Some apps for making friends in NYC give you a club to come back to. Others start with a one-on-one chat or put you at a dinner table with strangers. Pick the format you’d actually show up for.
If you’d rather start with an activity than an app, see our guide to making friends in NYC.
US App Store ratings as of September 2026.
Best for ambitious young professionals
1. Clockout
Clockout helps you meet other professionals through local clubs and events, including mixers and dinners. You can pick a group around an interest, then keep in touch in the club discussion.
Clockout is free to download. Gold is optional and some events charge for RSVPs. Our concierge team reviews applications. A friend’s invite can let you skip the waitlist. Membership FAQ
- iPhone
- 4.7 from 7.8K ratings
- Clubs and local events
Best for finding almost any interest group
2. Meetup
Meetup is useful when you already know what you’d like to do, whether that’s a language exchange, a run club, or a board-game night. Each organizer runs their own group, so check when it last met and whether you can make the next date.
- 4.7 from 273K ratings
- Interest-based groups
- Host or join events
Best for starting with a profile and chat
3. BFF
BFF starts with profiles and chat. You decide who to talk to before you make plans. There are also groups if you’d prefer to start with a shared interest. When a conversation is going well, suggest something simple, like coffee at a place you both know.
- iPhone
- 4.2 from 8.2K ratings
- Photo-verified profiles
Best for a plan that is already organized
4. Timeleft
With Timeleft, you choose an outing and the app arranges the group and venue. The format is useful if you want to arrive with a group already assigned and you’re comfortable leaving those details to the app.
Our guide to Timeleft alternatives in NYC compares matched dinners, hosted meals, and recurring groups.
- 4.6 from 8.4K ratings
- Matched small groups
- Dinners, coffee, drinks, and runs
Best for people who like an element of surprise
5. 222
222 uses a questionnaire to send invitations to group outings in public places. The first conversation happens in person. Invitation timing and availability can vary, so the format is easier to fit in when your schedule is flexible.
- iPhone
- 4.7 from 6.5K ratings
- Curated group experiences
Which app should you try first?
Start with one outing you can fit into your week. If you enjoyed the activity, go back. It’s easier to pick up a conversation when you’ve already met someone once.
Try one outing this week
- Choose one app that matches how you prefer to meet people.
- Complete enough of your profile to give someone a natural opening question.
- Join one event, group, or plan that takes place within thirty minutes of home or work.
- Speak to two people and follow up with the one conversation you want to continue.
- Return to the same group or format the following week.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app to make friends in NYC?
For recurring clubs and a chance to meet other professionals, start with Clockout. If you’d rather meet over a hobby, start with an interest group. If you’d prefer to skip the planning, look for an outing where the group is already arranged.
Are friendship apps safe?
No app removes every risk. Meet in a public place, tell someone where you are going, arrange your own transportation, and leave if the situation feels wrong. Use the reporting and verification tools available in the app.
Do friendship apps work if I am shy?
A shared activity gives you something to talk about. At a class or volunteer shift, you can start by asking whether someone has been before.
Find a local club on Clockout
Browse clubs by interest and see when they meet next.
Get Clockout on the App Store
4.7 on the App Store, based on 7.8K ratings