Apps for Making Friends First

Looking for a way to make friends without the pressure of dating? This guide lists the best apps and websites to meet people for friendship, groups and activities—plus practical tips on choosing the right platform for your life in the UK.

Who this page is for

This page is for adults in the UK who want to expand their social circle, join activity-based groups, or find friends before dating. It suits people new to a city, parents returning to social life, professionals with limited free time, and anyone who prefers friendship-first approaches to meeting people.

Top recommendations

Below are five apps and websites that work well when your goal is to make friends rather than date. Each entry explains why it fits that brief, who it’s best for, key features, and what to watch out for.

Bumble BFF — Best for flexible, profile-based friendships

Why it fits: Bumble’s BFF mode uses the same swipe-and-message format as its dating version but for platonic connections. Profiles focus on interests, making it easy to find people with similar hobbies.

Best for: urban professionals, people who already use Bumble and want a familiar interface.
Key features: interest tags, photo-led profiles, match messaging; free with optional premium upgrades.
Watch out for: user intent varies—some people are still looking for romance—so state “friends only” in your bio.

Meetup — Best website for finding friends through activities

Why it fits: Meetup is a dedicated website for organising and joining in-person and online group events. It’s built around common interests rather than individual matches, making it one of the clearest websites for finding friends.

Best for: people who prefer group settings, hobbyists, and those comfortable attending events.
Key features: searchable local groups, event RSVPs, interests from walking groups to book clubs; many groups are free or low cost.
Watch out for: event quality varies by organiser; read event descriptions and recent reviews before attending.

Nextdoor — Best for neighbourhood connections

Why it fits: Nextdoor connects you with neighbours and local community events, which can lead to casual meetups, mutual-help projects, and local groups.

Best for: people wanting local, low-pressure interactions—dog walkers, parents, and people new to a neighbourhood.
Key features: local posts, community groups, event notices; good for practical friendships based on locality.
Watch out for: conversations can be mixed in tone—observe community norms before posting.

Friender — Best for hobby-matched friendships

Why it fits: Friender focuses on matching users based on shared activities. You can filter by interests and find single-purpose meetups with like-minded people.

Best for: people who want activity partners (running, board games, hiking) rather than broad socialising.
Key features: interest-based matching, activity prompts, chat functionality; free tier with optional upgrades.
Watch out for: smaller user bases in less populated areas—city users get the best results.

Peanut — Best for mothers and parents

Why it fits: Peanut connects women and parents through shared stages of life—pregnancy, early parenting, and beyond—and focuses on peer support and friendship.

Best for: new parents, carers, and people seeking empathetic social connections.
Key features: topic-based communities, voice and text chats, group threads; community-moderated spaces.
Watch out for: primarily for women and parents; suitability varies if your needs fall outside that group.

How to choose the right app

Choosing depends on your comfort level with organised events, your schedule, and how specific your interests are. Ask yourself:

Do I prefer group events or one-on-one meetups?
Are local neighbourhood connections more useful than city-wide hobby groups?
Do I need a women/parents-only space or a general platform?

If you want structured activities, start with Meetup; for two-person connections with a familiar app layout, try Bumble BFF or Friender; for local, low-key interactions choose Nextdoor.

Pricing and fit criteria

Most friend-focused platforms offer free access with optional paid tiers for extra filters, visibility, or event perks. When evaluating value, consider:

Active user base in your area—an app is only useful if people nearby use it.
Event frequency and quality—check upcoming events or active threads before investing in a subscription.
Safety and moderation—platforms with active moderation reduce spam and trolling.
Time investment—group meetups can be more efficient than one-on-one messaging if you’re busy.

Alternatives and related options

If none of these fit, consider broader or niche approaches: language-exchange apps, university alumni groups, sports clubs, or local volunteering. For other ways to meet people that sit between dating apps and community sites, see our wider reviews hub.

Explore detailed comparisons of apps with live video features at apps with video chat, and if you’re a recent graduate checking transition-friendly communities, see apps for college graduates. For other platforms beyond these choices, visit our overview of dating app alternatives or our roundup of the best dating apps if you later want to expand to dating while keeping friendship-first boundaries.

Practical tips for meeting friends first

Use clear language in your profile: state you’re looking for friends or activity partners. Suggest a low-pressure first meet (coffee, park walk, or joining a group event). Bring a question or shared-interest topic to kick off conversation—asking about someone’s favourite local café or recent book is usually safe. Finally, arrange meetups in public places and tell a friend your plans.

FAQ

1. Are there websites for finding friends in the UK specifically?

Yes—Meetup and Nextdoor both have strong UK communities, and many apps let you filter by location. Check local groups and event listings in larger cities for the most activity.

2. Can I use dating apps strictly for friends before dating?

Many dating apps offer friend modes or allow you to state “friends only” in your bio. Bumble BFF and Friender are explicitly designed for platonic connections; be upfront about your intent to reduce mixed signals.

3. How can I tell if someone is genuinely looking for friendship?

Look for consistent, interest-focused conversation, willingness to suggest or attend group events, and respectful boundaries. Profiles that emphasise hobbies, group activities, or community involvement usually signal friend-minded intent.

4. Is it safe to meet strangers from these apps?

Meeting in public places, informing someone of your plans, and using platforms with moderation and verified profiles improves safety. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, pause or reschedule for a group event instead.

Conclusion

If your priority is to make friends online not dating UK, start with platforms that centre activities and groups—Meetup and Nextdoor are strong website choices for finding friends, while Bumble BFF, Friender and Peanut serve specific needs. Choose the app that matches how you like to socialise, be clear about your intent, and prioritise safety when meeting in person.