Ever wished you could easily find friends hanging out near you? With so many apps out there, it can be tough to know which ones are actually worth your time. We've done the research and found the 10 best apps for connecting with people in your area, whether you're looking to make new friends, join a group, or just find someone to hang out with. These apps make it easy to discover people who share your interests, so you can start making connections right away.
Our top picks include MeetMe, a popular app for meeting new people through profiles, chats, and live streams. Yubo is another great choice, offering a fun and social way to connect with friends and discover events. And if you're looking for something a little more organized, Meetup is perfect for finding local groups and activities based on your interests. Ready to start expanding your social circle? Keep reading to see which app is right for you.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. MeetMe |  | Android, iOS | 4.3/5 | 99M+ | Nearby people discovery, Free text and video chat, Live streaming |
| 2. Yubo |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 24M+ | Swipe to make new friends, Stream and chat live, Find your tribe |
| 3. Meetup |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 18M+ | Neue Leute kennenlernen, Events online und lokal, Gruppen mit gleichen Interessen |
| 4. Boo |  | Android, iOS | 4.2/5 | 16M+ | Social dating + friend-finding, Flirting tips, AI-powered matchmaking |
| 5. Wink |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 8M+ | Personalized search, Local connections, Expressive profiles |
| 6. BeFriend |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 3M+ | Find Friends Nearby, Chat & Video Call, Interest-Based Matching |
| 7. Bumble For Friends |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 634K+ | Neue Freundschaften schließen, Community für Freundlichkeit |
1. MeetMe
Free to chat and meet, Live streaming for connection, Discover people nearby
Cost:
Free (Free), MeetMe Plus ($19.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 98 million downloads |
| Features | MeetMe allows users to chat, video chat, and live stream with nearby people who share their interests. |
| Who It’s For | MeetMe is an app for finding nearby friends, connecting with people who share your interests, and making new connections. |
- Tags:
- Free video chat
- Instant text chat
- Livestreaming
MeetMe is a popular app for finding nearby friends, boasting over 100 million users eager to connect. While it offers a free and intuitive platform for chatting, some users have reported issues with fake accounts and technical glitches. Despite these drawbacks, many find the app's free messaging feature and the potential to meet genuine people outweigh the occasional annoyances. The key is to be cautious, discerning fake profiles from real ones, and not getting overly invested until you've established a solid connection.
Pros & Cons
- Intuitive layout and design
- Notifications work effectively
- Free messaging feature
- Potentially find real people
- High number of fake accounts
- Limited nearby user availability
- Scam accounts requesting money or clicks
Why we chose it?
MeetMe is awesome for finding nearby friends! I love that it's totally free to chat and connect with people, plus there's a huge community of people looking to make new friends. I also really like the live streaming feature, it's a great way to get to know people and see what they're like in real time. Whether you're looking to make new friends or just chat with someone nearby, MeetMe is definitely worth checking out!
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2. Yubo
Live streaming with friends, Swipe-based friend discovery, Group chat and voice calls
Cost:
Free (Free), Yubo Premium ($11.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 23 million downloads |
| Features | Yubo lets you meet new friends nearby through live streaming, video chat, and group chats, enabling real-time connections and shared experiences. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone looking to meet new friends in their local area and connect with people who share their interests. |
- Tags:
- Swipe to make friends
- Stream and chat now
- Find your tribe
Yubo, an app for finding nearby friends, boasts a global community of users eager to connect. However, some users feel the app needs improvement to facilitate genuine friendships. Many complain about generic profiles with minimal information, hindering meaningful connections. Additionally, the coin-based system for unlocking private chats creates a barrier to conversation and discourages some users from engaging further. While the app offers potential for building friendships, these shortcomings can make finding genuine connections feel like a chore.
Pros & Cons
- Meet new people nearby
- Live stream with friends
- Fun way to socialize
- Potential for new friendships
- Many users are unengaged
- Difficult to find genuine users
- Paid features limit interaction
Why we chose it?
