BDSM App Comparison

As kink and BDSM become more popular, app designers are working to try to provide the best social media and/or dating apps they can. For those looking to find a kink based app, it can be tricky finding one that fits your needs. 

To help you out, I'm going to review 4 of the more popular kink/BDSM apps: Fetlife, Whiplr, Knki, and Vanilla Umbrella.

Fetlife: (click name to visit site)

Fetlife main page when you open the app

Fetlife profile page

​Pros -

• Is one of the most popular kink and BDSM websites so you're guaranteed to encounter lots of people if that's what you're looking for.
• Discussion boards on just about any topic you can imagine.
• Event listings that make it easy to find things to do in your area.
• Fairly minimalistic design that makes navigating a snap.

Cons -

• The app isn't available to download via the Play Store or Apple AppStore. Instead you have to hope to find it via searching for the Fetlife apk file.
• Includes no search function for finding potential partners.

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Whiplr: (click name to visit site)

Whiplr's main page when you open the app. (Other profiles have been blurred to protect their anonymity)

Whiplr's event page.

Pros - 

• The app is set up for the purpose of connecting people to others in your area so the main page shows who is around you and how far away they are.
• The event section creates a quick way for events to list what's going on with linking directly to their website. Also makes it easier for event attendees to find things in their area and see who else is going.
• Design wise the app is appealing to the eyes and has an easy to navigate flow.

Cons - 

• When trying to set up your profile, they will deny any photo that may seem to be copyrighted (even if you can provide proof that it is your image).
• Messaging support is tricky as you can't always respond to the message they send after your initial contact.

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Knki: (click name to visit site)

Knki main page once the app is opened

Pros - 

• The ability to network with fellow kinky people.
• A photo feed that functions similar to Instagram for the purpose of sharing photos.
• Functions that allow you to filter your search results by age, sexuality, and more.
• Photo feed limitations keep the feed from containing a bunch of dick pictures.

Cons - 

• If photos you share are too risque, they'll be set to private by the reviewers which can't be undone.
• You cannot filter your search results based on how close they are to you.
• The overall design looks incomplete or like it was rushed, which is contrary to how well it is advertised.
• Limited features that focus mainly on the photo feed and not much else.

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Vanilla Umbrella: (click name to visit site)

Opening page when the app opens. The weather feature helps keep snoopers from finding out what the app is actually for.

Login page that relies on entering a pin to access the true purpose of the app.

Profile page within the app.

Pros - 

• ​Alternate first page that keeps snoopers from finding out what the app is actually for, along with being protected with a pin.
• App requires you to be "approved" or invited by a friend to help unwanted predators from joining.
• Great design that makes features easy to find and use.
• Ability to find potential partners that match your interests.

Cons - 

• ​Requiring an invite to join can make it difficult to access the app if you don't already have a friend with an account.
• Works mainly just as a hook-up/dating app rather than something that works all around for being more involved with kink as a whole (events, groups, etc.).
• Some features can take a little bit to load if your phone isn't fast enough.

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Final Comparison

In the end it all comes down to what you want and need out of the app. Need to find a partner? Need to find events? Want to share photos?

Below is a quick reference chart with all 4 apps and some of the major qualities people look for in these apps. Hope it helps!

Thanks for reading.