Social networking apps aren't what they promised: Meeting new people and forming new connections. Instead, they drown you with ads and bombard you with content.
So, how do you meet new people? Some people turn to dating apps like Bumble Friends, but they rarely work out.
Apps like FeverUp, Luma, and TheFork all help you find local events, parties, or gatherings, but what if you're looking for casual events hosted by locals?
Meetup claims to bring together people with shared interests and spark new friendships, but is it legit?
I signed up myself and used it for a couple of months to get a good idea of whether they're what they say they are. (Hint: they're not)
What Is Meetup?
Meetup is a social platform (available as a website and app) that connects people through events based on shared interests. Whether you’re a local looking to spice up your weekend plans or a traveler hoping to meet people abroad, Meetup helps you find communities and activities that match your vibe.
So, is Meetup legit? The short answer: Yes. Most events are hosted by real people, and the app has a massive global user base. However, like any social platform, your experience will depend on the groups you join and how well you vet the events.
Here’s how Meetup works:
- Create a profile.
- Browse local groups and events.
- Join a group or RSVP to an event.
- Show up and meet new people!
From hiking and painting to professional networking and book clubs, you’ll find meetups for just about everything.
What is Meetup Used For?
Meetup connects people who enjoy doing similar activities—whether you’re into yoga, tech talks, or happy hours. It’s an excellent tool for travelers because it lets you join events in any city you visit.
People use Meetup for all sorts of reasons, including:
- Making friends while traveling
- Networking professionally
- Learning new skills
- Finding workout buddies
- Joining niche communities
There are even virtual meetups, which can be handy if you want to connect from home.
How Does Meetup Work?
Getting started with Meetup is simple:
- Sign up using your email, Facebook, Google, or Apple account.
- Create a profile (tip: use a clear photo of yourself).
- Browse events by location, interest, or group category.
- Join a group or event!
Once you RSVP to an event, you’ll see the details, including the time, location, and how to identify the host. Some groups use signs, flags, or other markers to make it easier for you to spot them.
Travel Hack: Finding Local Events While Traveling
If you’re traveling, change your Meetup location to the city you’re visiting. Simply update your profile, and Meetup will show you local events near your new destination using GPS and your local network. It’s a quick way to connect with locals and other travellers.
Meetup Groups vs. Events: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick clarification:
- Meetup Groups: Think of this as a club or community focused on a similar interests, like a hiking group or a language exchange.
- Meetup Events: These are the individual gatherings organized by Meetup Groups, like a Saturday morning hike or a monthly book club meeting.
Meetup Groups is designed around a specific theme and is managed by one or several organizers. Groups are permanent, lasting until the organizer decides to dissolve it or if it's removed for any platform violations.
If you use the Meetup platform, you can join these groups, and once you do, you'll get notifications of the group's activities and events.
Depending on the group, there might be a vetting process to join or even membership fees.
Unlike the permanent nature of a Meetup Group, a Meetup event has a defined start and end, such as a gathering planned for a specific afternoon. The group's organizers put these events together, and members of the group can RSVP to participate.
Some events might limit the number of participants or charge a fee.
In essence, while a Meetup Group is the overarching organization, a Meetup or Event is a specific activity organized by that group.
Is Meetup Free?
For most users, Meetup is free. You can join groups, RSVP to events, and meet new people without paying anything. However, some groups charge small admin fees to help cover event costs.
If you want to create and manage a Meetup Group, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee. Here’s a quick breakdown:
• Basic Organizer Plan: $14.99/month for groups with up to 50 members.
• Unlimited Organizer Plan: $19.99/month for larger groups.
• Meetup Pro: Starts at $30/month and is designed for businesses or organizations managing multiple groups.
How Much Does a Meetup Group Cost to Make?
That being said, if you're more of an organizer, you'll need to spend some money to run a group on Meetup.
There's a fee if you want to run your Meetup Group, but you'll find 2 different price points. The price you pay will depend on the number of members and co-organizers.
The costs are US$14.99 per month if your group has up to 50 members and 3 co-organizers or US$19.99 per month with no restrictions.
Meetup Pro
There is also a subscription model that you can sign up for called Meetup Pro. This premium version of the Meetup app is marketed more as an organizer subscription, but it could also be helpful for you!
If you seek to manage and grow communities while moving, you may want to become a subscriber.
Whether organizing events or looking for like-minded travelers, Meetup Pro provides advanced tools and features to enhance your travel experience.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Streamlined Organization: Manage your travel groups, easily schedule meetups, and communicate effectively with your community, all from a centralized dashboard.
- Analytics and Insights: Get a better understanding of your fellow travelers with comprehensive analytics. Track engagement, monitor event attendance, and tailor your meetups to everyone’s liking.
- Enhanced Visibility: With advanced SEO features and priority listing in Meetup searches, your travel group will attract more like-minded members, extending your network and reach.
- Customizable Branding: Create a unique identity for your travel group with customizable branding options. Make a great first impression and foster community among your fellow travelers.
- Dedicated Support: Enjoy priority support and have your queries and issues addressed promptly, allowing you to focus on exploring and building connections.
