Drowning in a sea of dating apps but still can’t find that special someone? We get it – swipe fatigue is real. With endless options, finding the right platform can feel totally overwhelming.
But believe it or not, quality dating sites tailored to your needs still exist – you just have to find them! Whether you’re looking for a carefree fling with no strings attached, a committed relationship that ultimately leads to the altar, or anything else in between, your match is out there.
In this article, we’ve rounded up 8 of the very best dating apps, so that you know exactly where to cast your net (and find someone you genuinely vibe with). Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Quick List:
1. Tinder
Tinder is certainly the most popular dating app and is a lot of fun to use. It uses your location information and your profile information to match you with other users in your area. Because the app is so popular, you’re likely to find people on this site no matter where you live.
After signing in to your account with your phone number or Facebook account, you can anonymously swipe left or tap X to pass on a suggested date, or swift right or tap the green heart to like someone. And if someone likes you, Tinder displays a message that says, “It’s a match!” Then, you can message each other through the app.
Tinder’s basic features are free to use, but if you’re willing to spend some money, you can unlock extra features with Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold. Tinder Plus costs $9.99/month if you’re under 30, and $19.99/month if you’re over 30; Tinder Gold generally costs $14.99 for one month, $44.99 for six months, and $59.99 for a year if you’re under 30, and for those who are over 30, it costs $24.99 for one month, $74.99 for six months, and $99.99 for a year.
2. Bumble
Bumble is a women-centered dating app and one of the best dating apps on the market. Hailed as the feminist dating app, Bumble puts the ladies in the driver’s seat by requiring them to initiate conversations after matching. This feature cuts down on unwanted advances from men.
Bumble also encourages engaging connections through time limits – matches expire after 24 hours if no message is sent, so ghosting is harder. For women seeking quality partners over casual swipes, this is a perk. Plus, Bumble offers handy privacy features like Incognito Mode to take the stress out of online dating.
You can also connect your social media profile, like your Instagram and Spotify, to your Bumble profile and give your potential matches a better look at you before they swipe away.
Apart from Bumble Date, the app also provides two features for you to meet people: Bumble BFF for meeting new friends, and Bumble Bizz for career-related networking. To switch to a different mode, you’ll need to rebuild your profile, choose photos and write a short bio.
Despite its many virtues, Bumble is not without its limitations. While Bumble is gaining popularity, its user pool is still on the smaller side. As a result, you may come across the same profiles circulating through your feed, especially in less populated areas. In addition, some men may not like the lack of control over initiating conversations. But if you embrace female empowerment and quality over quantity, Bumble could help you find fulfilling relationships on your terms.
3. eharmony
eharmony joined the dating scene in 2000 and it has thrived with millions of users over the past 20+ years. The site focuses on finding long-term love connections and sets itself apart from other dating apps with its powerful algorithm to match you and your potential partners.
You’ll need to fill out an extensive questionnaire upon signing up, and your answers will work to determine who your best matches will be. The What If feature will suggest potential romantic partners that you normally wouldn’t consider your type but might find surprisingly good for you.
One downside about the site is that although you can create an account and review your potential matches for free, you must be a paid member to send and receive messages on the site. The site offers a 3-day free trial, then the 1-month plan costs $59.95 or you can choose the 3-month plan for $29.95/month.
4. OkCupid
OkCupid sets itself apart with a vibrant, progressive approach to dating for all orientations and relationship styles. Known for its witty ads and embracing inclusivity, OkCupid attracts an eclectic community seeking something real – be it casual or committed.
OkCupid’s in-depth profile and match questions allow you to get to know potential dates beyond just pics. You can highlight what matters to you, from social issues to hobbies, and find someone truly compatible. While the site’s look and functionality could use some polish, OkCupid delivers where it counts – bringing together an adventurous, diverse crowd.
Another common critique OkCupid receives is its paywalled messaging, as can be expected on most freemium platforms yet still frustrating. As a free user, you can’t access incoming messages, nor can you see if your messages have been read or scroll back in the conversation history, which could be irksome to some. Our advice is to start by dipping your toes into the water, and if you decide that it’s the right fit for you, you may then upgrade to its premium membership for seamless, unlimited communication.
5. Plenty of Fish
Founded in 2003, POF is one of the most mature dating services. With a huge user pool and a billion messages sent on the platform every month, POF is here to get you talking to people – it puts messaging front and center, prioritizing your inbox and a list of users that are more likely to respond to messages and allow you to contact any fellow users without matching or subscribing, which differentiates itself from other dating sites.
While POF does offer a subscription, you can use all major features for free, including messages, adding members to your favorite list, getting matches and viewing profiles. The Plenty of Fish premium is also affordable compared to its competitors. The monthly cost for a 12-month plan is $10.70, and for a 6-month plan is $16.05, and for a 3-month plan is $21.40.
6. HER
If you’re a lesbian, bisexual, or queer woman seeking love online, the app HER – as its name implies – aims to connect you with like-minded individuals. Boasting over 5 million users across the spectrum of sexualities, HER is the largest women-focused LGBTQ dating app.
What makes HER unique is its focus on community. The app fosters in-person events and friend connections between queer women across the globe. It also encourages users to showcase their true selves through in-depth profiles highlighting passions, quirks, and personality.
While primarily for dating, many also use HER to expand their social circle and connect platonically within the LGBTQ community. The app welcomes those seeking any type of bond with queer women – be it friendships, relationships, or more.
That said, HER does have some drawbacks reported by users. Some users complain of a high number of inactive accounts and men sporadically attempting to slide into the conversations. The free version also restricts access to certain features. But despite its flaws, HER remains a one-of-a-kind space for LGBTQ women to authentically connect.
7. Hinge
Hinge is a free dating app that emphasizes meaningful connections. The app requires mobile number verification during the sign-up process, which limits fake profiles, and you’ll also need to provide photos and answer questions on controversial topics. Your answers will later show up on your profile where people can leave you a comment or give you a like. If someone gives you a like, you’re a match.
While Hinge profiles look great, they can take longer to view than most dating apps. If you’re tired of fast, mindless swiping, start building your profile and have decent conversations with serious daters on Hinge.
Communicating with people on Hinge is totally free. But to use advanced search filters and see who likes you, you can sign up for a premium subscription. Monthly payments for Hinge premium membership begin at around $10 per month.
8. Match
Founded in 1993, Match is one of the longest-running dating services. It has a sophisticated matchmaking algorithm to help you find compatible matches and the interface is finely tuned.
Match.com is open to casual, short-term, and long-term relationships, as well as to LGBT profiles, so it’s important that you’re clear on your dating goal on the profile so it’s an upfront knowledge for your matches.
You can easily set up a free account using your email address or Facebook account. While with the free account, you can view matches, if you want to email or message other members, you need to sign up for a paid plan. Match offers a 7-day free trial, then the 1-month plan for $40.99, and up to a 12-month plan for $19.99/month.
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