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Best Dating Apps of 2021: Money-Saving Review
We tested the most popular apps for dating to see which ones had the most user-friendly and fun experience while giving you the best shot at finding love during Covid-19. Here's what we found:

Table of contents
- 1. Our Pick: Hinge - Dating & Relationships
- 2. Runner Up: Bumble – Dating, Make New Friends & Networking
- 3. Also Groovy: Tinder - Dating, Make Friends and Meet New People
- 4. Also Groovy: OkCupid - The Online Dating App for Great Dates
- 5. Also Groovy: Match Dating: Chat, Date & Meet Someone New
- 6. Also Groovy: Coffee Meets Bagel Free Dating App
- 7. Everything We Recommend
- 8. The 411 from our Appventurer
- 9. Other Apps Considered
The App Designed to be Deleted
Hinge has quickly become a major player in the online dating world and is the best bet when looking for your next relationship.
Why we chose Hinge:
- Has a fully functional free version, but the premium membership has perks that make it worth the fee of $19.99 per month
- One of the most popular dating apps with a large user base for people in their 20s and 30s
- Intuitive and fun user interface with streamlined design that makes it easy to use the app
- Aimed at connecting people looking for relationships, which means higher quality matches and less ghosting than other apps
- Added profile customization with the ability to like specific parts of other people's profile, which makes forming connections easier
We loved how simple and easy to use the Hinge app was and found that the profile customization made it fun to make connections with other users.
A Female-First Approach to App Dating
Bumble is another app that has made a splash in the conventional dating app market. While the dating portion of Bumble is great, this app has hidden gems of different modes to make all sorts of connections from friendships to business.
Why we chose Bumble:
- Has the most flexibility out of all the apps tested when it comes to membership options as low as $2.99
- Women make the first move, giving more power (and less unsolicited messages) to the female to break the ice
- Super easy and fun interface which makes swiping right and left to find a mutual connection a breeze
- Has multiple modes other than dating to form friendship and business connections
Bumble's user-friendly and fun interface makes using the app easy. In fact, we were surprised how easy it was to spend hours on the app.
Read Bumble's Full ReviewThe Best for the Casual Dater
Tinder is kind of a given when it comes to online dating apps. Being one of the most popular apps on the market, it focuses a lot on visual information to make connections (like profile pictures).
Why we chose Tinder:
- Cost-effective membership version with flexible subscriptions as low as $4.99 a month
- Great for people between 18 and 30 looking for casual dating and hookups
- Inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community
- Great layout and easy to use
- Free version fully functional
- Only snag is lack of in-depth profile information
This app is a great choice when you're looking for something a little more casual. While we recommend may choosing a different app if you're looking for your next serious relationship, the user-friendly and original interface is worth checking out - you never know who you'll connect with!
Read Tinder's Full ReviewThe Best App for Customization and Inclusion
We'll admit that OkCupid wasn't at the top of our list when we first started testing dating apps. However, after using this app, it became clear as to why people love it.
Why we chose OkCupid:
- Paid membership version has a competitive price compared to the other apps tested at $39.99 a month
- A modern revamp has transformed this OG dating platform into a modern dating app for a younger generation
- One of the most inclusive and diverse dating apps on the market
- Great compatibility algorithm with interesting and fun questions and icebreakers
- Allows for in-depth profile customization and dating filters
- Great for serious and casual relationships
OkCupid's inclusive platform allows users to customize their profiles and filter out other users to find exactly what they are looking for. We think that this is a great place to start if you're new to online dating or not completely sure what you are looking for yet.
Read OkCupid's Full ReviewGreat for the Serious Dater
Match.com is a great place to go if you're willing to pay for a membership. Its clean and simple layout makes it easy to find people to connect with.
Why we chose Match Dating:
- A paid membership of $29.99 per month is necessary to use the app can be very worth it for older users
- Inclusive to a wide variety of people with a cute, easy, and straightforward user experience
- Has a slightly older demographic than the other apps tested
- Is great for finding a more serious relationship
While there may be a slightly older demographic that uses this app compared to the other ones on this list, it is a great spot for finding other people looking for a serious relationship.
The Best for Busy People
Coffee Meets Bagel is one of the most unique and interesting dating apps on our list. It is great for anyone that is tight on time and doesn't have hours sifting through hundreds of profiles to find soeone they like.
