Quick answer
Illicit Encounters is the UK's largest dedicated affair dating platform. Shush is a privacy-first alternative with masked photos by default, city-level discovery, and support for ENM and polyamory alongside affair dating. This guide compares both for UK adults.
Two approaches to UK affair dating
Illicit Encounters was built specifically for the UK market and has the largest British user base among dedicated affair dating platforms. It is well known in the UK, which is both a strength (user base) and a risk (brand recognition in browser history or conversation).
Shush started in India as a privacy-first married dating app and is now available in the UK with city-level guides for London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Brighton.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Shush | Illicit Encounters |
|---|---|---|
| Photo handling | Masked by default; selective reveal | Photo options available |
| Location | City-level context | Area-based matching |
| UK user base | Growing | Largest UK-specific |
| International coverage | US, UK, Europe, AU, NZ | UK only |
| ENM/Polyamory support | Yes | Not explicitly positioned |
| Brand recognition risk | Low (newer brand) | Higher (well-known UK brand) |
Privacy comparison
Photo privacy
Shush masks photos by default — members see obscured images until both people agree to reveal. Illicit Encounters offers photo management options but the default approach differs. For UK adults where professional reputation is a concern, the default setting matters because it determines what happens if someone recognises the app in your browsing.
Location handling
Shush uses city or borough-level context. Illicit Encounters uses area-based matching. For London commuters who move between the City, Canary Wharf, and suburban areas, broad city context reduces the risk of being spotted by a colleague matching in the same narrow radius.
Brand recognition
Illicit Encounters is one of the best-known affair dating brands in the UK. This gives it a large user base, but it also means the brand name itself carries recognition. If “Illicit Encounters” appears in browser history, app store purchases, or an email notification, it immediately signals affair dating. Shush is a newer, less recognisable brand name.
Who should choose Shush
- Adults who want privacy as the default with masked photos
- People who also want to explore ENM, open relationships, or polyamory alongside affair dating
- UK adults who also travel or match internationally (Shush covers the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand)
- Members who prefer city-level discovery over area-based GPS matching
Who should choose Illicit Encounters
- Adults who prioritise UK user base size and want the most UK-specific matches
- People who are comfortable with the platform’s photo and location options
- Users who prefer a UK-built, UK-focused platform
The bottom line
Illicit Encounters built the UK affair dating category and has the largest domestic user base. Shush brings privacy-first defaults and international reach. The right choice depends on whether UK user base size or privacy-first controls matter more to you.
Disclaimer: Features, pricing, and availability change over time. Verify current features on official listings before creating an account.