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Fact Checked
In an increasingly digital world, many aspects of our day-to-day life involve technology, often making many routines and activities more efficient—and dating is no exception.
According to 2022 survey data from Pew Research Center, 30% of U.S. adults say they have used a dating site or app, with 9% claiming they had done so in the past year[1]From Looking for Love to Swiping the Field: Online Dating in the U.S. Pew Research Center. Accessed 7/5/2023. .
Interested in finding the right dating app for you? We’ve got you covered. Explore our top 10 picks for the best dating apps below, based on metrics such as subscription cost, if features are available without a subscription and bonus features.
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about relationships that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and methodology for the rankings below.
Available to use for free or through a subscription with added features, Bumble is a dating app focused on empowering women throughout the dating process. With Bumble Date, women must send the first message with a match. It also offers a wide variety of opportunities for users to invest in relationships beyond just the app, including the option to search for romantic relationships, business connections and friendships, as well as an ambassador program and in-person events.
With more than 55 billion matches made, according to the company, Tinder is a free, swiping-based app with paid features available as well. Paid subscription options include Tinder Platinum, Tinder Gold and Tinder+, which allow users to access features such as adding notes to “Super Likes,” see all the people who “Like” you (even if you don’t “Like” them back), the ability for unlimited “Likes,” as well as the Passport feature, which allows you to add additional locations to meet matches while traveling or in different locations. Users can also explore additional free features such as sending Read Receipts, becoming Photo Verified and the ability to send one Super Like per day.
Dubbed “the dating app for serious daters” via its website, Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) claims 91% of its users are committed to finding a serious partnership. CMB aims to help you spend your time wisely while dating, with a curated batch of daily matches (called “bagels”), detailed profile options and the ability to keep a conversation going with Icebreakers. Featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, you may sign up and use the app’s core features for free, or use additional features such as Read Receipts, Activity Reports and Discover Likes, through purchasing “beans,” which are paid tokens.
Another option for those seeking a serious relationship, Hinge calls itself “the dating app designed to be deleted.” Using the Nobel-Prize-winning, Gale-Shapley algorithm” dating back to 1962, the company focuses on three core values, Authenticity, Courage and Empathy, to help users build great relationships. Free profile features include the ability to send one free “Rose” per week to stand out from other users and the ability to revisit a profile you may have skipped. Paid subscription options include Hinge+ and HingeX. Hinge also offers a unique “NFAQ” section for the LGBTQIA+ community, which is aimed at answering all of the “not-so-frequently-asked questions” queer singles may have.
Facebook Dating, located within the Facebook app, integrates a user’s Facebook activity to connect them with others who share similar interests. This includes factoring in events that you may be attending or groups you’re already a part of within the social network. Facebook offers Safety Tips and information on locating the dating app via the “How to Find” menu option on its Facebook Dating website, however, it is only available to use through the Facebook app on one’s phone and not via computer.
Happn uses “hyperlocation in real time,” according to the company website. This allows users to view people who may be nearby, providing a potential location of where you may have crossed paths, without being too precise to maintain safety. With further safety in mind, you are also able to block certain users and select those you do not wish to cross paths with again. Basic features available for free include the ability to cross paths with someone, Like someone, get Crushes (when you and another user mutually Like one another), play CrushTime (a four-profile grid game within the app to guess who has Liked you) and more.
Plenty of Fish (POF) is a swiping-based dating app that allows you to search for matches via its Meet Me tab. Here, you can review and Like or pass on profiles, send Super Likes and more. The app also uses dating games to help users get to know one another, including Cue’d Up, during which POF connects you to five users to play a fill-in-the-blank game, where they encourage you to be as honest and “sassy” as possible in your responses.
Launched in 2017, BLK (pronounced B-L-K) is a dating app created for Black singles. BLK acknowledges that many users may have an intention of dating within their community, but the site also welcomes those who are interested in dating Black singles due to their romantic or dating preferences. To show interest in another user, simply swipe right to “Like” someone. If there is mutual interest, (a user “Likes” you back), you can then start messaging. You can easily “Unmatch” from another user by swiping left on a conversation to delete it or by clicking the three dots in the right hand corner to delete a connection.
