Ashley Madison is an online dating platform. But it is not a usual dating app. The main feature of the service is that people who are already in a serious relationship are offered to meet there. The company’s slogan is “Life is short. Have an affair.” The platform has been around for over 20 years and, in that time, has become popular among secret romance seekers, with a user base of over 100 million accounts worldwide. But success in dating sites of all kinds is about more than just the number of users.
Confidentiality of information is essential, especially when it comes to secret affairs. Ashley Madison has problems with saving data about its users. Several times since 2015, their databases have experienced hacker attacks, after which all information about platform users, including private emails and contact details, became publicly available. The history of the service in terms of the reality of users could be better. Bots, especially female ones, have been seen more than once. When choosing a platform to search for a secret affair, you should consider these points and only sometimes choose the most popular option. In this article, we will discuss Ashley Madison’s alternative, the advantages and disadvantages of other sites, and compare all platforms.
Ashley Madison Competitors: Discovering Similar Platforms for Affairs
Yes, besides Ashley Madison, there are many dating platforms for people in relationships. These are smaller but reliable Ashley Madison free alternatives that offer not worse but often better terms of use and ensure data security. Before we talk about each platform in detail, let’s briefly consider its features so that it will be easier for you to choose a suitable alternative.
- DoULike – best for serious relationships.
- AdultFriendFinder – best for sex experiments.
- Seeking – best for luxury dates.
- Gleeden – best for married women.
- Pure – best for casual dating.
- Heated Affairs – best for secret affairs.
- Passion – best for young people.
- NoStringsAttached – best for flirting.
- Secret Benefits – best for effective search.
- Eharmony – best for the total match.
- Match – best for long-term relationships.
- EliteSingles – best for educated partners.
- Tinder – best for young users.
- Zoosk – best for casual dating.
- Okcupid – best for friends and networking.
- Grindr – best for queers.
- Raya – best for professional and friendly contacts.
Ashley Madison Alternatives: Top Sites for Confidential Relationships
Many platforms are functionally similar to Ashley Madison. It is easy to get lost in them, as well as to agree to the first best offer. To better understand which alternative dating site for secret affairs suits you, you need to study this area in detail. Here, we offer a description of each platform in several categories. In this way, it will be easy for you to familiarize yourself with numerous alternatives to Ashley Madison and choose the best option for you.
DoULike
Overview: DoULike is a dating site with a simple algorithm for finding and selecting a potential couple. He doesn’t specialize in secret affairs but has a good track record in pairing success. Unlike Ashley Madison, more than 80% of accounts here are verified. That is, they belong to real people.
Target Audience: DoULike’s primary target audience is people looking for love. It is a platform that helps you find that special someone and start a relationship. The users of the application are people of different age categories, so you have a chance to find a couple at any age. Also, the application best determines the location in the USA – there is the most extensive user base.
Search Filters: The set of search filters here is usual. You choose from such categories as age and gender. However, a feature is the exact search by location. That’s why it’s easy to search for local singles with this app.
Matching Algorithms: The algorithm for finding a pair here is straightforward. You start looking for singles using the filters you need. If you like someone, click on the heart-shaped button. Next, you should wait until someone you want likes you back. This is called a match. Now you can text this person and arrange a meeting. One Important category by which reliable pairs are formed is Valuable matches. This mechanism creates matches based on the values and beliefs of two people, not just interests and age preferences. In this way, the proposed couples can form more vital unions based on shared visions of life.
| Better than Ashley Madison | | Worse than Ashley Madison |
  | Mostly real users |  | Secret affairs are not the
number one priority among users |
| Great location-based search | | DoULike is mainly used in the USA |
| Simple and user-friendly matching algorithms | | |
AdultFriendFinder
Overview: AdultFriendFinder calls itself the largest online dating platform on the Internet. In addition to a dating site, it is also a social network with an internal judgment-free environment and a non-traditional dating community. Here is a blog with a lot of helpful information about sex dating and sex life.
Target Audience: Primarily, this platform was created for swingers and all alternative types of relationships. People who want to have fun and touch the world of alternative sex are now registering there. Age groups are very different, as well as user locations. Everyone will be able to find something for themselves.
Search Filters: Searching for a pair or pair is based on standard filters with unique features. For example, in addition to age and location on AdultFriendFinder, you can choose exactly who you are looking for: men, women, a couple, or maybe a swinger group immediately. Filters also help you find like-minded people in the city closest to you.
