There’s nothing wrong with finding love on the internet — as long as you’re careful (aka you avoid being catfished). Dating apps are a credible way to find potential love interests. Which is why so many exist! How are you supposed to know which dating app is going to help you find your special someone? Sure, you could try them all but that could be overwhelming and time-consuming. Instead, you could use this list to help you decide which dating apps are best for you. Here’s a ranking of the best dating apps out there (from worst to best):
8. Tinder
You’ve heard the rumors — Tinder is just for “hook-ups.” Casual meetups. Well, that’s true! But it’s not necessarily the people on Tinder who’re to blame for this, it’s the layout of the app. The act of swiping “left” and “right” on potential matches forces users to focus more on the physicality of a person. Rather than who they are on the inside. I’m not saying physical appearance isn’t important — you have to be attracted to someone to date them. But that shouldn’t be the only thing you’re using to determine if you want to go on a date with someone.
7. Happn
I find Happn to be the creepiest dating app out there. Yes, even creepier than Tinder. Happn shows you people and pinpoints the last time you, and those people were near each other. So basically, everyone you see on this app you’ve seen before…but maybe didn’t know it. Whether you walked by them on the street, stood in front of them at Starbucks, or sat at a table behind them at dinner; you were near them somehow. Am I the only one who finds that sketchy?!
6. Match
I know a lot of people love Match.com. There are always commercials for this “successful” app. I’m not saying it doesn’t work, but I don’t love the idea of having to pick a contract and then pay money to use a dating app. Some people might like the idea of paying, maybe that makes it more legit. To each their own! It’s completely your decision.
5. OkCupid
This dating app has been around for a while now. So clearly, people like it. Personally, I don’t think the layout is very user-friendly. It looks a little messy. Users have to actually focus on the profiles in front of them and read them pretty carefully to understand who’s who. But, that’s probably a good thing, right? Although there’s no extreme creativity or anything special here, that might be why this app has been around for so long — it’s simple.
4. Coffee Meets Bagels
My favorite thing about Coffee Meets Bagles? The name. I mean, cmon, that’s a cute name! If only the matches on there were as great. Coffee Meets Bagels appears legit. Users have to sign into Facebook to create an account and answer a ton of very specific questions. Unfortunately, this app doesn’t really take your answers into account when giving you matches. Usually, the matches don’t add up to what you’re looking for and if they do, the person lives hours away.
3. Bumble
Bumble stands out because it offers something different — women are the only ones who can make the first move. A lot of people like this concept. After all, it gives women the power and eliminates their risk of receiving inappropriate messages from guys they have zero interest in communicating with. But, and this is a big but, what if you don’t want to make the first move? What if you’re shy and don’t want to be the first to say “hey”? What do you do then? Nothing.
2. Hater
Hater is very, very different. But, it’s kind of a cool idea. Instead of a romantic, cliche profile, users are matched based off things they hate. Funny, huh? Hater is divided into parts. You can swipe through people AND you can swipe through topics. For example, if you’re going through topics you might see the word “children.” You can swipe one way if you hate children and the other way if you love them. Then, you’ll be paired up with people who responded the same way. This is probably the most “millennial” dating app ever!
1. Hinge
Maybe I’m biased because I know so many successful relationships that formed from Hinge, but I think this dating app is a pretty dang good one. That is if you’re looking for real relationship. Hinge is specifically designed for people who’re looking for their forever person — no one night stands. With that said, Hinge curates matches based off Facebook friends…and friends of those Facebook friends…and friends of those friends. So, odds are, someone you know will be connected to every single person you match with. Which could be a positive or a negative, depending on how you look at it. At least you won’t run into any Catfishes.