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Which Dating App Is Right For You?

Jilly Hite 16-21 minutes 5/6/2024

With today’s digital jungle of remote work and social media’s reign, finding love has become a bit trickier. We have to get creative in our pursuit to find a better half. While dating apps lay it all on the table, it can be hard to determine what a person is actually like behind the screen. Of course, we at StudyFinds have researched across 10 expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top seven best dating apps. Don’t agree with our list? We would love to hear your recommendations in the comments down below.

The List: Best Dating Apps, According to Relationship Experts

1. Match

Match is a revolutionary dating app that has transformed the way people meet and connect with potential partners. Looking for a dating platform that goes beyond superficiality and helps you find genuine connections? Match might be your answer. PC Magazine emphasizes Match’s focus on meaningful connections, with its detailed profiles that allow you to assess compatibility before sparking a conversation. The innovative “Vibe Check” feature adds another layer by enabling live video chat for interested parties in existing conversations.

Glamour highlights Match’s rich history and diverse user base. With its user-friendly app, inclusive profile options, and evolved algorithms, Match caters to a wider range of singles, especially those over 30 and single parents. The platform caters to mature users seeking serious relationships.

Mashable points to Match’s experience and advanced technology, ensuring its algorithms go beyond the “swipe-and-forget” model of other apps. They also appreciate the platform’s commitment to safety and authenticity, evident in the required profile photos and anti-fake profile measures. Additionally, premium features like unlimited likes and visibility control can enhance your chances of finding the right match.

Here’s how it works:

2. eHarmony

eHarmony is a popular online dating app that aims to connect individuals based on compatibility and long-term relationship potential. With its unique approach to matchmaking, GQ emphasizes eHarmony’s serious dating focus, boasting a 70 percent success rate in pairing users for long-term relationships within a year. Their in-depth compatibility quiz and personalized matching algorithm go beyond superficiality to find partners with shared values and goals.

If you’re looking for a dating platform dedicated to long-term success, eHarmony is worth a shot. Glamour highlights its strong reputation and track record, with over two million love stories blossoming on the platform in its 20+ years of existence. The free basic membership allows you to take the compatibility quiz and see basic profiles, but deeper connection requires a paid membership.

Mind Body Green appreciates the platform’s commitment to seriousness and authenticity. The 20-minute profile setup deters casual users, and the monthly subscription fee fosters a sense of shared investment among members seeking committed partnerships.

Here’s how it works:

3. Bumble

Bumble is a popular dating app that has gained significant attention in recent years. Launched in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd, one of the co-founders of Tinder, PC Magazine highlights Bumble’s unique approach to empowering users, particularly women and non-binary individuals. By requiring them to initiate contact, the platform creates a space free from unsolicited messages and unwanted advances. Additionally, features like audio notes, virtual badges, and video chat options offer diverse ways to connect and build rapport.

Looking for a dating app that prioritizes safety, respect, and user agency? Bumble is just that! What makes it stand out, according to Forbes, is the holistic approach to relationships. Beyond seeking romantic connections, users can also explore business networking and friendships, fostering a sense of community and purpose. The platform also encourages engagement with in-person events and an ambassador program, offering avenues for deeper connections beyond the app.

Mashable emphasizes Bumble’s commitment to safety and control. By flipping the script and empowering women and non-binary individuals to make the first move, the app helps filter out unwanted messages and create a more respectful environment.

Here’s how it works: 

4. Tinder

a person holding a red cell phone in their hand
Tinder (Photo by Good Faces Agency on Unsplash)

Tinder, the revolutionary dating app that has taken the world by storm, is changing the way people meet and connect with potential partners. With its simple yet addictive swiping feature, PC Magazine likes Tinder’s young, tech-savvy user base comfortable with forming connections online. They credit Tinder with pioneering the now-popular “swipe-right-or-left” interface, making online dating more accessible and casual. When swiping fatigue sets in, the innovative “Face and Face” video chat feature allows consenting matches to connect on a more personal level.

This app has certainly become a name synonymous with online dating, and has carved its niche in the world of virtual connections. Mashable emphasizes Tinder’s position as a leading platform for casual dating and spontaneous encounters. With 1.6 billion daily swipes, it pulsates with a vibrant and dynamic energy.

Forbes delves into the platform’s freemium model and diverse features. While basic swiping and matching are free, paid subscriptions like Tinder Plus, Gold, and Platinum offer additional perks, such as seeing your admirers, sending unlimited likes, and even changing your location to match with people elsewhere. This caters to users seeking more control and flexibility in their dating experience.

Here’s how it works:

5. OkCupid

OkCupid is a popular dating app that was founded in 2004 by four Harvard math majors. PC Magazine loves OkCupid’s comprehensive profile system, featuring a range of questions that delve into your values, interests, and even dealbreakers. This information-rich approach allows for more informed matches and increases your chances of finding someone truly compatible.

Quickly gaining traction for its unique approach to matchmaking, Mind Body Green commends the platform for its inclusivity and diversity, offering a wide range of gender and sexuality options and catering to non-monogamous individuals. The platform also boasts keyword search functions, detailed profiles, and personality quizzes, shifting the focus from quick swipes to deeper connections.

But, wait! There’s more! Glamour showcases its success stories and strong reputation. OkCupid has facilitated over 91 million connections annually, with 50,000 dates happening every week. Its mention in the New York Times wedding section speaks volumes about its ability to foster long-lasting relationships.

Here’s how it works:

6. Hinge

Tired of endless swiping with no real connections? Hinge is a dating app that aims to revolutionize the way people meet and connect with potential partners. Mashable commends Hinge’s commitment to meaningful relationships, evident in its “designed to be deleted” tagline. The platform curates matches based on your preferences and shared interests, fostering deeper connections beyond superficial swipes. Detailed profiles with unique prompts about personality and hobbies encourage understanding and compatibility. Additionally, voice prompts, photos, and icebreakers offer fun ways to showcase your personality.

Unlike other dating apps that focus solely on superficial attributes or swiping through endless profiles, Hinge focuses on serious relationships and ethical matchmaking. Utilizing a Nobel-Prize-winning algorithm and emphasizing values like authenticity, courage, and empathy, Hinge fosters genuine connections and respectful interactions. Free features like weekly “Roses” and profile revisits allow you to express interest and explore potential matches further (Forbes).

Women’s Health praises Hinge’s innovative features and user-friendly experience. The ability to add voice notes to your profile adds a personal touch and helps potential matches connect on a deeper level beyond just text. The brand’s effective marketing and positive reputation further contribute to its appeal.

Here’s how it works:

7. HER

HER is not just another dating app. It is a platform that celebrates and empowers queer women and non-binary individuals, providing them with a safe and inclusive space to connect, date, and build meaningful relationships. CNET emphasizes the importance of a dedicated LGBTQ platform, highlighting HER’s ability to provide a safe and welcoming space for queer women to connect. Their positive experience with the app underscores its potential for fostering genuine conversations and meaningful connections.

Brides describes HER’s key features, including its swiping-based matching system and over 30 community groups, reflecting its focus on building a supportive and inclusive environment.

Tom’s Guide provides a comprehensive overview, outlining the app’s sign-up process, matching mechanics, and additional social features like news, events, and discussions. They also mention the availability of a premium subscription for enhanced functionality.

Here’s how it works:

Best Practices for Dating Apps: Swipe Your Way to Success

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.