Get the app!

Single people, listen up: If you’re looking for love, want to start dating, or just keep it casual, you need to be on Tinder. With over 55 billion matches made, it’s the place to be to meet your next best match. Let’s be real, the dating landscape looks very different today, as most people are meeting online. With Tinder, the world’s most popular free dating app, you have millions of other single people at your fingertips and the best free dating sites for mature adults all ready to meet someone like you. Whether you’re straight or in the LGBTQIA community, Tinder’s here to bring you all the sparks.

There really is something for everyone on Tinder. Want to get into a relationship? You got it, best dating app?. Trying to find some new friends? Say no more. New kid on campus and looking to make the most of your college experience? Tinder U’s got you covered. Tinder isn’t your average dating site — it’s the most diverse best dating app? app, where adults of all backgrounds and experiences are invited to make connections, memories, and everything in between.

In 2013, Tinder revolutionised the online dating industry with a simple system, best dating app?, swipe right if interested, left if not. Instead of having a matchmaker rifle through thousands of profiles to find someone unique, best dating app?, users could decide whether they liked someone based off a few photos. 

In comparison to the services which had come before, Tinder made dating simple, but it also, as studies have found, made it less about lasting connections and relationships and more about casual hook-ups and cheesy openers. 

What’s rather unique about Tinder, in the age of entrepreneurs and startups, is that it was built by Hatch Labs, a startup incubator funded by IAC, a holding company responsible for Match.com, Plenty of Fish and OK Cupid. 

Instead of an outsider crushing the best dating app?, IAC built its own cannibal, which has eaten away at the market share held by Match.com and its affiliate sites. 

In the United States, Tinder has ruled the roost since its inception, but in Europe and South America, Badoo has been the frontrunner. Created by Russian entrepreneur Andrey Andreev, Badoo has had many lives, including as a social games and quiz app in Facebook Games heyday in the early 2010s. 

Badoo is the most downloaded dating app in the world, with over 400 million registered users, but it has not been able to best dating app? a mark in the US. In 2014, best dating app?, Andreev partnered with Tinder co-founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, who left the company after tensions best dating app? executives, to found Bumble. 

Where Badoo failed, Bumble succeeded in drawing North American users away from Tinder. Marketed as the feminist dating app, Bumble allows women to make the first move, giving them full control best dating app? the experience. 

Bumble’s growth in the past few years has also marked a change in attitudes towards dating, as people have started best dating app? turn away from the casual hook-up culture of Tinder, best dating app?. Hinge, another IAC-owned app, switched its entire platform in 2017 to focus on long term relationships. 

That said, the culture is not devolving back to the Match.com era. Tinder and Badoo are still the leaders in monthly active users, and in emerging markets best dating app? China and South-east Asia, best dating app?, casual dating apps are far exceeding long-term services in popularity.

Top dating apps

Global Dating App Revenue

After a slump in the early 2010s, dating app revenues have increased every year since 2015, reaching $5.61 billion in 2021.

Global Dating App Users

Usage has also increased, with over 323 million people worldwide using dating apps. The vast majority of matchmaking is done on mobile devices.

Global Dating App Downloads

Downloads have actually best dating app? in the past two years, from a peak of 287.4 million downloads in 2019.

Global Dating App Users by App

Tinder and Badoo have been in a two horse race for total users since 2015, with Tinder winning out in North America and Badoo in Europe and South America.

Want to see more data like this? Check out our dating app report

US Dating App Market Share

Tinder is the leader in the US dating app market, but Bumble has increased its market share every year since 2017. Hinge is also positioning itself as a potential leader in the near future.

Okay, so you're finally thinking about getting back into the dating scene—but you want the chance to scope out your prospects from the comfort of your own dating older white women before you actually meet anyone IRL. And best dating app? totally fair! Going on blind dates can feel terrifying, so it's nice to know at least a little about who you're meeting up with. And relying on your friends for a love match doesn't always pan out in the end, best dating app?. Luckily, there are a ton of dating apps and websites that will help you get started—and I've rounded up a few of the best dating sites and apps right here.

eHarmony

People find love every 14 minutes on eHarmony, so the odds are very much in your favor. You can either start a free trial, use the free site, or purchase one of the site's subscription plans. eHarmony promises that you'll receive possible matches within minutes of completing your dating questionnaire, so the prospects literally come to you.

try eharmony

Match.com

Match.com has pioneered the online dating scene since its launch in 1995, and it's not hard to see why. Simply select your gender, the gender you're looking to match with, your preferred age range, and voila! You can start seeing all of the available singles in your area right then and there.

try Match.com

Jdate

If finding a partner that shares your Jewish faith is a top priority, consider checking out Jdate. You can even find matches anonymously thanks to the site's LookBook feature, which allows you to leave a heart on the profiles that you feel would be a good fit. If both of you "heart" each other, you'll be notified of the mutual attraction.

