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Best Dating Apps of 2023
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. Apps We Selected
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Our Pick
Hinge Dating App: Meet People Runner Up
Bumble - Dating. Friends. Bizz Also Groovy
Tinder: Dating app. Meet. Chat Also Groovy
OkCupid - Dating App Also Groovy
Match Dating: Chat, Date, Meet Also Groovy
Coffee Meets Bagel Dating App
- 2. Everything We Recommend
- 3. The 411 from our Appventurer
- 4. 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
-
Our Pick
Hinge Dating App: Meet People
4.2 Ratings 892K+ Reviews 10M+ DownloadsFind a date. Delete our app.
Hinge is an inclusive dating app for people who want to get off dating apps for good. That means we’re for real people like you looking to date and find relationships, in the real world.
-3 out of 4 people on Hinge want to go on a second date
-#1 mobile-first dating app mentioned in the New York Times wedding section
-Fastest growing dating app in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia
-Home of viral Voice Prompts
Dating is hard. We try to make it a little less-hard.
The internet brings people together, but digital dating puts matches before connecting, in person, where it counts. To change that, we built a dating app designed to be deleted. AKA, a dating app built to get you on actual dates.
-We quickly learn your type and only introduce you to your best fits
-Your answers to unique prompts help others see your personality shine brighter than just a profile picture
-We help conversation flow—matches begin with a Like or Comment on a specific part of someone’s profile
-We actually check in to see how dates are going and follow up on how we can make better recommendations
Designed to be deleted
-Put it all out on the table—we ask about religion, politics, future plans, etc.
-Roses to kickstart potential connections and relationships
-Focused, curated Standouts shared with you every day
-Experience team dedicated to maintaining a zero-tolerance, safe, and inclusive environment for online chats and offline dates
-Voice Prompts to get a better sense of people’s personalities off the app
Love for 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
More great dates start with Preferred.
We’re a free app, but for those who want to invest even more into finding their next relationship, we have Hinge Preferred.
-More control over who you see
-See everyone who likes you at once
-Send unlimited likes
-Work with Hinge experts
All photos are of models and used for illustrative purposes only.CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $239.99 per item$9.99 - $59.99 per item -
Runner Up
Bumble - Dating. Friends. Bizz
4.2 Ratings 2M+ Reviews 50M+ DownloadsMillions of people have signed up to Bumble to find dates, make new friends, and meet new people.
Bumble is a free dating app and social network for singles where you can find friends and meet new people. Whether you want to meet friends, make genuine matches and meaningful connections, chat with strangers and new friends or look to expand your professional and social network.
Changing the rules of dating
Bumble is a free dating app founded on respect, equality, and inclusion. You can find dates, make friends, and meet new people the way you've always done — but on Bumble, women always make the first move.
- With 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
- Bumble comes in 3 modes to suit what you're looking for: Date, BFF, and Bizz
Discover our amazing free features
Meet new people, make a video call and find a great date or chat with your new best friend using our free dating app:
- Unlimited Swipe: Meet new people by swiping left and right as much as you like.
- Unlimited chat so you can find the right matches.
- Link your Spotify and Instagram account to share your interests with potential dates and friends
- Use Video Chat to get to know your matches better
Match with the right people
We're the first app to combine dating for singles, meeting new people, and making professional connections all in one app. We make it easy for you to connect.
- Use Video Chat to get to know your matches better
- Send your videos and favorite pictures while you are chatting with new friends
- With Snooze Mode, hide your profile whenever you want (you'll still keep all your matches!)
- Link your Spotify and Instagram account to share your interests with potential dates and friends
Boost your dating life with bumble premium
Bumble is a free dating app and always will be! Our premium features help you enhance your Bumble experience.
- See everyone who swiped you right (your Beeline)
- Rematch with expired connections for a second chance at a date
- Extend your matches by 24 hours
The buzz is real
Bumble is much more than just a dating app for singles. Join our genuinely inclusive dating community, meet new people, make friends or find your ideal partner or date.
Here are our core values:
- We believe healthy relationships are fundamental to living a productive and positive life.
- In the fight against old-fashioned hetero-norms, women always take the first step.