Yubo is my go-to app for finding awesome people nearby! It's super easy to use, and I love that I can chat with people live, watch their streams, and even join in on fun group activities. Plus, it has a really cool "nearby" feature so you can connect with people who are actually close to you, which is perfect for finding new friends to hang out with in real life!
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3. Meetup
Find groups based on interests, Meet people in local events, Connect with shared passions
Cost:
Free (Free), Meetup Pro ($12/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 17 million downloads |
| Features | Meetup helps you connect with people near you who share your interests, find local events and groups, join discussions and build a community of friends. |
| Who It’s For | People looking for an app for finding nearby friends and building social connections based on shared interests. |
- Tags:
- Community Building
- Event Discovery
- Interest-Based Networking
Meetup is an app for finding nearby friends who share your interests, offering a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people. While the app itself has some frustrating glitches, like unreliable notifications and occasional bugs in the messaging system, the potential for building real connections outweighs these technical hiccups. Whether you're looking to join a book club, explore a new hobby, or simply meet new people, Meetup's diverse community of users makes it a valuable tool for finding your tribe, even if you have to navigate a few bumps along the way.
Pros & Cons
- Find local friends
- Meet people with shared interests
- Discover nearby events
- Connect with groups and communities
- Frequent app glitches
- Notification issues
- Buggy messaging system
- Slow bug fixes
Why we chose it?
Meetup is awesome for connecting with people who share your interests! I love that you can find groups for almost anything, whether it's hiking, gaming, or even learning a new language. Plus, the app makes it easy to find events happening near you, so you can actually meet up with people in person and make some new friends. I've met so many cool people through Meetup, and it's definitely my go-to app for finding friends with similar passions.
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4. Boo
Personality-based matching, Interest-driven communities, Casual conversation starters
Cost:
Free (Free), Boo Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Dating |
| Downloads | Over 16 million downloads |
| Features | Boo uses personality-based matching to help you find dates, make friends, and connect with people who share your interests and values through chat, community posts, and in-depth personality analysis. |
| Who It’s For | People looking for a dating or friendship app that uses personality to find compatible matches nearby. |
- Tags:
- Personality-Based Matching
- Social Dating and Friend-Finding
- Flirting Tips and Analysis
Boo is a refreshing mobile app for finding nearby friends that goes beyond the typical swipe-based approach. With a focus on personality compatibility, Boo encourages meaningful connections based on shared interests and values. Users can freely express themselves through detailed profiles, engaging prompts, and multiple photos. The app also offers a rewarding system where you earn points and coins through active participation, making it even more engaging. While no app is immune to fake profiles, Boo's dedicated support team quickly addresses any issues, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for users seeking genuine connections.
Pros & Cons
- Free and easy to use
- Good for finding friends
- Unlimited space for profiles
- Interactive and exciting
- Fake profiles may exist
- Some creeps and bots
- Premium features for more options
Why we chose it?
I love Boo! It's so much more than just another dating app. It's about connecting with people who truly "get you" through personality matching. It's amazing for finding new friends, especially nearby, because it focuses on shared interests and values, which makes it so easy to start conversations. Plus, Boo's community features, like interest groups, make it super fun to meet new people who share your passions.
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5. Wink
Location-based friend discovery, Personalized matching algorithm
Cost:
Free (Free), Wink Premium ($19.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 7.5 million |
| Features | Wink allows you to connect with people near you who are looking for friends, dates, hookups, or open relationships, offering personalized search filters, curated profiles, and a variety of communication options. |
| Who It’s For | People looking for an app for finding nearby friends, dates, or casual connections. |
- Tags:
- Personalized Matching
- Local Connections
- Customized Search
Wink is a mobile app designed for connecting with nearby friends, promising a smoother experience than other similar apps. However, despite its potential, some users have raised concerns about the prevalence of inappropriate content and a lack of robust moderation. While the app offers a user-friendly interface and features like viewing profile pictures during chats, it has also been criticized for issues like frequent app crashes, slow performance, and a high concentration of bots and scam accounts. Despite these drawbacks, the app remains popular for those seeking casual connections or a quick way to meet new people in their area.
