What Is the Best Dating App for You?

Roughly 30% of Americans use some sort of dating site or app and nearly 60% report having a positive experience with these platforms. So, if you’re looking to join the thousands of people looking for love online, it’s time to download an app and begin making a profile.

But with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? Below, you’ll find some of the most popular and effective dating apps and a few reasons why they may or may not be right for you.

Tinder

By this point, you’ve already heard of Tinder — the original “mainstream” dating app and king of the Right Swipe. Originally created in 2013 to help U.S. students meet each other, this app became a major hit within just a few years and is still relatively popular today.

However, it’s considered more of a hook-up app than a serious dating app now. So if you’re looking for a late-night rendezvous with someone in your local area, this classic app may be the one for you.

Bumble 

The following year, the Tinder creators launched Bumble, an app that aims to help you find empowered and lasting connections as opposed to casual sex. Moreover, women have to make the first move, which may be perfect for you if you’re shy and would rather avoid the awkward first message.

Bumble’s BFF feature also allows users to search for friends instead of dates. This way, you can find a soulmate or a best friend — your choice.

Hinge

Hinge touts itself as a “dating app designed to be deleted.” So, naturally, the app focuses on relationships rather than one-night stands.

Unlike the aforementioned apps, Hinge’s interface doesn’t include a swipe left or right. Instead, users answer questions that post to their profile along with photos and stories. Each day, Hinge sends you recommended matches and allows you to see who’s liked things in your profile. Essentially, it’s like Facebook for relationship-seekers.

Coffee Meets Bagel

Likewise, Coffee Meets Bagel focuses on the quality of matches rather than the quantity. Each day at noon, the app will send you a limited and curated selection of profiles. If you show interest, the app will notify your match, who may or may not choose to reciprocate.

Additionally, all matches are within your Facebook network, so your next date may be a friend or a friend of a friend. So at least you know you have a mutual friend in common!

The League

Are you ambitious, and maybe even a little bit bougie? If so, the League may be right up your alley. Ultra-specify your filters to match with people you truly connect with. And skip the swipes. The League vets everyone for you and sends you five matches who meet your specific criteria each day.

Plus, all users have to link a Facebook and LinkedIn account, so you can be certain the person you match with is real, verified and most likely succeeding in life.

Match

One of the oldest dating apps out there, Match doesn’t limit you to people you match with. Rather, you’re able to view everyone’s profile or set filters if you prefer. The app also sends you curated recommendations and has a missed connections feature that allows you to find people you may have bumped into recently. This fun, yet serious, app is a great alternative to more marriage-focused apps like eHarmony.

OkCupid 

If you’re looking for a fun interface and connections of literally any kind, OkCupid takes the cake. Whether you’re looking for another male, a female or someone who identifies as neither, you’re likely to find a match on this app.

Most users are in their mid-20s to early 30s and thousands of people use the site every day, giving you plenty of fish to choose from. Plus, OkCupid is always adding new features and updates that promise to keep the whole experience interesting from start to finish.

Did you find your perfect dating app on this list? You should be feeling nice and ready to get out there and find your next meaningful connection!