Top apps to make new friends in 2026

In recent years, more people have been searching for new ways to build genuine, platonic connections as loneliness and social isolation continue to rise. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General even described this growing issue as a public health concern. Remote workers who miss everyday office interactions and younger individuals looking to shape their social circles around shared interests are among those actively seeking meaningful friendships.

With the rise of online dating platforms, the stigma around meeting people digitally has largely disappeared. This shift has opened the door for a new generation of apps focused entirely on friendship and community building rather than romance.

According to estimates from Appfigures, more than a dozen locally focused friendship apps have generated around $16 million in consumer spending across the U.S. so far this year. Apps like Timeleft, Meet5, and Bumble BFF have collectively reached about 4.3 million downloads in 2025 alone.

These platforms offer a much easier alternative to awkward real-world interactions, such as approaching strangers in a gym or café. Since everyone on these apps shares the same goal—making friends—it becomes far less intimidating to start conversations.

Here’s a closer look at some of the top apps helping people connect in 2026:

222 app

222 is an iOS-exclusive app designed to bring people together through curated in-person events. It matches small groups based on personality tests and invites them to social gatherings, such as wine bars or comedy nights. After a selection process, participants are notified on the day of the event. For added comfort, users can bring a plus-one. The app charges a $22.22 curation fee or offers a subscription at the same price.

Bumble BFF

Originally launched as part of Bumble in 2016 and later spun off as a standalone app in 2023, Bumble BFF is one of the best-known platforms in the friendship space. It recently introduced updates that focus more on group meetups, making it easier for users to expand their social networks. It’s available for free on both iOS and Android.

Clyx

Clyx focuses on helping users discover local events by pulling data from platforms like Ticketmaster and TikTok. It also allows users to see which events their contacts are attending and suggests people to connect with at those events. Currently active in Miami and London, the app plans to expand into cities such as New York and São Paulo.

Les Amís

Designed for women, transgender, and LGBTQ+ users, Les Amís uses AI to match people based on shared interests. It encourages participation in local activities such as book clubs, pottery classes, and wine tastings. Matches are made weekly, giving users time to plan meetups. The app operates across several European cities and select U.S. locations, with expansion plans underway. Membership pricing varies by location.

Meetup

A long-standing platform since 2002, Meetup connects people through shared interests. Users can join groups, RSVP to events, and even create their own communities. It remains one of the most widely used tools for finding local gatherings and building connections.

Meet5

Originally popular in Europe, Meet5 has recently entered the U.S. market, focusing on users over 40. It organises group activities such as hiking, concerts, and picnics. The app has already reached around 777,000 downloads in the U.S. in a short period.

Pie app

Pie uses an AI-driven personality quiz to match users into small groups for in-person events. Participants are placed into groups of six and added to a chat before the event, allowing them to get comfortable beforehand. Currently available in Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Timeleft

Timeleft organises weekly dinners where users are matched with four strangers based on their personalities and preferences. Participants receive limited details about each other beforehand, adding an element of surprise. The dinners take place at selected restaurants, followed by optional social gatherings at nearby bars.

Washed Up

Launched in early 2026, Washed Up helps users in Los Angeles discover local events and connect with others attending them. Users can create or join small-group plans tied to events, making it easier to attend social outings with others rather than going alone.

Wyzr Friends

Wyzr Friends is designed for adults over 40, including empty nesters and those going through life transitions. It focuses on activity-based connections, allowing users to plan outings like movies or hikes with like-minded individuals. The app is available across several countries.

Mmotion

Mmotion combines location tracking with social discovery, helping users find people nearby and explore local venues. It features interest-based groups and a map showing active users and trending spots. Currently, it is only available in New York City and requires an application to join.

Synchrony app

Synchrony, launched in March 2026, is designed specifically for neurodivergent adults. It includes features like interest-based matching and two-step identity verification for safety. A unique addition is Jesse, an AI communication assistant that helps users navigate conversations and express themselves more comfortably. The app operates on a subscription model after a free trial.