There are many reasons why, as an adult, you might need to make new friends. That’s where friendship, otherwise known as Friend Finder apps, come to the rescue!
I am a single mum of two teenage daughters. I lost some of my friends when I divorced, and life has been so hectic for the last ten years that I’ve not had time for a social life or to find new friends. Now, as my girls are becoming more independent, I’d love to find new friends with whom I can enjoy the next phase of my life.
In this guide, I'll be listing the best apps for creating new friendships, all with single mums in mind. Whether you want to make real-life connections or start chatting online, my picks will make it so much easier to find your next besties. Let’s make finding your tribe fun and stress-free!
Further reading: The science of friendship: Proven strategies for making friends.
What to think about before choosing a friend finder app
Check the stats for the app
It took me a while to realise that, in general, friend-finder apps are less populated than dating apps. They are also more area-specific.
For example, some only service urban areas while others are worldwide. Don’t make the same mistake as me and join an app that doesn’t cover where you live. I seriously felt like Billy No Mates until I noticed my error. Also, being in a regional area didn’t help my cause. Join one that has lots of people to choose from in your area by checking the stats and demographics.
Check reviews (such as this) alongside the all-important app features.
Is the app free or paid, and how much?
Like all apps nowadays, you will find that friendship apps come in free and paid varieties that feature a free trial.
If you are serious about making new friends, I recommend you go paid. Even better go on a pay-only app so you know that everyone else there is serious about their mission for a mate. But stick within your budget and play around with free apps before you commit to purchase.
My favourite friend finder apps
1. Peanut
For mums, especially single mums, who work at home and find it hard to connect with other mums, Peanut is a brilliant app.
It’s like Tinder (complete with the swiping system) but for mothers and pregnant women who want to mingle and socialise. It was the first friend finder app I tried and is still my favourite, mainly because of the user base of lots of lovely mums but it’s super easy to use too, which is a green tick for me.
Free version: Free, with in-app purchases
Demographics of Peanut: Female ages 25-34
I’ve included Peanut in this list because: It’s a safe space for mums and mums-to-be where we are all facing similar challenges making friends
What I didn’t like: Like all apps, fewer members in smaller areas
2. Clic
I’ve looked at several friend finder apps and another that I recommend is Clic a new social networking app for Aussies to make friends and meet people in their area. It only takes a few minutes to sign up and start chatting. You can use your existing Facebook or Instagram account, or your Apple ID if you don’t have social media. I made sure to complete my bio and the interests section to get more accurate matches. For example, if you’re after a travel or workout buddy, make sure to include that.
Free version: Free with in-app purchase
Demographics of Clic: It’s all Aussies, 17+
I’ve included Clic in this list because: Easy sign up and navigation, good user reviews
What I didn’t like: Not available in all areas of Australia, some users report bugs
3. Bumble BFF
I’d previously used Bumble for dating so I was super excited to try Bumble BFF.
It has good reviews so I thought, why the hell not? I was trying out multiple friend finder apps to see which one fit my goals best, and this one seemed like a winner.
Sign-up is easy and there were lots of potential BFFs in my area (it’s a fairly large city so the number of matches wasn’t the problem) who shared many of my interests. Surprisingly, however, I didn’t end up connecting much with those I matched with.
Don’t let my experience put you off though, your experience might be different!
Free version: Yes
Demographics of Bumble BFF: Majority male, 26 years old on average
I’ve included Bumble BFF in this list because: If you’ve used Bumble it’s easy to jump into Bumble BFF and hunt for mates straight away
What I didn’t like: I feel the app is more committed to the dating side of its offering which is what most people use it for.
4. Yubo
If you’re into live streaming and video calls, Yubo might just be the app for you. It’s an app designed to connect with people IRL or online through interactive features like live video and shared interests.
What makes it unique is its focus on helping users find like-minded individuals. If you’re a single mum who finds it hard to meet people due to a busy schedule, this app’s flexible chatting and swipe-based features can make connecting with others a breeze.
Free version: Yes
Demographics of Yubo: Gen Zs (Ages 13 to 25)
I’ve included Yubo in this list because: It has a verification system to help ensure that users are who they claim to be
What I didn’t like: Explicit or inappropriate content during live streams or chats
5. NextDoor
I like this app because I was able to communicate quickly with people nearest me during the lockdown and pandemic. A real life-saver when keeping up with community quarantine news!
I highly recommend this app if you’re new to town and want to get to know your neighbourhood. It’s also great if you are promoting your business or looking for clients.
