Find a good match on the go
Once upon a time, it was bars, then it was dating sites—Match et al, then Tinder came onboard and entrenched swiping into the dating game. Like Match before it, Tinder changed the dating game many thanks to smartphones becoming more like extensions of ourselves than gadgets.
The result is that the dating app industry is getting crowded. New entrants are making headway as the old guard (eHarmony, OkCupid, PlentyOfFish…) modernize with app releases. We are pretty much at the point where using only one app doesn’t cut it anymore.
This curated list of the best dating apps currently making the rounds should help you rummage through the top options and what they offer without having to invest considerable time, effort (and money for premium features).
BUMBLE
Best for: Heterosexual women who don’t mind making the first move. And guys who could use a break from always having to break the ice.
The USP
Bumble became popular for dropping the “first move” ball in the ladies’ court. It also introduced a time limit of 24 hours to cut down on obligaswiping and encourage conversations.
Added commentary
In general, dating apps come with specific, but really annoying, baggage that we’ve come to accept as the cost of getting in the pool. Bumble tries to eliminate a few of these issues.
First off, for straight matches, women must make the first move. That goes a long way to cut out the unsolicited d*ck pics and creepy messages that ladies have to put up with on most other dating apps. It’d take some getting used to, as women get to leave their comfort zone. But it’s a positive move that many swear by. This rule does not apply to same-sex connections.
Then there’s the 24-hour time limit to start or reply a conversation before a user loses the connection. There’s a 24 hour extension, but you get the idea—time is of the essence.
Beyond these two cornerstones of Bumble’s meteoric rise, the app is committed to providing an environment that is safe and friendly. And that’s not just PR talk, they do walk the talk. The bans, codes of conduct & guidelines (which they enforce rigorously), and intolerance of pornographic material are some of the many measures in place to actualize their stated goal.
Finally, following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Bumble now allows users to register using a phone number, as against the previous practice that made it mandatory to sign up using a Facebook account. Usability and most other functionalities/features are Tinder-like.
Download Bumble: iOS, Android.
CLOVER
Best for: Those who want the best of both worlds.
The USP
Most dating apps fall into either of two categories—swiping (championed by Tinder) and questionnaire-style matchmaking (with all the shebang including detailed dating profiles and what not). Clover disregards the contemporary practice of picking one side and riding it out.
Instead, it offers the both options. As a result, if there ever were a one-size-fits-all dating app, it’d be Clover.
Added commentary
Get right to it with swiping. But if you aren’t successful or get bored, there is the 20 Questions game, live mixers, and Clover’s very own “On-Demand Dating.” ODD gives the app more control as it’ll choose the time and place for a date with a match.
Download Clover: iOS, Android.
EHARMONY
Best for: Those looking for something serious.
The USP
eHarmony introduced algorithmic matchmaking to the online dating game, and hasn’t looked back since. As one of the entrenched players looking to maintain an active presence, they’ve expectedly pushed out apps to complement their website offering.
Added commentary
Users still have to go through a “Relationship Questionnaire” that’d help build out a personality profile. The algorithm would take care of the rest. That’s until it provides a selection of matches complete with areas of compatibility; and then you’ll have to pay to play.
With around 25% of its users aged 51 or more and the site rejecting up to 1 million applications in its first seven years of operation, you can be darn sure they take their matchmaking role very seriously. There’s a reason the stated goal is to “create more meaningful connections that lead to fulfilling marriages.” You don’t go through all the trouble of asking 450 (currently 150) questions to match individuals for a casual hookup.
eHarmony is exclusively for heterosexual connections. Its sister dating app/site Compatible Partners caters to the same-sex crowd.
Download eHarmony: iOS, Android.
GRINDR
Best for: Members of the broad queer community.
The USP
In general, support for the queer community by dating sites/apps often seems like an afterthought. With Grindr, it is the polar opposite. It was built from the ground up to cater to the gay community and now conveniently welcomes virtual every member of the diverse LGBTQ+ universe. It is the largest dating app of its kind.
Added commentary
Tinder may be the king of the hill at the moment, but Grindr was a thing (it launched in 2009 and is the first geosocial—allowing you to connect with people nearby—dating app) long before Tinder took the world by storm. That says a lot, as it is still the first port of call for gay and bisexual men.
Grindr runs an interesting LGBTQ-focused digital magazine called Into, which is actually a good read and improves its appeal as more than a dating app, a place to connect regardless of where you sit in the queer spectrum, and that it does have the LGBT community at heart.
That last bit throws dirt on the unconvincing posture of mainstream heterosexual-targeted dating apps as they begrudgingly support the queer community to prevent discrimination accusations and lawsuits, among other reasons.
Some other direct Grindr alternatives include Chappy, Hornet, Jack’d, SCRUFF. LGBTQutie, like Grindr is increasingly becoming, is an alternative that isn’t niched.
Download Grindr: iOS, Android.
HER
Best for: Lesbian, bi, and queer women.
The USP
It is a lot like Grindr, even more, with it doubling as a dating and social network app; but only for women. Men simply can’t register. It’s an amazing resource to help keep up with events, issues, and questions in the LGBTQ community.
Added commentary
Sign up with a Facebook or Instagram account, ‘like photos’ and ‘add friends,’ find interesting upcoming events and news, and ask other users for advice. It would be fair to ask if it is a social network or a dating app. HER, previously Drattch, doesn’t suffer from a crisis of identity. Its geosocial and dating aspects complement each other seamlessly. And you can use the app to find any type of relationship you want—from casual hookups to long-term relationships.
Some other HER alternatives are Fem and Scissr.
Download HER: iOS, Android.
MATCH
Best for: Individuals who want something serious.
The USP
Match is the OG dating service. The one that started it all in 1995, before Google was founded. It’s matchmaking algorithms have only gotten better over time with more than enough success stories to quell any doubts.
Added commentary
Admittedly, Match is not the easiest dating app to use, but it really isn’t complicated. Like most dating apps it has freemium and premium models, but its paid subscription is substantially higher than the competition (although it’s around the same ballpark as similar algorithm dating apps/sites—eHarmony and OkCupid).
Like all the other algorithm-based matchmakers, you’d need to fill out a profile and questionnaire at the start. But that (and the fee) is the price to pay to get something concrete rather than swipe until your thumb gets sore.
Download Match: iOS, Android.
OKCUPID
Best for: People who care about compatibility.
The USP
An algorithm finds your matches with their respective percentage compatibility with you (specifically, your answers to the same questions).
Added commentary
OKC keeps up with the tradition of similar algorithm dating sites not needing a Facebook account to sign up. Instead, you’d need to fill out an extensive profile and answer lots of questions. In addition to providing personal answers to questions, you may also provide the answers you’d like a potential match to have.
It doesn’t get any more specific than that. Better still, you can choose to publicize your answers and note their importance to you. OkCupid’s algorithm will match you to users and show a percentile score reflecting compatibility.
OKC continues to add new features and refine the app experience. It is also very queer-friendly.
Download OkCupid: iOS, Android.
PLENTYOFFISH
Best for: Getting maximum exposure.
The USP
As of mid-2017, POF boasts an impressive 90 million users and 55 thousand new signups daily. ‘Nuff said.
Added commentary
For a while, PlentyOfFish was the in-thing and its current size is evidence that it still gets love from daters. Its huge community has been its biggest catch and there are multiple reasons to just sign up and check it out rather than miss out completely. After all, using multiple dating apps is the norm.
Its MO is a bit of a mixed bag. In 2013, the site redefined its focus on helping to set up “meaningful relationships.” It does go as far as giving chemistry tests of a user’s likes, dislikes as well as quizzing users about their wants (and needs) from a relationship.