- We've changed the rules of the game to switch up the dynamics of dating.
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Bumble is free to download and use. We also offer optional subscription packages (Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium) and non-subscription, single, and multi-use paid features (Bumble Spotlight and Bumble SuperSwipe).
https://bumble.com/en/privacy
https://bumble.com/en/terms
Bumble Inc. is the parent company of Bumble, along with the dating apps Badoo and Fruitz.CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $259.99 per item$1.99 - $24.99 per item -
Also Groovy
Tinder: Dating app. Meet. Chat
3.3 Ratings 7M+ Reviews 100M+ DownloadsWith 70+ billion matches to date, Tinder® is the top free dating app, and the best place to meet new people. Are you looking for true love? An open relationship? Are you looking to get out there and find a date, or do you just want to make friends and chat? With Tinder, you can meet local people everywhere and get the best out of your dating experience:
Whether you're straight, gay, bisexual, or anything in between, Tinder allows you to be who you are and find who you want.
Share your interests and learn more about your matches to get the conversation started, and get the sparks flying.
Photo Verified Profiles: Because the only surprises we want are flowers on the first date
Video chat: Test your online dating chemistry and meet new people from home!
Traveling somewhere? Get to know the locals and join a community of people from around the world. Dating in New York, meeting new friends in Miami, or going on a date in London: Wherever you go, we’ll be there.
Some people call us their “most dependable matchmaker app”, some people call us ”the world’s most popular free dating site”, but you can just call us when you want to meet up with people in your area.
Match, Chat, and Date. That’s our mantra.
It’s easy and fun to find new 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 Nope. If someone Likes you back, It’s a Match! And no pressure: With our double opt-in feature, the interest has to be mutual in order to be a match. How many dating apps can say that?
While you’re here — make a toast to the Gold life and enjoy some of Tinder’s premium features with our Tinder Gold™ subscription
Likes You allows you to see all your fans, saving you precious time
Unlimited Likes for you to catch feelings for as many new people as you want
Rewind for you to undo your last Like or Nope
Use Passport to go anywhere in the world to find people online outside your zip code
Monthly Boost available to put your profile to the top for thirty minutes to get more attention
5 Super Likes available per week because sometimes you really, really Like someone
Looking for access to all of Tinder’s premium features? Join Tinder Platinum™ to also get your Likes prioritized with potential matches, to be able to message before matching, and more.
There’s a plus side for those not ready to commit to a relationship with Gold or Platinum. With Tinder Plus®, you’ll unlock features including Unlimited Likes, Unlimited Rewinds, and Passport.
So what are you waiting for? Download the best free dating app today! It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to make friends, meet new people or find your perfect match, Tinder is a place where everyone can find exactly what they’re looking for. — and it’s about time you showed up.
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If you choose to purchase Tinder Plus®, Tinder Gold™, or Tinder Platinum™ 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. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period. If you don’t choose to purchase Tinder Plus®, Tinder Gold™, or Tinder Platinum™, 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 - $24.99 per itemOkCupid - Dating App
3.8 Ratings 900K+ Reviews 10M+ DownloadsGet the best online dating app experience and find a match based on who you really are and what you love. OkCupid is all about inclusive online dating for every single person!
We know how hard it is to find a serious relationship, to have that meaningful connection (and dare we say -find love?!) with another special person, but don’t worry - we’re here to help!
Great dates come from great connections - that’s why OkCupid shows off who you are beyond a photo. Meet new people and find love based on what makes you, well, you - because you deserve it. It’s a free dating app that you’ll super like ;)
* Love doesn’t discriminate, and neither does OkCupid. Create a free dating profile that highlights what makes you special and unique
* Choose from over 60 different gender identities and sexual orientations: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, pansexual, queer and more. Let those colors shine through, queer dating is here!
* She/her, he/him, they/them - highlight your gender pronouns and meet locals near you!
* Go on great dates, and find your match answering our unique questions!
* Round it off with your cutest profile picture and you’re ready to meet new people, find love or a great date for tonight.
* meaningful connections can come in many shapes and sizes - create new friendships, chat with new and interesting people, or find a new exciting romance!