Feels is a dating platform that promotes “relaxed relationships without rules or labels,” going against concepts like societal pressure and traditional norms, according to the company. Feels offers two paid subscriptions, Fastpass, where you can do things like boost your profile once a week and review past profiles as often as you want, and Infinity, which includes all of the features of Fastpass, plus additions like travel mode, the filtering of users you want to see and more. There are also Boosts available (which highlights your profile for 12 hours), that can be purchased through a subscription or in separate packs.
To determine the best dating apps for 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data for online dating apps available via the iOS and Google Play app stores, combing over a variety of metrics that we determine to be most important to consumers.
To evaluate each dating platform, our team of editors and researchers independently collected data on a variety of metrics, including subscription fees, features available on the app, communication methods, user ratings, safety features and more.
The collected data on each dating app is then assigned a score based on its performance in comparison to its competitors for that specific metric. We weigh metrics based on what we deem to be most important to the consumer, calculate the scores and assign a star rating based on those scores.
Specifically, we looked at the following metrics:
Read more about our methodology for the best online dating platforms.
Dating apps are online or mobile services you can use to find, connect with and interact with others to form various types of romantic relationships. “Typically, dating apps provide an array of features such as photo sharing, messaging, search functions and the ability to filter potential matches,” explains Kalley Hartman, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical director at Ocean Recovery based in Newport Beach, California. “They can be used to set up dates or even just make friends.”
Upon signing up, dating apps will typically prompt users to fill out a questionnaire about themselves and what they’re looking for in a partner. These assessments help various apps’ algorithms match you with potential partners based on factors like age, gender and more. Additionally, dating apps use WiFi or data to determine a user’s geographical location in order to match them with others in their area.
Dating apps often prompt users to create a profile that consists of pictures and a brief description about themselves. Some dating apps offer additional questions about your interests and criteria for a partner, which allows certain algorithms to provide more finely-tuned matches.
Each dating app is slightly different in terms of how you get matched with another user. “Generally, a user must fill out a profile with information such as their interests and age range,” says Hartman. “The app then uses algorithms to give users options of people to either select or reject. When two people choose each other, they match and are able to start a conversation.”
“While each app has its own [unique] algorithm, some apps prioritize specific niche qualities such as older singles, single parents and religion,” adds Adelle Kelleher, certified dating and relationship coach and founder of Coaching Hearts Consulting.
When you describe yourself on a dating app, think about what makes you different and get specific. “Instead of a blank statement such as “I like to travel,” explain why or what it is that makes you enjoy traveling,” says Kelleher. “The more specific you are, the more you stand out from the endless swiping, as well as filter people who do not share your same interests.”
To start a conversation, be genuine and enthusiastic. “Let’s work towards presenting ourselves as respectful, assertive and curious to learn more about the person we are reaching out to,” says Cynthia Shaw, licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Authentically Living Psychological Services.
Whether or not dating apps are safe depends on the precautions you take when you use them. It’s important that you don’t give out personal information or share private photos, for example.
“There is a danger of getting ‘catfished’, meaning someone is misrepresenting themselves,” explains Harman. “The good news is, many dating apps now have measures to prevent their users from getting catfished, such as giving ’verified’ badges to users who take extra steps to verify that the photos they use are their own. Additionally, most dating apps have measures in place for flagging and/or blocking users who are being inappropriate or dangerous.”
“The majority of online apps do not conduct background checks on potential suitors, so you need to take precautions as you should when meeting anyone new,” adds Amber Soletti, dating and relationship expert and founder of Intellectual Blonde Branding and Events. “A lot of times a simple Google search will reveal the person is not who they say they are, will show you that they are actually already in a relationship or live in a different state.”
Each of the dating apps included on our list offer free versions to use. However, premium versions of certain apps offer a wider variety of features like super likes, the ability to go back to users you’ve previously swiped on, profile boosts and more.
Whether free dating apps or those that require a monthly subscription fee are better depends on factors such as personal preference and budget. However, a report from the Pew Research Center shows that more than half of users (58%) who have paid to use dating sites or apps have had a positive experience compared to the 50% of those who reported a positive experience using free versions[2]Key findings about online dating in the U.S. Pew Research Center. Accessed 10/17/2023. .
