The 9 Best Polyamorous Dating Apps You Can Download Right Now

ICYMI, there are *so* many dating apps out there nowadays. From Hinge to Bumble to Tinder, if you’re out there in the ~dating world~ odds are that you’ve tried them all. But what about people who identify as polyamorous? It’s a little more difficult to navigate those apps when you’re poly (more on that later), which is why there are great apps out there specifically dedicated to those seeking polyamorous connections.

First things first, what does it mean to be polyamorous, exactly, and how common is polyamory? “Being polyamorous is being in a relationship with more than one person,” explains Gigi Engle, a certified sex coach, sexologist, and author of All The F*cking Mistakes: a guide to sex, love, and life. (Think of it like this: Monogamy means “one” and “poly” means many.) “These are two relationship styles, but both are equally valid,” says Engle. Polyamory basically boils down to being non-monogamous in a consensual, ethical way, partnered with opening your heart to more than just one person at a time.

So, what does the term “ethical” mean in this case, since, TBH, it can be subjective?In short, polyamorous relationships can be structured in a bunch of different ways (maybe one person is the primary partner, maybe everyone’s on an even playing field, etc.), but being ethically non-monogamous is a way to ensure that everyone involved in the relationship is comfortable with the situation, explains Women’s Health advisory board member Chloe Carmichael, PhD, a New York-based therapist and author of Dr. Chloe’s 10 Commandments of Dating.

TL;DR, it’s all about communication, transparency, and most importantly, consent in your relationship, Carmichael explains. Because polyamorous relationships involve multiple people, everyone being on the same page is crucial. That said, let’s get into the fun stuff. If you’re polyamorous and you want to spice up your dating life by hopping on some new platforms, we’ve got you covered. These are the absolute best polyamory dating apps, according to experts.

1. “Traditional” Apps Like Hinge, Bumble, Tinder, etc.

If you’re planning to use one of the more traditionally “monogamous” apps like Hinge or Bumble, there are a few helpful notes for your profile to signify that you’re looking for more than one partner. First, make sure you state that you’re ethically non-monogamous (ENM) in your profile, says Janet Brito, PhD, a clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist based in Hawaii. For seeking other polyamorous individuals, you can also write that you’re seeking “like-minded folks.”

Looking to add a third party to your current duo? Just make that clear, and ensure that both you and your current partner have account access, Engle explains. It may help to even set boundaries with that partner so that you’re using it together rather than separately. “Total transparency is needed to make this work,” Engle says. “Don’t be cagey or coy, because that is coming from a place of dishonesty, which is not a good place to start.” Noted!

2. Feeld

PSA: Feeld is one of the best apps out there for poly folks, according to Engle. “People have better overall experiences with this app, as it’s meant for open relationships and those looking to explore alternative-style sex, such as kinks,” Engle says.

In short, Feeld encourages you to be yourself on the platform, Brito says, even if that includes seeing several people. (AKA, it’s a breath of fresh air.)

3. #Open

Ever heard of #open? “It’s a new app built on the concept of non-monogamous dating,” says Engle.

So yep, this app is literally designed for polyamorous, ENM, and open people. They have a breadth of virtual and IRL community events, too, so you can get a jump start on meeting your next crush ASAP, all while being surrounded by like-minded people.

4. Ashley Madison

You’ve probably heard of Ashley Madison, the website known for affairs and discreet dating. “It’s popular but controversial,” says Brito. “Lots of folks use it.”

Now in app format too, the site claims that the service is legit for everyone, including polyamorous individuals specifically, Brito notes.The main tenet is that Ashley Madison is a judgment-free zone, which means it’s also a place where poly people can explore their sexuality and date, too.

5. BiCupid

“This app caters to bisexual folks seeking polyamory,” Brito explains. In short, BiCupid is for everyone who’s into a wide range of relationship styles. Whether you’re looking to add a third to your current relationship, want to meet more single polyamorous people, or just want to chat with other bi-identified folks, you can do that on BiCupid.

6. OkCupid

No, OkCupid isn’t specifically known for its polyamorous community, but it actually *does* now have features that allow you to express your polyamory identity, says Brito. This means that you can search and match with other polyamorous people on the app seeking both short-term connections and longer-term relationships in your area.

7. Downdating

Up for hookups, specifically? Downdating is the app for you, says Brito. It allows you to select whether you’d specifically like to go on a date or just ~hook up~ with a certain person, which the company feels is a more honest and mature way to approach dating. If you’re poly, this means that you have the opportunity for a variety of different experiences at your disposal.

8. MoreThanOne

MoreThanOne is designed *specifically* for polyamorous folks. The app is for both single polyamorous people as well as for open, ethical, non-monogamous relationships. And, yes, according to the app, it’s welcoming of all genders, sexualities, and identities, in case you’re not about putting labels on any of your own identities.

9. PolyFinda

Another app built to fill a gap in the polyamorous dating space, PolyFinda lets you navigate dating the way you want. It was made for all genders and preferences by members of the polyamorous community, and you’re encouraged to put all of your information out there: State whether you’re in a pair and looking to add more members to your relationship, any characteristics about the people you’re looking for, or whether or not you’re in the mood for something casual.

Source: Read Full Article