try Jdate

Hinge

Hinge calls itself "The Dating App Designed to Be Deleted," so that's promising right from the outset! It boasts an entire Hinge Lab Team that works behind the scenes to best dating app? the science behind online dating. The dating a nigerian guy uses your location to find potential matches in your area and asks each user to complete a series of prompts rather than relying on the usual questions. The end goal is to find a serious relationship rather than a casual fling.

try Hinge

Bumble

While Bumble has expanded into the business world recently with Bumble Bizz, it got its start as a plain old dating app. The app lets women make the first move, best dating app?, and lets you add up to six photos and link your Instagram and Spotify pages to make your profile look more official. After you complete your profile, the app works much the same as some of the others on this list—simply swipe to find your preferred people!

try Bumble

OkCupid

OkCupid uses both a website and a handy app, so you can find matches from your computer or straight from your phone if you prefer. It's considered the best free dating site out there, and has the numbers to back it up. The site boasts more than 91 million matches every year, and users go on an average of 50 thousand dates every week.

try OkCupid

Coffee Meets Bagel

If the name "Coffee Meets Bagel" sounds familiar, it's probably because you saw it on Shark Tank. Founded by sisters Soo, Dawoon, and Arum Kang, the ladies-first app wants to make sure that you actually see all your matches, so they deliver six matches who have already liked your profile at noon every single day. After discovering that men were twice as active on dating apps than women were, the founders worked with women what they actually wanted—and Coffee Meets Bagel is the result.

try Coffee Meets Bagel

Her

Her prides itself on being the #1 dating app and safe space for LGBTQ+ and queer folks who are looking for love—and it's currently over eight million users strong. It allows users to join smaller community-focused group chats, find singles within their area, or just make a few new friends. There are also free and premium paid-for versions of the app.

try Her

Happn

Happn is a location-based dating app that's designed for you to meet-cute with the singles that you already cross paths with throughout your day. The app uses your location to show you a personalized timeline of singles who frequent the places that you already go—or who are in the same room as you swipe.

try Happn

XO

If your least favorite thing about dating is wading through awkward get-to-know you conversations with strangers, then XO might just be the solution you've been looking for. The app turns up the social aspect of dating with fun games and conversation starters that give users a fun, stress-free way to get to know each other before diving into more romantic discussions.

try XO

Pickable

Pickable isn't the best dating app? female-focused dating app on the market, but it does take the premise to the greatest extreme. While apps like Bumble give women the power of making the first move, Pickable goes a step further by letting women swipe anonymously—you don't need to upload a picture, include your name, or best dating app? create a profile on the app to browse the men who are available to meet there. When you do feel like being seen and letting dudes on the app request chats, you can add a photo temporarily and set a time limit. During that time, you're "pickable," and after the clock runs out, your picture will be taken down again. It's ultimate, best dating app?, total control for women in the app-based dating scene.

try Pickable

Badoo

In terms of sheer numbers, Badoo leads the way in the dating app world. Badoo's high number of users—521 million and counting—is thanks to a combination of factors, from being early to the game (it launched in 2006) to being available in several countries around the world. By 2011, Wired UK was already describing Badoo as a "mass phenomenon" in Brazil, Mexico, best dating app?, France, Spain, and Italy. In 2017, the app underwent a massive redesign and now brands itself as being for more than just dating, making it a strong option for people just looking to make platonic friends, too.

try Badoo

Raya

Raya is known as the "celebrity dating app," but you don't technically have to be a celebrity to join. Still, it is ultra-exclusive and, unlike most dating apps, requires an application to join. According to Raya's website, "Anyone interested in joining must fill out an application." And don't expect the admission process to be easy. Only about 8 percent of applications are accepted, which is lower than the rate of admission to some Ivy League universities. If you are granted admission to the Raya community, you're expected to pay $8/month in membership dues for access to the app.

try Raya

MeetMindful

If you're looking to meet someone who shares your life philosophy and overall vibe and said philosophy and overall vibe is all about mindfulness and holistic wellbeing, then MeetMindful might just be the app you've been waiting for. Niche dating apps and websites are nothing new, from religious-based options like Christian Mingle and J-Date to lifestyle-driven hubs like the much-mocked FarmersOnly.com. MeetMindful just takes that basic, tried-and-true concept and brings it firmly into 2020 with a lifestyle category that's much more likely to speak to urban millennials today.

try MeetMindful

S'more

We all know the struggle of selecting the perfect set of photos for a dating app—can a few photos really represent you?—so what if we took all that snap judgement and hot-or-not BS out of it? Gone is the concept of swiping right or left based on looks; instead, S'more users first establish connections based on mutual interests. How it works: Each day you'll receive recommended profiles based on best dating app? previous activity on the app (the algorithm takes into account the kind of people you swipe 'yes' to the most), but the matches' photos are blurred and only become visible when you engage with the profile more. Whether that's asking the other person a question, or sending them a "wink" to let them know you're interested, the photo will slowly become more discernible as you get to know each other.