Dating apps offer a convenient way to match and communicate with potential partners based on parameters like age, location, gender and personal interests. Additionally, the Pew Research Center reports that nearly one out of five adults under the age of 30 who are in relationships met their significant other through a dating site or app[2]Key findings about online dating in the U.S. Pew Research Center. Accessed 10/17/2023. .
If you’re in search of a dating app, there are some features that are likely to be important to explore. According to Kelleher, top features include the ability to write a bio about yourself, upload realistic pictures of yourself and share your particular dating goals, which may be a casual encounter or marriage and kids.
Hartman also recommends looking out for the following features:
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At eharmony we offer the opportunity to experience real love through our Compatibility Matching System. We give each of our members the ability to find compatibility and connection through our unique features.
Get StartedThere is no shortage of dating apps available. Fortunately, there are ways to narrow down your options and hone in on the right app for your particular needs and preferences. Shaw offers these tips.
No matter the app you choose, the right dating app for you will be a platform that offers the features and settings that allow you to present yourself honestly and authentically to find your ideal relationship type or match.
Get Who Gets You
We understand it can be difficult to find a match with whom you share a similar background, goals, or beliefs, and regardless of who you may be looking for, eHarmony wants to help you find the love of your life.
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Key Takeaways
| Dating App | company_logo | Forbes Health Ratings | forbes_advisor_rating_image | Best For | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bumble | | 5.0 |  | View More | #bumble_section | ||
| Tinder | | 4.9 |  | View More | #tinder_section | ||
| Coffee Meets Bagel |  | 4.8 | | View More | #coffee_meets_bagel_section | ||
| Hinge | | 4.8 | | View More | #hinge_section | ||
| Facebook Dating |  | 4.7 |  | View More | #facebook_dating_section | ||
| Happn | | 4.7 | | View More | #happn_section | ||
| Plenty of Fish | | 4.6 | | View More | #plenty_of_fish_section | ||
| BLK | | 4.5 | | View More | #blk_section | ||
| Feels | | 4.5 | | View More | #feels_section |
The best dating app depends on what you’re looking for. If you like the idea of a swipe-based app, Tinder or Bumble may be worth exploring. On the other hand, if you prefer an algorithm-based app with questions, you might want to consider an app like Coffee Meets Bagel.
Coffee Meets Bagel labels itself as the “dating app for serious daters,” and more than 91% of users are seeking serious relationships, according to the company. However, per one 2023 Pew Research Center survey, nearly half of dating app users report using Tinder, making it the most popular dating app.
The best dating app for older adults depends on a user’s personal preferences and goals, such as communication features, membership prices and how matches are suggested. One top option for older adults to consider is SeniorMatch, based on factors like number of active members and daily users, affordable membership fees and the platform’s match-making algorithm.
Whether Tinder or Bumble is better depends on factors like your personal preferences and features you’re interested in using. In addition to searching for romantic relationships, Bumble offers the option to search for business connections and friends and hosts in-person events. Meanwhile, Tinder offers features like photo-verified profiles and read receipts and allows users to display information about their pronouns, desired relationship type and more.
There are many alternatives to Tinder that may suit a variety of relationship interests or goals. Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel may be worthy options for those interested in serious relationships, while Bumble offers the opportunity to connect with others beyond the realm of dating, and may be a good fit for those who are interested in professional networking or meeting new friends. Additionally, BLK is best suited for Black singles and Feels may appeal to those interested in casual relationships.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Anna Baluch is a freelance writer from Cleveland, Ohio. She enjoys writing about a variety of health and personal finance topics. When she's away from her laptop, she can be found working out, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family. Connect to her on LinkedIn.
Carley is a writer, editor and social media professional. Before starting at Forbes Health, she wrote for Sleepopolis and interned at PBS and Nickelodeon. She's a certified sleep science coach and member of the Peloton community. When she's not creating content, you can find her boating on the Chesapeake Bay, chasing around her three toddler nephews or trying a new outdoor lunch spot with her Pomeranian, Leo.
Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).
