When you’re ready to find a serious relationship, there’s no better place to start than online.
Online dating is a great way to meet people who are serious about finding love and building a long-term relationship. You can chat with people from all over the world, and get to know them before meeting in person.
If you’re not sure where to start, or what type of people are out there looking for relationships, here are some of the best apps for serious dating.
Best Apps For Serious Dating
2021 has been the year of the dating app. There are now so many dating apps on the market catering to every niche and marketing its different, unique features that it’s no wonder singles don’t know what to do. So, EliteSingles has done all the research so you don’t have to. Presenting, the very best US dating apps of 2021, from hookup apps, long-term relationship apps, as well as some quirky ones too.
In the Millennial and Gen X mindset there often comes the ‘power of indecision’. There are so many choices nowadays that people feel paralyzed about which choice to make because, well, what if it’s wrong! We research ‘the best…’ before committing to anything nowadays, which is why picking a dating app can be such a tricky situation. Should you go for a new dating app? A really popular one? A paid or a free dating app? Phew, there’s so much to think about.
Before we get into our top picks for US online dating apps in 2021, let’s all take a calming breath. Remember, you aren’t committing to anything by picking a dating app. You can try it out, see how you feel, and think about keeping it later. Also, you can have more than one dating app downloaded! Yes, if you like to mix it up and have a bit of variety then most people aren’t exclusive to their apps, so feel free.
Now we’re all feeling a bit more decisive and confident about our love life, let’s take a look at some of the best dating apps currently on the market!
The Best Free and Social Dating Apps
1. Tinder
One of the best-known dating apps around. Tinder allows users to ‘swipe right’ on images of users if they’re interested in them and ‘swipe left’ if they’re not. It uses a minimal interface and bases its matches on location to the user.
2. Hinge
Hinge hinges on (sorry) the fact that you have a Facebook account. Simply put, this dating app finds matches for you that already exist in your wider social network. So, anyone you chat to won’t be a stranger in the strictest sense. A good feature for women who might feel apprehensive about joining a dating app for the first time.
3. Bumble
Another dating app designed with women in mind. Bumble is one of the more popular dating apps among women due to its feature that only allows women to message first. A good choice for anybody looking to make the first move!
4. Ship
One of the newer dating apps on the market, Ship has a unique proposition – what if your friends and family could control your dating profile? Simply put, you sign up, add people you really, really trust to your ‘crew’ and voila. They can now swipe for you and connect you to members. With online dating becoming more popular, why not get a little help from your friends?
5. How About We
Born out of many singles crying out for an app that allows you to invite a date to an event you want to go to, meet ‘How About We’. A meet-cute rolled into an app it helps announce they are going to the cinema, concert, bar etc. And allows other users to request an invitation. It also has a great ‘Date Map’ which shows who else wants to have a chit-chat at 12am on Sunday.
6. Coffee Meets Bagel
Like punctuality? Then Coffee Meets Bagel might be the dating app for you. Every day at 12pm you’re sent ‘bagels’ — potential matches — and encouraged to start chatting with one of their personalized ice-breakers. Recommended as a good dating app for those who don’t want to be left on ‘read’.
7. Hily
Hily is a relatively new dating app and uses technology to match users better. Using swiping functions, likes, messages and the ability to create stories, the intelligent app learns more about you, giving you better match suggestions in the future.
8. Clover
Clover mixes and matches some interesting app features to create something unique. A pinch of traditional swiping, mixed with instant chat options, and top it all off with social mixers with no dating pressure and you’re got, Clover.
9. Facebook Dating
So far Facebook’s much-awaited dating app aptly called ‘Dating’ has been very hush-hush. In 2018, they invited Wired in to discuss some of the features. Unsurprisingly, it relies on users having a Facebook account and instead of just swiping you’ll be prompted to discuss something about the users profile — a picture, an event their attending, etc. Facebook Dating recently launched in the US to some users, but not all – will it take off?
10. Badoo
With 400 million members worldwide it’s highly unlikely you won’t meet someone worth flirting with on Badoo. No swiping here, Badoo gives you a small tailored pool of singles to choose from based on – wait for it – what celebrity you fancy. Yep, you upload a picture of celebrity you have a huge crush on and Badoo tries to find someone who looks like that for you. Great, right?
