Whether you’re looking for a long-term relationship or just a fling, there’s definitely a dating app available for everyone. From general dating apps to gay and trans dating apps, there are so many choices out there when to comes to meeting new people and who knows, falling in love.
New dating apps are cropping up all the time, but most of the best dating apps for iPhone and Android have been around for a while. To choose the app that works for you, you should start by deciding your commitment level and also how much you’re prepared to spend to meet new people.
Most of the best dating apps have monthly charges, but you can also find some free dating apps for iOS and Android, too. So whether you are in the quest for true love or just looking for some casual dating, here are the best dating apps for iPhone and Android.
Table of Contents
1. Tinder
Tinder has become synonymous with the world of online dating, and the app claims to have been provided more than 30 billion matches so far. There are lots of reasons for which Tinder maintains its status as the most popular dating app for iPhone and Android, including an intuitive interface and a quick and easy match-making process that allows users to simply swipe left or right to get hooked with a potential match or dismiss a profile.
With Tinder, people only match when they have a mutual interest. Tinder is free to use, but you can choose to pay for Tinder Plus or Gold to get access to perks such as better profile controls or unlimited likes.
Pros
- Well-designed app
- Its popularity means that you can be potentially matched with lots of people
- Available in more than 190 countries
Cons
- The app freezes too much
- Some privacy concerns
Review Summary
Score 9.9/10
The majority of users are content with the way Tinder allows you to meet local people, but there are some concerns about privacy. Reviewers also mention that even though the app is well-designed, it freezes quite a lot.
2. Bumble
Bumble is another highly popular dating app and it’s different from Tinder because it’s an app that you can use not just for romantic relationships, but for finding friends, too. With Bumble, the female needs to make the first move (unless it’s a same-sex connection, and then anyone can initiate the conversation), and you need to make the move in 24 hours, otherwise the connection is gone.
The BFF feature makes Bumble different from many other dating app, because it allows people who want to widen their circle of friends connect with like-minded individuals in their area. The app is free to download and use, but you can upgrade to make it faster to find and date people.
Pros
- Women make the first move in heterosexual relationships
- Free to download and use
- Bumble Biz is a feature that makes it easy to find career opportunities
Cons
- Many users find the 24-hour expiration window too short
Review Summary
Score 9.7/10
Bumble typically receives raving reviews, and users typically mention how easy it is to connect with potential matches. On the downside, the app has some glitches in the matching system.
3. Match.com
The perfect app for those who want a freemium dating experience, Match.com makes it easy to set up your online profile, upload pictures, and engage in online flirting with “winks”. To unlock some of the premium features of the app, such as the ability to see who has checked out your profile, you need a subscription.
Match.com has a safety feature, which allows you to alert a friend if you feel unsafe while you’re on a date. Another feature that makes Match.com different than other dating apps is the ability to set your political views, so you don’t waste time with people who don’t align with your views.
Pros
- Lots of features even in the free version
- You can set your political views
- Video chats to get to know your matches before meeting in real life
Cons
- Difficult to unlock an account if it gets blocked
- Too many inactive accounts
Review Summary
Match.com has been around for a long time and the reviews are mostly positive, with users noting that the app is well-designed. There are some complaints about inactive profiles and slow matches.
Score:9.4/10
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4. OKCupid
OK Cupid is a straightforward dating tool that offer lots of features, such as personality quizzes, messaging tools, and Instagram integration. When you set up your dating profile, you have to answer some unique questions so you can find people you are truly compatible with.
The app is free to download and use, but you need to pay for a subscription to enjoy it ad-free and access some premium features, such as the ability to use advanced filters and see who likes you without liking them first.
Pros
- Completely free to use with ads
- The more questions you answer, the better matches you get
- Easy to set your dating preferences
Cons
- No verification for users
Review Summary
Score: 9.2/10
OKCupid is a popular app that receives lots of good reviews particularly because it does a good job at matching people who are truly compatible. Negative reviews are mostly about inactive profiles that sometimes make it difficult to find matches.
5. Grindr
Perhaps the most popular dating app for gay, bisexual and transgender people, Grindr does an excellent job at showing you people with the same interests with you in your local area. The integrated chat feature makes it easy to begin a conversation and share pictures privately. You can also send your match your current location so you can easily meet.
Grindr is free to download and use, but the free version is quite limited. A premium subscription allows you to enjoy the app without ads, access premium filters, and chat with saved phrases. The app is available in more than 190 countries around the world.
Pros
- See people located nearby based on your location
- Send your location to meet easily
- Numerous filters to find matches quickly
Cons
- Glitches in the log in system and iCloud backing up
Review Summary
Score: 9/10
Reviews for Grindr are mixed, with lots of users enjoying how easy it is to meet people in your area. However, others are concerned about security and complain about multiple glitches they experience with the app.
6. Coffee Meets Bagel
If you’re looking for a dating app that focuses on quality instead of quantity, Coffee Meets Bagel could be the right answer. This app sends men a selection of potential matches every day at noon, and women are then sent just the profiles of the men who showed interest in them. If there’s a mutual attraction, the app will then set you up.
Pros
- Curated matches
- Personalized icebreakers
- Read receipts and activity reports
Cons
- No filtering system
Review Summary
Score: 8.7/10
Users love the novel concept of the app and the fact that you don’t have to waste hours browsing through profiles and swipe left or right. However, some of them find the app complicated and the fact that you can’t filter for who you’d like to meet.