Why we chose Coffee Meets Bagel:
- The free version is fully functional but the premium version does have added perks which can be useful at $34.99 per month
- A unique dating experience that gives a batch of curated potential connections every 24 hours
- Once a match is made, you and your match have seven days to get each other's contact information before the match expires
- Great for busy people that don't have hours to go through a lot of profiles
We love that this app brings curated matches to you each day. We found ourselves getting excited when our daily matches came in. If you're looking for something different - check this app out. Insert sentence(or two) here!
Everything We Recommend
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Our PickHinge is the dating app for people who want to get off dating apps. And it’s working. Currently, 3 out of 4 times Hinge members want to go on a second date, we’re the #1 mobile-first dating app mentioned in the New York Times wedding section, and we’re the fastest growing dating app in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
🌟 BUZZ ABOUT HINGE 🌟
• "Hinge’s CEO says a good dating app relies on vulnerability, not algorithms." - Washington Post
• "Hinge is the first dating app to actually measure real-world success" - TechCrunch
• "A great option for those fed up with temporary love." - TheNextWeb
HOW WE GET YOU OFF HINGE
In today’s digital world, singles are so busy matching that they’re not actually connecting, in person, where it counts. Hinge is on a mission to change that. So we built an app that’s designed to be deleted.
• We quickly learn your type. You'll only be introduced to the best people for you.
• We give you a sense of someone’s personality. You'll get to know potential dates through their unique answers to prompts, and personal information like religion, height, and politics.
• We make it easy to start a conversation. Every match begins by someone liking or commenting on a specific part of your profile.
• We ask how your dates are going. After exchanging phone numbers with a Match, we’ll follow up to hear how your date went so we can make better recommendations in the future.
The app is free to use. Members looking to see who likes them, set advanced preferences, or access Hinge Experts can upgrade to a Preferred Membership.
Terms of Service: https://hinge.co/terms.htmlCostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $119.99 per item$3.99 - $39.99 per item -
Runner UpMillion people have registered on Bumble to create meaningful relationships, find online friends and make purposeful connections. Bumble is a dating app that allows you to make new connections, whether you’re looking for a partner, to make new friends, or to expand your professional network.
Making the first move on Bumble could change your life!
DISCOVER OUR AMAZING FEATURES
- Top Filters: Find your right date or next BFF and get an unforgettable first online encounter
- SuperSwipe: See someone you really like? Send a SuperSwipe to get their attention
- Spotlight: Get more visibility by putting yourself at the top of the stack for 30 minutes
CHANGING THE RULES OF THE GAME
Continue to enjoy dating as you’ve always done, finding love or friends is as easy as pie on Bumble, but women always make the first move.
- Bumble is a free dating app to download and use based on respect, equality and inclusion
- On Heterosexual matches, women have 24h to start a chat and men have 24h to respond
- Other matches have 24h to start a chat or reply before the match expires
- We offer the possibility to meet people in different fields with our 3 modes, Date, BFF and Bizz
WE’RE NOT JUST FOR DATING ANYMORE
We’re the first app that combines the possibility to date, flirt or find your new boyfriend or girlfriend, meet new friends and make professional connections in one single app.
- Use Video Chat to make or respond to a first move and to know your matches better
- Send your videos and favourite pictures while you are chatting with new people
- Hide your profile with the Snooze Mode for as long as you want (you’ll still keep all your matches!)
- Link your Spotify and Instagram account to make friends and get more dates
BOOST YOUR DATES WITH BUMBLE PREMIUM
- See everyone who has right-swiped you (your Beeline)
- Extend your matches by 24 hours
- Rematch with expired connections
- Unlock SuperSwipe, Spotlight and Travel to make the most of your profile
THE BUZZ IS REAL
Bumble is much more than just a dating app, enter the truly inclusive dating community, discover single people who are looking for the same thing as you and find that ideal partner who will make you vibrate. This is our commitment to our core values:
- We believe healthy relationships are fundamental to living a productive and positive life.
- We fight against old-fashioned heterosexual relationship habits, women always take the first step.
- We've reformed the rules of the game to change the dynamics of dating.