The Best Gay and Lesbian Dating Apps
11. Her
Her is one of the most popular lesbian dating apps on the market. It has the ‘swiping’ feature that lets you accept or decline prospective partners, hence it being referred to as the ‘lesbian tinder’. After you’ve swiped ‘yes’, you can send hearts before finally matching.
12. Chappy
Chappy, a merger of the word ‘choice’ and ‘happy’, gives gay men the option of filtering for short and long-term relationships in one simple app. If you’re looking for Mr Right or Mr Right Now, Chappy has you covered offering a safe, inclusive space to chat with other matches — giving the user a positive experience from a gay dating app.
13. Grindr
Gay men looking for a dating app like Tinder need to look no further. Grindr is a dating app that alerts you when other members are nearby. It’s also a dating app with a social reputation as being very popular in the gay community for its high success rate.
14. Zoe
A relatively new but growing queer dating app is Zoe. Aimed at lesbian, bisexual, and queer women, Zoe works by swiping like a lot of the modern dating apps but what it also does is ask you questions in between swiping. This gives Zoe a better idea of what you’re looking for in a partner and adjusts your matches accordingly.
The Best Religious Dating Apps
15. Christian Mingle
Christian Mingle is a religious dating app aimed at relationship-ready single Christians who are seeking a match who shares their values. Like the Christian Mingle site, the dating app prioritizes God-centered relationships and lets singles filter by factors such as denomination.
16. Jdate
Interested in Jewish dating? Then odds are you’ve heard of Jdate, a Jewish matchmaking site that turned 20 in 2018. The site pre-dates the rise of dating apps, but in recent years they’ve joined the smartphone revolution and now you can seek marriage-minded Jewish singles in the Jdate app.
The Best Niche and Quirky Apps for Dating
17. Hater
Tired of all the lovey-dovey cutesy dating apps? Then Hater might be just up your alley. It’s a simple idea really, instead of listing all the things you love on your dating profile and engaging in a passionate conversation with someone who shares your joy, just talk about things you hate. Hater will ask your opinion on various topics and you’ll be matched with someone who hates all the same things are you!
18. Tastebuds
If music, not food, is the key to your heart then Tastebuds might be the app to find your special someone. It also mixes in some social network elements like Clover so that you can chat in a low-pressure environment. If you’re looking for friends there’s also a ‘concert buddy’ option.
19. Quiz Date Live
If you’re looking to gamify your dating life then Quiz Date Live might be the dating app you’re looking for. Similar to popular reality dating shows mixed with a classic quiz format, Quiz Date Live invites featured daters who have applied to be on a live stream to other daters.
20. Pickable
Following off Bumble’s lead, Pickable empowers women by giving them ultimate control of their dating apps. Pickable allows women to be totally anonymous on the app, they can browse prospective partners and only allow themselves to reveal themselves to when they want.
21. Do I Date
Ever thought, if only I could show people how great I am on dates? Well Do I Date might have been reading your mind. Built on total transparency, Do I Date changes your profile into a place where past dates can leave reviews and rate you. If you’re a great person to date then a high rating will probably increase your chances of finding the special someone.
22. Dig
Everyone loves their dog, but do you really, really love your dog? Dig is a dating app designed for dog lovers only, show off your furry friend in your profile, do some swiping and then meet at a local dog park for a date. A great way to meet someone who values their pet as much as you do.
23. Happy Hour
Miss the days when you were waiting by the phone for that cute boy/girl to call? Well, with Happy Hour the concept is pretty similar. Join the dating queue on the app at 8pm and see who else is online. Find some matches and then do a video call for a max of five minutes, are you vibing? Then why not go out then and there? In an age where meeting IRL can be tricky, Happy Hour demystifies any anxiety.
24. Datefit
If the gym is your temple then Datefit might be the perfect dating app for you. You can match with people based on the kind of exercise you like to do, how often you do it, or how crucial it is to have a partner who helps you on your fitness journey.