Matching Algorithms: To start a frank online chat with someone, you just need to register and start searching for people according to the selected filters. The platform does not have a mechanism of liking on both sides, only an open field for communication and organizing meetings. Sexting is guaranteed here, but you have to pay for video chat.
| Better than Ashley Madison | | Worse than Ashley Madison |
| Open and nonjudgmental community | | Worse matching algorithms |
| More real users | | Fewer search filters |
| Simple and user-friendly matching
algorithms | | |
Seeking
Overview: Life is too short to settle is the slogan of the Seeking platform, which was founded for online dating in 2006. The founders offer to find on the site not only love but also a profitable union of two successful and attractive people. Many interesting functions help you get to know each other better: video chats, messengers, and sharing private photos.
Target Audience: The main principle of the site is to get what you want. A significant part of the audience wants to get a successful and generous partner and speaks about it directly. The age of users is diverse, and the location can be in any of the 140 countries of the world where people use this application. “Our goal remains steadfast in helping success-minded people find what truly makes them happy, whether it is romance, travel, luxury, freedom, or whatever it is they aspire to in their connections.” – is said on their site.
Search Filters: The Seeking platform has special search filters that allow you to show a potential partner what you are looking for immediately. In addition to age and gender, the site offers to choose a couple based on shared interests, goals, and views on relationships. This significantly narrows the number of potential partners, simplifies the search, and saves you time.
Matching Algorithms: On the site, you must register and tell about yourself honestly and in detail. This will help you find the best match later. Based on shared interests and views, you can start online communication. There is also an opportunity to exchange private photos within the platform to prepare for the upcoming meeting.
| Better than Ashley Madison | | Worse than Ashley Madison |
| Background Verification of each user, no bots | | It is not focused on affairs only |
| More ways of connecting with your potential date | | Fewer users |
Gleeden
Overview: Gleeden is a platform for married women looking for secret affairs, especially within the European Union. The platform emphasizes its complete security of personal data and the preservation of user anonymity. The system also has round-the-clock support from moderators who monitor site policy compliance.
Target Audience: Married women and men who also want to go on such an adventure. The app is free for women, while men have to pay to use it. 60% of female users are residents of Europe. This is not a purely American story, like the previous few platforms. On this site, women are looking for relationships of various types, both platonic and romantic, serious and for fun.
Search Filters: Each account contains brief basic information about the user, such as name, mostly made up to preserve anonymity, age, and location. It is easier to understand whether a person is suitable for you, even for communication, thanks to short descriptions “about yourself” and photos that the user adds to his profile. Based on this, the search is conducted.
Matching Algorithms: On Gleeden, women rate men based on their profile. Both parties, of course, create an account and talk about themselves, but the woman has the last word. The application provides an opportunity to communicate within the platform after the match has taken place.
| Better than Ashley Madison | | Worse than Ashley Madison |
| A reliable security system and completely anonymous users are allowed | | One-side matching algorithms |
| Wide range of countries with active users | | Fewer search filters |
| Individualized advice by dating experts | | |
Pure
Overview: This is a platform for online dating of all kinds. The main slogan of the site: “Pure – dating with no shame.” The main advantage and difference of the site is that it is not only a platform for dating but also an online magazine with information and articles about all areas of the world of dating, sex, relationships, and, most importantly, the use and success of finding a partner on the site. Also, the platform’s applications provide its users with video chat that is not recorded on any device or cloud.
Target Audience: Many of Pure’s users are young people aged 23 to 40. Most of them are men, only 30% are women. There are fewer active users than other platforms – just over half a million. But most people on the platform are determined to actively search for a partner, so the chances will be high.
Search Filters: You can search for a potential couple on this platform by selecting gender, age, location, and other people’s preferences and views. As for location, Pure has a feature to choose a certain distance from your site rather than just searching by location. A worldwide search is also available if you are interested in foreign dating.
Matching Algorithms: Everything starts with registration, during which you tell about yourself. Next, if both parties like each other, you will have 24 hours to start chatting. After a day, this option will become unavailable, the chat will be destroyed, and you will both receive anonymous nicknames for each other.
| Better than Ashley Madison | | Worse than Ashley Madison |
| Mostly active users, no bots | | Only 500k users |
| 100% confidential video chat | | Fewer search filters |
| Pure Journal with articles about dating and relationships | | Only 24 hours to start the chat |
Heated Affairs
Overview: This site is considered the largest platform for cheating in the world – 40 million users. They come here for only one thing – secret affairs. This site is similar to AdultFriendFinder’s users but differs in that you can find friendships and relationships, not just sex. On the site, it is possible to join intimate live broadcasts and watch user videos.