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Bumble is free to download and use and always will be! However, we also offer an optional subscription package (Bumble Boost) and non-subscription, single and multi-use paid features (BumbleCoins).
https://bumble.com/en/privacy
https://bumble.com/en/termsCostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $149.99 per item$1.99 - $24.99 per item -
Also Groovy🔥You can be here for a good time, and a long time, too.🔥
With 30 billion matches to date, Tinder® is the🔝 top dating app🔝, making it the place to be to meet new people. Whether you’re looking for love, need a date today, or just want to chat: We’ve got something for local singles everywhere and features that give you the best dating experience possible. Like what? Glad you asked😉
Whether you’re gay or bisexual, be proud of who you are with our Orientation feature🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Find out what you’ve got in common with your potential match with Interests🤝
Bring a plus one on all your dates for extra safety with Noonlight🛡️
Take us with you on your travels and get to know the locals — wherever you go, we’ll be there. Some people call us their “most dependable matchmaker”, some people call us 🔥the world’s most popular free dating app🔥, but you can just call us when you want to meet up with people in your area.
🥂While you’re here — make a toast to the Gold life and enjoy all of Tinder’s premium features with our top-tier subscription🥂
Likes You allows you to see all your fans, saving you precious time🕰️
Unlimited Likes for you to catch feelings for as many people as you want💚
Rewind for you to undo your last Like or Nope⏪
Use Passporttm to go anywhere in the world to find people online outside your zip code✈️
Boost your profile to the top for thirty minutes to get more attention⚡
5 Super Likes per day because sometimes you really, really Like someone💝
There’s a plus side for those not ready to commit to a relationship with 💛Gold 💛. With Tinder Plus®, you’ll unlock features including Unlimited Likes, Passport, Rewind, Boost, and 5 Super Likes per day.
Match. Chat. Date. That’s our mantra. It’s easy and fun to find people on Tinder. Make your profile stand out with your best pics and a little something about you to increase your match making potential. Use the 👉Swipe Right™👉 feature to Like someone, use the 👈Swipe Left™👈 feature to pass. If someone Likes you back, It’s a Match! And, there’s no pressure: We created the double opt-in which means two people have to show a mutual interest in order for there to be a match. How many dating apps can say that?🤔
Tinder is the biggest and flyest party in the world for singles — it’s about time you showed up.🍾
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If you choose to purchase Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold, payment will be charged to your Google Play account, and your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period. Auto-renewal may be turned off at any time by going to your settings in the Play Store after purchase. Current Tinder Plus subscription price starts at $9.99 USD/month, and one-month, 6-month and 12-month packages are available. Current Tinder Gold subscription price starts at $14.99 USD/month, and one-month, 6-month and 12-month packages are available. Prices are in U.S. dollars, may vary in countries other than the U.S. and are subject to change without notice. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period. If you don’t choose to purchase Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold, you can simply continue using Tinder for free.
All photos are of models and used for illustrative purposes only.
Privacy: https://www.gotinder.com/privacy
Terms: https://www.gotinder.com/termsCostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $299.99 per item$3.99 - $29.99 per itemGet the best dating app for singles to find a match based on who you really are and what you love. Try virtual dating to meet new people and stay social from home.
Great dates come from great connections - that’s why OkCupid shows off who you are beyond a photo. Find love based on what makes you, well, you - because you deserve it.
💕 WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING 💕
“Want to have ‘hell yes’ first dates? OkCupid is the perfect wingman.” - Huffington Post
“OkCupid may be the OG of dating sites, but that doesn’t mean it’s done innovating.” - Glamour
“OkCupid is giving you a chance to really connect with someone…” - Elite Daily
OkCupid isn’t just another online dating website. Our free dating app helps you meet singles, connect, chat or have a deep conversation through our one-of-a-kind messaging system. Focus on the connections and relationships you’re interested in, without the ones you’re not.
Virtual dating can help you find love even when you’re at home. OkCupid can help you connect and chat with singles near you, then you can take your meetings to video chats, calls and more until you can meet.
OkCupid can help you find someone special, whether you want casual dating, marriage, or just to find love – YOU choose what matters, With unique questions that allow you to match with people with similar interests and receive a personalized compatibility %, we’re here to help you find your next relationship.