However, it hasn’t exactly stayed firmly on the “serious only” side of things like its other aged contemporaries. It straddles the line quite a bit with its Tinder-esque swiping mechanics and Happn-like ability to see nearby matches to stay on par with the trendier new app-first competition.
That said, it also offers a continuous stream of new and interesting features, such as its Spark system, VoIP (Skype-ish) calling for premium users, and Instagram image uploads.
Download PlentyOfFish: iOS, Android.
TINDER
Best for: Virtually everyone.
The USP
Tinder has as many if not more users than POF. As far back as 2014, it already had almost 50 million users. That’s within only two years as it was launched in 2012. Combine that with its ultra-smooth app with excellent usability—it helps that it was built from the ground up as an app rather than a dating site porting functionalities into a mobile app—and it is no surprise that Tinder is currently the de-facto synonym of dating app.
Added commentary
Tinder is great at what it does. It’s meant to be incredibly easy to use and to take out the inconvenience of having to fill out extensive profiles and answer multiple questions as is the case with most popular matchmaking dating sites. This doesn’t always work well for relationships and has fueled its public perception as a hookup app.
But virtually every dating app can be used for hookups, and many people do in fact aim to find long-term partners on Tinder, and actually enter into relationships with or marry love interests they met on Tinder. You can now register on Tinder without a Facebook account, although you can always connect your Tinder account to your Facebook or Instagram account.
After the relatively quick sign up, the ball is in your court to swipe until you find someone you like. If the individual is also indicates interest, then a match is made and a conversation can start. This effectively eliminates the scourge of unsolicited messages, which would otherwise have been a significant drawback for an app of its size.
Newer features are in the pipeline, with some in testing phase already. Furthermore, Tinder has laudably expressed willingness to support the extensive spectrum of sexualities and gender orientations. Back in 2016, they provided 40+ gender options from which users could choose a more accurate gender identity; and have worked with GLAAD (and other advocates) to help meet the diverse needs of the queer community.
Download Tinder: iOS, Android.
ZOOSK
Best for: Individuals looking for something serious and are wary of being catfished.
The USP
One of Zoosk’s biggest draws is that it requires all users to send in a video selfie for verification. This way you can be sure whomever you’re matched with is who they say they are.
Added commentary
Beyond reassuring users that they needn’t worry about scam profiles and catfishing on the platform, Zoosk also goes a bit further than most dating apps on factors used to identify suitable matches. It isn’t just an algorithm based on your answers to tailored questions. The app also analyzes your swiping and messaging behavior (behavioral matchmaking) to identify matches.
Furthermore, there are multiple ways to discover matches from the freeform Carousel browsing mode to the personalized SmartPicks. Like eHarmony, it is a pay to play service—you wouldn’t be able to send messages unless you have an active subscription.
Download Zoosk: iOS, Android.
Honorable mentions to check out
Admittedly, its name is awkward for a dating app, but that’s prolly because it is popularizing a concept that beginning to catch on—slow dating. It’s basically about taking things slow and going with the less is more principle.
For a hetero connection, guys get a couple (21 to be exact) of quality matches, which they have to sort through. CMB then curates the best potential matches for women from the men who expressed interest, and send one (called a bagel) every day. If a woman likes a match (there’s a 24 hours window to like or pass on a match), the app sets up a 7-day chat window (it can be extended using beans—the app’s virtual currency).
A dating app that’s practically all about missed connections. All of your matches live close to you and are people you may have crossed paths with recently. Happn tracks your daily patterns and alerts you of other users in the same area at all times of the day. Additionally, the app will note the number of times you crossed paths with another user and where.
There are no unsolicited messages and your position is never disclosed in real time; both should temper your stalking fears.
Have a go at people in your extended networks—your friends’ friends—instead of random strangers. It’s pretty much Facebook-oriented as it relises on Facebook friends to make connections. You do get to answer questions (in a fun way we must add), which will aid matchmaking.
No unsolicited messages. It is relationship-focused. However, you are only limited by the size of your network.
