SAN DIEGO, April 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TigersofTinder.com announces the release of the review, “Best Dating Sites in 2021”
Dating sites and apps are numerous nowadays and asking someone about their favorite site will elicit a response as unique as the person themselves.
Also be aware that many dating apps — including several on this best dating apps list — are owned by the same company. The Match Group, for example, not only operates Match.com but also Tinder. OkCupid is one of the most popular free dating sites, and it also offers 2 upgraded membership options. It used to be called “ A-List “, but has since been renamed OkCupid Basic & OkCupid Premium. Upgrading starts around $9.95/month, or less when you commit to multiple months at a time.
While some people might be searching for love and marriage, others may be looking for something more casual.
The best dating sites offer plenty of variety and privacy, among other features. This article aims to lay out the best dating site for each person's unique situation and relationship goals.
First look:
- Best for serious relationships - Eharmony
- Best for working professionals - EliteSingles
- Best free dating site - Okcupid
- Best casual dating site - AdultFriendFinder
- Largest dating app - Tinder
- Best senior dating site - SilverSingles
- Best personality matching system - Hinge
- Best for christian singles - ChristianMingle
- Best married dating site - AshleyMadison
- Best dating app for women - Bumble
- More women than men - Seeking
- Serious dating site for under 30 - Zoosk
How The Best Dating Sites Were Evaluated:
User reviews - For each dating site we looked at app store reviews, forum discussions, and trustpilot reviews to find sites with the highest average rating in a given category.
Privacy and security - Everyone has heard horror stories of online dates gone sour or dangerous. The best dating sites feature built-in privacy features and even moderators to step in when a user is out of line or poses a risk to others.
Unique features - Some dating websites just offer straightforward meet-up options, whether through chat or video call. Others help people find their match with compatibility games, filtering options, and more. These additional features indicate a better chance at success.
15 Best Dating Sites for 2021
1. Eharmony - Best for serious relationships
Millions of couples have been connected by Eharmony—in reality, 400+ users marry someone they meet on the website every single day. The platform has even won awards as the best site for finding stable relationships.
Eharmony requires users to complete a lengthy survey upon signup, which functions as a “compatibility matching system.” The site then uses this information to present users with could-be successful dating choices.
Thiss platform is interesting in that it prompts users to like or comment on a certain section of the other person's profile. It provides a way for people to interact beyond the usual chat.
8. Seeking - For sugar daddies and sugar babies
Seeking is unique because it focuses on linking younger individuals (sugar babies) with older, wealthy sugar daddies. Apparently, it is more common than most believe, given the platform now has over 10 million subscribers. Each person can specify his/her terms before they connect, whether they want to travel, demand an allowance, or other specifications.
There is a high female-to-male ratio, which means the daddies have plenty of options to choose from, although it also indicates that competition could be fierce for the babies.
9. JDate - Jewish singles only
JDate is a dating service exclusively for Jewish singles. It was established in 1997 and is now accessible in over 100 countries, allowing users to communicate with Jewish singles in five different languages (English, Hebrew, French, German, and Spanish).
When it comes to online Jewish weddings, JDate is responsible for matching over 50 percent of those couples.
Users can contact anyone with a free or paid membership. Customer service checks each profile to ensure that it is created by genuine customers.
10. ChristianMingle - Best Christian dating site
ChristianMingle assists users within the christian community with finding their forever love. It boasts over 1 million users, and the site explicitly encourages “faith-based dating” for long-term potential.
There is a free account option or a monthly membership for $29.95. The latter comes with a guarantee, where a user can receive six months for free after their initial six-month membership is over if they do not find some suitable.
11. Zoosk - Large international community
Zoosk boasts one of the largest platforms on an international scale, with over 40 million members worldwide. Each day, these users submit more than 3 million messages in 25 different languages. Zoosk operates in over 80 nations.
The website employs something called “behavioral matchmaking technology” to help singles find compatible individuals that might equate to a match made in heaven.
After a free trial period, a Zoosk membership costs $29.99 per month.
12. Reddit R4R - Best for Reddit users
R4R, or Redditor for Redditor, is a subreddit dedicated to connecting users. The platform does not use a matching scheme, instead, it is a massive venue of personal ads.
A user’s search criteria brings up their preferred results. Reddit consumers use it to find activities, friends, parties, hookups, and even long-term relationships.
Even though it is a generalized forum, there are still rules relating to age, privacy, legality, and conduct. For example, NSFW posts are allowed but must be labeled as such so users can decide if they want to view the post or not.
13. OkCupid - Free and popular
OkCupid is one of the most well-known dating sites and features comprehensive profiles that other members can thoroughly scan before connecting. It is available in both a desktop and mobile version, with loads of details that users can fill in for the best results.
The site is very inclusive, with over 20 gender and sexual orientation choices.
14. Ashley Madison - Best married dating site
Ashley Madison is one of a kind, made for married individuals looking to have private affairs. It is not connected to social media accounts for this reason.
There are other privacy restrictions and features to help users stay anonymous if they are afraid of getting caught. Additionally, Ashley Madison has a travel option where members can search their upcoming location in advance.