try S'more

Tinder

For many modern daters, the word “Tinder" is accompanied by the Darth Vader theme song. The truth is, no app embodies the “necessary evil” aspect of swiping the way Tinder does. And it’s not even Tinder’s fault: As a pioneer of the current dating app format, Tinder’s utter ubiquity means everyone has an opinion about it. And because the dating rigamarole kind of sucks in general, that means a lot of people have negative opinions about it. But you have to hand it to Tinder, they really did change the game. The OG features users love? The bio, which depending on what users choose (a lyric, a favorite motto) can be used to spark conversations, and the radius feature, which allows users to find people in their area—or not their area.

try Tinder

Feeld

Feeld is an app for people who know what they want. It describes itself as a place to “meet open-minded couples and best dating app? near you,” making it the premiere app for unicorns and those who want a more openly kink-friendly app experience. While that may sound pretty niche, there are plenty of pros that the average dater can appreciate. Knowing that all potential partners are looking for hot, fun people to hookup with in a judgement-free zone, means that you can skip over those awkward first few dates and early-sex convos. Plus, if you end up with someone long term, you know that he or she is fully best dating app? of your kinks and interests—right from the start.

try Feeld

iPhone Screenshots

Ratings and Reviews

The developer, Humanist Dating LLC, has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.

Supports

• 

  Family Sharing

  Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when Family Sharing is enabled.

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In a world where dating horror stories are almost a rite of passage, I can take consolation best dating app? a few things. One, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Two, most of those fish are dating from their phones making it easier to connect than ever.

About 44 million people dated online in 2021, best dating app?, and studies show this is now the number one way people meet their partners. (By way of comparison, in 2009 the most common way was through a mutual friend.) So why can it all still feel so overwhelming? Well, for best dating app?, people are being flooded with options, says Shawntres Parks, PhD, LMFT, the co-founder of Parks & Powers and member of the Women's Health advisory board. “It is a lot easier to disregard people really quickly without being the most compassionate," she adds.

This confirmed a suspicion of mine: all that scrolling on the toilet, or the couch, or when you’ve run out of things to look at on Instagram isn’t the best way to find ~The One~. It is time to bring in the intention. “Dating has become as competitive as the job market,” says Parks. And it certainly feels that way. Who hasn’t felt lost in a sea of perfectly curated dating profiles—except that everyone else's just seems slightly cooler, better, or funnier than your own? This constant comparison is detrimental, according to Parks.

Here’s a little free therapy homework best dating app? the pro: Take a couple of weeks writing down the essential characteristics you want in a partner, and what your non-negotiables are. (Want someone who eats vegan and is going to run 5Ks on Thanksgiving morning? Good to know! Looking for more of a laid-back partner who isn’t afraid to order a large pepperoni pizza at midnight? Also fine, but you may need to look in a different place!)

Once you are clear about who you are looking for, you can decide where to look. And lucky for all the singles out there, there best dating app? tons of options.

Here are 15 of the best dating sites in 2022:

Okay, so you're finally thinking about getting back into the dating scene—but you want the chance to scope out your prospects from the comfort of your own home before you actually meet anyone IRL. And that's totally fair! Going on blind dates can feel terrifying, so it's nice to know at least a little about who you're meeting up with. And relying on your friends for a love match doesn't always pan out in the end. Luckily, there are a ton of dating apps and websites that will help you get started—and I've rounded up a few of the best dating sites and apps right here.

eHarmony

People find love every 14 minutes on eHarmony, so the odds are very much in your favor. You can either start a free trial, use the free site, or purchase one of the site's subscription plans. eHarmony promises that you'll receive possible matches within minutes of completing your dating questionnaire, so the prospects literally come to you.

try eharmony

Match.com

Match.com has pioneered the online dating scene since its launch in 1995, and it's not hard to see why. Simply select your gender, the gender you're looking to match with, your preferred age range, and voila! You can start seeing all of the available singles in your area right then and there.

try Match.com

Jdate

If finding a partner that shares your Jewish faith is a top priority, consider checking out Jdate. You can even find matches anonymously thanks to the site's LookBook feature, which allows you to leave a heart on the profiles that you feel would be a good fit. If both of you "heart" each other, you'll be notified of the mutual attraction.

try Jdate

Hinge

Hinge calls itself "The Dating App Designed to Be Deleted," so that's promising right from the outset! It boasts an entire Hinge Lab Team that works behind the scenes to perfect the science behind online dating. The app uses your location to find potential matches in your area and asks each user to complete a series of prompts rather than relying on the usual questions. The end goal is to find a serious relationship rather than a casual fling.

try Hinge

Bumble

While Bumble has expanded into the business world recently with Bumble Bizz, it got its start as a plain old dating app. The app lets women make the first move, and lets you add up to six photos and link your Instagram and Spotify pages to make your profile look more official. After you complete your profile, the app works much the same as some of the others on this list—simply swipe to find your preferred people!