Target Audience: Anyone looking for romance, cheating, and sex outside of their relationship. Or just for fun. Tens of millions of users are registered here, so the age and location are very diverse. But it is worth remembering that sex is still the goal of the majority, so do not expect that you will find a long-term relationship here.
Search Filters: Despite the vast geography, the out-of-town search filter works great here, up to a few kilometers nearby. Also, here you can choose with whom you want to enter the video chat or meet in person: a man, a woman, or perhaps a couple.
Matching Algorithms: Everything is very simple without mutual support. You just need to register, and enter all your data. You can even remain anonymous, tell about your interests and preferences, and start searching. On the site, choose among thousands of video chats, live broadcasts, or texts and arrange a meeting.
| Better than Ashley Madison | | Worse than Ashley Madison |
| Open and friendly community | | Fewer users |
| Erotic live streams | | Sex and pleasure are the main goals, no long-term affairs |
Zoosk
Zoosk had already made romantic relationships for pure enjoyment simpler than most other sites. It began as a Facebook app, but it has since managed to grow to over 40 million users and continued to improve its matchmaking structure.
Zoosk works flawlessly on mobile devices, allowing you to keep chats and emails strictly confidential.
Furthermore, the company introduced photo identification functionalities a few years ago to help make the platform more genuine. This software prevents users from submitting photos of themselves that are significantly younger than their current ages.
MaritalAffair
Marital Affair is a common and useful platform in many ways. Your personality will stay confidential due to dependable data protection measures, which is critical if you need to keep your affair strictly confidential.
This system does not have the same number of accounts as other hookup services. As a result, your options will be limited to a thousand people on average. Even so, you can easily find an extramarital companion for great sex. This service will satisfy you if it’s what you’re seeking on this platform.
On this platform, you can text other members, watch webcam live performances, and have enjoyment with seductive models. You should include pictures and complete all of the questionnaires to get the most attention.
Tinder
Tinder is among the most widely known dating and matchmaking apps on the market. You can quickly find matches based on your location and connectivity on this popular alternative to Ashely Madison. To accept or reject a match, simply swipe left or right.
Nevertheless, you will only be able to communicate your interest if both of you swipe right.
Gleeden
Gleeden is designed for women searching for an unforgettable dating app experience. Even better if you’re already in a partnership. Women can use the website for free. Men are charged for credits, which they can spend on things like sending messages.
Members can choose confidentiality for only certain profile sections, such as photos, to maintain discretion.
EliteSingles
EliteSingles’ matchmaking matches you to somebody who is a good match for you based on numerous mature members and an outstanding matchmaking scheme. It does not imply that you are obligated to date the person indefinitely.
Furthermore, because the website prohibits sketchy and off-putting behavior and attitude, you’ll have a good chance of meeting somebody decent and truly worth your time. Immature users are also quickly filtered out by the company. The website has over 13 million members worldwide.
VictoriaMilan
Victoria Milan is Europe’s Ashley Madison. The website is a good substitute for Ashley Madison, with over 6 million registered members, the majority of whom are from European countries.
Furthermore, the website offers users a location feature known as “People Nearby.” You can easily find a match right in your neighborhood. Furthermore, the website has over 7 million subscribers worldwide.
Match
Match.com was one of the first adult matchmaking websites around the world, and it now operates in over 50 countries. Furthermore, the website has been created in a dozen different languages.
Match is well-known for its efficient user experience, match-making techniques, and emphasis on privacy protection. Even so, there is one disadvantage for married people looking for casual relationships or affairs: it may take more time, compassion, and money to find someone who shares your background or desires.
However, because of the size and diversity of its membership, you can join groupings based on religious beliefs, ethnic background, sexual preference, and a variety of other personal identifiers.
Find New Passion
FindNewPassion is not your typical dating website that connects singles. It was designed for married people or people who are presently in partnerships and who have seen enough of their mundane lives and are looking for partners to share new romantic experiences with.
This is a discreet online platform for finding your true perfect match, with whom you can also become close acquaintances without any sexual connotation. The website’s main advantages are its complete anonymity and confidentiality.
