Kinkly, and others.