- Networking Opportunities: Meetup Pro isn’t just about organizing events; it’s about creating meaningful connections. Connect with other Pro users and explore partnerships and learning experiences within the community.
If this doesn't sound like it's for you, that's okay too. I thought it was essential to let you know there is access to something like this if you ever need it.
Meetup Pricing 2025 (Pro Subscription)
The subscription model for the Meetup app is "$30 per group per month billed every six months or $35 per group per month billed month to month." This is set to auto-renewal unless you manually change the settings!
Another thing to note is that Meetup has region-based subscription pricing, which means that organizer subscriptions are often cheaper than the stated price.
You can start a Meetup Pro network with a 1-month free trial and create up to 20 groups.
Is Meetup Safe?
Short answer: Yes, if you're cautious.
As I mentioned, Meetup.com is a legitimate social website to connect. Meetups can be fantastic opportunities to connect with interested people and new groups of friends while abroad.
But just because Meetup is legit, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take steps to be careful.
When meeting people off the internet, there's the possibility of meeting creeps looking for more than just a friendly meeting.
Many female users app feedback was that groups are often not balanced well (more men than women) or that the members use groups to meet and flirt with women.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community have said they experienced discrimination from vendors, unwanted group members, or the general public while out on a Meetup.
Even if there are potential new friends through using Meetup, is it worth going through possible bad experiences?
In my opinion, it should not deter you from trying the app. If you keep the possible dangers in mind and take the necessary precautions, you should still have a safe and fun Meetup.
If there are any concerns during the meet-up, you can bring them to the host, who can deal with them.
What I Like About Meetup
It's a Good Way to Meet New People
I love that Meetup is a reliable app for travelers to meet new friends while abroad.
It's a great way to get people out of their comfort zones. You may be slightly uncomfortable, but I bet you'll have many lifelong memories of a unique experience in another city.
Meetup is simple and easy to use, with many groups to join. Whatever your favorite topic, you'll be sure to find a Meetup Group with its own events that will add value to your trip.
A lot of criticisms revolve around mediocre and bad meetups, but I think that's unavoidable with most social apps. Think about how many red flags you swipe left on in Tinder lol. I would generally aim for active groups and events with reviews, or have an active community elsewhere (Discord, Reddit, etc).
It's Easy to Use
Meetup’s interface is simple and intuitive. Finding events, RSVPing, and changing your location is quick and hassle-free.
Best of All? It's Mostly Free
For members attending events, the app is generally free to use. And even when fees pop up, they’re usually small and reasonable.
What Meetup Can Improve On
Sneaky Costs
Meetup can improve a few points like limiting the costs for its users passed down from hosts.
Many users find that more and more groups are charging people to be in the group. These small dues help the host cover the cost of the group or event. Generally they're pretty transparent with how these proceeds are utilized, but mileage may vary.
When Meetup was new, its services were free, and many weren't fans of the change.
Inappropriate Users
Depending on how attentive the host is to their group, it can be hard to bring attention to inappropriate users who should be removed from the group or events. These users can affect the overall safety of using the app.
More moderation and moderator tools should exist to rule out these users breaking terms of service.
Limited Groups Based on Location
If you’re in a less populated area, you may find fewer Meetup events to choose from. Some cities have no events at all.
What Are Other People Saying?
Real People, Real Connections
The Meetup app is not just about bringing together like-minded individuals but about forging connections between real people.
Users across the globe are finding value in building relationships and creating memorable experiences.
A Great Resource for Socializing
Many users have expressed their delight in discovering such a valuable tool for socializing.
Whether it’s about exploring shared hobbies or learning something new, the Meetup app has proven to be a versatile and indispensable resource in connecting people and fostering communities.
Diverse Opinions Through Meetup App Reviews
My deep dive into the Meetup app reviews reveals a spectrum of user experiences. These reviews highlight the app’s efficiency in organizing and discovering events and showcase the diversity and inclusivity inherent in the Meetup community.
The varying perspectives and stories users share underscore the app’s role in creating meaningful and enjoyable social interactions while traveling.
Is Meetup Worth It?
Generally, Yes!
While Meetup isn’t perfect, it's a good platform for meeting new people and discovering local events, especially with shared hobbies or interest. If you’re a traveler or someone looking to expand your social network, it’s worth downloading the app and giving it a try.
I'd say Meetup is more for intent-specific meetups. Events like parties, professional events, or socials aren't Meetup's strong suit.
Just remember to keep safety in mind, and don’t be discouraged if your first event isn’t a perfect fit. The more you explore, the more likely you’ll find groups and events that feel right for you.
My Rating: 4.1/5
Pros
- Easy to meet new people
- Find hidden-gem events!
- Easy-to-use interface
- Free (mostly)
Cons
- Sneaky costs
- Inappropriate users
- Varied experiences
- Limited coverage in smaller cities
Organize Your Next Trip With Pilot!
If you're on the lookout for new curated events, a simple search on Meetup gives you access to meet new people and for new connections.
But what if you're traveling with friends already? Planning an entire trip with others can be tricky, but that's where Pilot comes in... Your trip planning is about to get a whole lot more exciting and seamless.
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