Love doesn’t discriminate, and neither does OkCupid. If you're gay, lesbian, nonbinary or don't fit into any one label, OkCupid can help you find love too. You can even set your pronouns at registration!
Find love, build connections and go on great dates with OkCupid! Download now!
OKCUPID FEATURES
💕ONLINE DATING APP 💕
• Build a dating profile that highlights what matters to you
• Answer unique questions so OkCupid can find you dates you're compatible with
• Set dating preferences, whether you're straight, gay or anything in-between
💕MATCH, CONNECT AND MEETUP 💕
• Meet people and chat with our unique messaging system
• Virtual dating for singles staying home
• Local dating features help you meet people nearby
• Plan a virtual date night or future coffee meet over the app
💕DATING APP UPGRADE 💕
OkCupid is absolutely free to download and use, but we offer an optional premium subscription that unlocks exclusive features. Additional features to our free dating app include:
• See who likes you without having to like them first
• Search singles with advanced filters and additional options
• Enjoy OkCupid ad-free
Meet singles and find a great connection – download OkCupid today!CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $179.99 per item$0.99 - $59.99 per itemMatch is raising dating to your level. Because let’s face it: there’s only so much left-right thumb gymnastics you can do when you’re ready for something more. Backed by 25 years of experience and real-life dating experts, our app gives you the date-smarts you need to find what you’re looking for – from matching to meeting in person.
Did we mention free? You can now chat with your best recommendations daily, no subscription necessary.
Meet singles nearby and get the most out of Match’s dating app with:
Video chat: Take a break from messaging and really get to know someone. In-app video chat lets you talk and see each other live before exchanging numbers or meeting in person.
Custom search: Feeling picky? We say power to you. Get as specific as you want when searching for singles so you never compromise when it comes to a relationship.
Conversation starters: From trending topics to easy ice breakers, our dating app offers more ways to spark meaningful messages.
Virtual & in-person events: Go beyond just likes and messages. Flirt face-to-face with local singles in a safe, stress-free setting.
Access to Dating Experts: From perfecting your profile to helping you nail the first date, our team of experts has your back.
Date Check-In: Keep your friends and family updated on your next date night by notifying them of your plans right from the app.
Ready to find someone right for you? We’re right there with you.
Download the Match app for free today, and in a few minutes, you’ll be on your way to better matches and better dates.CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$42.99 per item$2.99 - $129.99 per itemSick of swiping? Us too, so we made Coffee Meets Bagel – a dating app for busy relationship-seekers. Unlike dating apps that ghost you, we suggest your most compatible matches every day. So there’s less swiping, and more matching, chatting, and *actual* dating.
We’ve made over 100 million matches and counting. Ready to meet yours?
...
👇 How we’re going to help you meet your person, in person 👇
💜 PERSONALIZED MATCHMAKING
Every day at noon, we suggest a batch of your best potential matches for free. And since we’re always learning more about your type, our suggestions will only get better.
💜 RELATIONSHIP-SEEKING COMMUNITY
Done with dating games and dead ends? Over 90 percent of CMB Daters surveyed said they’re looking for something serious, so you’re in good company.
💜 DETAILED PROFILES
Do they smoke? What about kids? What’s their love language? CMB profiles show more of what matters in a match – so you can get a sense of their personality and know if they’re compatible right away.
💜 CHATS MADE FOR MEETING
Some small talk is healthy, but the real connection happens face-to-face. Our 7-day chat limit discourages ghosting and encourages actual dates, whether virtual or in-person.
...
📍 GIVE ME A TOUR OF THE APP 📍
Sure thing, so glad you asked. Coffee Meets Bagel has three main sections.
1⃣️ SUGGESTED
Potential matches in Suggested are 100% free to like, match, and chat with. Every day at noon, we’ll send you a new batch based on your compatibility and Preferences for Suggested.
2⃣️ LIKES YOU
Go Premium to get full access to Likes You, where you can see people who already like you and match instantly.
3⃣️ DISCOVER
Explore more people beyond our suggestions, or start a Search to filter by distance, recent activity, and more. Sending a Discover Like in this special section costs beans, our in-app currency.
...