Pros & Cons
- Smooth functioning app
- Good for meeting people
- See user pics in chat
- Option to watch videos for gems
- Inappropriate content
- Bots and scams
- Slow and buggy
- Requests list clears
Why we chose it?
Wink is awesome for finding friends nearby! It's all about connecting with people who are looking for the same thing as you, whether that's friendship, dating, or something in between. The super easy search filters let me narrow down my options and find people I'm actually compatible with, so I don't waste time on awkward conversations. Plus, the built-in chat feature makes it super simple to start a conversation and get to know someone.
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6. BeFriend
Swipe to find nearby users, Chat and video call friends, Meet people with shared interests
Cost:
Free (Free), BeFriend Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 2.6 million downloads |
| Features | BeFriend allows you to swipe through profiles, chat, and video call with new people nearby, making it easy to find friends who share your interests. |
| Who It’s For | BeFriend is an app for finding nearby friends. |
- Tags:
- Nearby Friend Finder
- Meaningful Connections
- Chat & Video Connect
BeFriend is a mobile app designed for finding nearby friends, offering a user-friendly platform to connect with people in your area. While the app boasts a solid foundation, drawing inspiration from successful features of other platforms, users have pointed out some areas for improvement. The app has a built-in feature to add people on Snapchat, a useful addition for those who prefer a more private messaging environment. BeFriend's focus on quality over cost is evident in the limited number of ads, a welcome feature for many. Despite a few glitches, including occasional slow messaging and the need to constantly re-enter search preferences, the app has proven effective for forging friendships, with users reporting positive experiences and genuine connections made.
Pros & Cons
- Great app meeting people
- Low scammer rate compared
- Quick development team response
- Quality over cost focus
- Pedophiles present on app
- No clear difference new matches
- Questionable premium pricing
Why we chose it?
BeFriend is my go-to app for making new friends because it's so easy to use and I always find people with similar interests nearby. I love the video call feature so I can get to know people quickly and the chat function helps me stay connected. Plus, the app is free and doesn't have any annoying ads!
7. Bumble For Friends
Find friends in your area, Chat with potential friends, Meet up for activities
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($19.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 633,000 downloads |
| Features | Bumble For Friends allows you to chat, meet new people, and make friends in a community focused on kindness and safety, with features like photo verification, advanced filters, and the ability to create group chats. |
| Who It’s For | People looking for an app for finding nearby friends to expand their social circle, build new connections, and create meaningful friendships in a safe and welcoming environment. |
- Tags:
- Safe and moderated community
- Specifically designed for friendship
- BFF mode made independent
Bumble For Friends is a promising new app for finding nearby friends, built upon the trusted platform of Bumble. While it's still in its early stages, the app boasts quick matching capabilities and the potential for meaningful connections. However, users have expressed concerns about the high subscription prices, particularly given the app's current user base. Despite the cost, many find the free version engaging enough for initial interaction, but ultimately, the success of Bumble For Friends hinges on attracting more users and potentially adjusting its pricing model to better reflect the value it offers.
Pros & Cons
- Quick matching with others
- Trusted brand, potential to grow
- Engaging conversations on free version
- Easy profile setup and verification
- Expensive subscription options
- Limited interaction without payment
- Pursuing behavior may occur
Why we chose it?
Bumble For Friends is a fantastic choice for finding nearby friends because it's built on the same trust and safety foundation as the popular dating app. I love that it emphasizes genuine connections by making you start the conversation, and the ability to filter by interests ensures you're finding people who share your passions. It's a refreshing change from other apps that can feel impersonal or overwhelming, and it's helped me make some really great friends!