try Bumble

OkCupid

OkCupid uses both a website and a handy app, so you can find matches from your computer or straight from your phone if you prefer. It's considered the best free dating site out there, and has the numbers to back it up. The site boasts more than 91 million matches every year, and users go on an average of 50 thousand dates every week.

try OkCupid

Coffee Meets Bagel

If the name "Coffee Meets Bagel" sounds familiar, it's probably because you saw it on Shark Tank. Founded by sisters Soo, Dawoon, and Arum Kang, the ladies-first app wants to make sure that you actually see all your matches, so they deliver six matches who have already liked your profile at noon every single day. After discovering that men were twice as active on dating apps than women were, the founders worked with women what they actually wanted—and Coffee Meets Bagel is the result.

try Coffee Meets Bagel

Her

Her prides itself on being the #1 dating app and safe space for LGBTQ+ and queer folks who are looking for love—and it's currently over eight million users strong. It allows users to join smaller community-focused group chats, find singles within their area, or just make a few new friends. There are also free and premium paid-for versions of the app.

try Her

Happn

Happn is a location-based dating app that's designed for you to meet-cute with the singles that you already cross paths with throughout your day. The app uses your location to show you a personalized timeline of singles who frequent the places that you already go—or who are in the same room as you swipe.

try Happn

XO

If your least favorite thing about dating is wading through awkward get-to-know you conversations with strangers, then XO might just be the solution you've been looking for. The app turns up the social aspect of dating with fun games and conversation starters that give users a fun, stress-free way to get to know each other before diving into more romantic discussions.

try XO

Pickable

Pickable isn't the only female-focused dating app on the market, but it does take the premise to the greatest extreme. While apps like Bumble give women the power of making the first move, Pickable goes a step further by letting women swipe anonymously—you don't need to upload a picture, include your name, or even create a profile on the app to browse the men who are available to meet there. When you do feel like being seen and letting dudes on the app request chats, you can add a photo temporarily and set a time limit. During that time, you're "pickable," and after the clock runs out, your picture will be taken down again. It's ultimate, total control for women in the app-based dating scene.

try Pickable

Badoo

In terms of sheer numbers, Badoo leads the way in the dating app world. Badoo's high number of users—521 million and counting—is thanks to a combination of factors, from being early to the game (it launched in 2006) to being available in several countries around the world. By 2011, Wired UK was already describing Badoo as a "mass phenomenon" in Brazil, Mexico, France, Spain, and Italy. In 2017, the app underwent a massive redesign and now brands itself as being for more than just dating, making it a strong option for people just looking to make platonic friends, too.

try Badoo

Raya

Raya is known as the "celebrity dating app," but you don't technically have to be a celebrity to join. Still, it is ultra-exclusive and, unlike most dating apps, requires an application to join. According to Raya's website, "Anyone interested in joining must fill out an application." And don't expect the admission process to be easy. Only about 8 percent of applications are accepted, which is lower than the rate of admission to some Ivy League universities. If you are granted admission to the Raya community, you're expected to pay $8/month in membership dues for access to the app.

try Raya

MeetMindful

If you're looking to meet someone who shares your life philosophy and overall vibe and said philosophy and overall vibe is all about mindfulness and holistic wellbeing, then MeetMindful might just be the app you've been waiting for. Niche dating apps and websites are nothing new, from religious-based options like Christian Mingle and J-Date to lifestyle-driven hubs like the much-mocked FarmersOnly.com. MeetMindful just takes that basic, tried-and-true concept and brings it firmly into 2020 with a lifestyle category that's much more likely to speak to urban millennials today.

try MeetMindful

S'more

We all know the struggle of selecting the perfect set of photos for a dating app—can a few photos really represent you?—so what if we took all that snap judgement and hot-or-not BS out of it? Gone is the concept of swiping right or left based on looks; instead, S'more users first establish connections based on mutual interests. How it works: Each day you'll receive recommended profiles based on your previous activity on the app (the algorithm takes into account the kind of people you swipe 'yes' to the most), but the matches' photos are blurred and only become visible when you engage with the profile more. Whether that's asking the other person a question, or sending them a "wink" to let them know you're interested, the photo will slowly become more discernible as you get to know each other.

try S'more

Tinder

For many modern daters, the word “Tinder" is accompanied by the Darth Vader theme song. The truth is, no app embodies the “necessary evil” aspect of swiping the way Tinder does. And it’s not even Tinder’s fault: As a pioneer of the current dating app format, Tinder’s utter ubiquity means everyone has an opinion about it. And because the dating rigamarole kind of sucks in general, that means a lot of people have negative opinions about it. But you have to hand it to Tinder, they really did change the game. The OG features users love? The bio, which depending on what users choose (a lyric, a favorite motto) can be used to spark conversations, and the radius feature, which allows users to find people in their area—or not their area.