✨ MEET CMB PREMIUM ✨
Coffee Meets Bagel is a free dating app, but you can always upgrade to Premium for special features. Plus, Premium members get up to 2x more dates. Premium features are subject to change, but here are a few things you could enjoy:
✔️ Full access to Likes You: See all your likes at once and match instantly.
✔️ Read Receipts: See whether your messages are read, so you’re never left in the dark.
✔️ Activity Reports: Unlock reports on profiles, like whether they’ve been recently active.
✔️ 6,000 beans per month: Use beans on special features, including Discover Likes and Boost.
...
PRIVACY
1. Permissions to access notifications are strongly suggested. If access is denied, you will not be notified in real time when you have new Matches and messages.
2. Permissions to access location are strongly suggested. If access is denied, we will not be able to Match you with users near you.
3. Permissions to access your Photos are strongly suggested. If access is denied, you will not be able to upload pictures saved in your Photos to your profile.
By downloading or using the CMB app, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, available at https://coffeemeetsbagel.com/privacy-terms/CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $179.99 per item$0.99 - $74.99 per item
The 411 from our Appventurer
How we tested?
The global pandemic has truly amplified single people's struggles at finding love (myself included in that). Not only does it keep me from being able to meet someone out in the real world, going on dates has been challenging in their own right.
As everyone responsibly retreats into their house, trades their work pants for loungewear, and cozies up at their computer for their next zoom meeting, people looking for love are generally left scratching their heads as to how to navigate this ever-evolving dating world.
Luckily, we also live in a time when technology has given us many avenues of making connections through our smartphones via dating apps. For many people such as myself, dating apps have been a great way to be social and form connections from the safety of your own home.
In fact, online dating has become so popular that it has all but lost the stigma that it once had ten years ago. While I have yet to find the love of my life, there are countless success stories of people finding loving relationships through the apps on this list.
So if you're hesitant to jump into the world of online dating, it helps to understand that it's a relatively normal thing to do and gives you the potential to meet and connect with people you wouldn't get within your everyday life. Plus, online dating apps have made it fun and easier than ever to begin your online dating experience.
Our testing criteria involved a combination of in-depth testing of each app, analysis of customer reviews, and cost comparisons between the apps' premium membership options. As we tested each individual app, the app's ease of use, free and premium features, approach to dating, and a number of users on each app were examined to see what option had the best overall dating experience for users.
In addition to this, we also took into account user reviews of each app in order to get a better sense of how different users experienced these apps. Because I am a cis-gendered, heterosexual, white female, my experience might be much different than a trans individual or someone that identifies as a different gender than myself. Therefore, by looking at real user reviews, we could better understand possible shortcomings or positives that each dating experience had for a wide variety of individuals.
Throughout the testing process, we set our location to Chicago, Illinois, on all of the apps tested. Because this is a larger metropolitan city, it may increase the number of users on apps and may increase the amount of diversity seen as opposed to using these apps in a more rural setting.
A quick note:
Each app was tested by a person who is single and actively looking to date and find love during the Covid-19 pandemic. We believe that this gives you a better and more honest review of how helpful and fun the apps tested actually are when a person is using them authentically.
Why get the app?
While some of these apps on the list can be accessed on the computer, there are some apps such a Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder that are solely app-based. However, even the apps that offer their dating services on the computer tend to have better and more streamlined versions via apps that are generally easier to use and much more fun.
Because of this, we recommend checking out all of the options on the app version first. In fact, the app's easy interface, intuitive designs, and accessibility make online dating incredibly easy and streamlined through your smartphone. For these reasons alone, finding your soulmate might be as easy as jumping on your phone in your free time.
More About Hinge: Our Pick
This app has one of the cleanest and easiest layouts out of all of the apps that we tested and doesn’t feature a swipe right or left function as most of the other popular apps do. Instead, Hinge allows users to comment and like specific parts of a potential match’s profile, which makes it much easier to break the ice and start a conversation from the very first message. Plus, without the swipe left and right feature, it keeps people from speed swiping and allows you to look at each profile before liking or rejecting it.
Hinge also has one of the cheaper memberships if you are looking for more premium features within a dating app. For a monthly subscription, it costs $19.99 and $9.99 per month for a six-month subscription. While the free version is almost fully functional, the premium membership does have its perks, such as increased control over preference, unlimited likes, and the ability to see a full list of who has liked you.
