Dating in 2025 has never been more diverse — or more digital. Whether you’re searching for lasting love, casual companionship, or LGBTQ+ community connections, there’s a dating app tailored to your needs. With countless platforms on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why our expert team tested and evaluated the most popular dating apps based on usability, features, value, and overall user experience. Here’s our definitive guide to the best dating apps in 2025.
Quick Overview of the Best Dating Apps This Year
| Dating App | Best For |
|---|---|
| Bumble | Women making the first move |
| Tinder | Casual connections and fast matches |
| Hinge | People looking for meaningful relationships |
| OkCupid | Free users and personality-based matching |
| Her | Queer women and LGBTQ+ dating |
| Happn | Hyper-local dating |
| Coffee Meets Bagel | Curated matches for serious daters |
| Raya | Creatives and influencers |
| Plenty of Fish | In-depth conversations and large user base |
| eHarmony | Marriage-minded singles |
| Match | Premium dating for professionals |
Bumble: Empowering Women to Lead
Best for: Women who prefer to make the first move
Price: Free with premium plans starting at $33/month
Platforms: iOS, Android
Bumble remains a favorite in 2025 for its unique approach — women initiate conversations in heterosexual matches, giving them more control. This dynamic tends to attract confident women and respectful men, fostering healthier interactions. The downside? Matches expire within 24 hours if no messages are exchanged, which can be frustrating for infrequent users. Still, Bumble stands out with features like Bumble BFF for platonic friendships and options to specify your dating goals and interests.
Hinge: Designed to Be Deleted
Best for: Finding long-term relationships
Price: Free version available; $33/month for premium
Platforms: iOS, Android
If you’re over casual swipes and ready for substance, Hinge might be your match. With interactive profile prompts, a sleek interface, and thoughtful filters, Hinge encourages deeper connections. It allows users to comment on specific parts of a profile — sparking real conversations. However, daily like limits can be restrictive unless you pay for unlimited access. Despite this, Hinge’s success stories make it a top pick for those seeking something serious.
OkCupid: Data-Driven Matches Without the Price Tag
Best for: Personality-based matching on a budget
Price: Free with optional $30/month subscription
Platforms: iOS, Android
OkCupid distinguishes itself with in-depth profiles and compatibility scores based on user responses to hundreds of questions. It’s great for daters who want more than surface-level connections. While it has adopted a swipe-based interface similar to Tinder, it still offers a robust and nuanced matching algorithm. However, some users report a decline in active matches, and messages only appear in inboxes after a mutual match — which may deter meaningful outreach.
Her: A Space for Queer Women
Best for: Lesbian, bisexual, and queer women
Price: Free basic plan; $15/month for premium
Platforms: iOS, Android
Her is one of the few dating apps designed exclusively for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people. It offers social features like events and community posts, making it feel more like a safe space than a traditional dating app. While some users have noted occasional bugs, it still stands out as a vital platform for queer visibility and connections. If you’re looking for a welcoming community that’s more than just dating, Her is worth trying.
Happn: Match With People You Cross Paths With
Best for: Serendipitous, local dating
Price: Free tier; premium starts at $25/month
Platforms: iOS, Android
Happn takes location-based dating to the next level by showing users who they’ve physically crossed paths with. It’s an intriguing idea for those who prefer spontaneous connections. However, the accuracy of its proximity tracking has been questioned, and its niche functionality may not appeal to everyone — especially with other apps offering broader location filters.
Coffee Meets Bagel: Quality Over Quantity
Best for: Singles who prefer curated matches
Price: Free with $9/month premium options
Platforms: iOS, Android
Coffee Meets Bagel sends you one “bagel” (match) a day at noon, based on mutual preferences. It also provides suggested ice-breakers to help initiate conversation. While its interface can feel cluttered and some features overly complicated, the app prioritizes thoughtful matching over mindless swiping. For serious daters tired of dating fatigue, CMB could be a refreshing option.
Tinder: The Original Swiping Giant
Best for: Casual dating and fast-paced connections
Price: Free; $8/month for premium features
Platforms: iOS, Android
As one of the most recognized names in online dating, Tinder continues to dominate thanks to its simplicity and huge user base. Swipe right to like, left to skip — it’s intuitive and effective. Newer features like profile verification and preference filters have added depth to the experience. Whether you’re looking for a fling or something more meaningful, Tinder’s versatility makes it a must-try for dating newcomers.
Raya: Where Dating Meets Networking
Best for: Creatives and influencers seeking exclusivity
Price: No free tier; $25/month premium only
Platforms: iOS, Android
Raya markets itself as an exclusive space for individuals in the creative industries. After an application and vetting process — sometimes taking weeks or even months — members can connect for romance or professional networking. While it’s not ideal for the average dater due to high costs and limited profile views per day, it serves a niche group looking for privacy and elite matches.
eHarmony: Matching for Marriage
Best for: Long-term commitments and marriage-minded singles
Price: Free account available; $36/month for Premium Extra
Platforms: iOS, Android
eHarmony is built on a comprehensive compatibility system based on 29 personality traits. After completing a detailed personality assessment, users receive curated matches. It’s ideal for people ready to settle down, and its money-back guarantee for unsatisfied premium users adds reassurance. eHarmony’s inclusive updates — now supporting same-sex matches — have broadened its appeal.
Plenty of Fish (POF): Large User Base, Real Conversations
Best for: Engaging conversations and exploring options
Price: Free; premium starts at $20/month
Platforms: iOS, Android
Plenty of Fish boasts one of the largest dating pools. Its strength lies in offering a mix of basic features and detailed profiles. Unfortunately, POF struggles with bot activity and spam accounts, which can disrupt the experience. Still, genuine connections are possible for those willing to filter through the noise.
Match: Dating for Professionals
Best for: Singles open to investing in dating
Price: Free version with $18/month paid tier
Platforms: iOS, Android
Match.com remains a premium choice, particularly for older singles or professionals serious about finding a partner. While a free tier exists, paid members enjoy significantly more functionality. Despite newer apps offering more innovative features for free, Match’s structured approach still holds value for those prioritizing stability and long-term intentions.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Dating App
Before committing to any dating app, consider the following:
- Your relationship goals: Are you looking for casual dates, a life partner, or something in between?
- Budget: Many apps offer free versions, but premium features often enhance the experience.
- User experience: Some apps are simpler to use than others. Find one that fits your style.
- Inclusivity: Certain apps are tailored for specific communities — choose what reflects your identity.
Our Testing Process
To ensure unbiased reviews, our team personally tested each app, created authentic profiles, and spent weeks engaging with other users. We evaluated features, subscription models, match quality, and overall ease of use. We also consulted user reviews and feedback from real daters in different regions to form our conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dating app overall in 2025?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Hinge offers a great balance between casual and serious dating. Bumble empowers women and Tinder offers massive reach. For marriage seekers, eHarmony is still the go-to.
What makes a good dating profile?
Authenticity. Use high-quality, recent photos that reflect your interests. Answer profile prompts honestly and with personality. Humor helps break the ice.
Are dating apps worth using?
Yes — if you’re willing to put in the time. While the first few conversations may not lead anywhere, persistence can result in meaningful connections or at the very least, enjoyable conversations.
