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Dating isn’t guaranteed to be stress-free, but these apps will certainly make finding someone easier.
In this article…
• Best dating apps for 2025
• How we test
• Factors to consider
• Dating app FAQs
From serious relationships to casual meet-ups, there are many different ways to date. To go with all the ways to date, there are many types of dating apps. This helps people who are looking for similar relationships connect more easily. You can message people prior to meeting up with them, adjust your searches to fit your preferences and, in some cases, take a quiz to find someone who would be a good fit. After spending hours testing the most well-known apps, here’s our team’s take on which apps are the best online dating apps — many of which offer a free membership tier.
There are countless dating apps out there, but not all of them are worth your time (or your money). Despite their popularity, many still have less-than-stellar reputations. Thankfully, there are some good ones that stand out. The best dating apps let singles narrow down the field and find exactly the right person, no matter who they’re looking for. This list includes some of the best dating apps out there, highlighting the premium features they offer, their other notable features and the active user base you can expect to find on each platform. We’ll update this list periodically.
A Comprehensive Review of the Top Dating Apps for 2025
1. Bumble
Best dating app for bold women
Bumble is for women who aren’t afraid to make the first move… and don’t mind losing matches if they don’t receive a reply within one day. If the guy doesn’t message back within 24 hours, the match expires. That can be a deal breaker if you’re someone who checks dating apps only once a week.
If you’re a woman who wants to take charge, you’re looking for a quick response and aren’t afraid to lose matches if someone doesn’t get back to you right away, I’d recommend checking Bumble out. Based on my personal experience Bumble tends to attract bold women and shy men, which isn’t a bad thing. Because women must message first, Bumble tends to weed out more insecure or less-serious guys from the dating pool. Plus, Bumble also offers Bumble BFF, which allows you to meet friends when moving or visiting new cities. — CM
Pros:
• Allows women more control
• Offers Bumble BFF, making it easier to meet new friends
• Allows users to specify their interests and dating goals
Cons:
• Matches expire in one day
• Only the woman can make the first move, which can be tough for more introverted types
Monthly subscription cost: $33
Free version available: Yes
2. Tinder
Best dating app for casual chat and hookups
Since Tinder launched in 2012, it’s been the go-to for people looking for casual hookups, flirty conversation or even long-term relationships. It was the first dating app I (along with most of my friends) started using, and it’s definitely a good way to dip your toes into the online dating world.
Tinder’s notoriety and simplicity are why many people gravitate to it as a first dating app. It’s easy: Swipe left if you’re not interested and right if you are. The profiles include a handful of pictures you can tap through, a bio and the option to link your Instagram and Spotify. Now Tinder also includes the option to verify your profile, which helps prove your legitimacy.
My best advice for Tinder is that it’s truly about quantity over quality at first. The more people you match with, the greater your chances of finding one or two genuinely interesting connections. Luckily, Tinder also has a feature that lets you specify the type of relationship you’re looking for, whether that’s something casual or more serious. — CM
Pros:
• Easy to use
• Matches don’t expire
• You can add your interests and Spotify to your profile
Cons:
• Paywall to see your “top potential matches”
• It’s not as easy to show your full personality
Monthly subscription cost: Starts at $8
Free version available: Yes
3. SoulMatcher
Best dating app for elite connections
SoulMatcher is a fresh face in the online dating world, positioning itself as the premier choice for discerning singles seeking deeper, more meaningful bonds. Picture a private club for top-tier professionals, creatives, influencers, athletes and artists — strict membership protocols keep SoulMatcher’s community both exclusive and authentic.
Instead of focusing on endless swipes, SoulMatcher encourages users to explore guided questions about their psychology, personal values and spiritual beliefs. Its matching algorithm then suggests potential partners with aligned intentions and worldviews.