25. Dine
Do you just want to meet up for good old fashioned dinner and drinks? Dine gives you the opportunity to match with likeminded people, you can see what kind of foodie they are as well. Once locked in, start chatting, pick a date to meet and then select a restaurant – all available within the app.
26. Loosid
More and more people are choosing to be alcohol-free, in fact, in the US 30% of people don’t drink at all. Which is why an app like Loosid is perfect for people who want to go out, enjoy life but do it without the booze. Aimed at people who simply don’t like booze, cannot drink, or have struggled with addiction, Loosid is an open friendly community.
27. Align
If you believe the tale of your next love is written in the stars then Align might be the best app for you. Users are matched on their star signs, you can also build your profile but the core idea is that you should be dating someone who matches with your sign. Trying to find that perfect Capricorn? Us too.
The Best Exclusive and Members-Only Apps
28. Raya
A relatively new trend in dating apps are ones that are private or members-only. Raya only allows members who meet specific requirements i.e. having a creative industry job or being an influencer on social media. After that, you’ll be vetted by the current users before being ushered onto this exclusive mobile dating app.
29. The League
The League is another elite dating app that requires you to provide information about yourself in order to be approved and gain access. The information isn’t anything too precious that you wouldn’t part with on any other online dating website; it includes your LinkedIn account, job title, and your educational background
30. Inner Circle
Clearly selected, cleverly connected is the Inner Circle’s tag line. With a screening process to ensure membership stays within the ‘inner circle’ and real-life singles events, this dating app is marketing more like an exclusive club than something you play with while you’re waiting for the bus. Like LinkedIn, you’ll also get alerts when someone is checking out your profile.
31. Luxy
Are you really, really rich? Are you looking to connect with other massively wealthy people? Then Luxy might be for you! This isn’t an app for singles to find their next rich husband, instead it’s so well-off members of society can date without the worry they’ll only be sought after for their material assets. Jealous? Us too.
The Best Dating Apps for Long-term Relationships
32. Match.com
Probably one of the most well-known dating apps is Match.com. Promising users a chance at real, long-term success, its app isn’t too different from its desktop site. Upload your profile, get matches and meet people — simple.
33. eHarmony
eHarmony is another serious dating site that prefers to connect its users based on personality. With its focus on marriage, it’s a solid choice for those in their 20s or early 30s who want to upgrade to a paid dating app.
34. OkCupid
OkCupid is well known for its personality test and savvy data understanding when it comes to dating. On its online dating app it allows users the freedom to express themselves, it’s very LGBTQI+ friendly with 13 different sexual orientations and 22 gender identities.
35. POF
POF (Plenty of Fish) has been around since 2003 so are experts in the dating game. They focus on long-term relationships more than some of the new dating app players. Signing up includes a lengthy ‘chemistry’ test designed to help POF give you more qualified matches.
36. Zoosk
Rather than using a matchmaking personality test, Zoosk pulls data from your social accounts, allowing for a more efficient sign-up process. Zoosk also has a large number of members, giving new users even more opportunity to match with lots of different types of people.
37. EliteSingles
EliteSingles is one of the best apps for people looking for serious, long-lasting relationships with professional singles. While appearances matter, most people know that you need more to create a relationship. The membership of the EliteSingles app is from 30-50, so with the benefit of age comes wisdom to know that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Not a social media butterfly? No worries. EliteSingles doesn’t need any of your social network information to get you started. All you need is an email address and a password to sign up.
Signing up for a dating website can be work for some people. Creating a profile, taking some nice pictures, and then you have to start searching for that perfect person. With EliteSingles we do the heavy lifting for you, we send you 3-7 matches per day so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy dating.
But how do you pick the dating app that’s right for you? If you search for dating apps you might see some articles asking ‘eHarmony vs. Match?’ this is because both of these websites serve similar members. Both websites have a huge amount of users. EliteSingles US has 173,000+ new members per month, all highly educated, professional singles looking for long-lasting love.
We cater to lesbian and gay dating, childfree dating, Christian dating, you name it and we probably have some members who are looking for love. The thing that unites all EliteSingles members? They all have a genuine desire to find that special someone to spend the rest of their lives with.
