In recent times, the search for new ways to establish platonic connections has grown due to increased loneliness and social isolation. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted this as a public health crisis. Remote workers missing daily office interactions and younger individuals seeking social circles through shared hobbies are at the forefront of seeking friendships.
The diminishing stigma around online connections, boosted by dating apps, has ushered in friendship-focused platforms. Appfigures reports over a dozen such apps have generated $16 million in U.S. consumer spending this year, with approximately 4.3 million downloads in 2025. Examples include Timeleft, Meet5, and Bumble BFF.
These apps offer a less intimidating way to meet people compared to approaching strangers in public. With a clear focus on friendship, initiating conversations becomes easier.
Major platforms like Meetup and new ones like 222 cater to the demand for meaningful connections. Below is a list of apps to explore.
222: Available only on iOS, 222 is a social platform facilitating meetups based on personality tests. Invitations are extended to public events with a vetting process for attendees. Those anxious about socializing can bring a plus-one, with a curation fee or a monthly subscription at $22.22.
Bumble BFF: A friendship app spun off in 2023 has undergone a redesign to emphasize group meetups, available for free on iOS and Android.
Clyx: This platform focuses on local events, integrating data from Ticketmaster and TikTok. Clyx is currently operational in Miami and London, available on App Store and Google Play Store.
Les Amís: Targeted for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ communities, Les Amís matches users by interests, promoting local events. Matches are made weekly. It operates across Europe and the U.S., with a city-dependent paid membership model.
Meetup: Since 2002, Meetup helps users connect through local interest-driven events. Users can join or create groups and engage with event attendees.
Meet5: A European app now in the U.S., Meet5 focuses on users over 40 for group activities. It’s been downloaded around 777,000 times in the U.S., available on App Store and Google Play Store.
Pie: With an AI-driven quiz to predict compatibility, Pie organizes attendees for events into group chats. Available in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco.
Timeleft: A platform for organizing weekly dinners with strangers, Timeleft matches users via criteria like age and personality. Dinners include a social game and an after-party.
Washed Up: Launched in 2026, Washed Up helps Los Angeles users find events and meet people, enabling them to plan small meetups for events, available on the App Store.
Wyzr Friends: This app caters to those over 40, allowing for activity-based friendships. Available in multiple countries on iOS and Android.
Mmotion: Blending location tracking with social discovery, Mmotion allows New York City users to explore new venues and connect with those nearby, available on iOS and Android by application.
Synchrony: Tailored for neurodivergent adults, this app encourages a safe community with features like AI communication assistance. After a free trial, a $44.99 monthly subscription applies, available on iOS and Android.
This article was updated after publication.