My town is pretty big so I had no problems, but I can see how it may be difficult to connect if you live in a remote, rural or small area.
Free version: Free
Demographics of Next Door: Male and female ages 25-34 years old in the US, Canada, France, Australia, and UK
I’ve included Next Door in this list because: Next Door is great for individuals who want to get involved in the community and businesses looking for clients.
What I didn’t like: Can be difficult to network if you live in a remote area
10 Best friendship apps (cont.)
6. Stitch
Stitch is a social companionship/networking app that connects adults aged 50 and over.
I recommended the Stitch app to my friend who’s an older adult when she moved to a new area last year. She thought it was a sewing app at first which was hilarious but eventually gave it a go as a means to make new friends and find local activities she enjoyed (not sewing!).
My friend did mention that she got hit on by some members, but it wasn’t a serious issue. That said, feel free to use Stitch to find a date if that’s your goal!
Free version: Yes
Demographics of Stitch: 50s and over
I’ve included Stitch in this list because: It’s an exclusive app for the over 50 and has a good focus on local activities and events where you can socialise as a group
What I didn’t like: Few members and activities in smaller areas
7. LMK
Short for “Let Me Know,” LMK is a casual app for chatting and making friends online. You can send messages or join group discussions based on shared topics, making it an easy way to find friends or expand your social life.
This app is especially handy if you want to connect without the formality of a traditional friendship app. Whether you’re into casual chats or deeper conversations, LMK offers a laid-back way to make new friendships.
Free version: Yes
Demographics: Young adults
I’ve included it in this list because: It offers various ways to interact, including chatrooms, audio rooms, and community feeds
What I didn’t like: Older adults may find the environment less suitable for their social needs due to its focus on a younger demographic.
8. App for finding events near you: MeetUp
Another way I have used to meet new people and make friends is MeetUp.
Sign-up is free and quick (you can use your SM account) and you can immediately find meetups or events near you. You can filter by category, calendar, or group.
This last one is pretty handy when you are a member of an FB group for example that you want to connect with in your new location. You simply click “Join” when you find the meetup you want. Oh, and make sure to add a photo to your profile. I was initially declined when I tried to join a hiking group because I had no photo.
Free version: Yes
Demographics: Almost perfect balance of men and women, 34 and under
I’ve included it in this list because: It’s fairly well-known with a large user base
What I didn’t like: There’s a fee if you want to be a host or start your own Meetup, few activities in some areas
9. Hey! Vina
With Hey! VINA, creating a profile is a breeze. You can sync with Facebook or Instagram, snap a cute pic, and dive into fun quizzes that match you with like-minded gals. Think Tinder for BFFs, but way friendlier. I loved joining interest-based communities and planning meetups, though I’ll admit, VIP perks like seeing who swiped right are tempting!
Free version: Yes (Basic features only)
Demographics of Hey! Vina: Women usually under 30 years old
What I didn’t like: Limited features in the free version
10. Wink
Wink is like Tinder, but strictly platonic, making it a fun and easy way to meet new people. The app’s swiping system lets you swipe right if you're interested or swipe left to move on. It’s a low-pressure way to meet like-minded people based on shared interests in your bio. What makes Wink unique is its live video and chat features, so you can get to know people beyond their profiles. This is a great way to quickly vibe-check potential friends and see if they’re your kind of people from the get-go.
Free version: Yes
Demographics of Wink: 18+
What I didn't like: Some users have mentioned concerns about inappropriate content and sketchy behaviour, likely due to the app's open setup and not having strong age checks in place.
Bonus pick: Lex
Lex started as a dating app and quickly evolved into a social networking platform to connect members of the community.
My friend who is a member of the LGBTQQIA+ community met a workout buddy through Lex. It’s super easy to find local LGBTQ+ events here, too, especially in cities. She was also very happy that she could use Lex to find a date if she wanted… I am waiting for lots of exciting gossip from her.
Free version: Yes
Demographics of Lex: LGBTQIA+ community aged 20-37
I’ve included Lex in this list because: Free social networking app and safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community
What I didn’t like: No matching system, few members in some areas
My final thoughts on friend finder apps
Finally, don’t underestimate traditional social networking apps like TikTok and Snapchat if you're looking to expand your network. I've also made new virtual friendships through these platforms. You can join mum-centric groups if you're seeking camaraderie or follow family-friendly influencers on these platforms to befriend mummies with similar interests and build your network. Remember, behind every profile is a person with a unique story and the desire to connect. So, go forth, open those virtual doors, and who knows, your future best friend might just be a tap away!
