Are Dating Apps for Same-Sex Friendships Really Safe? A Selection Guide for 15 Popular Services

In recent years, the demand for “friend-making apps” has rapidly increased for purposes other than dating or marriage activities. Whether it’s professionals wanting to expand their social circle, individuals seeking hobby-based companions, or those wanting to casually chat with same-sex friends—these needs are growing across all age groups. It’s not uncommon for people in their 40s or 50s to start looking for friends. However, when considering using such apps, concerns remain like “Can I truly feel safe even if it’s free?” and “Will I actually meet users who share my goal of making friends?”

This article focuses on the top three priorities for users of friend-making apps: “Safety,” “Features for free use,” and “Ease of meeting same-sex friends,” and provides a detailed review of 15 popular services. By comparing each app’s features, we will guide you on how to choose the best app suited to your needs.

5 Key Points to Consider When Choosing a Friend-Making App

What criteria should you use when selecting a friend-making app? The following five points are crucial for ensuring safe and quality encounters.

Point 1: Do user goals align?
Unlike dating or marriage apps, dedicated friend-making apps have users with the same purpose. This reduces the likelihood of unwanted romantic messages or related troubles.

Point 2: Search functions that make finding compatible friends easy
The success rate of matching greatly depends on whether you can search by hobbies, days off, location, etc. The more detailed the search options, the easier it is to find a perfect match.

Point 3: Security and monitoring systems
Features like 24-hour monitoring, strict identity verification, reporting and blocking functions determine safety. Age verification via ID and identity confirmation are especially important.

Point 4: Free features for women
The availability of core functions like messaging and profile creation for free to female users is a key factor in choosing an app.

Point 5: Cost structure for male users
Apps where men can use basic functions without extra charges or at low cost tend to attract more male users and increase matching chances.

Safe Apps Specializing in Female and Same-Sex Interaction

An increasing number of apps are creating environments where women can feel secure. Especially those focused on same-sex friendship tend to have thorough security measures.

Favomatch (Ideal for supporting fandom friends)
Specialized in finding same-sex friends centered around fandom or otaku activities. Features include detailed searches by activity style and days off, making it easy to find compatible plans. The SNS-like timeline feature fosters natural interaction. Note: it does not have 24-hour monitoring, so caution is advised.

Touch (For those prioritizing safety)
A women-only app with the highest security standards. Mandatory ID verification, 24-hour monitoring, and reporting/blocking functions are included. Unlimited free messaging and a user base with similar goals make it a very safe choice.

DotMatch (Excellent search features)
Focused on female-to-female friendship, with timeline and location/day-off searches. Also provides restaurant info for meetups, supporting initial meetings. Age and gender are verified via ID, ensuring high safety.

tipsys (Supports group interactions)
A women-only app with over 300,000 users nationwide. Allows group chats in addition to one-on-one messaging. Users can filter out unpleasant keywords on the timeline for a comfortable experience. However, it lacks 24-hour monitoring, so immediate support in case of trouble is limited.

How Male Users Can Find Suitable Friend-Making Apps

Men should look for services that support both opposite-sex and same-sex interactions. Cost is also an important factor.

Bumble (International network)
Originating in the US, Bumble offers a “BFF mode” to focus on friendship. It allows connecting with both men and women, making it user-friendly for men. Features include 24-hour monitoring, reporting, and a large international user base. Its low cost for men is a plus.

Tantan (Global dating platform)
A Chinese app with over 300 million users worldwide. Men can send messages for free, and same-sex search is available. It supports matching through shared hobbies and interests, with safety features like 24-hour monitoring and reporting.

Somli (For those in their 30s to 50s)
Aimed at middle-aged users, with a “same-sex friend search” mode. Offers detailed search options based on days off, children, hobbies, etc. Safety is maintained via reporting and blocking functions. Note: men need to pay a monthly fee.

Tips for Choosing Hobby or Activity-Based Friend Apps

If your goal is to make friends through hobbies or specific activities, choosing specialized apps is more effective.

JOIN US (For drinking party matching)
A matching app for spontaneous drinking meetups. Users can register their preferred drinks and drinking styles, and find nearby people via location info. Best suited for one-time or casual meetups rather than ongoing friendships. Men’s fees may be free at times.

GolWho (Golf enthusiasts)
A golf-specific matching app with detailed filters like scores and ride-sharing options. Includes features to match with pro golfers and SNS-like timeline functions. Ideal for making friends through golf, but not suitable for unrelated interests.

Safety Checklist When Using Friend-Making Apps

Always verify the following safety features before choosing an app:

• Is identity verification with ID (preferably with photo) required?
• Is there 24-hour or regular monitoring?
• Are reporting and blocking functions available?
• Is age verification strictly enforced?
• Can inappropriate content be filtered on timelines or social features?
• Are privacy settings customizable?
• Is there a clear policy on data deletion after withdrawal?

Checking these points helps ensure you select a service where you can use the app safely and comfortably. An app with a good balance of safety and usability will allow you to take your first steps into new friendships securely.

Overall Ranking: Recommended Apps by User Needs

Here is a summary of the best apps tailored to different priorities.

Overall 1st: Touch
Prioritizing safety, Touch offers 24-hour monitoring and strict ID verification. Women-only and dedicated to friend-making, it’s highly recommended for those seeking a secure environment.

For fandom/hobby focus: Favomatch
Best for users wanting to connect over specific interests like fandom or otaku activities. Its detailed search functions help find like-minded people sharing the same world.

For detailed search needs: DotMatch
Ideal for users who want to find friends based on precise conditions like location, days off, or hobbies. Its extensive filters make matching easier.

For male users: Bumble
Suitable for men seeking both opposite- and same-sex friends, with low costs and international reach.

For users over 30: Somli
Targeted at middle-aged users, with features tailored to find friends in the same life stage, based on age, children, hobbies, etc.

Choosing a friend-making app that balances safety and ease of use according to your needs will help you start building new friendships safely and enjoyably.