Learn About The Best Dating Apps 2024
If you're single, you may be curious about trying dating apps. Individuals often use dating apps to find potential matches, whether looking for serious or casual relationships. There may not be a single best dating app because different people have different needs and preferences. However, some have been more frequently positively reviewed by users. Below, explore the definition of dating apps, the differences between dating apps, dating sites, and online dating, and summaries of the top eight best dating apps with details about the features.
What is a dating app?
A dating app is an online dating service that a person accesses through a downloadable phone application. Many dating apps have a free version that anyone can use and premium features that can be accessed for a cost. Most dating apps are accessible to the general public, but some have waiting lists, require people to go through a vetting process, and only admit applicants who meet specific criteria.
Dating apps vs. dating sites vs. online dating
People often use the phrases "dating app" and "dating site" as if they are synonyms, but they refer to slightly different products. A dating app is a dating platform that can be accessed through a downloadable mobile phone application. A dating site can be accessed through a URL in a browser. Many online dating companies make their platform accessible through both an app and a website. However, some dating platforms are only available through one or the other. "Online dating" is an umbrella term that refers to any online date, whether through a dating app, dating site, social media, or another online space.
How are people using dating apps?
The best dating apps, 2024
The best dating apps in 2024 are also the most popular. People flock to these apps because they are the most reputable and have the best track record for helping people find what they want. Below are the eight best dating apps in 2024.
Hinge: The dating app meant to be deleted
Hinge has been around since 2012 but has especially gained popularity since 2020. Founder Justin McLeod says, "The app was built to help people find love." Its tagline is "designed to be deleted." Hinge is primarily geared toward people in their 20s and 30s. The app shows potential matches based on shared interests and personal preferences.
Hinge has a free version available, but this plan limits the number of profiles you can "like." If you match with someone you like but aren't ready to meet up yet, video chats and voice notes are available to get to know each other better. Hinge stands out because the app focuses more on long-term love than casual connections.
Bumble
Bumble launched in 2014 and has been called the best dating app for women by many. Originally, Bumble stood out from other apps by only allowing women to make the first move, thereby eliminating unsolicited messages women might be bombarded with. In 2024, Bumble switched to an "opening moves" feature, which allows women and non-binary members to choose whether they want to make the first move or set an opening move question that all matches can reply to.
On Bumble, people must interact within 24 hours of matching, or the match expires. This feature can encourage people to talk instead of endlessly swiping, but it may also result in the occasional missed connection if a person isn't checking the app daily. Bumble offers a free and paid version.
eHarmony
Like Hinge, eHarmony markets itself as the best dating app for people who want serious relationships. In contrast to Hinge, eHarmony users tend to be a bit older, so there are more people in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s. This dating app, founded in 2000, may be ideal for a person ready to get married or settle down and stop dating.
While eHarmony is one of the free dating apps, the free version lacks features compared to other apps. Some users pay for a subscription, though this option costs more than many competing apps. This choice might be inspired by eHarmony boasting a higher relationship success rate. The app includes a system that asks users to complete in-depth questionnaires to match people with similar core beliefs.
OkCupid
OkCupid, sometimes called OkC, has been around since 2004. OkCupid may be an effective app for people who want to find people with similar social and political beliefs and other values. The app allows users to answer various questions and see what percentage of their answers overlap with each potential match's answers.
While all the apps featured in this article are inclusive, OkCupid puts this inclusivity at the forefront, allowing people to pick from 22 gender identities and 13 sexual orientations. In addition, users can indicate what type of relationship they seek, allowing the app to show non-monogamous users to each other. OkCupid is available in both free and premium versions. Free users are shown ads, however. Unlike other apps, OkCupid doesn't offer video chat.
Match
Founded in 1993, Match may be the longest-standing dating site. While people of all ages use the app, it most heavily appeals to those aged 35 to 45. While Match doesn't focus as much on marriage as sites like eHarmony, it is geared toward people wanting a long-term relationship.