So, what are you waiting for? A real successful relationship is just a download away! Try the EliteSingles dating app free today.
which dating site is best for serious relationships
It’s never been easier to meet someone online. There are more singles than ever in the dating pool. Most are in search of a meaningful connection that could lead to a long-term commitment. Landing a real catch in a traditional setting feels like fishing in the Dead Sea: impossible. But dating apps and websites have softened the blow and made it possible to scope out your options from the safety and comfort of your own home. With life online becoming an omnipresent reality, it’s one of the best ways to date. The best part? They actually work.
Now, this isn’t true of all dating sites, and there are plenty to comb through. While it’s nice to have options, digging around for the top dating sites can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Additionally, veteran daters know that modern dating culture has become murky at best.
Which apps will introduce you to singles who are serious about commitment and not just another hookup? Tinder might be the big dog of swipe-based dating apps, but you likely won’t find anything beyond a hot make-out session or a one-night stand. While most dating sites attract a mix of serious and casual daters, some options generate more success for long-term relationships.
Here’s an overview of the best dating sites that will give you the best chance at finding a real partner. When it comes to love, these apps do their best to find you the perfect match. Whether it’s a particularly advanced matching algorithm, personality analysis, or select group of users, these apps do more for you than your average hookup app ever could.
14 Best Dating Sites To Meet Someone Online For A Real Relationship in 2022
Rank Site Best For Rating
- eHarmony Meaningful connections 5/5
- Match Lasting relationships 5/5
- Zoosk Those who love travel 5/5
- FriendFinder Mix of casual and serious 5/5
- Bumble Best for women 5/5
- Hinge Best for quick, serious matches 5/5
- OkCupid Best for progressive dating 5/5
- The League Best for educated singles 4.5/5
- Happn Best for meeting someone in your social circle 4.5/5
- HER Best for femmes 4.5/5
- Silver Singles Best for older daters 4/5
- Coffee Meets Bagel Best for dating site newbies 4/5
- AdultFriendFinder Best for open-minded daters 4/5
- Plenty of Fish Best for rural daters 4/5
1.) eHarmony
Ok, so eHarmony puts some cheesy ads out there that might deter you from trying it out, but if you’re tired of dating around, looking for a real connection and maybe just want to put a ring on it, you’re going to want to give it a second chance. Why? Well, eHarmony is allegedly responsible for around 4 percent of all marriages in the U.S. today. Wild, right?
So what gives eHarmony its secret sauce? We guess it has to do with the revamp of their model. Back in the day, eHarmony would put you through the wringer with a lengthy sign-up process and lame alienating questions. Today, the questionnaire is around 30 questions long and very practical. It’ll ask you how you feel about moving in with someone or how you feel about arguments.
It should be noted though that eHarmony hasn’t always been the most welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community and some users believe that it’s truly a place for the heteronormative. They’ve been working on fixing this major issue, but it seems that it hasn’t yet been totally resolved.
Tip for using eHarmony to find a long-term relationship: Use eHarmony if you are genuinely ready for commitment. Don’t be afraid to set up dates quickly and emotionally open up earlier than you normally would.
2.) Match
Match.com is a dating site that was launched in 1995, and it has been helping daters find long-term relationships ever since. Match is comforting to a lot of people because it’s so familiar and has pretty much provided the blueprint for other dating sites. Not to mention, it has worked hard to perfect its strategy over the years. There’s even a guarantee that you’ll be dating someone within six months, and if you’re not, they’ll give you six months free of charge! That’s how confident they are.
There are two factors that make Match best for long-term partnerships.
Number one is their matching algorithm. When you sign up, you will be put through a rigorous personality quiz. While it can feel a little cumbersome, know that Match is only doing its job. You’ll be asked about your basic preferences along with some gushy romantic stuff (which is important in a relationship).
Number two is that, though it’s technically a free dating site, most users end up paying $20 per month. Yeah, it’s a lot. But love is an investment you should be making for yourself, right?
Tip for using Match to find a long-term relationship: Match is known for their intense matching algorithm, so take your time with the questionnaire and try to make your profile as detailed as possible.
3.) Zoosk
For some, travel is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. Zoosk takes the concept of online dating and allows users to connect internationally. But this isn’t one of those “fly me out to hookup” sites. Zoosk utilizes behavioral matching to facilitate genuine connections between folks who may live thousands of miles apart. If you want your first date to involve a plane, this app is for you.
Rather than dragging you through a tedious questionnaire, Zoosk synchs up your social media profiles to analyze your behavior. It’s a unique way to determine personality, but arguably more accurate given that it takes your actions into account.
Zoosk is a crowd favorite because it doesn’t try to distract you with any bells and whistles. It’s got a smooth, modern interface that makes international dating feel like a breeze.
Tip for using Zoosk to find a long-term relationship: Clean up your social media profile. Zoosk uses it to determine your matches. Your matches will likely be able to find your socials as well. If you come across as a player, you won’t land a serious relationship.
4.) Friend Finder
Friend Finder is one of the biggest dating communities on the Internet. It has the feel and ease of a social media platform but ultimately aims to set up romantic connections between singles. There’s a wide range of connections to be made on Friend Finder, from the flings to the wedding bells. You are more likely to meet someone who doesn’t want to commit right off the bat, but knows they want to meet someone special. Friend Finder also caters to all genders and sexualities, giving it a really warm and welcoming feel.
The users on Friend Finder tend to be in their 40s, but anyone who is 18+ is welcome to give it a shot. They also take your safety very seriously and run a tight ship as far as regulating profiles and banning fakes, catfish, and bots. You do feel like you’ve got a matchmaker on your side when you use Friend Finder to find a mate.
Because Friend Finder is more of a community than strictly a dating site, there are various ways to meet people and other ways to enjoy the site. For instance, you can take a look at their interest groups and forum pages to learn how users in the community are feeling about Friend Finder and dating in general.
Tip for using Friend Finder to find a long-term relationship: Treat this community like a social media platform rather than strictly a dating app. It will open up the possibilities for you by introducing you to more people!
5.) Bumble
There’s a lot we don’t love about Tinder. The platform allows ghosters and players to run rampant. That’s why Bumble is the perfect alternative for women seeking a serious relationship with a man.
Bumble is swipe-dating with a twist. It’s a free dating app that requires women to break the ice first. If the man doesn’t respond to the initial message within 24 hours, the match goes away. It’s one of the first dating apps to really hold daters accountable for their ability to follow through. Flakiness doesn’t survive on Bumble.
The women-message-first concept also combats those incessant creepy messages that ladies on dating apps are used to getting. While the profiles are limited and there’s no major questionnaire, the rules laid out by Bumble make it a great environment to start a long-term relationship. Oh, and there’s also an Astrology filter for the horoscope buffs.
Tip for using Bumble to find a long-term relationship: If you are a woman, reach out to all the men that you match with. Remember, they can’t get in touch with you. You need to make the first move before those matches disappear. You swiped right for a reason, right?
6.) Hinge
Many daters cite Hinge as their absolute favorite dating app. While Hinge has introduced a ton of successful couples to each other, the draw to Hinge has more to do with the fact that using the app is fun! The app was originally supposed to match you based on mutual friends you had through social media platforms. But it has evolved since then to be the ultimate icebreaker dating app.
Setting up a Hinge profile takes some time, but it’s entertaining. Once you pick your photos and basic preferences, you can choose through dozens of hilarious or serious prompts to add to the profile. One reads, “A life goal of mine is. . .” while another reads, “We’re the same type of weird if. . .” Hinge users can “heart” someone’s photo or their prompt answer. They can also comment on it, which makes initiating a conversation so much more interesting than on other dating apps.
With engaging profiles and an in-depth matching algorithm, Hinge is the cocktail party that sets the scene for long-term potential. The crowd is generally young, cool, and interested in dating. Its slogan is, “designed to be deleted,” which is kind of awesome!
Tip for using Hinge to find a long-term relationship: Add some humor to your profile by picking funny prompts. This will give your potential matches an icebreaker when they reach out to you.