OkCupid isn’t just another online dating app. 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 you’re interested in, without the ones you’re not. Then, plan to meet up and go on great dates - whether you’re looking for local dating, virtual dating or anything in between!
Take the stress out of online dating
OkCupid can help you find your match, whether you want casual dating, marriage, or just to find your love story – YOU choose what matters. Match with people with similar interests and receive personalized compatibility % when you answer our unique questions. We’re here to help you find relationships on your terms.
Flirt, find love, build connections and go on great dates with OkCupid, the best free dating app! Download now!
MATCH, CONNECT AND MEETUP
• Meet people and find relationships with our unique messaging system
• Local dating features help you meet people nearby
DATING APP UPGRADE
OkCupid is a free dating app for everyone, but we offer an optional premium subscription that unlocks exclusive features. Additional premium dating features include:
See who likes you without having to like them first
Send unlimited likes for more matches!
Set Dealbreakers so you can find just who you're looking for, and match on what matters
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
Meet singles and find a great connection – download OkCupid and enjoy the best online dating app today!CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$0.99 - $179.99 per item$0.99 - $59.99 per itemMatch Dating: Chat, Date, Meet
3.5 Ratings 422K+ Reviews 10M+ DownloadsWelcome to Match. Here, being real beats playing it cool. Knowing who you are and what you want is always a priority. And not settling for anything less isn’t a bad thing. Some call it picky, but we say more power to you. Backed by 25 years of experience and real-life dating experts, our app lets you date like an adult – from matching to meeting in person.
Match, chat, date and meet with singles nearby and find love.
Did we mention it’s free? You can now chat with your best recommendations daily, no subscription necessary.
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: Find someone right for you. Get as specific as you want when searching for singles so you never compromise when it comes to a relationship.
Conversation starters: Find a topic to start the conversation. 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 to help you find your ideal partner or date.
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, better dates.CostFreeFreeIn-App Purchases$5.99 - $189.99 per item$2.99 - $129.99 per itemCoffee Meets Bagel Dating App
4.1 Ratings 253K+ Reviews 5M+ DownloadsReady to ditch the dating games and find something real? You’ll be in good company at Coffee Meets Bagel, where over 91% of our daters are looking for a serious relationship. That means less swiping, and more matching, chatting, and *actual* dating.
We’ve made over 150 million matches and counting. Ready to meet yours? Here’s how it’s done 👇
…
💜 PERSONALIZED MATCHES
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.
💜 DETAILED PROFILES
Do they want kids? What’s their relationship goal? Every CMB date should be relationship-material, so we’ve made sure all the important details are upfront.
💜 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.
💜 MORE WAYS TO MEET
Stick to our daily picks in Suggested, explore more in Discover, or match instantly in Likes You. Wherever you choose to start on CMB, there’s always someone worth meeting.
...
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 the current perks you can enjoy:
✔️ See all your likes: Why wait? Unblur all your likes and match instantly.
✔️ 8 Discover Likes a month: Send likes to people who catch your eye in Discover.
✔️ Premium Preferences: Set relationship goals, smoking habits, and more in Suggested.
✔️ 3 Boosts a month: All eyes on you! Boost your profile for up to 5x more views.
✔️ Activity Reports: See who’s worth your time with activity and chat statistics.
✔️ Read Receipts: Know when your messages are read, so you’re never left in the dark.
✔️ Unlimited Rewinds: Change your mind? Undo passes on suggested profiles in History.
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
💬 “One of the best dating apps for relationships, according to real people who found success” – Yahoo Finance
💬 “Best for setting up real dates” – Mashable
💬 “Best app if you’re trying to Marie Kondo your dating life.” – Women’s Health
💬 “Screw endless browsing: CMB focuses on in-depth profiles and only sends curated matches.” – Mashable
…
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 - $219.99 per item$0.99 - $34.99 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.
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.
Lauren Trifunovich
Lauren Trifunovich currently lives in Chicago. She got her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Neuroscience and a Master's in Counseling. She currently owns an online yoga company and loves to hike, cook, and read in her free time.
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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: