If you haven't yet jumped on board the dating app train, there's no better time than now to get started. But first: which dating app should you choose? There's a dizzying range, so how do you know which is best for your needs? Wonder no more - we here at EliteSingles have prepared an overview of the best dating apps for every style of dating. Just click a category to read more:
Another free site, Plenty of Fish (free), claims to be "the world's largest dating site" and says it has 150 million registered users worldwide. That's a staggering number, but how many of those accounts are active is unclear; there were 23 million unique monthly visitors in November 2016, according to Statista. There is a broad age range: As of 2016, the site said 20 percent of users were 18 to 24, 38 percent were 25 to 34, 22 percent were 35 to 44, and 20 percent were 45 or older. Experts say the large user base sets Plenty of Fish apart, but they warn that quantity does not necessarily mean quality. Users indicate this might be a better place for casual dating instead of serious relationships.
From your ol' reliable Tinder app to more recent home screen additions like the Bumble app or Plenty of Fish, the world of online dating has something for everyone. These are more than just the best hookup apps (though if that's your thing, more power to you); more and more people are forging long-term relationships with the help of dating apps, and there's no shame in that game.
So given the evidence, and the fact that it’s totally okay to think dating online sucks and still do it anyway, I wanted to know: Which apps come most recommended by people who fuckin’ hate to date? Which tech have daters made peace with, and why? Some of their answers won’t surprise you—even if their reasoning does—while other options are refreshingly new.
Wild promises it’s “the fastest way to meet and date with hot singles nearby.” Founded in 2016, the app is available for free via iTunes and Google Play, where it has a 4.5 and 5 star rating, respectively. More than 65% of members have been verified by the Wild team that they are who they say they are, and you can filter them by their gender, age, location and distance, intention, interests, ethnicity, body type, height, and the last time they logged in.
"I definitely think there are scammers on there, but these are fairly easy to spot. I was contacted by one and quickly Googled the first name and who they said they worked for, and quickly found an attached fake Facebook profile (which you can tell by no interaction and just a few photos). You can also do a Google reverse image search on any images and it shows you where these show up elsewhere online. Always flag [scam] profiles to the site admin – these options are easy to find."
Casual Kiss is one of the older online dating services. Starting out as a free dating service, it now charges $5.00 for participation. For this price, however, you have access to a birthday list, a Confessions page, where your fellow members post their most intimate secrets. This can be very useful information when it comes to getting to know your fellow online participants. This will enable you to decide what skeletons in their closets constitutes a dealbreaker for you.
Coffee Meets Bagel is one of the more popular dating apps out there. Every day at noon, men will get a curated list of women in their area. Women will get a curated list as well, but the list will prioritize men who have already expressed interest. Matches are given a private chat room to get to know one another better. It's also LGBTQ friendly for you folks out there. It's a clean process and perfect for those who have busy lifestyles. No flicking through profiles all day long. Like most, it has its fair share of problems, but most of them are somewhat tolerable. You can also buy in-app currency to get perks like more visibility and other features.
Specifying the age range and gender that you're looking for in a partner does squat to narrow down your options. Considering Zoosk sees a user base of about 40 million members, getting through all profiles that match your requirements could take ages, especially if you're looking for more than a hookup. By monitoring your swiping behavior, Zoosk can tap into your subconscious (okay, not really, but sorta) and give you what you want deep down. However, if you want to boost your profile or send more than a few messages, you'll have to buy and participate in Zoosk's coin game, which is more irritating than fun.
During most of the 20 century, the mail order bride continued with the main method of women putting themselves in catalogs. Then men would view the women's profile, then for a fee order the women address. These became the main order bride companies business method in the 20 the century, with the fall of the Soviet union and cheap airfares, these companies spread from Asian to Eastern Europe, mainly now the Ukraine
VIDA Select offers their services to men and women who feel comfortable in person but don’t usually communicate well in writing. There's also SpoonMeetsSpoon, run by Meredith Golden. Signing up for the least expensive $200 package will give you a perfectly curated dating profile but you can pay more if you want more comprehensive help. Pimp My Profile sells a messaging package, along with profile editing that includes text and photo selection. If you find yourself at a loss for words while chatting with potential dates the service will give you three opening messages you can use to get the conversation started with the match of your choice.These companies aim to enhance the personality you already have, not totally change it. While these services can be helpful, it’s important to be honest with anyone you want to date.
But in terms of overall satisfaction, our survey found that free dating sites actually score a touch better than paid ones, probably because they're a better value. Although our survey found that no dating site or app sweeps online daters off their feet in the satisfaction department, OkCupid is rated highest overall by respondents, and Grindr, a free app for gay men, is also near the top.
It doesn't cater just for the LGBTQI+ community, but OKCupid is an inclusive app with many non-binary profile options (you can choose from 13 orientations and 22 gender identities). It's also not afraid to get political: users can get badges that show support for organizations like Planned Parenthood or the ACLU. For some singles, this is a drawcard, while for others it may feel like it's breaking the politics and dating taboo.10
Ever had a friend swear you and their other friend would hit it off? Yeah, same. Well, Hinge takes that pushy helpful friend out of the equation and lets you swipe through your friends' friends (well, the ones they have on Facebook) on your own. Plus, there's the added reassurance that you're probs not being catfished since there's a mutual friend in the mix.
There is also an Interact section where you can see who’s seen you, and who’s interested in possibly dating you. Also, there is a blogging platform on Casual Kiss, as well as a place from which to send E-cards, and this service is, in fact, free. The chatroom includes a webcam, so that you can see the person you’re interested in talking to–his/her physical features, facial expressions, and other mannerisms. You can make judgments as to whether you think that individual is lying or telling the truth, if you are good at telling that from facial expressions. You can also make use of a social networking feature that is, according to About.com dating expert Bonnie Albo, similar to Facebook and My Space.
While Zoosk might not be popular with the younger American crowd, this international dating app has quite a presence around the world. With more than 35 million members – from the United Kingdom and Canada to Australia and throughout Europe – this app is definitely ideal if your fast-paced career has you traveling far and wide. You have the opportunity to meet singles from many countries, casting a much wider net than you would stateside. Since its founding more than a decade ago, Zoosk has invested in what it means to create a lasting, loving connection, changing its algorithm and offerings throughout the years to meet its members' needs.
Matchmaking websites take a more scientific approach than search-driven online dating sites by hiring notable consultants to create compatibility or personality questionnaires. Users must fill out one of these before they can create a profile. Typically, the pairing up is done for you based on your answers, though some matchmaking sites also allow users to search profiles for themselves. Generally, matchmaking websites are considered a better route for singles looking for a long-term relationship since users must be more invested in the process to join.
Affordability isn’t the only thing FriendFinder-X has going for it, but it’s a good place to start. For free, you can upload your information (age, location, gender, sexual interest, etc.) and photos, filter through profiles based on the same types of information, receive sexy match recommendations, and flirt. FriendFinder-X also has one of the most open atmospheres of any online sex community — share your passions with others, no shame, and even receive tips from fellow members is you’re having any problems.
Who it's for: People who don't know what they want. Zoosk's algorithm takes your preferences into its own hands and suggests matches based on how you swipe — even if you have no idea why you liked or didn't like that person. Zoosk offers ease, practicality, and a clean layout, and is a good bet if you haven't had any luck on the Tinders or eharmonies of the world.
Chemistry is the name of the game here, and profile building is no joke. This isn't a quick five-second set-up like other apps, but that's only because POF truly wants you to dig deep so that they can give you the best quality matches. Multiple questionnaires cover everything from psychological assessments to sexual needs and tons more, going significantly more in depth than many of its competitors. Only one of the tests is required and will take you 20 minutes just for that part (it's 100 questions), so you can skip the others if you're feeling lazy. That said, POF suggests filling out as many as you can to help them fine tune their pickings.
All of the best dating apps offer a free trial or free membership (or both). You should be allowed to test everything out before being charged — it just makes sense. With these trials and memberships, you’re usually able to create a profile, upload several photos, search through members, receive match notifications, and communicate in a few ways (such as virtual winks and Favorite lists), among others.
HitWe is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a free online dating app that also acts as a social media app. The platform sees almost 1.5 million daily active users and 12 million monthly active users, making it the fastest-growing online discovery network. And if you go to the Dating section on Google Play, you’ll find that HitWe is in the top spot in over 70 countries. HitWe dedicates themselves to providing all the tools you need to “meet real people for free.”
Luxy is known as the #1 trusted millionaire dating site and app, but just because it’s made for affluent men and women, as well as their admirers, that doesn’t mean it can’t offer an affordable experience. Luxy doesn’t charge singles to create a profile, upload photos, search for matches based on their criteria, have match suggestions sent to their inbox, and communicate in certain ways (e.g., read and reply to messages). Also, if you refer a friend to the site, Luxy will give you both a $10 credit, which can be used to access premium features.
Bumble looks eerily similar to Tinder, but functions a tad differently. The big catch with Bumble is that when opposite genders match, the woman must message the guy first — and she has 24 hours to do so. Guys can extend matches for 24 hours, if they’re really hoping to hear from a woman, as can ladies, if they want to initiate something with a match but just haven’t had the time during the first day. For same-gender matches, either person can initiate the conversation first.
Like Raya, joining The League can take a bit of effort. You need to set up a profile and allow the app to access your Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. The League uses these networks to verify your information and to make sure colleagues do not see your account. After you complete your application, The League will verify your eligibility, and you will either be accepted on the spot (rare), rejected (common), or waitlisted. If waitlisted, it can take several hours to several months to become a full-fledged member.
If Match is an inclusive, welcoming cocktail party full of people from all corners of the earth, then Tinder is the loud, crazy nightclub down the street that's primarily for 20- to 30-somethings looking for a bit of quick fun. Sure, older folks can hang out there too, but that's not who (or what) it's built for. The swipe left/swipe right function on profiles is intuitive and immediate; there's a reason basically everyone else adopted it. Tinder knows you're only here to make a quick snap judgment on photos, so scanning users and flicking them into the discard or keep pile is easy and addictive.
On Feeld, I have this identity that is very attractive beyond those other things, and it’s a powerful feeling. This may not be the response in regard to every kink, but receiving lots of messages from people who are excited to meet me feels great. It’s such a refreshing difference from the desultory “heys” of Bumble. That sensation is something I’ve taken out into the real world, and have found myself feeling generally more attractive and confident.
Zoosk has pre-set lines at the ready, so you don’t have to stress over sending the first message. While you can also swipe through a deck like all the other apps, you also have the option of searching profiles based on filters like height, age, relationship history, and education. They also offer photo verification so you can be sure the person you’re talking to actually matches the profile.
Features for introverts: Anomo is 100% about keeping things casual, at least at first, giving you time to feel out the situation. Unlike other dating apps out there, Anomo starts you off with just an avatar. In fact, all of your personal information is locked from the start, so only you can see it. You can play games with other hopefuls and over time, the app matches you with people who share similar interests. Over time, as you get to know someone better, you can decide to reveal yourself.
When they join these dating websites, they are able to meet international singles, become friends (or maybe even build a romantic interest in them), and when they actually land in whatever new and exciting place they are going to visit. Thanks to global online dating, you can put yourself in the position where you already know someone in that new country, which can be incredibly helpful if you don’t speak the language fluently or are unaware of certain customs that could easily offend a local. Plus when you join a free dating service, you don’t really have to worry about wasting money on the rare occasion that you are unable to meet someone interesting.
Tinder may not want to advertise as such, but we all know what it's mostly used for. You're quite literally deciding if you want to interact with someone based on nothing but profile pictures and a quote from The Office, so yeah, you can see how getting laid would be the main goal of most users — but hey, we all know those couples who met on Tinder and have been together for years. It's fast, easy, and if there's one app that even the shyest, most skeptical people will be on, it's Tinder. Hell, even celebrities can now have verified profiles on there (meaning yes, you could match with one of the Hollywood Chrises if you're really lucky). You may get carpal tunnel from swiping so much, but I guess that also means that it's nearly impossible to not find someone who's DTF.
Why it's awesome: It steers clear of fancy features and gives the people what they want: a black and white path to love. It's not the prettiest site you'll ever see, but if you don't care about aesthetics (and don't mind that it's been begging for an update since, like, 2005), you're good to go. Other people don't seem to mind, considering Plenty of Fish stays a tried and true option and has raked in 90 million users over the past 15 or so years. The lengthy questionnaires and profiles are extremely traditional, making it a safe bet for non-millennials (we'd say 30+), divorcees, and single parents who aren't in the mood to mess around. What it lacks in looks it makes up for in stats, so you're guaranteed to never get bored.
If you are searching for the top choice for international dating app, this is another option that should be part of your list. One of the best things about this is that you should answer personality questions. Answer it as honestly as possible since this will be used to find your match from the other members of the site. Member participation is one thing that sets it apart from many others. There are also many quirky tests that can be taken. It is also user-friendly, which will make it a snap to use, even for beginners.
About the App: Since it was founded in 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has established the largest online dating community for black and biracial singles of all orientations. Every month over 1.4 million daters use this simple and safe platform to connect with African-American singles in their area. You can download the app and create a profile for free to find new friends, hot dates, and love interests online.
This app wants to find you more than just a one-night stand or a cool-for-the-summer situation. That said, you're going to have to work for it. To join, you have to fill out an extensive survey, and you can't see photos of your potential matches unless you pay to subscribe. If you're out to spend more time finding your mate, eharmony is a good (if more costly) option. That is, as long as you're not looking for a same-sex mate: That's not an option here.
The Nuts and Bolts: Instead of having just a gallery of images, the app prompts you to choose a theme song to play during your photo slideshow. You can tell a lot about a person by the images they choose, but even more by the one song they have them coincide with! The annoying thing is that the app doesn’t allow you to look at only one geographical location, so even though I live in New York, I still have to sift through prospects in Los Angeles, London, and other cities. The other con is that it costs $8 a month, but I figure that’s like two cups of coffee, so it’s not a big deal to me.
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Yes, the best thing about Feeld is that I’ve had lots of fun sex. This is definitely not guaranteed, but when I’m in The Mood, it’s not hard to drum up an interesting encounter or two. If casual sex isn’t something that you want, Feeld may not be for you, though I see plenty of people looking for longterm partners on there. Be honest with yourself about what you want, honest in your profile, and honest in conversation. Feeld may reveal to you that there are far more people who want the same thing than you thought.
Why it's awesome: It's the dating app version of the Sadie Hawkins dance, created by ex-Tinder employees (ooh, drama). In an attempt to correct one of the common complaints of dating apps — that women get spammed with tons of creepy messages — women are required to message first with Bumble. It pushes some women out of their comfort zone, but it's a nice change of pace. And if you don't message, you could possibly be un-matching with the love of your life, and that's way worse than being ignored. It also takes the pressure off of dudes who feel like they need to start the conversation every time. (We knew you were gonna ask, so yes, with same-sex matches either party can start things off.) Matches expire after 24 hours so you can't agonize over that opening line for too long, and your match list won't be filled with people you forgot you matched with 57 weeks ago. This tactic is apparently working, as Bumble's founder claims that 60% of matches result in a conversation.
You only get a seven matches per day, and yes, we know having restricted matches can be a bummer — because having a day where none of your matches are appealing is a definite possibility. But Hinge isn't meant for constant swiping, and everyone I know who uses Hinge has always felt 100% content with the free version. Having endless matches gets overwhelming, and if you're trying to find a genuine connect, there's no point to viciously rushing through every person in a 50 mile radius.
“Big girls, you’ve got more admirers than you think” are the encouraging words WooPlus.com greets singles with. This free app is dedicated to helping BBW, BHM, and admirers find the match of their dreams. Download WooPlus via iTunes and Google Play, and then you can fill out your information, upload photos, browse profiles, and communicate at no cost to you!
As in...Ivy...get it? The League pulls in info from your LinkedIn to make sure you're not a scrub. Only those deemed League-worthy are granted access past the waitlist into hallowed walls of the League. Once you're in, you can set specific filters like religion or height. Matches expire after 21 days if neither person has sent a message, in an effort to keep the flakes out.
This dating app started in 2007 as a Facebook application. Now, this is considered as one of the most prominent online dating sites, as proven by the positive feedbacks from majority of its users. One of its best features is the Zoosk Scientific Matchmaking Service, making it easy to be connected to other members. The app can also be used as a virtual currency, which can be used for buying electronic gifts. It also has a newsfeed that is connected to Facebook.
One of the most nerve wracking parts of online dating (aside from literally the entire experience) is selecting which photos you'll use on your profile. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so it's a pretty important part of making a good first impression. Do you go with something that shows your adventurous side? Should you include a snapshot of your dog? Which photo will show the world you're a fun, interesting person?
Paid: Memberships cost $12.49 per month on a six-month membership, $19.98 per month on a three-month membership or $29.95 a month paid monthly. Memberships auto-renew unless you cancel your membership before it expires. With a paid membership, you can send and receive messages and winks, chat with connections, see profiles of those who have viewed yours, and get full access to Smartpick, Zoosk's matching services.