The Best Dating Apps For Serious Relationships: How To Make Meaningful Connections

If you want to find a serious relationship, a dating app might not seem like the logical first choice. However, recent research shows that more people may be interested in serious relationships than might meet the eye. In addition, some dating apps are marketed explicitly toward serious relationships that lead to long-term commitment. By exploring these apps, you may find one that fits your needs. 

The statistics behind dating intentions 

Individuals may assume that dating sites are most commonly used for casual relationships, but research shows this assumption is untrue. According to the Pew Research Center, 44% of users say they joined a dating app to meet a long-term partner, and 40% were looking to date casually. These responses are significantly higher than those who said they were interested in casual sex (24%) or only looking for friendship (22%). These figures indicate that most people go onto dating sites or apps to find someone to date, at least casually, and many are open to a long-term relationship. 

Online dating sites and serious relationships

Research into how many people met their significant other on a dating app has varying results. The Pew Research Center determined that one in ten adults in committed relationships met their current partner through online dating. For those ages 18 to 29, the statistic is one in five. 

A Stanford study found that 39% of heterosexual couples reported meeting their partner online, while a survey from OnePoll/Forbes Health conducted in August 2023 found that nearly 70% of people who met someone on a dating app said it led to an exclusive romantic relationship, with those between age 43 and 58 having the most success. These studies may offer varying supporting evidence for finding a serious relationship online, but ultimately, they show the possibility. Below are some of the best dating sites for serious relationships. 

eHarmony: One of the best dating apps for serious relationships 

eHarmony launched in 2000. While there were other dating sites then, eHarmony was one of the first to focus specifically on long-term relationships. The site claims to have helped more than two million people find love and that “every 14 minutes, someone finds love on eHarmony.”

eHarmony has a free version that allows users to sign up, create a profile, and get matched with other users, but to get unlimited photo views, instant messaging, and other benefits that can help you find someone you’re interested in getting to know more, you may have to invest in one of the premium membership options.

What makes eHarmony different from other dating sites

eHarmony uses a proprietary matching system and a model developed with the help of leading psychologists. Users take this quiz upon signing up, which is part of the basic membership. This quiz features 80 questions the platform uses to determine how compatible users are with one another, narrowing the dating pool of potential matches to only those you are most likely to hit it off with, according to the platform's algorithm.

Match

Match debuted in 1995 and was the first dating app in the world. Match requires users to create extensive profiles, which can help users find compatible people on the platform more efficiently. Users are asked to share gender, age, who they want to meet, parenting status, faith, education, career, political views, pets, interests, and more. You can then select preferences for who you would like to match with based on many of the same categories. Users can upload up to 26 photos and answer icebreaker questions to let potential matches learn more about them. 

The free version of Match allows unlimited messaging with your Top Picks. Still, the standard and premium plans include a variety of perks, like unlimited messaging and the ability to see who has liked your profile. 

What makes Match different from other dating apps

The extensive profile information helps Match determine what users may be compatible with one another. The site’s algorithm uses this information to match you with other users. However, unlike other platforms, Match allows users to message one another without one user having to “like” the other first. Match also helps users stay safe by encouraging them to communicate through the platform’s anonymous chat network and never share names or contact information with matches until the user decides to do so.

Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel’s tagline is “for serious daters.” The site claims that over 91% of users on the platform are looking for a committed relationship. CMB was founded by three sisters who decided to follow their dreams after turning down an offer on Shark Tank. One of the potentially interesting features of CMB is that it delivers a small number of matches every day, so users don’t get overwhelmed by seeing everyone all at once. CMB also helps matches start conversations with icebreakers and encourages people to meet off the platform with chat limits.

What makes Coffee Meets Bagel different from other dating apps

According to CMB, the site is different from most dating apps because it is designed for people looking for long-term relationships. Users can choose “must-haves” to set guidelines for who they’re matched with to ensure they meet people whose values and standards align with their desires. CMB gives women fewer matches than men, but women only see users who have already liked their profile. The app does this because its research found that men wanted to look through more profiles to find people who interest them, while women preferred to see a more curated set of matches.

Tips for finding a serious relationship on a dating app

While there is no foolproof way to find true love on the best free dating app or premium dating site, there are some tips you can follow to find people looking for something serious instead of something casual. 

Craft your dating app profile carefully so that it truly represents you

When you create your profile, try to portray your true self as accurately as possible. Your profile can be essential in finding a serious relationship online. Try to stand out while also being true to yourself. 

Photos can also be helpful. Ensure they feature only you and are as current as possible. Use unfiltered photos and choose images representing who you are and what you value. 

Know what you want, but be flexible

Everyone has deal breakers, but focusing on a specific list of qualities you prefer in a partner can complicate matters. Be honest with yourself and your matches about what you’re looking for, including deal breakers, but don’t wait until someone checks every box on a list to give them a chance. Doing so can connect you with someone who brings value to the table that you may never have thought of. 

Be patient

Finding someone with whom you can build a serious relationship can take time. Before signing up, commit to stick it out for three or four months, and try not to get discouraged if you don’t have any luck in the first few weeks.

Are you ready for a serious relationship?

Whether you’re interested in casual dating or a long-term relationship, dating can be challenging. Past experiences and coping with rejection can affect your self-confidence, making putting yourself out there and making meaningful connections more difficult. Working with a therapist can give you support throughout the process and help you work on self-esteem and communication skills that may help you approach the online dating process from a different mindset.  

Opening up about vulnerabilities and dating disappointments can be difficult for some people to do face-to-face, so online therapy may be a convenient option. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can work with a qualified professional from home. Most people are matched with a therapist within 48 hours of signing up, and you can change providers at any time for no fee.

Studies have found that online therapy can be as effective as in-person treatment. One meta-analysis of 14 studies determined no difference in effectiveness between face-to-face and in-person treatment. 

Takeaway

Research indicates that most people who use dating apps are looking for someone to date, and many are open to serious relationships. However, finding someone to have a long-term relationship with may involve more than using the right dating app. If you want help navigating the challenges of online dating or determining if you’re ready to commit to someone, talk to a therapist online or in your area for support.