The best dating apps for 2025 vary depending on your goals and preferences. Here are some top recommendations based on expert reviews and user experiences:
Best Overall Dating Apps by Category
App| Best For| Notes
---|---|---
Bumble| Bold women, women-first dating| Women must message first; matches
expire in 24 hours if no message; also offers Bumble BFF for friendships14.
Tinder| Casual chat and hookups| Largest user base; good for casual
dating; some bots and inactive profiles present124.
OKCupid| Budget-friendly, thoughtful questions| Free version available;
inclusive for gender/sexual identities; no video chat14.
Hinge| Relationship seekers| Robust profiles, great for serious dating;
video and voice chat features; limited free likes124.
Coffee Meets Bagel| Serious relationships| Focuses on quality matches
over quantity1.
Happn| Local dating| Connects with people you physically cross paths
with; location-based; video verification14.
Her| Lesbian, bisexual, queer women| Inclusive community; paid and free
options13.
Raya| Social media influencers| Exclusive, niche app for creatives and
influencers1.
Plenty of Fish| Conversations| Good for chatting and casual dating1.
Match.com| Those willing to spend for serious dating| Premium experience;
robust profiles; video chat; expensive but effective for long-term
relationships134.
eHarmony| Marriage seekers| Focus on compatibility and long-term
commitment; subscription required134.
Summary of Expert Opinions and User Experiences
- Bumble is favored for empowering women to make the first move and tends to attract bold women and shy men, though matches expire quickly if not acted upon
- Hinge is praised for having the best profiles and most meaningful dates, especially for those seeking relationships rather than casual encounters
- Tinder remains the most popular app with the largest user base, ideal for casual dating but with some issues like bots and inactive accounts
- Paid apps like Match and eHarmony are recommended for those serious about long-term relationships or marriage due to their curated user pools and compatibility features
- OKCupid offers a free, inclusive platform with detailed questionnaires to improve match quality, suitable for budget-conscious users
Additional Notes
- Many apps now include video chat features to help users get to know each other better before meeting in person
- Some apps cater to specific communities or dating goals, so choosing one aligned with your preferences improves your experience
In conclusion, if you want a serious relationship, apps like Hinge, Match, and eHarmony are top choices. For casual dating or meeting new people quickly, Tinder and Bumble are popular options. OKCupid offers a good balance for those on a budget who want thoughtful matches