Find a good match on the go
Once upon a time, it was bars, then it was dating sites—Match et al, then Tinder came onboard and entrenched swiping into the dating game. Like Match before it, Tinder changed the dating game many thanks to smartphones becoming more like extensions of ourselves than gadgets.
The result is that the dating app industry is getting crowded. New entrants are making headway as the old guard (eHarmony, OkCupid, PlentyOfFish…) modernize with app releases. We are pretty much at the point where using only one app doesn’t cut it anymore.
This curated list of the best dating apps currently making the rounds should help you rummage through the top options and what they offer without having to invest considerable time, effort (and money for premium features).
BUMBLE
Best for: Heterosexual women who don’t mind making the first move. And guys who could use a break from always having to break the ice.
The USP
Bumble became popular for dropping the “first move” ball in the ladies’ court. It also introduced a time limit of 24 hours to cut down on obligaswiping and encourage conversations.
Added commentary
In general, dating apps come with specific, but really annoying, baggage that we’ve come to accept as the cost of getting in the pool. Bumble tries to eliminate a few of these issues.
First off, for straight matches, women must make the first move. That goes a long way to cut out the unsolicited d*ck pics and creepy messages that ladies have to put up with on most other dating apps. It’d take some getting used to, as women get to leave their comfort zone. But it’s a positive move that many swear by. This rule does not apply to same-sex connections.
Then there’s the 24-hour time limit to start or reply a conversation before a user loses the connection. There’s a 24 hour extension, but you get the idea—time is of the essence.
Beyond these two cornerstones of Bumble’s meteoric rise, the app is committed to providing an environment that is safe and friendly. And that’s not just PR talk, they do walk the talk. The bans, codes of conduct & guidelines (which they enforce rigorously), and intolerance of pornographic material are some of the many measures in place to actualize their stated goal.
Finally, following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Bumble now allows users to register using a phone number, as against the previous practice that made it mandatory to sign up using a Facebook account. Usability and most other functionalities/features are Tinder-like.
Download Bumble: iOS, Android.
CLOVER
Best for: Those who want the best of both worlds.
The USP
Most dating apps fall into either of two categories—swiping (championed by Tinder) and questionnaire-style matchmaking (with all the shebang including detailed dating profiles and what not). Clover disregards the contemporary practice of picking one side and riding it out.
Instead, it offers the both options. As a result, if there ever were a one-size-fits-all dating app, it’d be Clover.
Added commentary
Get right to it with swiping. But if you aren’t successful or get bored, there is the 20 Questions game, live mixers, and Clover’s very own “On-Demand Dating.” ODD gives the app more control as it’ll choose the time and place for a date with a match.
Download Clover: iOS, Android.
EHARMONY
Best for: Those looking for something serious.
The USP
eHarmony introduced algorithmic matchmaking to the online dating game, and hasn’t looked back since. As one of the entrenched players looking to maintain an active presence, they’ve expectedly pushed out apps to complement their website offering.
Added commentary
Users still have to go through a “Relationship Questionnaire” that’d help build out a personality profile. The algorithm would take care of the rest. That’s until it provides a selection of matches complete with areas of compatibility; and then you’ll have to pay to play.
With around 25% of its users aged 51 or more and the site rejecting up to 1 million applications in its first seven years of operation, you can be darn sure they take their matchmaking role very seriously. There’s a reason the stated goal is to “create more meaningful connections that lead to fulfilling marriages.” You don’t go through all the trouble of asking 450 (currently 150) questions to match individuals for a casual hookup.
eHarmony is exclusively for heterosexual connections. Its sister dating app/site Compatible Partners caters to the same-sex crowd.
Download eHarmony: iOS, Android.
GRINDR
Best for: Members of the broad queer community.
The USP
In general, support for the queer community by dating sites/apps often seems like an afterthought. With Grindr, it is the polar opposite. It was built from the ground up to cater to the gay community and now conveniently welcomes virtual every member of the diverse LGBTQ+ universe. It is the largest dating app of its kind.
