Tarun Nagar 
“New City, New Friends”
Moving to a new city can be exciting, but it can also feel a little lonely, especially when you don’t know anyone yet.
Luckily, there are amazing apps that help people make real friends, not just romantic connections.
Whether you’re into sports, art, books, or just want someone to explore the city with, there’s an app out there designed to help you connect with like-minded people.
These apps aren’t about dating; they’re all about friendship, shared interests, and building a local social circle.
From group hangouts to one-on-one meetups, these platforms make it easier than ever to feel at home in a new place.
So if you’ve just moved or are planning to, check out the best apps to make friends in a new city and turn those awkward solo weekends into fun memories with new friends!
25+ Popular Apps to Make Friends
Want to meet new people and make ties that matter? These 25+ best dating apps make it easy to find friends near me or around the world. Whether you’re into chatting, events, hobbies, or local meetups, there’s an app here to fit your social style. So, let’s explore the best apps to make friends online:
1. Atleto: Sports-Based Friend Matching
Atleto is an app for people who love sports. You can find others nearby who enjoy the same activities as basketball, running, or yoga. It helps you create or join sports events. It’s a great way to stay active and meet new friends who share your fitness interests.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – 16 Sep, 2023 on Android, 29 March, 2023 on iOS
- Ratings – 3.5
- Downloads – 22K
2. Bumble BFF: Swipe to Find Friends
Bumble BFF is a mode in the Bumble app that helps you find friends instead of dating. You swipe to establish connections with those seeking companionship. It’s easy to use and safe, especially if you’re new to a place or want to meet friends with similar interests.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – March 24, 2025
- Ratings – 4.4
- Downloads – 1M+
3. Twitch: Livestreaming and Gaming Community
Twitch is a live streaming platform and one of the best content creator platforms where you can watch and chat with gamers and content creators. Many people make friends through stream chats, especially if they follow the same games or streamers. It is an enjoyable venue for connecting around common interests.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 20, 2025
- Ratings – 3.8
- Downloads – 100M+
4. Clubhouse: Voice-Based Topic Discussions
Clubhouse is an audio-centric application that enables individuals to enter rooms for discussions on various subjects. You may listen, participate, or initiate your own discussions. It is one of the premier non-dating social apps, great for meeting people who like the same things as you, like music, business, or gaming, and learning through friendly talks.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 23, 2025
- Ratings – 4.0
- Downloads – 10M+
5. Friended: Conversation Starters and Games
Friended is one of the best apps to make friends that helps you meet people through small games and questions. You provide answers to prompts, and others reply. This facilitates the initiation of talks. It’s more about real friendships than just texting, and it helps you feel less shy when talking to new people.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – Dec 18, 2024
- Ratings – 3.8
- Downloads – 10K
6. Hey! VINA: Women-Only Friendship App
Hey! VINA is designed for women to connect with one another and cultivate friendships. It is the best app for guys to make friends and works like a swiping app, but for friendship only. You take quizzes and join communities to find people with similar lifestyles. It’s perfect for finding supportive friends nearby or online.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – Not Specified
- Ratings – 4.2
- Downloads – 10M+
7. Nextdoor: Neighborhood Social Networking
Nextdoor is one of the best social media apps that connects you with people who live in your neighborhood. You can use it to share news, ask for help, or even find someone to walk your dog. It helps build real-life connections and makes your community feel more friendly and safe.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 18, 2025
- Ratings – 4.6
- Downloads – 10M+
8. Meetup: Local Event-Based Groups
Meetup is a local meetup app that helps people join or create groups based on hobbies and interests like art, tech, or fitness. It is one of the best apps to make friends by attending real events near you. You can also join online meetups if you prefer staying at home.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 20, 2025
- Ratings – 4.2
- Downloads – 10M+
9. Skout: Global Chat and Dating
Skout is one of the best apps to make friends that lets you meet new people nearby or from around the world. You may engage in conversation, view online users, and transmit presents. It is the best Friend Finder app alternative, more casual and good for making both friends and flirty connections, depending on what you’re looking for.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 17, 2025
