Important Points for Choosing a Friend-Making App | 2026 Latest Comparison Guide

In recent years, the number of users of matching apps aimed purely at making friends has continued to grow, extending beyond dating and marriage purposes. People who want to expand their social circle after becoming working adults, those seeking same-sex friends through shared hobbies, and even individuals in their 40s and 50s starting to look for friends again—all have diverse backgrounds and reasons for using these apps. At the same time, many may wonder whether these apps are safe to use for free, and whether they can truly meet users seeking friendship.

In this article, we thoroughly explain how to choose a friend-making app, from key points to consider, to the top 10 popular services. We compare features such as safety measures, search functions, and usability to help you find the perfect app for you.

How to Choose a Friend-Making App | Safety and Purpose Alignment Are Key

The most important factor when selecting a friend-making app is whether it attracts users with the same goal. Unlike dating or marriage apps, choosing a platform where most users are genuinely seeking friendship helps prevent mismatches.

Next, prioritize safety. Check for verification processes, 24-hour monitoring systems, and the robustness of reporting and blocking features. For female users, whether the app is women-only or requires strict ID verification is especially important.

Additionally, look at the richness of search and filtering functions. Being able to easily find compatible friends based on location, hobbies, days off, age group, and other criteria makes it easier to meet like-minded people. The range of free features and the cost for men are also factors to consider.

From Women-Only to Cross-Gender Friendship Apps | Comparing Different Types

Friend-making apps can be broadly classified into three types:

Type 1: Women-Only Apps
These platforms allow women to safely make friends with other women. Examples include Favomatch, Touch, DotMatch, and tipsysys, which are exclusive to women, ensuring safer and more natural interactions.

Type 2: Apps Supporting Both Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Friendships
Ideal for those wanting to find friends of both genders. Examples include Bumble, Tantan, and Tinder. Bumble, in particular, offers a “BFF mode” dedicated to friendship, making it suitable for men as well.

Type 3: Niche or Purpose-Specific Apps
Focused on specific hobbies or activities like fan activities, golf, or drinking parties. Examples include Somuri (for ages 30-50), GolWho (golf-specific), and JOIN US (drinking events).

Top 10 Popular Friend-Making Apps | Evaluating Each Service

1st: Favomatch (Favosia) – The Ultimate Platform for Fan Activity Friends

Favosia specializes in connecting fans and otaku enthusiasts. It offers extensive search options, such as searching by favorite characters or days off, making it easy to find others who share your passions. The timeline feature allows SNS-like interactions, and organizing offline meetups or events helps deepen real friendships. However, it lacks 24-hour monitoring, and removing ads requires paid plans.

2nd: Touch (Kurouju) – Safety-Focused App for Women with ID Verification

This women-only app mandates official ID verification, ensuring high safety standards. Designed solely for friendship, it aligns perfectly with users’ intentions. Features include 24-hour monitoring, unlimited messaging for free, and a hobby card system to find compatible friends. Challenges include limited search filters and the need for paid options to remove ads.

3rd: DotMatch (Tokugawa) – Timeline and Search Features for Ideal Matches

Designed for women seeking friends, DotMatch offers a timeline and detailed search options like location and days off. It verifies age and gender via ID, ensuring safety. It also provides information on nearby cafes and restaurants for meetups, supporting real-world connections. However, it lacks 24-hour monitoring, which may pose risks in case of trouble.

4th: Bumble – Versatile App for Both Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Friendships

Originating in the US, Bumble features a “BFF mode” for friendship. It supports both same-sex and opposite-sex searches, making it suitable for various friendship types. With 24-hour monitoring, reporting, and a large international user base, it’s ideal for global交流. Men’s fees are very affordable. Limitations include not supporting location-based searches or detailed residence filtering.

5th: Tantan – Global Friend-Making from China

With over 300 million users worldwide, Tantan is focused on friendship. It offers unlimited messaging, same-sex search, and safety features like monitoring and reporting. Men can send messages for free. However, its search filters are limited, and it lacks a residence search function, making ongoing friendship formation challenging.

6th: Somuri – For Middle-Aged Adults (30s-50s)

Targeted at users in their 30s to 50s, Somuri offers unique features like the “Adult Love Sommelier Diagnosis” and detailed search options based on children, hobbies, and schedules. It emphasizes safety with reporting and blocking. Not suitable for younger users, and male users face monthly fees.

7th: tipsys – Women’s Community with Group Features

A women-only app with over 300,000 users nationwide, tipsys offers timeline and group chat functions for both one-on-one and group interactions. Features include keyword filtering to avoid unwanted topics. Limitations include no location search, no 24-hour monitoring, and restrictions on free message counts and ads, which may impact user experience.

8th: JOIN US (Vikona) – For Immediate Drinking Meetups

Specialized in matching people for drinking parties, users can register preferred drinks and locations. It’s more suited for finding someone to drink with immediately rather than long-term friendships. Men may use it for free if timing aligns. Safety concerns include no age verification, no 24-hour monitoring, and no residence search.

9th: GolWho – Golf-Focused Friend-Making Platform

A golf-specific app with detailed filters like scores and ride-sharing options. It supports matching with pro golfers and offers timeline features. High safety standards include monitoring and blocking. However, it’s not solely for friendship, so users seeking romantic connections may find mixed audiences. Men’s monthly fees apply.

10th: Tinder – Global Matching Platform

With over 55 billion matches worldwide, Tinder is known for dating but also supports friendship. It allows same-sex searches, swipe-based matching, and is useful for travel or international交流. Features include monitoring, reporting, and free basic use for men. Limitations include a large proportion of dating users, inability to see who liked you on free plans, and ads.

Matching Apps by Age and Purpose | Find Your Perfect Fit

Women in 20s-30s Seeking Fan Friends: Favomatch
Ideal for fans wanting to connect with others sharing their enthusiasm.

Women Prioritizing Safety: Touch
Best for those who want peace of mind with strict ID checks and 24-hour monitoring.

Men and Those Wanting Opposite-Sex Friends: Bumble
With its BFF mode and low costs, suitable for both genders.

Middle-Aged (30s-50s): Somuri
Connect with peers for mature, adult friendships.

Golf Enthusiasts: GolWho
Use specialized filters to find compatible golf partners.

International Exchange Seekers: Tinder
Meet people abroad or make international friends through global matching.

Choosing the right friend app depends heavily on your age, interests, safety concerns, and whether you seek casual or serious connections. Trying multiple apps based on these recommendations can increase your chances of finding the friends you’re looking for.