Meetup alternatives in India: the best apps to find groups and make friends offline
Meetup is a well-known name for groups and events. But if you're in an Indian city and want to actually make friends, there are other ways in. Here's an honest guide.
- Meetup is built for organisers who run groups. Organisers pay a subscription, which Meetup lists in US dollars.
- If you want small groups and real friendships, look for apps that focus on meeting the same people again.
- BeSocialz is an Indian alternative with group hangouts, events, clubs, a Feed and chat in one app.
- Whatever you choose, book one plan this week and go back within two weeks.
Search "app like Meetup" in India and you'll find a mix of global apps, ticket sites and WhatsApp groups. They all promise people and plans, but they work very differently.
Here's an honest look at Meetup and its alternatives, so you can pick the one that fits what you want. We built BeSocialz, so we'll say where we fit, but every option here has its strengths.
How Meetup works
Meetup is one of the oldest platforms for groups and events. Organisers create groups around interests like tech, hiking, books or languages, and post events that members RSVP to.
Organisers pay a subscription. Meetup's help page lists its organiser plans in US dollars: Standard starts at $29.99 a month or $174.99 a year, and PRO starts at $55 per group per month. Prices vary by location, and the page doesn't list India-specific prices. (Meetup help: organiser subscription)
Good for: interest groups, professional and tech events. Keep in mind: many events are large. It's easy to attend, listen to a talk and leave without really meeting anyone.
What to look for in a Meetup alternative
If your goal is friends, not just events, look for:
- Small groups. Four to ten people, so everyone talks.
- Repeat plans. Clubs or regular plans where you see the same faces.
- Easy hosting. So anyone can start a plan, not just paid organisers.
- Local focus. Plans near you, in your city, in your language.
- Clear payments and refunds. You should know the price and the refund rule before you book.
Meetup alternatives in India
BeSocialz
An Indian app built for your whole offline social life. Instead of one format, it brings several together:
- Hangouts: small group tables set up by a host, like dinner for five. You see the host, the area, the language and the age group before you book.
- Events: group plans in food, startups, movies and more, free or with tickets.
- Clubs: meet the same group again and again.
- Feed and chats: say hi to people nearby and talk to your group.
- Host and earn: anyone can host a hangout or meetup and earn from every seat. Payments go through Razorpay.
Good for: people in Indian cities who want real friends, not just events. Keep in mind: it's growing city by city, starting with Hyderabad.
Timeleft
Timeleft runs dinners with strangers. You answer a personality test and get matched with five other people, and you pay for your own food and drinks at the restaurant. (Timeleft help: how it works)
Good for: a ready-made dinner plan. Keep in mind: you don't choose who you meet, and it runs only in the cities where it has launched.
Bumble BFF
The friendship side of Bumble. You swipe and match one-on-one, and it has added groups for chatting and planning.
Good for: people who like to chat before meeting. Keep in mind: swiping can feel like dating, and many chats never become a meetup.
Ticket and event apps
Event apps are great for concerts, shows and big events. But you usually go with friends you already have, and leave without meeting anyone new. Read ticket apps vs making friends.
WhatsApp and Instagram community groups
Local groups can work, but they're often noisy, with hundreds of members and few real plans.
Side by side
| How you meet | Group size | Who can host | Built in India | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meetup | Interest groups and events | Often large | Organisers with a paid subscription | No |
| BeSocialz | Group hangouts, events, clubs, Feed, chat | Small tables to bigger events | Anyone | Yes |
| Timeleft | Matched dinners | About six | Timeleft organises | No |
| Bumble BFF | Swipe, chat, groups | One-on-one first | Not applicable | No |
Which one should you choose?
- Want big interest groups or tech talks? Meetup.
- Want a ready-made dinner with strangers? Check if Timeleft runs in your city.
- Want to chat first? Bumble BFF.
- Want small groups, clubs and real friends in an Indian city, with the option to host? Try BeSocialz. It's free on Android and iOS.
Read next: best apps to make friends in India and how to find a group of friends.