try Tinder

Feeld

Feeld is an app for people who know what they want. It describes itself as a place to “meet open-minded couples and singles near you,” making it the premiere app for unicorns and those who want a more openly kink-friendly app experience. While that may sound pretty niche, there are plenty of pros that the average dater can appreciate. Knowing that all potential partners are looking for hot, fun people to hookup with in a judgement-free zone, means that you can skip over those awkward first few dates and early-sex convos. Plus, if you end up with someone long term, you know that he or she is fully aware of your kinks and interests—right from the start.

try Feeld

Even with Valentines Day in the rear view mirror, the best dating apps can help you meet new people so that you have someone to spend the holiday with next year. And even if romance isn't on your mind, dating apps have pivoted from arranging hook-ups to just putting you in touch with people who share the same interests.

While you might think that two years and counting of a coronavirus pandemic may have stopped the best dating apps in their tracks, the opposite has happened. Dating apps have gotten even more popular by adding new features aimed at helping you forge relationships even when you're sticking close to home. Video chats, remote dating and similar tools are now a mainstay among these types of apps.

Whether it's friendship or something more, the best dating apps can help you widen your circle of acquaintances. And the apps we've selected have moved beyond simple swiping by adding features such as video meetups and security checks to make the world of online dating a lot better than it was before.

If you find yourself looking for some companionship, we can help you sort through a bunch of competing options to find the best dating apps that fit your particular needs.

What are the best dating apps?

When it comes to finding love in the mobile age, it's hard to topple Tinder, one of the biggest and best dating apps that also enjoys a wide reach. Tinder has a reputation for helping you find quick hook-ups, though it's also geared to finding more permanent partners and recent additions to the app have improved user safety while adding video features.

Other dating apps boast strengths of their own. Bumble gives the power to make new friends to its female members, while OKCupid offers several different tools for finding romance. Eharmony has its famous algorithm for pairing up people, while Hinge's ultimate goal is to get people to delete its app off their phones (presumably because you've found a lasting connection and not out of frustration). Even Facebook has gotten into the act, with a dating service tied to its massive social network.

Looking for a same-sex partner? Grindr was the pioneer in that space, while Her offers a dating app for lesbian and bisexual users. 

Before diving in to find the right dating app to find the best possible mate, don't forget to consider privacy. Don't just skim past the privacy policies of any dating app you use, as those policies can outline exactly what a dating site does with your personal data. Also be aware that many dating apps — including several on this best dating apps list — are owned by the same company. The Match Group, for example, not only operates Match.com but also Tinder, OKCupid and PlentyOfFish.

The best dating apps right now

1. Tinder (Android; iOS)

Tinder blazed the trail set by Grindr toward a world of swipe and scroll dating apps. On its face, Tinder encourages you to make shallow, snap judgments about potential partners. You create a simple profile with a handful of photos and a few sentences about yourself, then throw yourself at the Internet's mercy. 

The app displays singles in your area. If you like one, swipe the photo to the right; otherwise, swipe to the left. If you both swipe right, you can send messages and set something up. (Interested in upping your Tinder game? We've got tips on how to use Tinder like a pro.) Upgrading to a paid Plus or Gold membership at Tinder gives you premium features like unlimited likes or rewinds that give would-be partners a second chance.

Tinder continues to tinker with its formula, rolling out a video feature that allows you to make in-app video calls to matches without exchanging personal details. A Safety Center feature ties into Noonlight app and provides a panic button in case you wind up on a date where you feel unsafe, and you can run background checks based on data from public records. Tinder may even add a "swipe party" feature that lets your friends join in on the fun of helping pick out a would-be partner for you.

Download Tinder: Android, iOS

2. Bumble (Android; iOS)

Apple recognized Bumble as one of the top iOS apps for 2021 — don't worry, Android fans, Bumble works on your phone — and it's easy to understand why. The app can help you line up dates or make new friends, with the power to connect in the hands of its women users. 

Women get to make the first move after two people mutually connect and are part of each other’s hive. From there, you've got just 24 hours to make some kind of contact or the connection disappears forever. For same-sex connections or friendships, either person has to make a move within 24 hours before that connection is gone, though you can get a 24-hour extension. 

Just looking to widen your circle of friends, as opposed to a romantic relationship? Bumble has a BFF feature for people who are not looking for dates and a separate section for making business contacts. The Bumble Boost upgrade, which ranges from $2.99 to $8.99, makes it easier and faster to meet or date people. 

Bumble added video a couple years ago, giving one of the best dating apps a leg up in the shelter-in-place era. A Night In addition added games starting with a trivia game to give you and your date something to do on your video chat.

Download Bumble: Android, iOS

3. OkCupid (Android; iOS)

OkCupid features a massive userbase and straightforward dating tools. But rather than rest on its laurels, OKC keeps refining and adding on features to its top dating app, such as a "Flavors" system that allows users to quickly view evocative flavors of potential matches, such as Kinky Nerds, Beard Lovers, World Travelers, etc. 

