It’s no surprise porn consumption surged during the pandemic. In a 2020 report conducted and published by Pornhub, the areas where the coronavirus hit the hardest saw the quickest increase in Pornhub use.
Of course, this makes sense – strict lockdown orders combined with sheer boredom, loneliness, psychological distress, and coping with the general state of America at the time could only lead to an increase in porn usage. Even after we started going on IRL dates again, worldwide interest in porn hasn’t let up. According to Semrush, a popular web analytics software company, the world’s three most popular porn sites (specifically Pornhub, XVideos, and XNXX) were visited 27.43 billion times in October 2023.
The moral of this story? If you like porn, you’re not alone! But if you’re interested in going beyond the world of pornography and trying out some of your fantasies IRL, then Pornhub alternatives like the best NSFW dating sites can help you find a likeminded playmate.
Whether you’re looking to explore your kinky fantasies, make a lasting romantic connection, are looking for senior love, or simply want to hook up, there's a little something for everyone on this list. And if you like the instant gratification and virtual aspect of internet porn, you can also try cam sites that let you meet and chat with other people right away.
While these sites are by no means perfect, and some of them get pretty raunchy, here's the scoop on what you're getting yourself into.
The lowdown on NSFW dating sites
Keep in mind that “dating” on NSFW sites like Grindr and GetItOn is about as subtle as the platforms’ names: the vast majority of users are there to find a one-night stand, a threesome, or an ongoing sex buddy situation — not a long-term partner. Of course, if you're searching for X-rated and NSFW dating sites, we're guessing that's not a problem.
Take note: NSFW dating sites don't operate without mutual consent, boundary-setting, and respect. When building out your profile, be specific and honest about your intentions and what you’re looking for so you can find people who genuinely match up with you and your interests or fetishes.
Should I use an NSFW site for dating?
If you’re looking for no-strings-attached sex or just a sexting and video chat buddy for the evening, the best NSFW dating sites get straight to the point. “Dating” here is a very loose term — think of these as sites and apps for hooking up.
Users on these apps tend to be fairly direct — don’t expect a dinner invitation before you get asked over to their apartment. If that’s not your cup of tea and you need a little more of the getting-to-know-someone before jumping into bed with them, these might not be the right sites for you. Instead, you can also check out Mashable's guides to the best hook-up apps, which include some kinky options like Feeld and Grindr.
What precautions to take when using an NSFW dating site
Always be careful about the information you’re giving out online. Never share your credit card numbers in a direct message or chat, as this can make you more vulnerable to hackers and scammers. Using your real name on platforms like these can also compromise your safety if you happen to stumble upon the wrong sort of people. Yes, you're there to get down and dirty, but using some discretion and common sense is never a bad idea.
We recommend choosing a username that doesn’t give away your real name. If you're building a profile, be thoughtful about the personal information you choose to share such as exactly where you live.
What else is important to know when using an NSFW dating site?
Besides not giving away any personal information, especially for things like anonymous encounters on cam or sexting sites, know the risks when it comes to sending nude or partially nude photos containing identifying details like your face or tattoos. While it’s against the law in many places to circulate private sexual images, that doesn’t stop people from doing it.
Like Pornhub, most of these sites are free to access, with some offering various levels of paid membership fees to unlock bonus features. So, if you're tired of seeing the same content over and over again at the hub, check out these Pornhub alternatives for NSFW encounters.
Before clicking through, consider yourself warned: NSFW content awaits.