Added commentary
Tinder may be the king of the hill at the moment, but Grindr was a thing (it launched in 2009 and is the first geosocial—allowing you to connect with people nearby—dating app) long before Tinder took the world by storm. That says a lot, as it is still the first port of call for gay and bisexual men.
Grindr runs an interesting LGBTQ-focused digital magazine called Into, which is actually a good read and improves its appeal as more than a dating app, a place to connect regardless of where you sit in the queer spectrum, and that it does have the LGBT community at heart.
That last bit throws dirt on the unconvincing posture of mainstream heterosexual-targeted dating apps as they begrudgingly support the queer community to prevent discrimination accusations and lawsuits, among other reasons.
Some other direct Grindr alternatives include Chappy, Hornet, Jack’d, SCRUFF. LGBTQutie, like Grindr is increasingly becoming, is an alternative that isn’t niched.
Download Grindr: iOS, Android.
HER
Best for: Lesbian, bi, and queer women.
The USP
It is a lot like Grindr, even more, with it doubling as a dating and social network app; but only for women. Men simply can’t register. It’s an amazing resource to help keep up with events, issues, and questions in the LGBTQ community.
Added commentary
Sign up with a Facebook or Instagram account, ‘like photos’ and ‘add friends,’ find interesting upcoming events and news, and ask other users for advice. It would be fair to ask if it is a social network or a dating app. HER, previously Drattch, doesn’t suffer from a crisis of identity. Its geosocial and dating aspects complement each other seamlessly. And you can use the app to find any type of relationship you want—from casual hookups to long-term relationships.
Some other HER alternatives are Fem and Scissr.
Download HER: iOS, Android.
MATCH
Best for: Individuals who want something serious.
The USP
Match is the OG dating service. The one that started it all in 1995, before Google was founded. It’s matchmaking algorithms have only gotten better over time with more than enough success stories to quell any doubts.
Added commentary
Admittedly, Match is not the easiest dating app to use, but it really isn’t complicated. Like most dating apps it has freemium and premium models, but its paid subscription is substantially higher than the competition (although it’s around the same ballpark as similar algorithm dating apps/sites—eHarmony and OkCupid).
Like all the other algorithm-based matchmakers, you’d need to fill out a profile and questionnaire at the start. But that (and the fee) is the price to pay to get something concrete rather than swipe until your thumb gets sore.
Download Match: iOS, Android.
OKCUPID
Best for: People who care about compatibility.
The USP
An algorithm finds your matches with their respective percentage compatibility with you (specifically, your answers to the same questions).
Added commentary
OKC keeps up with the tradition of similar algorithm dating sites not needing a Facebook account to sign up. Instead, you’d need to fill out an extensive profile and answer lots of questions. In addition to providing personal answers to questions, you may also provide the answers you’d like a potential match to have.
It doesn’t get any more specific than that. Better still, you can choose to publicize your answers and note their importance to you. OkCupid’s algorithm will match you to users and show a percentile score reflecting compatibility.
OKC continues to add new features and refine the app experience. It is also very queer-friendly.
Download OkCupid: iOS, Android.
PLENTYOFFISH
Best for: Getting maximum exposure.
The USP
As of mid-2017, POF boasts an impressive 90 million users and 55 thousand new signups daily. ‘Nuff said.
Added commentary
For a while, PlentyOfFish was the in-thing and its current size is evidence that it still gets love from daters. Its huge community has been its biggest catch and there are multiple reasons to just sign up and check it out rather than miss out completely. After all, using multiple dating apps is the norm.
Its MO is a bit of a mixed bag. In 2013, the site redefined its focus on helping to set up “meaningful relationships.” It does go as far as giving chemistry tests of a user’s likes, dislikes as well as quizzing users about their wants (and needs) from a relationship.
