Stop texting, start sexting: The best apps for NSFW chats

Sexting (aka dirty talk, swapping nudes, raunchy audio messages, etc.) is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a beneficial way to connect with your partner(s) on a deeper level, especially when you’re not physically together.

And it’s not just a feeling — recent studies are showing the tangible benefits of sexting. One March 2025 review (which looked at 70 scientific papers on the benefits of sexting) found that the perks of consensual sexting generally fall into three categories: individual benefits from the act itself (like exploring your desires, safe experimentation, and both sexual and non-sexual pleasure), individual benefits from your partner’s reaction (think validation, feeling better about your body/self, and owning your sexual agency), and relational benefits (like feeling way more connected emotionally and sexually, or even using it to bridge gaps when apart).

What is sexting, exactly?

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, that’s OK! Sexting is basically “sex” and “texting” mashed together. It could mean sending sexy snaps, video or audio clips, or even just writing out a steamy message.

A long time ago, sexting was something you’d only hear about when someone was having an affair or a celebrity’s nudes were leaked. But nowadays, it’s the norm for plenty of couples and single people alike.

Whether you’re in a committed relationship, single and swiping, looking for a regular sexting buddy, or wanting to amp up your solo sesh with steamy instructions from an AI companion, sexting offers a healthy way to explore your sexuality and often leads to a more fulfilling physical and emotional experience.

The best sexting apps of 2025

Based on our real-world use (yep, we actually signed up and used 'em!), these are the top contenders for safe, fun, and effective sexting in 2025. You might even recognize some from our guides to the best dating apps and hookup apps.

Where can I find someone to sext? 

Good news: You definitely don't need to be partnered up to find someone to sext with. There are plenty of apps (and websites) out there designed to connect you with people looking for some digital heat, often pretty quickly.

Just be sure to keep an eye out for sketchy platforms, bots, and catfishing scams. Finding safe, reliable, and genuinely fun options is exactly why curated recommendations (like the ones in this guide!) are so helpful.

Sexting safety

To get the lowdown on sexting safely, we talked to Gary Orenstein, Chief Customer Officer at Bitwarden (an open-source password manager).

"If an app is being used to share intimate content, privacy features cannot be optional — they’re essential," he tells Mashable. What tops his list? "First and foremost, end-to-end encryption is critical," so only you and your partner see the messages, not even the app company itself.

Orenstein also recommends looking for apps with "built-in controls, such as disappearing messages and self-destructing media [which] help minimize long-term exposure of shared materials" and features like "screenshot detection or alerts [that] can discourage unauthorized saving," though these aren't always foolproof.

"The most overlooked risk is the assumption that encryption alone guarantees privacy," Orenstein adds. "Even with end-to-end encryption, apps cannot prevent screenshots, screen recordings, or physical access to an unlocked device." He stresses that basic device-level safeguards, such as strong passcodes, biometric locks, and up-to-date software, are essential. And ultimately, "Privacy depends not only on technical safeguards, but also on the trustworthiness of the recipient."