- Ratings – 3.7
- Downloads – 50M+
10. Tinder: Swipe Dating and Friendships
An app like Tinder is mostly known as a dating app, but it also has a mode for making friends called Tinder Social. You swipe on profiles and match with people nearby. Some use it to find new friends while traveling or after moving to a new city.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 18, 2025
- Ratings – 4.1
- Downloads – 100M+
11. UNBLND: Interest-Based Anonymous Connections
UNBLND is a Friend-finding app for newcomers that connects people by interest and hides profile pictures at first. You get to know someone based on personality, not looks. It builds real friendships and has private group chats for deeper conversations. It’s a great way to meet thoughtful people.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 09, 2025
- Ratings – 2.7
- Downloads – 50K
12. We3: Trio-Based Personality Matching
We3 is one of the popular social networking apps for friends that matches you in groups of three based on personality and values. It’s made for people looking for real, long-lasting friendships. You take a quiz, and the app finds people who are most like you.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – May 15, 2024
- Ratings – 3.7
- Downloads – 500K+
13. Yubo: Livestreams for Gen Z
If you create a social media app like Yubo for teens and young adults, it can offer them a private space. You can livestream, chat, and play games with people worldwide. It’s a safe space to make friends who like similar music, games, or trends, all in a fun and casual way.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 20, 2025
- Ratings – 4.3
- Downloads – 10M+
14. Wink: Snapchat-Based Friend Finder
Wink is an app for meeting new people that lets you swipe through profiles to meet new friends and add them on Snapchat. It’s colorful and easy to use. You can chat or send photos, and it’s especially popular among teenagers who want to meet global friends.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 10, 2025
- Ratings – 4.0
- Downloads – 5M+
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15. Peanut: Moms and Women’s Network
Peanut is an app for moms, expecting mothers, and women who want to connect. The social media app development solutions help women share advice, join groups, and make friends in similar life stages. It creates a kind and understanding community for support and friendship.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 18, 2025
- Ratings – 3.6
- Downloads – 1M+
16. OneRoof: Apartment Community Building
OneRoof is a community-oriented social application that links individuals residing in the same apartment complex. You can chat, create events, and build a stronger community. It’s the best app to chat and make new friends with neighbors, and feel safer and more connected at home.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – Feb 10, 2025
- Ratings – 4.1
- Downloads – 10K+
17. Badoo: Dating and Live Chat
Badoo is a social companion application that facilitates connections with those in proximity. It shows who is close to you and ready to chat. You can live stream, make friends, or look for love.
It’s one of the best apps to make friends nearby and networking in a new city. Engage with an entertainment app development company to design an app like to Badoo with tailored functionality.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 13, 2025
- Ratings – 3.8
- Downloads – 100M+
18. Plura: Gen Z social platform
Plura is a social discovery application that facilitates connections with individuals in proximity. It shows who is close to you and ready to chat. You can live stream, make friends, or look for love. It’s one of the biggest apps for social networking worldwide.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – May 19, 2025
- Ratings – 3.6
- Downloads – 10K+
19. The Pawfect Date: Pet-Owner Social Connections
PawDates is an app for building friendships that helps pet lovers meet and connect. You can arrange playdates for your pets or join pet-friendly events. It is ideal for dog owners seeking to provide their pets with enjoyment while facilitating human companionship.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 20, 2025
- Ratings – 3.9
- Downloads – 10K+
20. Couchsurfing: Travel and Local Meetups
Couchsurfing connects travelers with local hosts who offer free places to stay. Besides travel, it’s also great for making real friends online and learning about different cultures. The dating app development solutions allow users to attend events, meet locals, or host someone in their home.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – May 15, 2025
- Ratings – 4.2
- Downloads – 5M+
21. Slowly: Digital Pen-Pal Experience