Snags but not drags:
It’s difficult to find many qualms about this dating app, and I have to say that I found myself using this the most out of all of the ones tested. However, I will say that I wish there were a bit more things you could fill out on your profile.
For instance, there isn’t a spot to input what you are looking for. While Hinge is meant for finding more serious relationships, I did match with a few people that told me they weren’t looking for anything serious. By having a space for that, it would save people a lot of time by being able to filter out people that weren’t looking for the same things as they were.
That being said, I did typically run into people that seemed to actually care about finding a meaningful connection, and the rate of ghosting was much lower than other apps on the market, making this slight snag nothing close to a drag.
More About Bumble: Runner Up
Bumble is one of the best apps if you are looking for a free dating app in that it is almost completely functional without spending money on a membership. However, if you are looking for additional features like manual location setting, Bumble is one of the only apps to offer day and week passes for $2.99 or and $9.99, respectively, in place of the $24.99 a month membership.
Another thing that Bumble really stands out for among its competitors is the app’s multiple modes. There are modes for dating, friendship, and business, effectively making it a one-stop-shop for all of your interpersonal needs.
Overall, Bumble is a well designed, fun, and easy to use dating app that offers so much more than just dating. Whatever your budget, this app can be functional and lead to great and lasting connections.
More About Tinder: Also Groovy
Tinder is one of the original modern dating apps and is responsible for making the swipe left and right function popular among online dating platforms. Generally, this app is great for users between the ages of 18 and 30 and has one of the largest user bases out of all of the apps tested.
However, if you are looking for a serious relationship, this may not be the app for you. In fact, Tinder has made a name for itself as being a go-to app when you are looking for a casual fling.
The app itself is straightforward to use, set up, and has a fun vibe, but it can start feeling a bit shallow due to its emphasis on pictures and limited profile information. However, it is an inclusive space for everyone, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, making it a great choice for people with a wide variety of preferences.
Regarding the debate over whether or not to pay for the membership, it is almost completely up to the individual and how much they find themselves using the app. As it is almost completely functional within its free version, we recommend only upgrading to the paid version if you want to manually set your location to somewhere you aren't physically in. That being said, we found that there are more cost-effective apps to spend your money on, especially if you are looking for something potentially more serious.
Overall, we recommend this app for its fun and user-friendly interface, bold design, inclusivity, and if you are looking for something a bit more casual.
More About OkCupid: Also Groovy
OkCupid was one of the first dating platforms to take on online dating. Having been on the scene for a long time, it knows a thing or two about the app-based dating game.
Recently, OkCupid has gone through a major revamp, making it more user-friendly, fun, and inclusive to more people. In fact, it is one of the most LGBTQIA+ inclusive apps on this list, having more than 13 gender identities, 22 sexual orientations, and a space for your preferred pronouns that no other app has.
In addition to this, OkCupid has a large dating pool with most of its users between 18 and 34. This makes it a great choice for younger adults looking for anything from casual friendships to marriage. While the profile set up is a little lengthier than other apps, they do ask fun, non-traditional questions to help their advanced algorithm match you with compatible people.
While testing out the easy to use app, I found myself having much more fun on OkCupid compared to others due to its different ways of matching, from a swipe function to an exploration section that lets you view potential matches in your area based on preferences you set. Due to these reasons, we recommend checking out OkCupid if you're a young adult looking for a dating app to use.
Because the ads on the app can get a little distracting, and with the multitude of perks that the premium membership offers, we found that the 39.99 a month or 19.99 a month for six months was well worth it if you are serious about finding love.
This premium plan opens up your ability to customize your profile, tap into more features within its large user base, and get access to features such as sending unlimited likes. While it is a bit pricier than the other apps, we found that the features, inclusivity, and layout were well worth the price tag.
More About Match Dating: Also Groovy
Match.com is one of the top apps to use if you are serious about finding a meaningful relationship. That being said, this app is only useful when you have a membership, so if you aren't willing to spend money on a dating app at this point, other apps on this list might be a better fit.
However, Match.com offers pretty competitive pricing compared to its competition. A monthly subscription costs 29.99 per month, which gets you unlimited messaging, complete visibility of other people's profiles, up to 12 top picks for you per day, and a profile review from an expert. These perks, especially the review from an expert, are great if you are new to online dating and want to learn how to put your best foot forward.