While Match began as a website, it's also available as a mobile app. Both free and paid accounts are available. Match offers video chatting, which people can try out as part of a "vibe check" feature to see if they want to continue their conversation in person.
Tinder
Tinder has been around since 2012 and is the most popular dating app in the US. This app brought "swipe right" into the cultural lexicon, and both its profile-swiping and location-based design features have greatly influenced other dating apps. While Tinder's feature of showing users the potential matches physically nearest to them earned the app a reputation as a hook-up app, people have also found long-term relationship happiness on the app.
Tinder has free and paid versions. Users tend to be younger, and some claim the app's format encourages making connections based primarily on appearances. Video chat is available for people who want to get to know each other better.
Grindr
Grindr has been called the Tinder for gay and bisexual men, though it's older than Tinder, having been founded in 2009. This app caters to men and non-binary people seeking men. As with Tinder, the app's emphasis leans toward appearance and nearby location, but some users have used it to find "the one."
Grindr is available in free and paid versions. Unlike other apps, there is no website version, so only those who download a mobile app can use the platform. Users warn that sharing explicit photos on the app is common, so the app may be a good match for those comfortable seeing such images. For women and non-binary people seeking women, an app like HER may be better suited.
Finding the best dating apps for you
The best dating app for you can depend on your unique situation and characteristics. For example, 20-year-old straight men might be drawn to different apps than 40-something queer women. Similarly, what you're looking for in a match may influence which dating app is ideal for you. When considering which dating apps to try, think about these factors:
- Your age, gender, and sexual orientation
- What you're looking for (marriage, a hook-up, casual dating, etc.)
- Your budget
- Which factors you want to be able to filter matches by
- If you want to access a dating platform via an app or website
- If you want to video chat before meeting in person
New online dating sites to explore
The best dating apps are often those that have been around for a while. In their tenure, the app makers have had time to work out bugs and add additional features. Also, older apps have had time to gain popularity and attract more users, which increases their dating pool. However, some newer dating apps may also be worth exploring, such as the following:
- Pique: This app asks users a question each day, then matches people with similar answers
- Stitch: This dating site is specifically geared toward people aged 50 and above
- Stir: This dating app is designed to help single parents find one another
- The Sauce: In this dating app, video chatting is the norm, not an add-on feature
Staying safe while online dating
There are several guidelines to keep in mind regarding safety and online dating. For example, you may want to ask questions and get to know someone before sharing your personal information, like a phone number or social media handle. Similarly, choosing photos with care may reduce risk. Don't post pictures that show where you live or work. If you post the same photos you have on social media profiles, be aware that a person could use reverse image search to find those profiles.
Block and report anyone who is acting suspiciously or harassing you. If someone asks you for money, refuse, then block and report them. While dating apps can be fun, some people use them with bad intentions and may try to scam you. When you decide to meet up with someone, do so in a public place, and tell a friend when and where you are meeting in advance.
When to seek help
Whether on apps or in person, dating can be a stressful experience. If you're struggling with stress or anxiety related to dating, therapy is an option available to let you talk about your concerns in a safe space. Remote therapy may be uniquely accessible, allowing you to attend from the comfort of your home or anywhere you choose that is wi-fi enabled. Through online platforms like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a therapist for therapy based on your unique preferences, often within 48 hours.
There isn't yet a therapy specifically geared toward helping people struggling with dating apps. However, those struggling with dating apps may be dealing with a more general issue called dating anxiety. Research has found that dating anxiety is often linked to anxiety about one's appearance. Because cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to help with body dissatisfaction in the past, experts argue that CBT could also help with dating anxiety. Online therapy, in particular, has been proven a more cost-effective option for anxiety treatment, often leading to improved quality of life.
Takeaway
What dating apps are people using in 2024?
According to Statista, Tinder and Bumble are two of the most frequently downloaded dating apps in 2024. Other popular apps include Match, Her, Coffee Meets Bagel, Hinge, Happen, and Badoo. Most dating apps today offer a free membership, a paid membership, and/or a premium membership, each with different features that cater specifically to different types of their active user base. Experimenting by going through the sign-up process with a free account on different apps may help you decide which is the best fit for you, if any.
What is the #1 best dating app?
The best free dating app is subjective depending on what a person is looking for. In terms of the most users, some research suggests Tinder is still the best dating site. In terms of finding long-term relationships over casual hookups or a one-night stand, many people turn to Bumble and Hinge. There are also more niche mobile apps for specific types of people to start talking with like-minded individuals, such as SilverSingles for individuals 50+, EliteSingles for working professionals, and ChristianMingle for those looking for someone who shares their Christian beliefs.
Do people use Tinder in 2024?
Yes, Tinder still has a large user base in 2024. According to a Pew Research report from 2023, “Tinder tops the list of dating sites or apps the survey studied.” While some complain about fake profiles that send messages to try and scam users, others find it to be a welcoming space where they've had the most success reaching their relationship goals compared to any other app—whether that’s an instant match for a casual fling or someone who wants a long-term commitment. Individual results for any of the popular apps may vary.
Which dating app is 100% free?
Facebook Dating is a 100% free dating app. In addition, OKCupid, Plenty of Fish, Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are some popular dating apps that have certain features that are 100% free. For those who are interested in additional features on those apps, a paid subscription is available for each.
For example, with Bumble’s free version, you can swipe right on a certain number of matches per day. With Bumble Premium, you can swipe right with an unlimited number of potential matches and start talking as soon as the first message is sent, as women message first on this app. Premium customers can also filter users and use travel mode, rematching, and Super Swipes.
Which dating app has no premium?
Today, virtually all online dating apps offer premium memberships except Facebook Dating, which is 100% free. That said, most other apps also have a free version where users can take advantage of key features without a paid subscription. According to Pew Research Center, about a third of dating app users say they’ve never paid to use a dating app or get extra features, whether in a mobile or desktop version.
It’s also worth noting that some apps offer a satisfaction guarantee for their premium features. The online dating site eHarmony, for example, will provide a refund if a user is unsatisfied with their experience after three months of paid membership and communicating with at least five members.
Which of the dating sites is best for serious relationships?
Hinge is a dating app whose slogan is “Designed to be deleted,” suggesting that it’s catered toward users who are looking for a long-term relationship. Other apps are also known for being geared more toward those seeking a committed partnership, such as Match and eHarmony.
Which dating app has the most success?
One in 10 partnered adults report having found their partner through a dating app. While statistics aren’t currently available on which app has produced the most relationships—a measure of success for many users—Match may be a top contender, as it’s the longest-running dating site and is operational worldwide.
Which online dating app is legit?
While there are scams out there, there are also many legitimate online dating apps, which means those experiencing dating app fatigue can take a break at any time and come back to explore other options. A few free dating app examples include:
- eHarmony, which is an online dating site that administers an extensive questionnaire and personality test to new users. This detailed questionnaire helps in the profile-building process and to match a person with other users they might be compatible with
- Hinge is a dating app that positions itself as one that’s “designed to be deleted.” It offers profile prompts based on text, photos, or voice recordings to help encourage online daters to send a thoughtful message to produce meaningful conversations that result in more than a casual fling.
- Bumble is set apart from the others by the fact that only women can send the first message. Its premium version also offers video calls for virtual dates, insight into prospective matches, and other features that cater specifically to those looking to prioritize success in their dating life.
What is the safest dating site?
Many people consider Match to be one of the safest dating sites available today. This may be because they offer free background checks for matches, a check-in tool that makes it easy to notify friends of the time and location of your date for safety reasons, and a selection of other safety tools designed to help users avoid scams and bad actors.
What is the most expensive dating site?
Tawkify Is likely the most expensive dating site in operation today. According to Forbes, its client package starts at $4,900. That said, it also offers a non-premium membership for $9.99/month, albeit with far fewer features.
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