Slowly is like having a pen pal in the modern world. You write letters to people around the globe, and they take time to arrive, just like real mail. It is a city-specific friend app perfect for deep, thoughtful conversations and making long-distance friends.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 10, 2025
- Ratings – 4.2
- Downloads – 5M+
22. RealU: Honest, Identity-Free Chats
RealU helps you make friends through honest conversations. It focuses on being real, not showing off. According to the mobile application development company, you can answer questions, start group chats, and connect with people who care more about your thoughts than your looks.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – Jan 16, 2025
- Ratings – 4.3
- Downloads – 7M+
23. LMK: Voice Rooms and Polls
LMK (Let Me Know) is a voice and chat app where you can join group talks or chat one-on-one. It’s great for meeting friends who like talking about fun or serious topics. Additionally, you may generate polls and pose inquiries.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – May 21, 2025
- Ratings – 4.4
- Downloads – 1M+
24. SeniorMatch: Friendships for Older Adults
SeniorMatch is made for people over 50 looking for friends or partners. The messaging app development solutions provide a respectful and safe place where older adults can find companionship, share stories, and build meaningful connections in their later years.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 20, 2025
- Ratings – 3.3
- Downloads – 500K+
25. eHarmony: Long-Term Relationship Matching
eHarmony is a dating application designed to facilitate the formation of friendships with an emphasis on long-term partnerships. It uses detailed personality tests to match you with people who share your values. While it’s mostly for dating, some people also make friends with matches.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 17, 2025
- Ratings – 3.0
- Downloads – 5M+
26. Grindr: LGBTQ+ Social Networking
Apps like Wizz or Grindr serve as social networking platforms for homosexual, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. It helps users meet others nearby. Though it’s mostly for dating, many also use it to make LGBTQ+ friends or find supportive communities.
- Cost – Free
- Last Updated – June 19, 2025
- Ratings – 4.3
- Downloads – 50M+
Conclusion
Forming friendships in an unfamiliar location may be both exhilarating and daunting. Thankfully, apps like Bumble BFF, Meetup, Nextdoor, and We3 make it easier to connect with people beyond just dating.
These are the best apps to make friends, focusing on shared interests, local events, and real conversations, helping users build genuine friendships. Whether you’re into sports, community chats, or cultural meetups, there’s an app tailored for you. Collaborating with a reputable dating app development company can actualize your vision for a comparable social networking platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which Apps Help You Meet Local People in Your Neighborhood?
Applications such as Nextdoor, OneRoof, and Meetup are excellent for facilitating connections with others in your locality. They focus on local events, group chats, and community updates to help you meet nearby residents easily.
Q2. Can These Apps Help Me Find Friends When Traveling Abroad?
Yes, apps like Couchsurfing, Yubo, and Tinder (in social mode) can help you find friends while traveling abroad. They connect you with locals or fellow travelers based on interests, events, and nearby locations.
Q3. How Do Friend-Making Apps Differ From Dating Apps?
The best apps to make friends for teens focus on building platonic relationships through shared interests, group chats, or local events. Unlike dating apps, they prioritize companionship over romance, often using personality-based matching instead of looks or romantic intent.
Q4. How Do Friend-Making Apps Make Money Without Dating Features?
Friend-making apps earn through freemium models, offering premium features like boosted visibility, event access, or advanced filters. They also generate revenue from ads, brand partnerships, and sometimes subscription plans for exclusive social or networking tools.
Q5. What’s the Safest App to Meet New People?
Yes, most friend-making apps are safe to use in new cities. They include identity verification, content moderation, and privacy settings to protect users. Still, it’s important to meet in public places and stay cautious.
Q6. Top Non-Dating Apps to Meet New People in 2025?
Top non-dating apps to meet new people in 2025 include Bumble BFF, Meetup, Nextdoor, We3, and Peanut. These platforms focus on shared interests, local events, and supportive communities for building real, platonic friendships.
Q7. What Are the Best Friend-Making Apps for Adults?
Bumble BFF, Meetup, Peanut, Nextdoor, and We3 are some of the best apps for people to make friends. It’s easier to make real friends with these apps because they help adults meet through hobbies, local events, life stages, and groups that focus on the community.
