Saying there’s an oversaturation of the dating app market right now is an understatement, so picking out the best dating app or website to use is harder than ever. Long gone are the days when you were still telling pals over pints about this new platform called Tinder. Now, it feels more of a trump card to finally be off the apps for good.
That said, the only way that is possible is by making the perfect match on one, and then pursuing the relationship of your dreams in real life. With the dating app reviews below, you’ll be able to save yourself the slog of swiping through each dating app yourself. Instead, trust in our takes on these platforms and work out which is the best for you from the best reviewed dating apps below.
For its algorithm based matching, as well as not withholding matches from users over time, eHarmony stands out as a clear winner for daters looking for something long term.
Best for finding a serious relationship online
With nearly 6K users rating eHarmony in the app store for a total of four out of five stars, we’re all about one of the longest standing dating services on the internet. Instead of swiping through potential partners you might have nothing in common with, eHarmony requires users to fill in a compatibility quiz and then, most importantly, gives you all your matches on the first day of having the app.
This personality-based app feels automatically like a winner in a sea of dating services due to its reliance on personality over profile pictures, but if you’re after quick hook ups, continue down this list to find something else - because this is the app that will find you a partner for life (or at least a long cuffing season).
Best for finding better matches online
Hinge have led the way in revolutionising new dating apps by eradicating the swipe system introduced by Tinder and used by most traditional dating apps, instead users must like - with the option to comment as well - on a fellow user’s photos or answers. This, the app promises, causes more engagement in each other’s profiles than a simple swipe.
For Rachel, a fashion designer based in London, these extra details make finding someone a bit harder, but ensures a better match. “Hinge is my favourite, even though it does leave room for a lot of repetitive ‘banter’, like ‘let’s debate this topic: pineapple on pizza’ or ‘I’m overly competitive about: everything’” She explains, “But it is actually very helpful in weeding out boring personalities instead of me guessing from their photos”
Best for getting more matches on dating apps
Bumble is a bit more than just a dating app, as it offers the ability to match with possible friends and business associates too. For this app, the platform proudly proclaims it was made “by women, for everyone”. Bumble places women with all the power in their app - women speak first within the first twenty four hours or the match disappears, and men must reply in the following twenty four hours or the match is gone forever - and combines the swipe technique of Tinder with question and answer options borrowed from Hinge. This makes it an almost middle ground for the two.
With speaking first for the females mandatory, and not optional, the app gets mixed reviews from women who are looking for men to make the first move. Camilla, who met her current boyfriend and her ex on Bumble, says that she prefers to swipe, and that messaging first makes it “less likely to get a misogynistic message in my experience”.
Best for getting help with online dating
Match.com is another classic dating service that existed online before anyone was using apps for match making, but their platform promises to find you the one just as easily as any other service. The app makes matching simpler: swipe through matches, speak to the ones who swipe for you and eventually, meet up.
What makes Match different, however, is the addition of a built in dating coach for paying users. In his app store review, user Mike raves about this option, “[My dating coach] was very professional, but also relatable, and walked me through ways to craft better messages. I like how he not only told me what would work, but WHY it works. He also walked through my profile and made some helpful suggestions. It was very helpful and encouraging.”
Best for mature online dating
With so many apps aiming for a younger clientele, The Lumen is seeking out the silver market to make dating easier for the over 50s. By making all users verify themselves, this app makes sure that scammers won’t be anywhere near your matches - a problem that is especially prevalent on apps like Tinder, Hinge and Bumble.
Lumen offers safety and simplicity as its main selling points, not overcomplicating the dating process with unnecessary options on the app. For a mature market, this is definitely a great app to find like minded singles on.