FindNewPassion provides many options for free users; nevertheless, if you want to send out a message, you must upgrade to a Premium subscription.
Eharmony
This popular dating and gathering website was established in 2001 and is regarded as one of the first in its field. Furthermore, it is one of Ashley Madison’s main competitors.
With a strong emphasis on suitability, it’s no surprise that eHarmony is well-known for sending its members down the aisle. On sign-up, you take a thorough personality and desires questionnaire, which is then supplied into an algorithm that finds you the highest suitable matches.
eHarmony rapidly rose to prominence as one of the first websites designed using algorithms, then after a decade of activity, it had more than 29 million users.
If you’re looking for a fling or an extramarital affair, this may be a tough platform to find partners on.
How does Ashley Madison Work?
It’s a casual dating site filled with real people who are looking for marital infidelity affairs and other things. If this is what you’re after, Ashley Madison is unbelievably tough to match. There is no other platform with an even more active user community, and no other platform has been designed to maintain such flexibility.
Ashley Madison has chosen a credit system over a monthly subscription. Men who use the platform must purchase credits in order to communicate with other users. Credits become more affordable as you purchase more, and different actions necessitate a different amount of credits.
Ashley Madison would want you to spend a lot of money on their platform, so it’s a little complex and difficult. On the one hand, it’s fantastic that you only pay for the services you use. However, it is still expensive.
Women, on the other hand, can do anything on the Ashley Madison platform for free, which is why Ashley Madison has such a large user base.
Ashley Madison registration is entirely free, and you do not even need to provide your credit card details. You are also not required to use your real name or address.
While you still can create an account on the Ashley Madison website, we strongly advise you to download the app, which is accessible for iOS and Android devices, for extra protection.
A few subscribers prefer not to include a profile photo, which may make meeting other people more complicated.
First and foremost, if you are not yet ready to make a financial commitment to Ashley Madison, there are some ways to try out the site for free.
If you’re a guy, your possibilities are minimal, but there are a few.
Ashley Madison allows you to create a profile, fill out your information, and begin using a basic version of the site for free. You can look through profile pictures and explore the webpage. You can search for users based on your personal tastes and see who is available to socialize in your region. Users can also observe thousands of other profiles on the platform by selecting Discover mode from the home page.
Men can send one free message after registering, but they must purchase credits to keep the conversation going after the first text.
For female users, Ashley Madison provides free messaging. Ashley Madison’s entire site is available for female users, which is among the explanations it has such a large female base of users. If you’re a woman, your unrestricted Ashley Madison possibilities are countless. You can send long conversations, completely open chatrooms, strike up conversations, and do other things.
Women will receive free interactive features that men must pay for.
You only need to provide the essentials: age, relationship status, height, weight, and so on. You must provide an e-mail address, but it is best to be using a separate account that does not include your real identity or any other identifying information.
The Canadian internet dating website accepts payments via a variety of methods, which would be a huge plus for users who prefer flexible payment options. Among the most common payment methods accepted are:
- Paypal
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- Gift cards.
Despite being more expensive than some of its competitors, Ashley Madison has a growing group of active members.
Ashley Madison is the perfect gathering point for people looking for no-strings-attached kinds of relationships, with over 60 million users worldwide and over 50,000 everyday logins.
Furthermore, even though the vast majority of members are men, the majority of female members on the webpage are involved and rarely hesitate to engage in discussions with other appealing members.
Everyone understands that Ashley Madison isn’t for a long-term romantic relationship, but don’t be amazed to find somebody else you immediately click with and want to engage with for the near future.
How to Delete an Ashley Madison Account
If you want to delete your Ashley Madison account, you have two options. You can disable or delete your account entirely.
Deactivation is temporary and removes your profile from the platform’s search engine results. Furthermore, other Ashley Madison members will be unable to view your profile.
The second alternative is entire deletion, which means that your account will be eliminated from search results and the system.
To deactivate or delete your Ashley Madison account, you must use a desktop computer rather than the app edition. Navigate to the Manage Profile page and select Delete Profile or Deactivate Profile.
Conclusion
When looking for the perfect online hookup sites, consider where you want your account to be discovered. If you’re married, you might well be beginning to wonder how to find discreet and highly confidential hookups.
While meeting someone new at work or in nightclubs has its appeal, specialized dating sites and applications with matching algorithms and a powerful member base can help you speed up the process.
I am Linda Bunnell, freelancer and Relationship Expert.