All this is in addition to OkCupid's messaging tools, personality quizzes, Instagram integration and other old favorites. A premium subscription adds other features, such as refined search tools and the ability to see users who have liked you. 

Download OKCupid: Android, iOS

4. Match.com (Android; iOS)

Match.com offers its users a freemium dating experience on Android and iOS. Free users can set up online profiles, upload a few pictures of themselves and then engage in some online flirting with "winks", and have new matches delivered to them daily. More comprehensive features, such as the ability to see who has checked out your profile and liked your pictures, can be unlocked by a Match.com subscription. 

Match has continued to add on to its features, such as a Tinder-like Mixer, Android Wear and Apple Watch integration, and the addition of voice and video snippets to your profile. Vibe Check, launched in the spring, lets you enjoy video chats with your matches, while Match also lets you pay a little extra to have real-life dating coaches make matches for you.

Like Tinder, Match also added a safety feature that lets you alert friends if you're on a date and feel unsafe. You can even set your political views in Match, so you can better find a person whose outlook lines up with yours (or don't, if you believe that opposites attract).

Download Match.com: Android, iOS

5. Grindr (Android; iOS)

Grindr allows gay and bisexual men to meet up with like-minded men nearby. Profile creation is a fairly minimal experience, focusing on a profile pic, user name, and a few simple questions, and choosing a "Tribe" that describes your type, and then you're up finding other users and chatting them up in minutes. 

Grindr is free to use and advertisement-supported, but the premium version, Grindr Xtra, offers ad-free browsing in addition to other features like adding multiple Tribes and advanced search filters. One notable downside? Unlike other dating apps, push notifications for messages require Grindr Xtra. 

Download Grindr: Android, iOS

6. eharmony (Android; iOS)

eharmony is a long-time player in the online dating game, and the first service to push an algorithmic system to try to make the best possible dating matches for its members. Once you create an account, users go through a "Relationship Questionnaire" to create a personality profile that helps match you with other users that eharmony thinks you'll click with. Every day, the app will provide you with a selection of matches and your areas of compatibility; you'll have the option to connect if the interest is mutual. 

Premium subscribers get expanded matching and discovery options, and other features like being able to see who has recently viewed your profile.

Download eharmony: Android, iOS

7. Facebook (Android, iOS)

Facebook Dating has been around for a few years now, added on as an opt-in service built into the social network, Facebook Dating focuses on helping you find long-term relationships, not hook-ups. You access the Dating section from within Facebook's mobile app, setting up a Dating profile that's separate from your regular Facebook profile. From there, Facebook finds matches for you based on your preferences, interests and activities on the social networking site. 

Facebook won't suggest matches among people you already know on Facebook, unless you use the service's Secret Crush feature in which you can select up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers you have an interest in. If they also express an interest in you via Secret Crush, Facebook will match you up. 

You can add Instagram posts to your Facebook Dating profile as well as share Facebook and Instagram stories. Like other dating services, Facebook Dating also introduced the ability to make video calls to your would-be sweetie, using the Messenger app.

Download Facebook: Android, iOS

8. Coffee Meets Bagel (Android; iOS)

Coffee Meets Bagel takes the opposite approach to many of the best dating apps, trying to focus on quality rather than quantity. Every day at noon, the app will send men a small selection of potential matches based on their profile and preferences, and women are then sent a number of matches who've shown interest in them, leaving the ladies the option of reciprocating the like. If the attraction is mutual, then the app will set you up with a 7-day chat window and icebreaker. 

A redesign of the dating app puts a greater emphasis on user profiles, giving you the ability to comment on profiles and photos in hopes of fostering more connections between Coffee Meets Bagel users.

Download Coffee Meets Bagel: Android, iOS

9. Her (Android; iOS)

Her is a dating and social network app designed with lesbian, bisexual and queer users in mind. You sign up with Facebook or Instagram accounts, and then view a stream of activity from other verified Her users both in your area and globally. You can Like photos of other users, and if the interest is mutual, the app will link you up to chat. 

Of course, it's also more than just meeting prospective dates, with the app offering social features, news and articles about LGBTQ issues, events, questions and more. While the app is free to use and sign up for, a premium subscription adds extra features.

Download Her: Android, iOS

10. Hinge (Android; iOS: $10.99/month)

Refusing to follow the trail blazed by swipe-driven apps like Tinder, dating app Hinge puts its focus on relationships and interesting conversations. In fact, the service's explicitly stated goal is to get you to the point where you've deleted the app altogether — presumably because you've found love and not because you've had it with the app.

Hinge turns its nose up at swipes for a more detailed profile that you fill in with pictures and stories. Users can then choose to like and comment on something in that profile, and that serves as a mutual conversation starter. Each day, you can check out new recommendations, as well as see people who have liked something in your profile.

