Once upon a time, we had to rely on good old luck, wit, and charm to find love. Today, it’s a little easier to woo potential partners without putting ourselves out there, out there. Thanks to the ever-evolving landscape of dating, sex, and technology, finding love or a quick fling is as simple as downloading an app.
The best dating apps give you the rare opportunity to connect with hundreds of people you wouldn’t have otherwise met while also allowing you to explore your sexuality and find out what you want in a partner. Yes, that includes potentially connecting with hundreds of people you’d rather not have known too, but we still think the pros outweigh the cons.
Statista predicts that the online dating user base in the U.S. will grow to 53.3 million by 2025, a leap from 44.2 million users in 2020. It’s also becoming more and more common to meet serious, long-term partners on apps. A 2022 survey from the Pew Research Center found that out of the nearly 6,000 respondents they heard from, one in 10 partnered adults (those who were married, in a long-term relationship, or living together) met through a dating app.
Which dating apps actually work?
With so many dating apps out there, it’s easy to feel confused or overwhelmed by the options. While Match Group (Tinder, Match, Archer, OkCupid, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, and The League, among others) continues to dominate the market, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one brand when looking for the best dating app.
One noteworthy app is First Round’s On Me (FROME), a newer dating app that’s gained popularity for its innovative date invitation feature. With FROME, you can choose a drink, date, time, and venue; the app will then send a personalized invitation to your potential match. Once a date is confirmed, it’s locked into both users’ calendars, and the in-app chat feature is activated 12 hours before the date.
Other apps, like Pure and FetLife, cater to people open to ethical, non-monogamous relationships or threesomes. There really is something for everyone out there. In addition, there are more traditional dating apps like eharmony, Facebook Dating (think Tinder Lite for your grandma), and Christian Mingle that swap endless scrolling for compatibility quizzes and faith-based connections.
The Best Dating Apps of 2024
Finding the best dating app is purely subjective. To help you out, we’ve narrowed down some of the best dating apps of 2024 based on hands-on testing, customer reviews, overall functionality, availability (all are available on the App Store or Google Play), and user-friendliness:
- First Round’s On Me (FROME) – Known for its unique date invitation feature.
- Tinder – One of the most popular dating apps in the world.
- OkCupid – Known for its extensive user profiles and compatibility matching.
- Bumble – Focuses on empowering women to make the first move.
- Hinge – Emphasizes meaningful connections and in-depth profiles.
- Coffee Meets Bagel – Provides curated matches and focuses on quality over quantity.
- Pure – Designed for casual hookups and anonymous encounters.
- FetLife – For those interested in ethical non-monogamy or BDSM.
- Grindr – Geared towards the LGBTQ+ community and casual encounters.
- Her – Dating app specifically for queer women.
- eHarmony – Known for its comprehensive compatibility matching.
- Facebook Dating – Utilizes your existing Facebook profile to find potential matches.
- Christian Mingle – Focuses on connecting Christian singles for long-term relationships.
These apps offer a wide range of features and cater to different dating preferences. Remember to stay safe while using dating apps by being cautious with your personal information and meeting in public places.
FAQs
What is the best dating app?
The best dating app depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for in a potential partner. Popular options include Tinder, OkCupid, Bumble, and Hinge. It’s important to try out different apps and see which one resonates with you the most.
Are there any dating apps for non-monogamous relationships?
Yes, there are dating apps specifically designed for non-monogamous relationships. Pure and FetLife are two examples that cater to people open to ethical non-monogamy or threesomes.
Which dating app is best for serious relationships?
Dating apps like eHarmony and Christian Mingle are known for their focus on serious, long-term relationships. These apps often include compatibility quizzes or faith-based connections to help match users with compatible partners.
Conclusion
With the growing popularity of dating apps, it’s easier than ever to meet potential partners and explore different types of relationships. Whether you’re looking for a lasting connection or a casual fling, there’s a dating app out there that suits your needs.
Remember to take your time, stay safe, and have fun while using these apps. Good luck on your dating journey!