8. Hiferr
Find nearby friends with ease, Connect with shared interests
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($19.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Almost half a million downloads |
| Features | Hiferr helps you meet new people nearby, chat, share photos and videos, organize events, and discover local businesses. |
| Who It’s For | People looking for an app for finding nearby friends and building connections. |
- Tags:
- Real-Time Connections
- Interest-Based Networking
- Personalized recommendations
Hiferr is an app for finding nearby friends that's designed to be incredibly user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use. Its beautiful design, with a visually appealing interface, allows you to easily connect with anyone and share messages or upload status updates. While the app often requests location access for optimal results, users have reported that the location data can quickly become outdated, leading to slow performance and difficulty posting. Despite this, many users find Hiferr a valuable tool for connecting with people nearby and building a social network.
Pros & Cons
- User-friendly and intuitive
- Beautiful and visually appealing
- Easy to connect with people
- Share messages and upload statuses
- Frequently asks for location
- Location access quickly lost
- App can be slow
Why we chose it?
Hiferr is my go-to app for meeting new people nearby because it's super easy to use and lets me filter by interests! I love how I can connect with people based on shared hobbies and not just random proximity. It's truly changed how I make friends!
9. Local Meet & Dating App：Hickey
Interest based matchmaking, Fun moment sharing, Location focused discovery
Cost:
Free (Free), Hickey Premium ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Dating |
| Downloads | Over 400,000 downloads |
| Features | Hickey offers interest-based matching, location-focused searches, fun moment sharing, immersive chatting, and privacy protection. |
| Who It’s For | Hickey is perfect for those seeking local connections, whether it's a casual chat, a meaningful relationship, or just making new friends in their area. |
- Tags:
- Interest-based match
- Fun Moment function
- Location focused
Hickey is a mobile app designed to help you find nearby friends for casual dating. It's easy to set up a profile and connect with like-minded individuals, whether you're looking for a quick hookup or a more meaningful connection. Hickey offers a range of ways to connect with people, from messaging to video calls, so you can get to know your matches before meeting in person. With a clean and user-friendly interface, Hickey makes finding local connections a breeze, and it's quickly become a favorite among those looking for casual dating opportunities.. Local Meet & Dating App：Hickey
Pros & Cons
- Easy to use interface
- Quick profile setup
- Good for finding local matches
- Offers video call feature
- Focuses on casual dating
- Premium features require payment
- Not ideal for serious relationships
Why we chose it?
Hickey is my go-to app for finding nearby friends because it's super easy to use and focuses on genuine connections. I love the "Fun Moment" feature where you can share selfies with potential matches, which makes meeting up feel less awkward. Plus, it's location-based, so you're sure to find people who live near you and are down for hanging out.
10. Nearby
Discover local friends, Chat with nearby people, Find events and gatherings
Cost:
Free (Free), Nearby Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Social |
| Downloads | Over 100,000 downloads |
| Features | Nearby helps you easily connect with people nearby, find local gatherings, start spontaneous chats, and share your interests. |
| Who It’s For | People who want to find friends, connect with others, and explore their local area. |
- Tags:
- Local Friend Finder
- Meaningful Connections
- Spontaneous Chats
"Nearby" is a mobile app designed for connecting with new friends in your area. It's praised for its ability to facilitate meaningful connections, with users sharing positive experiences of meeting "best people" through the platform. However, the app has faced criticism for its clunky user interface and a lack of flexibility in its sign-up process. Some users find the app's rigid requirements, like demanding a date of birth, unnecessarily restrictive and ultimately deterring them from engaging with the app.
Pros & Cons
- Connects you with local people
- Great for making new friends
- Potential for meaningful connections
- Offers opportunities for social events
- Forces calendar date of birth input
- Sign-up process has issues
- Inaccurate claims about user base
Why we chose it?
I'm all about genuine connections, and Nearby really delivers! It's super easy to find folks with shared interests and start real conversations without the awkwardness of other apps. Plus, it's fun to discover local events and meetups – you never know who you might bump into!