Hinge responded quickly to our shelter-in-place situation imposed by the coronavirus pandemic by rolling out Date From Home features. Other changes include teaming up with the likes of Chipotle and Uber Eats to encourage users to have socially distanced dinner dates. And a redesign last year introduced Standouts feature that highlights people who are more likely to be your type, along with topics that Hinge thinks will spark a conversation with your would-be match.

Download Hinge: Android, iOS

11. Snack (iOS)

Imagine TikTok, but for dating, and you've got a pretty good sense of what Snack has to offer. This dating app puts an emphasis on short videos. You sort through a feed of introductory videos to see if anyone sparks your interest, favoriting the ones of people you'd like to get to know. Should they favorite your video, you'll be able to DM each other.

The emphasis on videos makes Snack a good dating app option for our socially distant times, though the focus is clearly on the under-30 crowd. Snack is only available on the iPhone at the moment, though you can sign up to be notified when an Android version drops.

Download Snack: iOS

12. LOLO Dating & Icebreaker Games (Android, iOS)

Previously known as XO, LOLO Dating & Icebreaker Games wants to put some of the fun back into dating by using games to help break the ice. Quizzes, drawing games and other party activities let you share a laugh with somebody new and maybe forge a connection that leads to a relationship.

You find matches by filling out a profile and meeting up with someone who has similar likes. Or you can try one of LOLO's other, more random pairings. Blind Date puts you in touch with someone to play a game and exchange messages before you see their profiles, while Random puts you in touch with someone from anywhere in the world.

People who are serious about finding a significant other right now may want to some of the other best dating apps, but LOLO seems like a fun, casual way to make new friends — and maybe that friendship blossoms into something more.

Download LOLO Dating & Icebreaker Games: Android, iOS

13. Kippo (Android, iOS)

Of course, there's more than one way to game online, and Kippo looks to attract online gamers in search of a little companionship. The app lets you customize your own profile — the more unique, the better — in which you can show off the things you're truly passionate about. The app then tries to find matches based on the games you like.

Once you find a match, you're ready to DM and chat, though the free tier of Kippo has some limitation on just how many profiles you can swipe each day and how many messages you can send. Joining a paid Kippo Infinity tier for $10 a month removes those restrictions.

Kippo says it verifies that everyone using its service is a real person, and there's moderation to keep out any bad actors. 

Download Kippo: Android, iOS

15. Thursday (Android, iOS)

If you're getting a little tired of using dating apps all the time, the developers behind Thursday have heard your complaints. They've built an app you're only supposed to use one day a week — Thursday, naturally — to meet new people

Every Thursday, the app reveals people around you that want to go on a date that specific evening. The idea is to do away with the seemingly endless online flirtations and get straight to finding out if you've met your match.

Thursday is live in New York and London at this point, and the app is currently free to use, though a $14.99 "Black Card" membership boosts your presence and gives you an unlimited number of likes to find would-be matches.

Download Thursday: Android, iOS

15. Once (Android, iOS)

Once wants to slow down those frantic swipes as you try to find your ideal match. Instead of an unending string of photos to sort through, Once pairs you up with one potential partner a day, and you've got 24 hours to make a connection. You can keep chatting after that if both of you like another, but the idea is to focus on just one person at a time, so you can see if a more lasting connection is possible.

Matches are created with Once algorithm, which draws on your profile and your past behavior to find an ideal match. You can use Once for free, but paid memberships speed up the searching process and give you more matches per day if you prefer.

Download Once: Android, iOS

16. Happn (Android, iOS)

Happn is all about the people whose paths you might have crossed who you might find interesting and might also be doing the same things you are. A location-based dating service, Happn shows you the profiles of other Happn users you've crossed paths with, along with time and location. You can like any of the profiles that show up, and if the feeling is mutual, the app gives you the option to connect. Paid options offer the ability to “Say Hi” to other profiles, which includes a notification, as well as the ability to see profiles which have liked you.

Download Happn: Android, iOS

17. SwoonMe (Android, iOS: Free)

Let's face it — even the best dating apps are heavily skewed toward swiping through photos to find a match. But SwoonMe wants you to look beyond the surface when you're trying to meet someone new, whether it's for friendship or a more serious relationship.

To that end, the SwoonMe app does away with photos in exchange for avatars — the photo you upload to the dating app is converted into a cartoon version of yourself. Instead, you search for a would-be significant audio by listening to short audio clips the person has recorded. If you like what you hear, you can further communicate through audio messages, eventually reaching the point where you can reveal your true picture.

It's a different take on dating than some of the other apps here, and as a fairly new service, SwoonMe isn't as polished as some of its more well-established competitors. But it's worth checking out if you find other dating apps to be overly superficial.

Download SwoonMe: Android, iOS

18. Plenty of Fish Dating (Android; iOS)

Plenty of Fish Dating lacks the depth of features found in some other apps, but it makes up for in breadth. This free dating app is one of the largest and most popular in the world, boasting more than 70 million members spanning the whole English-speaking world. 

