The best (and most discreet) sexting apps for NSFW chats

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Signal is our runner-up pick and a favorite among security experts, including Gary Orenstein, Chief Customer Officer at Bitwarden (an open-source password manager). It’s also one of PCMag’s top-rated secure messaging apps.

This app isn’t a place to find sexting buddies, but it is a great messaging app for chatting with people you already know and trust. You can send private messages (text, image, voice, or video) or create encrypted group chats (for up to 1,000 people) or calls (for up to 50 people).

One of the sexiest ways to amp up your sexting session is with video, and Signal lets you video chat or send video messages within the app, all with end-to-end encryption. You can also share images, text, or video “Stories” that disappear after 24 hours or set a custom timer for messages to disappear. And, if you’re a faster typist than texter, there’s a desktop version available for Mac.

“Signal stands out for its open-source design, minimal metadata retention, and built-in privacy features such as disappearing messages and screen security,” says Orenstein. But we’re kind of bummed that Signal doesn’t offer screenshot protection.

One of the coolest things about this app is that, as Orenstein noted, it’s open-source, meaning that its code is publicly available for anyone to view. And they’re not able to read or listen to your conversations. There’s no data collection, no ads, and no affiliate marketers. Just you and your text boo. You can also turn off the “Stories” feature, which is a huge plus — I deleted Snapchat solely because I was scared that the saucy photos I sent to my partner would accidentally end up on my Story.

While Signal does require you to use your real phone number at sign-up, it’s not visible to just anyone (unless you want it to be). Only the people who already have you saved in their phone’s contacts will be able to see your phone number. You can also set up a unique username and adjust your privacy settings so people can't find you by your phone number if they're not already a contact; this setup allows you to use your username to connect with new people and remain anonymous.

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. Snapchat is truly the OG nudes app — and it's completely free to download and use.

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

Snapchat has moved way 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.

The app sees around 453 million daily active users and now has more than 15 million paid subscribers on its Snapchat+ service. The company is doubling down on those subscriptions, too. Besides the standard $3.99 per month Snapchat+, it recently rolled out an $8.99 per month "Lens+" tier for exclusive AR filters, perfect for more flattering light and a little confidence boost when sending nudes. And in one of the most "Wait, really?" collabs we've seen, Snapchat is even letting people trade McDonald's points for a subscription. Now through July 7, new users in the U.S. can swap 1,500 MyMcDonald's points for a one-month Snapchat+ subscription.

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 one 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.

Still, it's not risk-free. You could accidentally send a hot-and-heavy snap to the wrong person, or worse, post to your story. (Literally my biggest fear.)

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, you'll want to find a different app. Remember that sexting is only as secure as the platform you're using — or the person on the other end of the conversation.

If you've ever dreamed of exchanging sexy messages, photos, or videos with your favorite porn stars or cam models, then you need to know about SextPanther. This paid sexting app lets you exchange racy messages and start video chats with real adult performers.

Thanks to the puritanical rules of the popular app stores, SextPanther is a site, not an app. So, for those searching for the best sexting sites, this is easily our top pick.

We hate to break it to you, but your favorite adult performer is never going to respond to your unsolicited messages (if they do, there's approximately a 100 percent chance you're being catfished). Instead of sliding into her DMs, try SextPanther, a pay-to-play sexting service.

Paid sexting apps and sites are a relatively new phenomenon, but this niche is growing fast. It's similar in concept to OnlyFans, except instead of a monthly subscription, SextPanther lets you pay to send and receive messages from adult performers, dommes, and kinky companions. The site has even attracted some well-known names in the porn world, meaning you can turn your fantasies into reality — for a price.

SextPanther lets performers set their own chat rates. So, when you find someone you want to chat with, you will see prices for text messages, audio notes, pictures, and video chats. If the performer is online, you can start sexting right away.

Some users will appreciate the transactional nature of SextPanther. With this app, you know exactly what you're getting. The site has had security challenges in the past (some performers' personal information was left vulnerable, though no user data was ever compromised). However, based on the recent popularity of the site and the vast number of models available for sexy chats, we think it's the best chat service of its kind.

DUST is a secure messaging app for people who want to keep their conversations ultra-private without paying a premium. Backed by billionaire investor Mark Cuban, it features end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and anonymous messaging — for free.

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.

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 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.

If you're new to sexting or can't fathom talking dirty to a stranger before potentially seeking real-life hookups, or you're just 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 for fantasy-based interactions and to sext with an AI partner.

It's ideal for anyone too shy or anxious to engage in NSFW conversations or share explicit content directly with another person.

Candy.ai is an AI sexting site, part of a fast-growing niche. Unlike its poorly designed competitors (other sites like Character AI, Muah AI, and Kupid AI pale in comparison), 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. The premium membership is $19.99 per month (but there's usually a discount running, so it's really around $12.99), 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 sexy 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.

SEE ALSO: Is AI porn the next horizon in self-pleasure — and is it ethical?

Critics worry there's a dark side to AI companions, especially for lonely young people struggling with mental health issues. Whether AI companions help people cope with feelings of loneliness, or only alienate them further from the world, is an open question.

AI chatbots with a sexual edge aren't going away, and many users report positive experiences with their digital companions. If you're interested in testing out this new technology for yourself, then we recommend Candy.ai as your best bet.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email [email protected]. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

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 occasional phone sex.

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. 

Read our full review of Tinder Platinum.

Tinder isn't a dedicated sexting app, it is the OG swiping app known for its relaxed, hookup-friendly atmosphere. It's the go-to hookup app for anyone interested in online dating or casual sex without the heavy pressure of commitment.

With its straightforward setup and effortless navigation, you can bypass those lengthy compatibility quizzes and start chatting with someone who's up for some steamy digital fun right now.

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. (Note: The free version gets you swiping capabilities, but there are limited free features. You'll need to spring for a paid account for more advanced options.)

And the app is making it clear that its hookup-friendly atmosphere is for everyone. For Pride Month 2025, Tinder ran a "How We Love Is Who We Are" campaign, dropping a bunch of new and returning Pride stickers (like "Proud," "Ally," and "Protect Trans People"). Tinder reports that a massive 30 percent of all its matches are between LGBTQ+ users, the highest it's ever been, making it a major hub for queer connections. Plus, adding a sticker to your profile through June helps raise money for the Human Rights Campaign.

Safety-wise, while the app doesn't notify about screenshots (a point of caution for sexting), Tinder has added features to curb bad behavior. Tools like "Does This Bother You?" help report creeps, "Are You Sure?" nudges users to think twice before sending potentially offensive messages, and recent updates issue warnings if a user's behavior violates community guidelines. Tinder says these efforts encourage respect and allow users to "course correct," showing an ongoing effort to improve platform safety.

In early April 2025, Tinder launched "The Game Game," an interactive AI chat experience that lets you practice your flirting skills vocally in funny, over-the-top scenarios with an AI persona. While it's designed purely for practice (not actual sexting), honing your chat game in this low-pressure environment could be a great way to get more comfortable flirting.

Even with new features, Tinder's reputation leans toward 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's particularly interesting for potential sexters is that a significant chunk of its user base (over 70 percent, according to one survey) reportedly never meets 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 and potential real-life hookups down the line if the vibe is right.