However, it hasn’t exactly stayed firmly on the “serious only” side of things like its other aged contemporaries. It straddles the line quite a bit with its Tinder-esque swiping mechanics and Happn-like ability to see nearby matches to stay on par with the trendier new app-first competition.
That said, it also offers a continuous stream of new and interesting features, such as its Spark system, VoIP (Skype-ish) calling for premium users, and Instagram image uploads.
Download PlentyOfFish: iOS, Android.
TINDER
Best for: Virtually everyone.
The USP
Tinder has as many if not more users than POF. As far back as 2014, it already had almost 50 million users. That’s within only two years as it was launched in 2012. Combine that with its ultra-smooth app with excellent usability—it helps that it was built from the ground up as an app rather than a dating site porting functionalities into a mobile app—and it is no surprise that Tinder is currently the de-facto synonym of dating app.
Added commentary
Tinder is great at what it does. It’s meant to be incredibly easy to use and to take out the inconvenience of having to fill out extensive profiles and answer multiple questions as is the case with most popular matchmaking dating sites. This doesn’t always work well for relationships and has fueled its public perception as a hookup app.
But virtually every dating app can be used for hookups, and many people do in fact aim to find long-term partners on Tinder, and actually enter into relationships with or marry love interests they met on Tinder. You can now register on Tinder without a Facebook account, although you can always connect your Tinder account to your Facebook or Instagram account.
After the relatively quick sign up, the ball is in your court to swipe until you find someone you like. If the individual is also indicates interest, then a match is made and a conversation can start. This effectively eliminates the scourge of unsolicited messages, which would otherwise have been a significant drawback for an app of its size.
Newer features are in the pipeline, with some in testing phase already. Furthermore, Tinder has laudably expressed willingness to support the extensive spectrum of sexualities and gender orientations. Back in 2016, they provided 40+ gender options from which users could choose a more accurate gender identity; and have worked with GLAAD (and other advocates) to help meet the diverse needs of the queer community.
Download Tinder: iOS, Android.
ZOOSK
Best for: Individuals looking for something serious and are wary of being catfished.
The USP
One of Zoosk’s biggest draws is that it requires all users to send in a video selfie for verification. This way you can be sure whomever you’re matched with is who they say they are.
Added commentary
Beyond reassuring users that they needn’t worry about scam profiles and catfishing on the platform, Zoosk also goes a bit further than most dating apps on factors used to identify suitable matches. It isn’t just an algorithm based on your answers to tailored questions. The app also analyzes your swiping and messaging behavior (behavioral matchmaking) to identify matches.
Furthermore, there are multiple ways to discover matches from the freeform Carousel browsing mode to the personalized SmartPicks. Like eHarmony, it is a pay to play service—you wouldn’t be able to send messages unless you have an active subscription.
Download Zoosk: iOS, Android.
Honorable mentions to check out
Admittedly, its name is awkward for a dating app, but that’s prolly because it is popularizing a concept that beginning to catch on—slow dating. It’s basically about taking things slow and going with the less is more principle.
For a hetero connection, guys get a couple (21 to be exact) of quality matches, which they have to sort through. CMB then curates the best potential matches for women from the men who expressed interest, and send one (called a bagel) every day. If a woman likes a match (there’s a 24 hours window to like or pass on a match), the app sets up a 7-day chat window (it can be extended using beans—the app’s virtual currency).
A dating app that’s practically all about missed connections. All of your matches live close to you and are people you may have crossed paths with recently. Happn tracks your daily patterns and alerts you of other users in the same area at all times of the day. Additionally, the app will note the number of times you crossed paths with another user and where.
There are no unsolicited messages and your position is never disclosed in real time; both should temper your stalking fears.
Have a go at people in your extended networks—your friends’ friends—instead of random strangers. It’s pretty much Facebook-oriented as it relises on Facebook friends to make connections. You do get to answer questions (in a fun way we must add), which will aid matchmaking.
No unsolicited messages. It is relationship-focused. However, you are only limited by the size of your network.