Users set up a simple profile, including age, education and profession, then search through potential matches and message them. Plenty of Fish keeps adding small tweaks to its app, including Chat Heads for Android users, VoIP calling for premium users and Instagram image uploads. You'll also find a free livestream feature that encourages dating over video.

Download Plenty of Fish Dating: Android, iOS

19. Badoo (Android; iOS)

A standout in a rich field of dating apps, Badoo features 370 million-plus users from more than 190 different countries, all sharing their profiles and photos as they search for matches. The app uses a lot of varied means to find interesting matches, from a Tinder-like swiping system to viewing the profiles of nearby users. 

Badoo puts a premium on making sure that its users are actual verified people, instead of "catfish"-style scams, with verification methods based on uploaded photos, connected social media accounts and phone verification. While the app is free to use, you can also buy premium credits for $2.99 to increase visibility or subscribe to gain "Super Powers," which provide expanded features.

Download Badoo: Android, iOS

20. Clover Dating App (Android; iOS)

A little bit of Tinder and a little bit of OkCupid, Clover takes a grab bag approach with a variety of ways to find and meet potential matches, from Tinder-like swiping to questionnaires, date planners, and detailed profiles with lists of interests. 

Clover avoids the one-trick pony trap of more focused dating app experiences, so if you ever get bored of the swiping style, you can always try participating in live mixers, check out the 20 Questions game, or even experiment with Clover's "on demand dating." As with other apps, Clover has premium tiers that can improve visibility and add or improve existing features.

Download Clover: Android, iOS

How to find the best dating app

You're going to have the biggest success finding romance through a dating app if you first settle on what exactly you're looking for. If casual flings and hook-ups are your focus, shy away from apps designed to help you find long-term relationships. Similarly, if you're tired of one-night stands, dating apps that put a greater emphasis on swiping than on matching up compatible people are more likely to frustrate you.

Speaking of frustrations, nothing's more irritating than using a dating app filled with fake profiles. Pay attention to what dating services do to make sure that you're only being paired up with people who are taking things seriously (or at least as seriously as you are.) It's also a good idea to pay attention to what services are doing to protect the privacy of their users.

Since many cities still have a limit on just how many people can gather in public places, it would be good to consider apps that offer some form of video chat, so that your love life doesn't get put on hold during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

As best you can pay attention to security measures and how much of your data gets shared. Dating sites can suffer security breaches, just like any service, so use good password practices and don't re-use login info you've tied to other accounts.

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The developer, Humanist Dating LLC, has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.

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Single people, listen up: If you’re looking for love, want to start dating, or just keep it casual, you need to be on Tinder. With over 55 billion matches made, it’s the place to be to meet your next best match. Let’s be real, the dating landscape looks very different today, as most people are meeting online. With Tinder, the world’s most popular free dating app, you have millions of other single people at your fingertips and they’re all ready to meet someone like you. Whether you’re straight or in the LGBTQIA community, Tinder’s here to bring you all the sparks.

There really is something for everyone on Tinder. Want to get into a relationship? You got it. Trying to find some new friends? Say no more. New kid on campus and looking to make the most of your college experience? Tinder U’s got you covered. Tinder isn’t your average dating site — it’s the most diverse dating app, where adults of all backgrounds and experiences are invited to make connections, memories, and everything in between.

In a world where dating horror stories are almost a rite of passage, I can take consolation in a few things. One, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Two, most of those fish are dating from their phones making it easier to connect than ever.

About 44 million people dated online in 2021, and studies show this is now the number one way people meet their partners. (By way of comparison, in 2009 the most common way was through a mutual friend.) So why can it all still feel so overwhelming? Well, for one, people are being flooded with options, says Shawntres Parks, PhD, LMFT, the co-founder of Parks & Powers and member of the Women's Health advisory board. “It is a lot easier to disregard people really quickly without being the most compassionate," she adds.

This confirmed a suspicion of mine: all that scrolling on the toilet, or the couch, or when you’ve run out of things to look at on Instagram isn’t the best way to find ~The One~. It is time to bring in the intention. “Dating has become as competitive as the job market,” says Parks. And it certainly feels that way. Who hasn’t felt lost in a sea of perfectly curated dating profiles—except that everyone else's just seems slightly cooler, better, or funnier than your own? This constant comparison is detrimental, according to Parks.

Here’s a little free therapy homework from the pro: Take a couple of weeks writing down the essential characteristics you want in a partner, and what your non-negotiables are. (Want someone who eats vegan and is going to run 5Ks on Thanksgiving morning? Good to know! Looking for more of a laid-back partner who isn’t afraid to order a large pepperoni pizza at midnight? Also fine, but you may need to look in a different place!)

Once you are clear about who you are looking for, you can decide where to look. And lucky for all the singles out there, there are tons of options.

Here are 15 of the best dating sites in 2022: