the 20 best dating sites and apps reviewed and compared

What to expect from this guide

Choosing a dating platform is easier when you match your goal-casual, serious, niche, or local-to the app’s strengths. Below you’ll find quick recommendations, a detailed top 20 list, and practical tips to get better results safely.

Who this guide is for

• Singles seeking long-term partners or marriage-focused platforms.
• People exploring casual dating or new connections.
• LGBTQ+ daters who want inclusive, community-focused spaces.
• Professionals and niche interests looking for curated matches.

Bottom line: The right app narrows your search, respects your time, and improves your match quality.

Quick picks by goal

• Serious relationships: eHarmony, Hinge, Match, EliteSingles.
• Best for thoughtful prompts: Hinge, OkCupid, Coffee Meets Bagel.
• Fast discovery and volume: Tinder, Badoo, Zoosk.
• LGBTQ+ first: HER, Grindr, Feeld.
• Over 50: SilverSingles, Match.
• Ambitious professionals: The League, EliteSingles.
• Interest-based or niche: Feeld (openness), Kippo (gamers).
• Hyper-local serendipity: Happn, Tinder exploration features.

Tip: Start with one “volume” app and one “quality” app to balance discovery and compatibility.

The 20 best dating sites and apps

1. Hinge: Prompts and comment-first interactions create easy openers and higher-quality chats.
2. Bumble: Women message first; strong safety tools and respectful culture.
3. Tinder: Massive user base, fast matching, powerful discovery features for travel and local.
4. OkCupid: Detailed questions and orientations, with inclusive matching logic.
5. Match: Established, balanced age range, robust filters and events.
6. eHarmony: Compatibility-first onboarding for long-term relationships.
7. Plenty of Fish (POF): Large, mixed-intent audience with free messaging options.
8. Coffee Meets Bagel: Limited daily picks reduce swipe fatigue; quality over quantity.
9. HER: Built for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary folks; community-forward.
10. Grindr: Location-based, fast discovery for gay, bi, trans, and queer people.
11. Feeld: Inclusive options for couples and singles exploring non-monogamy and openness.
12. BLK: Community-centered space for Black singles; culture-first discovery.
13. SilverSingles: Designed for 50+ with straightforward profiles and intentions.
14. EliteSingles: Education- and career-oriented matching for serious daters.
15. Zoosk: Behavioral matchmaking learns as you go; wide international reach.
16. Happn: Hyper-local matching based on real-life proximity and crossings.
17. The League: Application-based community for ambitious professionals.
18. Badoo: Global network with live video and discovery modes.
19. Facebook Dating: Leverages social graph (opt-in), events, and groups for context.
20. Kippo: Gamers-first profiles, interests, and social discovery.

How we evaluated

• User intent alignment: Does the app’s culture match your goal?
• Discovery mechanics: Prompts, filters, and algorithm quality.
• Safety features: Photo verification, reporting, and in-app guidance.
• Community and inclusivity: Orientation, identity options, and moderation.
• Value: What you get free vs. premium and whether upgrades feel worthwhile.

Local and regional dating

Urban areas often favor Hinge and Bumble for quality, while Tinder and Badoo excel for reach. If you’re in British Columbia, explore local success stories and dating norms via the best dating app vancouver bc resource to tailor your approach to the Vancouver scene.

Meeting people nearby

For same-day or weekend plans, prioritize apps with strong geo-features like Tinder, Happn, and Grindr. To dive deeper into practical, on-the-ground tactics, see the curated guide to the best dating app to meet locals and learn how to optimize timing, radius, and prompts.

Safety, etiquette, and success tips

• Verify photos when possible; report suspicious behavior.
• Move from chat to a short video call before meeting.
• Meet in public first; share plans with a friend.
• Write a concise bio with 2–3 specifics (work, hobbies, weekend plans).
• Use prompts to show humor or values; avoid clichés.
• Send specific openers tied to a photo or prompt.
• Keep early messages short; suggest a concrete next step.
• Review profile analytics (likes, saves) and iterate weekly.

Pricing and features snapshot

• Free tiers: Enough to test fit, browse, and like; limited visibility and filters.
• Premium: Read receipts, advanced filters, boosts, and profile prioritization.
• Worth it if: Your market is competitive or you have narrow filters (religion, politics, lifestyle).

FAQ

1. Which dating app is best for serious relationships?

   eHarmony and Hinge consistently lead for long-term intent thanks to structured prompts and compatibility-first onboarding. Match and EliteSingles are strong alternatives if you prefer traditional profiles and robust filters.

2. What’s the fastest way to get high-quality matches?

   Run a two-app strategy: one high-volume app (Tinder or Badoo) plus one high-intent app (Hinge or OkCupid). Add 1–2 profile boosts during peak hours and open with a comment on a specific photo or prompt.

3. How can I date safely when meeting someone new?

   Verify with a brief video call, meet in a public place, share your plans with a friend, and trust your instincts. Use in-app reporting for harassment, impersonation, or coercion-most major apps have quick safety tools.

4. Are paid upgrades worth the money?

   Yes if you want more visibility, tighter filters, or faster feedback. Try a one-week trial during peak times to see if boosts, super likes, or advanced filters improve match quality in your area.

5. What apps work best for LGBTQ+ daters?

   HER and Grindr are category leaders for community and discovery. Feeld adds inclusive relationship styles. OkCupid and Hinge also offer wide identity and orientation options with solid moderation.

6. How do I write a better bio quickly?

   Use a 3–2–1 formula: three concrete facts (job/field, hobby, weekend go-to), two playful specifics (music, food, local spots), and one clear ask (coffee, hike, new restaurant). Swap one photo every week to test engagement.

7. Which apps are best if I’m over 50?

   SilverSingles and Match serve 50+ particularly well, with straightforward profiles and balanced intent. eHarmony can also work if you prefer compatibility-led introductions.

8. Can I use multiple dating apps at once?

   Absolutely-limit it to two or three so you can respond promptly and iterate. Combine a volume app with a quality app, and keep your photos and bio consistent for clearer results.