7.) OKCupid
OKCupid is the woke dating app geared towards socially conscious millennials. It’s been around for a while, but in 2017, OKCupid saw a massive redesign both in aesthetics and operations. Now, it’s incredibly modern and perfect for the liberal-minded dater who is seeking a likeminded partner. With 12 gender identities and 20 sexual orientations to choose from, it’s not hard to see why.
The questionnaire helps to weed out folks who you wouldn’t get along with by asking questions like, “Is contraception morally wrong?” They also get into your sexual preferences and dealbreakers. That’s when the algorithm takes over. At first, it feels a bit like Tinder. That would make sense as the two are owned by the same company, but it takes the more in-depth serious approach that goes beyond swiping based on appearances.
One critique that OKCupid gets is the feature that allows you to message someone who you haven’t matched with yet. They won’t see that message unless you match. While it keeps creepy messages at bay, it also lends itself to a bunch of unanswered messages and a strange feeling of rejection.
Tip for using OKCupid to find a long-term relationship: Don’t bother using this application if you are ultra-conservative. You likely won’t find anyone who meshes with your views. Also, show more than you tell. In other words, pick profile photos that communicate who you are as a person.
8.) The League
If all the apps were personified, The League would be the most narcissistic. To get on the app in the first place, you must apply by submitting your LinkedIn profile, current job status, and what university you attended. So yeah, it’s a little full of itself. However, for people who think that education and job status is a dealbreaker, it’s a nice change of pace from the randomness that apps like Tinder supply.
The League allows you to be very picky with your preferences, even allowing you to select which races you prefer to see. That makes our stomachs turn a little. If you’re willing to ignore the cringeworthy-ness, The League is a pretty decent dating app. It has a high success rate, so we think it deserves a review.
Members span all age groups but tend to be on the younger side. There’s also no way for catfish to get onto this app. You must link both your Facebook and LinkedIn for approval. Unless a catfish is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to land someone, they aren’t going to slip through the cracks on these dating apps.
Tip for using The League to find a long-term relationship: The League tends to be a tough crowd and the app comes across as a little judgmental. You can ease the tension by sending a message to someone who you have something in common with. Perhaps you’ve been to their university, hometown, or have insight about their career choice.
9.) Happn
Some people believe in fate and others believe in the “Proximity Effect.” There’s a strong correlation between proximity and attraction, which Happn takes into account. Rather than setting you up with people who live in a five-mile radius from you, Happn actually matches you with someone you’ve crossed paths with in the past. It’s a neat concept in that it shows you and your match have similar habits and interests. It’s also the most convenient way to date.
We’ll be honest though, there aren’t a ton of people who use Happn, so there might be slim pickings. There have also been reports that the daters you’ve apparently “crossed paths with” are hogwash. This is coming from users who never stepped foot outside of their homes and were told they had a handful of missed connections. However, there are also folks who say the exact opposite.
Regardless of whether or not the proximity feature is a placebo, it sure makes for a nice icebreaker when you finally do go on that first date!
Tip for using Happn to find a long-term relationship: Don’t rely too heavily on the proximity feature. Try to get to know the people who you match with and then decide if you want to meet up with them!
10.) HER
Nearly all dating sites claim to be inclusive of all sexualities and genders; however, many people in the queer community don’t completely agree. Some sites just don’t feel all that welcoming or provide enough options, especially to queer women. Grindr was there for queer men, but what about the ladies? That’s where the app HER comes in. It’s a tailored dating site and community for women in the LGBTQ+ community.
According to their members (currently 4 million and counting), HER is a really fun space. Profiles can get quite detailed with the ability to put your diet preferences (like vegan) on your profile, along with your astrological sign and pronouns. There’s also an entire element of HER that doesn’t really have to do with dating but rather operates as a social media platform and shows you what queer events are going on in your area.
HER is great, but it’s not perfect. In the past, users have reported some glitches that make the user experience a bit frustrating and annoying. However, they are actively working to evolve their functionality in a positive way.
Tip for using HER to find a long-term relationship: HER is all about empowering women and LGBTQ+ dating. Mimic that energy by always shining a positive light while you are chatting with new friends or matches.
Conclusion
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