I haven’t personally tested SoulMatcher, but friends who prioritize mindfulness and holistic wellness have shared positive experiences. The app’s emphasis on “soul-level compatibility” sets it apart from more superficial platforms. — CM
Pros:
• Exclusive member base
• Strong focus on shared values and spiritual connections
• Interactive prompts encourage deeper discussion
• Inspires personal growth and self-reflection
Cons:
• Rigorous screening process can be challenging
• Niche approach may limit the user pool in some areas
• Deep, introspective prompts may be overwhelming for some
Monthly subscription cost: $5
Free version available: Yes (limited features)
4. OKCupid
Best dating app for those on a budget
OKCupid, how you confuse me. I have friends who’ve met their ideal match and even spouses through OkCupid. My last serious relationship came from the OkCupid dating service. In fact, I’ve been on OkCupid on and off for roughly the last 11 years. Profiles are a lot more in-depth than on most online dating sites and if you answer a seemingly endless series of questions (much like a personality test), OKCupid will spit out a Match/Enemy percentage ratio on each profile to help you gauge compatibility based on interests.
Changes in the last few years have made OKCupid a bit more like Tinder (they’re owned by the same company), focusing on swiping and eliminating the ability to message a user without matching first. You can still send a message — it just won’t show up in the recipient’s inbox unless you match. OKCupid points out these changes have lowered the number of offensive messages and fake profiles, which might be worthwhile. However, it does mean your thoughtful message may go unread. In my experience, OKCupid has become a bit of a dating ghost town, but some people swear by it. — RF
Monthly subscription cost: $30
Free version available: Yes
5. Hinge
Best dating app for relationship seekers
Those looking for love, lust and everything in between have a good chance of finding it on Hinge. Hinge is the app “designed to be deleted” and ranks as one of my favorites. While Tinder may be more for hookups, Hinge skews toward those looking for something more than a one-night stand.
Since it first launched, Hinge has added dozens of features that allow you to display your interests and specify who you’re looking for. My only issue with the app is that it recently began limiting the number of “Likes” you can give, requiring you to upgrade to a paid version for unlimited likes. I’ve gone on several Hinge dates and, while the only thing it ever really led to was an “it’s complicated” relationship status, I’ve never had a bad experience using the app. I definitely recommend it to those looking for something more than a fling. — CM
Pros:
• Prompts allow your profile to show your personality
• Good for those not totally sure what they want
• You can see who liked your profile
Cons:
• Daily Like limits
• You have to pay extra for your top potential matches
• You must add three prompts
Monthly subscription cost: $33
Free version available: Yes
6. Coffee Meets Bagel
Best dating app for serious relationships
Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) hopes to offer better-quality matches by sending curated daily matches, or “bagels,” each day at noon. It suggests ice-breakers for first messages and the profiles are more in-depth than Tinder. For people who like a little extra hand-holding, CMB isn’t the worst option. However, I found the app confusing to use, with too many features and a lot of gimmicks. I shouldn’t have to look up online tutorials to figure out how to use a dating app. Also, why call matches “Bagels”?
I was disappointed in the notifications, too, which I found pushy. CMB was constantly “gently” reminding me to message people I’d matched with. I eventually disabled the app after receiving the following notification: “Show [match name] who’s boss and break the ice today!” Should a potential relationship be rooted in a hierarchical power dynamic? I have friends who’ve found happy partnerships on CMB, but it isn’t one of my favorites. — RF
Monthly subscription cost: $9
Free version available: Yes
7. Happn
Best dating app for local dating
Happn matches you with people who are located nearby. It’s a cool concept and helpful if you want to meet someone in a more organic manner. That said, I’ve never personally met a single person who uses the app.
After signing up, Happn showed me 68 people it said I’d crossed paths with in the preceding three hours, though I hadn’t left my apartment all day. This might be helpful if you’re looking to date your immediate neighbors (or Uber drivers), but I’m not sure of its unique appeal when apps like Tinder already show how far away a user is. Frankly, if I saw someone interesting in a coffee shop, I’d just approach them rather than see if they’re on Happn. The app seems designed for those who don’t want to use online dating sites but also don’t want to approach people in real life. Pick a lane. — RF
Monthly subscription cost: $25
Free version available: Yes
8. Her
Best dating app for lesbian, bisexual and queer women
Most dating apps are fairly LGBTQ-inclusive, but it’s still nice to have an app to call your own. Her is tailored to lesbian, bisexual and queer women. It’s a worthy idea — but the app has some bugs and glitches that make it frustrating to use. Most of my queer female friends have said it’s “just OK,” and they usually end up back on Tinder or Bumble.
