Cuffing season is here! The best dating apps for serious relationships, reviewed.
The landscape of dating has transformed dramatically in recent years, with dating apps now playing a pivotal role in how people connect romantically. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, a significant number of partnered adults—10%—have met their significant other through a dating app or website. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger adults, with one in five individuals under 30 and nearly one in four LGBTQ adults reporting that they found their partner online. This shift reflects a broader acceptance of digital platforms for forming meaningful relationships, a stark contrast to the stigma that once accompanied online dating.
Despite the evident popularity of dating apps, user experiences can vary widely. While many individuals express a desire to meet potential partners in person, they often resort to apps out of necessity or convenience. The discourse surrounding dating app culture is rife with mixed feelings; for instance, while Tinder has faced declining revenues, Hinge has seen growth, indicating shifting user preferences. Users often voice their frustrations with the apps, as evidenced by complaints following notable events, such as when Hinge users lamented the change in the app’s vibe after a prominent user’s success story. Yet, for those who may struggle with in-person interactions or prefer the safety of online communication, dating apps remain a valuable tool.
When considering which dating app to choose, it’s essential to align your selection with your relationship goals. Apps like eharmony and Match have established reputations for fostering long-term relationships, while others like Bumble and Coffee Meets Bagel also emphasize serious connections. For those seeking a more tailored experience, niche apps such as SilverSingles cater specifically to older adults, ensuring users can connect with age-appropriate partners. With a variety of options available—some free and others requiring a subscription—it’s crucial for users to identify what they seek in a relationship and choose an app that aligns with those aspirations. As the dating landscape continues to evolve, understanding the nuances of these platforms can help individuals navigate their romantic journeys more effectively.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt6JbzfAQmk
Gone are the days when people balk at you if you say you met your partner online.
Dating apps
have irrevocably changed the way we date — much like social media platforms have changed the way we interact with each other overall. With so many apps, from Bumble to eharmony, it can be challenging to determine which ones to invest in, especially if you’re looking for that special someone.
According to 2023 findings from the Pew Research Center, one in ten partnered adults (married, living with a partner, or in a committed relationship)
met their partner on a dating app or site
. If you’re a younger adult and/or
LGBTQ
, you’re more likely to have met your significant other online: one in five adults under 30 and nearly one in four for LGBTQ adults.
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The same study found that almost half (44 percent) of dating app users said a major reason for using them was to meet a long-term partner. So, if that’s you, you’re certainly not alone, despite what you might see people lament on TikTok.
The discourse on dating app culture can be unrelenting. Singles told Mashable earlier this year they’d rather
meet a potential partner in person
, but they’re begrudgingly on the apps. Some, like
Tinder, have seen their revenue decrease
in recent quarters, while Hinge is growing. Even then, though, daters bemoan even the most popular of apps. After Zohran Mamdani’s win for New York City mayor in November, for example,
Hinge users complained that it was somehow “not the same app”
where he had met his wife four years prior.
Despite the frustration over The Apps™, it’s undeniable that if you want to date from the comfort and safety of your home, they’re the way to do it. If you’re, say, introverted or have difficulty approaching someone in person, an app does have its uses.
What is the #1 best dating app?
Considering the variation in experiences on all the dating apps, it’s difficult to quantify which ones are the “best.” Some people find their spouses on
Tinder
, while others are disappointed that their matches are only looking for hookups.
That being said, if you’re looking for something serious, your best bet is likely an app with a large user base, options for you to indicate what you’re looking for in your bio, and filters to weed out who you really want to partner with. There are also apps whose branding is geared towards finding one’s ultimate match — like eharmony and Match, both decades-old sites with reputations for helping users find their spouse. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have a reputation for more “serious” connections.
Depending on the type of relationship you’re seeking, you may also benefit from a more niche app. Take one app on our list, SilverSingles, for people over 50. Sure, there are older adults on apps like Tinder and Bumble as well, but you may have more luck finding someone age-appropriate if you’re in a space meant just for you.
Which dating site is best for serious relationships?
Mashable has researched to pick out a few from the plethora of dating sites (and apps) out there. These options are available for both Android and Apple users, so the type of phone you have won’t determine your options. In terms of monetary investment, you can use some of these for free (like Tinder and Bumble), while others are more pay-to-play. We’ve also included some “niche” options, like the aforementioned SilverSingles and Elite Singles, so you have more than the standard buffet of dating apps.
Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships:
