The best dating apps
Dating apps make it easy to meet new people directly from your smartphone. Available on iPhone and Android, they allow users to discover profiles, exchange messages and meet singles nearby, whether you’re looking for a serious relationship, casual dating or simply new connections.
However, every dating app has its own features and audience. Some focus on swiping and quick matches, while others use compatibility criteria, shared interests or more detailed search filters to help users discover people who better match their preferences.
How do dating apps work?
After downloading a dating app, you’ll usually need to create a profile with some basic information, your dating preferences and one or more photos. The app can then suggest profiles based on factors such as your age, location and the type of people you’d like to meet.
Depending on the app, you may be able to swipe through profiles, send likes, get matches or contact certain members directly. Many dating apps also use location-based features to help you discover people nearby.
Most apps offer some features for free, although there are usually limitations. Premium subscriptions may provide additional benefits such as more likes, advanced search filters, the ability to see who has liked your profile or increased profile visibility.
How to choose a dating app
The best dating app ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. The most popular app isn’t necessarily the best choice if its community, features or approach to dating don’t match your expectations.
Before signing up, compare the type of members using the app, the relationships they’re typically looking for, free and paid features, pricing, communication tools and available verification and safety features. Having a sufficiently active community in your city or area is also an important consideration.
Explore our selection and reviews above to compare different dating apps for iPhone and Android and find the ones that best match your preferences and dating goals.