As an adult, there are many reasons why you might need to make new friends. This is where Friendship (also known as the Friend Finder app) can come into play!
I am a single mother of two teenage daughters. I lost some friends after my divorce and my life over the past ten years has been so busy that I haven’t had time to have a social life or find new friends. Now, as my girls become more independent, I would love to find new friends with whom I can enjoy the next phase of my life.
In this guide, I’ll list the best apps for making new friendships, all of which are made with single moms in mind. Whether you want to make a real-life connection or start chatting online, my picks will make it easier to find your next best friend. Let’s make tribe hunting fun and stress-free!
Further reading: The Science of Friendship: Proven Strategies for Making Friends.
What to consider before choosing a dating app
Check application statistics
It took me a while to realize that, in general, dating apps are used by fewer people than dating apps. They are also more region-specific.
For example, some only serve urban areas, while others provide services globally. Don’t make the same mistake I did and join an app that doesn’t cover where you live. I literally felt like Billy without a partner until I noticed my mistake. Also, being in a remote location didn’t help my career. Join organizations in your area that have many to choose from by looking at statistics and demographics.
Check out reviews (like this one) and all the important app features.
Is the app free or paid and how much does it cost?
As with all apps these days, you’ll find friendship apps available in both free and paid varieties, with free trials available.
If you really want to make new friends, I recommend paying. It’s better to use a paid app so you know that other people out there take their companionship mission seriously. But before committing to a purchase, try a free app within your budget.
My favorite friend finding app
Peanut is a great app for moms, especially single moms, who work from home and have a hard time connecting with other moms.
It’s like Tinder (with a swipe system), but for mothers and pregnant women who want to communicate and socialize. This was the first friend finder app I tried and it’s still a favorite of mine, mainly because it has a user base of so many lovely moms, but it’s also incredibly easy to use, which is a green thumb for me Tick.
Free version: Free with in-app purchases
Peanut’s Demographics: Women aged 25-34
I included Peanut on this list because: This is a safe space for moms and moms-to-be, we all face similar challenges making friends
What I don’t like is: As with all apps, smaller areas have fewer members
I’ve seen a few friend finding apps and another one I recommend is Clic, a new social networking app for Australians to make friends and get to know people in their area. It only takes a few minutes to register and start chatting. You can use an existing Facebook or Instagram account, or if you don’t have social media, you can use an Apple ID. I made sure to complete my profile and interests sections to get a more accurate match. For example, if you’re looking for a travel or workout partner, be sure to include that.
Free version: Free with in-app purchases
Creek Demographics: All Australians, over 17 years old
I included Clic on this list because: Easy registration and navigation, good user reviews
What I don’t like is: Not available in all regions of Australia, some users reported bugs
I’ve used Bumble for dating before, so I was super excited to try Bumble BFF.
It had great reviews, so I thought, why not? I tried multiple friends looking for apps to see which one best suited my goals, and this one seemed to be the winner.
Signing up was easy, and there were a lot of potential good friends in my area (it’s a pretty big city, so the number of matches wasn’t an issue) who shared a lot of common interests with me. However, surprisingly, I didn’t end up making many connections with people who aligned with me.
Don’t let my experience put you off, yours may vary!
Free version: Yes
Demographics of Bumble BFF: Mostly male, average age is 26 years old
I included Bumble BFF on this list because: If you’ve used Bumble, you can easily join Bumble BFF and find a partner instantly
What I don’t like is: I feel like the app is more dedicated to the dating aspect of its product, which is what most people use it for.
If you like live streaming and video calling, Yubo might be the app for you. It is an application designed to connect with people in real life or online through interactive features such as live video and shared interests.
What makes it unique is its focus on helping users find like-minded people. If you’re a single mom who finds it hard to meet people in person due to your busy schedule, this app’s flexible chat and swipe-based features make connecting with others a breeze.
Free version: Yes
Yubo Demographics: Generation Z (13 to 25 years old)
I included Yubo on this list because: It has a verification system that helps ensure the user’s true identity
What I don’t like is: Explicit or inappropriate content during live streams or chats
I love this app because I was able to quickly communicate with the nearest people during the lockdown and pandemic. A real lifesaver when it comes to keeping up with community quarantine news!
If you are new to town and want to get to know your neighborhood, I highly recommend this app. This is also great if you are promoting your business or looking for clients.
My town is quite large so I haven’t had any issues, but I can see if you live in a remote, rural or small area the connection might be difficult.
Free version: free
Next door demographics: Men and women aged 25-34 in the United States, Canada, France, Australia and the United Kingdom
I included “Next Door” on this list because: Next Door is perfect for individuals who want to get involved in communities and businesses finding customers.
What I don’t like is: If you live in a remote area, connecting to the internet may be difficult
10 Best Dating Apps (Cont’d)
Stitch is a social companionship/networking app that connects adults 50 and older.
I recommended the Stitch app to my friend who moved to a new place last year and she is a senior citizen. She initially thought it was a sewing app and was hilarious, but eventually gave it a try as a way to meet new people and find local activities she enjoyed (that weren’t sewing!).
My friend did mention that she was accosted by some members, but it wasn’t a serious issue. That said, if that’s your goal, feel free to use Stitch to find a date!
Free version: Yes
Stitched Demographics: Over 50 years old
I included Stitch on this list because: This is an app made for over 50s, focusing on local activities and events where you can socialize in groups
What I don’t like is: Fewer members and smaller scope of activities
LMK is the abbreviation of “Let Me Know” and is a casual application for online chatting and making friends. You can send messages or join group discussions based on shared topics to easily find friends or expand your social life.
This app is especially handy if you want to connect without traditional friendship apps. Whether you prefer a casual chat or a more in-depth conversation, LMK offers an easy way to make new friends.
Free version: Yes
Demographics: young people
I included it on this list because: It offers a variety of ways to interact, including chat rooms, audio rooms, and community sources
What I don’t like is: With the focus on a younger population, older adults may find the environment less suitable for their social needs.
8. App to find events near you: MeetUp
Another way I use to meet new people and make friends is MeetUp.
Signing up is free and fast (you can use your SM account) and you can instantly find a party or event near you. You can filter by category, calendar, or group.
The last one is very handy when you are a member of a FB group (e.g. you want to connect in a new location). When you find the party you want, just click “Join.” Oh, and be sure to add a photo to your profile. When I tried to join the hiking group, I was initially rejected because I didn’t have a photo.
Free version: Yes
Demographics: Almost perfectly balanced between men and women aged 34 and under
I included it on this list because: It is quite famous and has a huge user base
What I don’t like is: If you want to be a host or start your own party, there is a fee, there are few events in some areas
With Hey! With VINA, setting up a profile is a breeze. You can sync with Facebook or Instagram, snap a cute photo, and take part in fun quizzes that pair you with like-minded girls. Think Tinder for good friends, but friendlier. I love joining interest-based communities and planning meetups, but I admit, the VIP perks (like seeing who swiped right) are tempting!
Free version: Yes (basic features only)
Hey! Vina: Women are usually under 30
What I don’t like is: Free version has limited features
Wink is like Tinder, but entirely platonic, making it a fun and easy way to meet new people. The app’s swipe system lets you swipe right when you’re interested, or swipe left to continue. It’s a low-pressure way to meet like-minded people based on shared interests in their resumes. What makes Wink unique is its live video and chat features, so you can get to know people outside of your profile. This is a great way to quickly do a vibe check on a potential friend and find out if they’re the person for you from the get-go.
Free version: Yes
Wink Demographics: 18+
What I don’t like is: Some users cited concerns about inappropriate content and sketchy behavior, possibly due to the app’s open setting and lack of strict age checks.
Additional option: Lex
Lex started as a dating app and quickly grew into a social networking platform that connects members of the community.
My friend is a member of the LGBTQQIA+ community and he met a fitness partner through Lex. It’s also easy to find local LGBTQ+ events here, especially in cities. She’s also happy that she could use Lex to find a date if she wanted to… I’m waiting for a lot of exciting gossip from her.
Free version: Yes
Lex’s demographics: LGBTQIA+ group aged 20-37
I included Lex on this list because: Free social networking app and safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community
What I don’t like is: No matching system, few members in some areas
My final thoughts on friend finding apps
Finally, if you want to expand your network, don’t underestimate traditional social networking apps like TikTok and Snapchat. I’ve also made new virtual friendships through these platforms. If you’re looking for camaraderie, join mom-focused groups or follow family-friendly influencers on these platforms to make friends and build your network with moms with similar interests. Remember, behind every profile is a person with a unique story and a desire to connect. So go ahead and open those virtual doors and who knows, your future best friend might be just a tap away!
