There are a lot of dating apps out there! According to Forbes, nearly 70% of people who have met someone on a dating app say it has led to a long-term relationship! How do you choose the dating app that is best for you? Or are they all the same?
Everyone has different needs when it comes to finding a date. Some people are just looking for hookups. Others are only interested in meeting people who are interested in long-term relationships. Yet others are looking for people who are polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous. Perhaps you are only interested in meeting people the opposite gender from you or maybe you’re pansexual and you’re interested in people of all genders and sexual orientations.
That’s a lot of different options! The thing is, someone who is looking for polyamorous partners are unlikely to find them on a dating app that is mostly for people who are looking for marriage.
Let’s take a quick look at the different dating apps and who they are best suited for.
Tinder
Tinder is perhaps one of the most popular and most used dating apps of our day. Why? It’s easy to use and it doesn’t have to cost money. Because it is so widely used, you’re almost sure to find someone in your area that is looking for someone just like you!
Most people who are using Tinder are looking for something casual which can range from just dating to a one-night hookup. However, there are some who are looking for a more serious relationship.
Tinder let’s you put information in your bio that describes exactly what kind of relationship you’re looking for. But be warned – a lot of people don’t bother to read past the first couple of lines in a bio. Put the most important info at the very beginning!
OKCupid
If you’re looking for a little bit more of a non-traditional relationship, this might be a good app for you. You can even specifically say that you’re only looking for kinky people, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, or another specific relationship style.
Unfortunately, it’s not as popular as some of the other dating apps so if you live in a smaller or more remote region, there might not be as many matches for you.
eHarmony
Interested in a monogamous, long-term relationship with marriage as the end goal? If this sounds like you, it’s probable that the other dating apps have annoyed you with all of their users looking to just get laid. But eHarmony is an app that may work better for you.
People who use eHarmony are looking for marriage minded individuals. This dating app includes a personality assessment and matches you only with the people that are best suited for you. If you’re patient, you might find yourself matched with your future spouse. Give it some time though because this app won’t match you with just anyone – only the people who truly jive with your personal requirements.
Hinge
Hinge might have a reputation for finding casual dates but it’s actually great for finding more meaningful connections, too. There’s a priority on substance over looks only.
On the Hinge dating app, you’ll get matched with people who have the personality traits, hobbies, and interests that will best suit your own. You can use photos, icebreakers, and voice prompts to show who you are and help others decide if you’re a good match for them. You can even give feedback on the profiles of people you’ve been on dates with!
Feeld
If you want more variety in your sex life and in your relationships, Feeld may be the right dating app for you. People who are ENM, poly, or just want an alternative type of love life are often on this app for dating.
This apps encourages dating matches from people of all gender and sexual orientations. People looking for dates are prompts to be honest with their desires and also with their boundaries.
This is a great app if you’re interested in learning about alternative lifestyles and relationships and want to have conversations and experiences.
Pure
If you’re tired of people getting insulted or butt hurt over the fact that you’re not interested in a serious relationship and just want to enjoy some good, healthy sex, Pure is the dating app you need in your life.
This dating app is specifically for people who just want a casual hookup and are looking for any strings. You can get right to the point without having to deal with anyone freaking out because they want something more. You know what you’re getting into when you sign on to the Pure dating app.
HeyBaby
Are you tired of meeting people, chatting, and liking them, only to find out that they don’t want kids or don’t know if they want children in the future? Or maybe you’re a single parent who is afraid to tell the person you’ve met that you have a kid and an instant family is part of the deal?
If this sounds familiar, HeyBaby is the dating app you’ve been waiting for. This app is for people who want to date people who are interested in creating more than just a relationship – they help people build families! Everyone who signs up for this app either has children or wants to have children. They might be looking for someone who wants a baby right away or just wants to have babies in the future. Either way, family is important to them and they know what they want in a partner.
Other Apps
These are great dating apps but if you want to explore other options here’s some you might try:
- Adult Friend Finder – for sex and hookups
- Bumble – for avoiding fakes
- Her – for queer women
- Grindr – for gay men
- CoffeeMeetsBagel – for relationships and quick meets
- AshleyMadison – for married people/cheating
- FetLife – not specifically a dating app but great for meeting kinky/alternative people