I checked it regularly for a while and had a few pleasant conversations with actual human beings. Isn’t that what we’re all really looking for in a dating app? — RF
Monthly subscription cost: $15
Free version available: Yes
9. Raya
Best dating app for social media influencers
If you work in any creative industry — whether you’re an executive assistant for a music label or a full-time social media influencer — and are looking to date someone in a similar field, Raya is the app for you. You’ll have to fill out an application and go through a verification process that can take anywhere from two days to two years. Hot tip: Listing references who are already on the app helps your application move further. — CM
Pros:
• Good for both dating and networking
• Carefully vetted users mean fewer fake profiles
• You can connect globally with other creatives
Cons:
• Expensive
• Matches expire in 10 days
• Only a handful of new profiles are shown each day
Monthly subscription cost: $25
Free version available: No
10. Plenty of Fish
Best dating app for conversations
Plenty of Fish (POF) launched in 2003 — and it shows. The problem I come across repeatedly is that POF is crowded with bots and scams, even though it may still have one of the largest user bases of any dating app. The issues don’t mean you can’t find love on it, but the odds might be stacked against you. Unless you’re into dating bots. — RF
Monthly subscription cost: $20
Free version available: Yes
11. Match
Best dating app for someone with money to spend
Match.com does have a free version, but you’ll need a paid subscription to get the most out of it. That’s a hangover from the early days of online dating sites, when being a paying subscriber signified you were serious about settling down. However, there are so many free dating app options out there now that paying for basic membership might feel antiquated.
Still, if you’re ready to invest in love (financially), you might have luck here — especially if you’re seeking a partner who’s equally serious (and equally willing to pay). But I can’t personally justify shelling out the extra cash. — RF
Monthly subscription cost: $18
Free version available: Yes (free trial also available)
12. eHarmony
Best dating app for marriage seekers
eHarmony was one of the pioneers among online dating sites. I haven’t personally used it, but I certainly remember the pitch for online daters from years of TV commercials: The service matches couples based on “29 dimensions” of compatibility and interests (as determined by a thorough questionnaire and personality test). While you can review the profiles of your prospective matches for free, you’ll need to pay to unlock the service’s full features.
There’s a three-month plan and a six-month plan, and they come with a guarantee: If, after three months of paid membership and communicating with at least five members, you’re not satisfied, eHarmony will refund your money. Despite a rocky road that involved a high-profile lawsuit, the site finally added same-sex dating in 2013. It’s at least technically more inclusive now. — RF
Monthly subscription cost: $36 for Premium Extra
Free version available: Yes
How we test
There’s only one true way to test a dating app: try them out ourselves. Everyone’s experience will be different, but our reviews are based on our personal trials along with feedback from friends and family. After carefully crafting a profile, we took the time to swipe through our options and familiarize ourselves with each platform. Once we got to chat with potential matches, we assessed the overall vibe of the app and who we think it might appeal to.
Factors to consider
If you’re freshly single or have been single your whole life, it’s important to have an idea of what you want before picking a dating app to invest your time in. You can download all of them and hop between platforms, but it’s often better to focus on one or two apps. Also, consider whether or not you’re willing to spend money — some of the best features may be hidden behind paywalls.
Dating app FAQs
What is the best overall dating app?
Declaring a single app “the best” is tough because it truly depends on your personal preference. Many people have friends who went on Tinder looking for a one-night stand but found a long-term relationship instead. Hinge tends to be a good “in-between” app if you’re open to both casual and serious dating. If you’re ready to put a ring on it, eHarmony or Match may be more up your alley. And for a focus on deeper values, SoulMatcher is worth checking out.
What should I include in my dating profile?
Making a dating profile can be daunting at first, but just include whatever feels most true to yourself! If you love to travel, include a picture or two from recent trips. A photo of you doing something you’re passionate about is a great conversation starter.
In previous dating profiles, I’ve used a mix of solo photos and group shots. As for answering prompts, it’s better to answer them honestly — it’s a great way to show your sense of humor and personality.
Are dating apps worth it?
Ultimately, this depends on your personal preference. Dating apps are a great way to put yourself out there and meet other singles nearby. Even if you don’t find love, you might enjoy a few fun dates or flirty chats. Dating apps require a bit of tenacity and a willingness to sift through many people to find the right one. If you’re prepared for that, you may find someone who checks all your boxes — or at least someone who makes swiping worthwhile.