There are a couple of downsides to Match.com's dating app experience. While it is very gender and sexual orientation inclusive and the overall app design is great, there seems to be a slightly older demographic than the more popular dating sites. While this may not be a negative for people between 35 and 45, I found myself having a slightly difficult time matching with people around my age (twenty-five).
Despite the drawbacks of age and the need for a paid membership, Match.com's algorithm is said to lead to higher quality matches and is a great place to meet other people looking for a serious relationship. Additionally, its sleek and simple design, features, and inclusivity make it worth the responsibly priced membership fee.
More About Coffee Meets Bagel: Also Groovy
Generally, you get between five and seven bagels to either like or pass on each day. Once a match is made, you and the other person have seven days to talk and get each other’s contact information before the connection is gone. This is a great incentive to get to know each other and move on to talking outside of the dating app.
That being said, if you do want to match with more people than your curated Bagel batch of the day, there is also an option to explore other bagels within your area. If you like one of these, you can ‘buy’ a like with coffee beans that you are able to purchase if you run out of the beans they start you out with.
Other Apps Considered
Facebook Dating is one of the newer dating apps that was recently released by Facebook. It is a very basic, no-nonsense approach to dating that verges on a watered-down version of different aspects of popular apps on the market.
That being said, Facebook Dating is one of the only apps that is completely free to use which makes it the most cost effective dating option on the market.
Additionally, Facebook Dating has a very large user base. This is due to the fact that anyone who has a Facebook account can also easily sign up for Facebook Dating. However, it should be noted that Facebook does keep your actual Facebook account private so you don't get random friend requests from strangers.
Overall, it is a solid app to at least check out due to it's straightforward approach to online dating. In fact, throughout the testing, I came to enjoy how simple it was to navigate and even met some wonderful people in the process.
Eharmony is supposedly made for finding a real, serious, romantic connection with a compatible partner. However, I was immediately let down upon signing up when I noticed that it was not as inclusive to many sexual or gender orientations as other modern dating apps. With that in mind, if you are anything other than straight or gay, this app may be difficult to navigate.
While it does have an extensive compatibility algorithm said to match you with the best person for you, the free version is almost completely non-functional. In fact, you are required to commit to a six month membership at $45.50 a month if you want to use eharmony.
According to some users and success stories, some people are able to find lasting love on this platform. However, that seems to be the case with many other, cheaper, and more inclusive apps on the market as well. Because of this, we recommend checking out some of the other apps on our list before eharmony.
This form of online dating is perfect for the introvert or someone new to the online dating world as it keeps your identity a secret to the person you are playing a game with until the game is over. This takes the pressure off of you and lets you focus on making the connection purely through the gaming experience.
Overall, this app is a fun and alternative way to online date. I had a lot of fun playing games with and getting to know potential matches. Because of this, I recommend checking out XO if you're looking for something different.
Happn is another dating app that veers from the traditional app-based dating approach. Happn shows you people that you may have crossed paths with in real life via geo-locations on your phone.
This app is helpful to have if you see someone in public that you’re interested in and don’t have the chance - or are too nervous - to go up to them and strike up a conversation. The only catch is that they also have to be on the app, but it’s worth a shot.
Happn has a relatively large user base, with most of its users being in metropolitan areas, so you probably won’t run out of people to match with if you’re using it in a populated area. Unfortunately, the app has limited customizations unless you upgrade to the paid version, which gives you access to dating filters.
The paid version also lets you see who likes you and gives you 10 FlashNotes per day, which allows you to send a message directly to your crush, unlimited profile reactions, and turn off your geolocation when you want, among other things. However, we found that the paid version at $24.99 per month or $89.99 for six months isn’t worth your money unless you find yourself solely using Happn for online dating.
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Introduction
In this day and age, dating and making connections are increasingly being done through our smartphones. In fact, there seems to be a new dating app popping up every few months, giving single people the opportunity of finding a connection while lounging at home in sweatpants.
In our search for user-friendly and fun online dating experiences, we tested ten different apps specifically geared towards finding connections with other people and discovered that Hinge has the best overall experience due to its thoughtful design, large user pool, ease of use, and creativity. Here's why we picked this app + more: