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?
According to Pew Research, around 30% of US adults and 53% of adults under 30 have used a dating app or site. Of people using dating apps or sites, 44% say looking to find potential partners for a serious relationship is a major motivation. 40% say they use the sites or apps for casual dating, and about 25% use the sites or apps for casual sex or to make friends. Many people turn to dating apps to find potential matches because they find that they expand their dating pool beyond what they could access in real life.
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
Dating apps are an increasingly popular way of meeting potential romantic partners. The best dating apps are often those that have been around for many years, improving their features and attracting more users. The best dating apps of 2024 include Hinge, Bumble, Harmony, OkCupid, Match, Tinder, and Grindr. Those who are feeling anxiety about using dating apps may be interested in remote therapy as a means of help.
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