Best Apps to Make New Friends in 2026
▼ Summary
– Loneliness and social isolation have become a recognized public health crisis, driving increased demand for new ways to form platonic connections, particularly among remote workers and younger adults.
– The success of dating apps has reduced stigma, paving the way for a new wave of friendship-focused apps that have generated millions in consumer spending and millions of downloads.
– These apps provide a less intimidating alternative to in-person cold approaches by clearly signaling that all users are seeking friendship, not romance.
– The market includes a diverse range of apps, from established platforms like Meetup and Bumble BFF to newer entrants like 222, Clyx, and Les Amís, each with unique features like event pairing, AI matching, or specific demographic focuses.
– Many of these apps facilitate connections by organizing group activities and in-person meetups, often using algorithms, personality tests, or local event integrations to match users based on shared interests.
Finding genuine friendship in today’s world can feel like a challenge, especially with the rise of remote work and shifting social dynamics. The growing need for meaningful platonic connections has fueled a surge in dedicated friendship apps, offering structured and less intimidating ways to build community. These platforms are designed to move beyond the awkwardness of cold approaches, creating spaces where everyone shares the common goal of forming new bonds.
The significant demand is reflected in the market’s growth. Data indicates that a collection of local-focused friendship apps has generated millions in consumer spending and garnered several million downloads in the current year. This trend underscores a broader shift towards digital solutions for combating social isolation, a concern that has been elevated to the level of a public health crisis.
These applications serve a diverse audience, from remote professionals missing office camaraderie to younger adults looking to establish social circles rooted in shared interests. The success of online dating has paved the way, reducing the stigma around forming connections digitally and opening the door for platforms focused purely on friendship.
Here is a look at some of the notable apps helping people forge new friendships.
222 This iOS-exclusive platform organizes in-person meetups by forming groups based on personality test results. It sends invitations to local events at venues like wine bars or comedy clubs. After a vetting process, selected participants are notified on the day. A helpful feature for those with social anxiety is the option to bring a plus-one. The service operates on a $22.22 curation fee or a monthly subscription at the same price.
BFF A major player from the dating world, Bumble, expanded into friendship with a dedicated feature that later became a standalone app. Bumble’s BFF has recently undergone a substantial redesign, placing a stronger emphasis on organizing group meetups to help users expand their social circles more effectively. The app is free to download on both iOS and Android.
Clyx Focusing on group-based networking and local event discovery, Clyx integrates data from platforms like Ticketmaster and TikTok to help users find community happenings. A unique feature allows users to upload contact lists to see which events their friends plan to attend. The app also suggests other users to connect with at these events. Currently available in Miami and London, with plans to expand to New York City and São Paulo, it can be found on the App Store and Google Play.
Les Amís Tailored for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ individuals, this app uses AI to match people based on shared interests and promotes local event participation, from pottery classes to book clubs. New matches are made every Monday, giving users the week to chat and plan get-togethers. It serves several European cities and is available in Austin and New York in the U.S., with more cities planned. It uses a paid membership model, with costs varying by location.
Meetup A veteran in the space, this event-discovery platform has been connecting people around shared hobbies, professions, and causes since 2002. Users can RSVP to events, join or create groups, and communicate with members through chats and posts. It remains a foundational tool for community building.
Meet5 This community-building app, recently launched in the U.S., targets users over 40 looking to meet neighbors and join group activities like picnics or hiking. It has seen significant download numbers in a short period, indicating strong demand in this demographic.
Pie A newer entrant, Pie uses an AI-driven quiz to assess compatibility among users who RSVP to an event. The algorithm then forms groups of six, who are added to a group chat within the app to interact before meeting in person. It is currently available in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco on both major app stores.
Timeleft This platform specializes in organizing weekly dinner dates with strangers. An algorithm matches users into groups of five based on factors like age and personality, revealing only minor details like occupations the night before. Dinners are held on Wednesday evenings at selected restaurants, complete with conversation-starting games and an optional after-party at a local bar. Users purchase a ticket upfront and cover their own meal and drinks.
Wyzr Friends Designed for adults 40 and older, including empty nesters or those navigating divorce, this activity-based app lets users approve or decline potential friends and arrange in-person activities around shared interests. It is available in several countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, on iOS and Android.
Mmotion This newly launched app combines location tracking with social discovery to help users connect with people nearby and explore new local venues. Users join interest-based groups, view a map of active users, and can message those nearby. The app also highlights new bars and restaurants on the map. It is currently only available to users in New York City via application on iOS and Android.
(Source: TechCrunch)