Special Mentions:
Match.com - Match has been around since 1995 and offers a virtual dating mentor program to assist participants in matchmaking and dating ideas.
Tinder - This dating app is widely popular and comes with credibility. Most people use it for hookups, given its massive user base and location-driven algorithms.
BlackPeopleMeet - For over 18 years, BlackPeopleMeet has been connecting African American singles seeking love. The site's 100,000+ members can flirt, email, and see who views their profile.
Grindr - Grindr is exclusively for LGBTQA+ individuals. It is location-based, and users primarily use it for hooking up, though longer-term matches are also possible.
Plenty of Fish - This dating website is Canadian-based, but allows users to communicate with people from all around the world.
Why Do People Use Online Dating Sites?
Dating sites expose people to a far larger pool of individuals than a single person would have the chance to meet in real life. This is especially the case for users that have a limited social group, are new to town, or otherwise.
Using these sites can also allow users to be more selective based on criteria that are important to them: shared values, hobbies, or the type of relationship they want.
Are Dating Apps Safe?
Generally, yes, dating apps are safe, but it does still require discernment and caution. Apps have privacy features in place to help members out, such as profile verification. Certain websites also scan participants manually, adding an extra layer of security to the process.
Individuals should never provide personal information before meeting someone in real life, such as their surname, address, or even their neighborhood. It is also smart to arrange a first date in a public space. Contacting a friend beforehand and letting them know they are going on a date with a stranger is also not a bad idea.
How to Ensure Your Safety While Online Dating?
Never provide personal information to someone online, especially before meeting in person. This information includes the surname, employer, address, and even neighborhood.
When encountering anyone online, arrange for the first few dates to take place in public places. This may be a café, a hotel, a theatre, or some other public space. Avoid isolated areas such as beaches, and never allow strangers into the house.
Finally, contact a buddy before the date to inform them of the whereabouts and anticipated return time. Notify them when it's time to leave for home. To provide an extra layer of protection, request that they call or text during the date to ensure maximum safety.
First Date Suggestions
Dating for the first time can be overwhelming! To ensure optimal safety and to meet the match in person, follow these tips:
Maintain an open mind. Individuals may look very different in person than they do online, so be prepared for the preferences to change.
Avoid being too formal. Establishing a social meeting, such as a lunch date, allows the users to get to know one another without feeling obligated to spend hours together.
Review the conversations before going on a date. Re-read the person's profile and review what was discussed, and schedule general discussion topics.
Is It Possible to Develop a Serious Relationship When Dating Online?
Yes, it is possible! If two people meet, are compatible, and chemistry is present, the relationship could turn into something stable and secure. It happens every day, thanks to sites like Eharmony.
Online Dating Sites in Conclusion
The trick to online dating is for the individual to know what they want and need in a relationship beforehand. Based on the list above, there are many types of relationships to be found on these sites.
Maintain caution but an open mind when using a dating site. Each site here has something to offer, depending on what the user desires.
Visit tigersoftinder.com for more product comparisons and reviews.
Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from the above press release is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor or professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website’s selling mentioned in the source. The content publisher and its downstream distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about. The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission to the author if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you.
Despite how much everyone loves to hate it, more people online date than you may think. That's right, according to the Pew Research Center, three in 10 adults in the United States report having used a dating site or app at some point in their lives. Of course, usage varies significantly by age and sexual orientation, but a solid chunk of people have given the whole online dating thing a shot. Almost half (48 percent) of 18 to 29 year olds report having used a dating site or app. Meanwhile, 38 percent of people aged 30 to 49 and 26 percent of those who are 50 and older have said the same.
And guess what? Dating apps work for some people! Sure, a bunch of folks on these platforms are probably looking for hookups. But about one in ten of them (12 percent) have said that dating apps have led to committed relationships and even tying the knot. But the world of dating apps is such a densely saturated space these days, with more and more options hitting the market. So here are the best apps to try in 2021 — some legacy apps, and some kids on the block.
Tinder is a dating app notorious for hookups
You're certainly familiar with Tinder, the O.G. of dating apps (and a notorious hookup app). It's been around for quite some time; it even has social media accounts dedicated to it, like the hilarious @TinderNightmares on Instagram, where millions of people come to read some belly-creasing Tinder gold.
Tinder makes this list because it's been around for a while for a reason: it's stuck with us through the onslaught of dating apps that have come and gone since its debut in 2012. In fact, The Atlantic has even gone so far as to say that Tinder is responsible for '[ushering] in a new era in the history of romance.' In fact, swiping on Tinder has largely even replaced dating. Holly Wood, who wrote her Harvard sociology dissertation on singles' behaviors on online dating platforms like Tinder, told The Atlantic that respondents of her research spent hours per day swiping. 'We pretend that's dating because it looks like dating and says it's dating,' she explained.
It probably comes as no surprise that, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Tinder saw a massive surge in usage from quarantined singles, hitting records in daily usage, according to Fortune.
Women with initiative need to be on Bumble in 2021
For women who are sick of archaic gender norms and who aren't afraid to reach out first (and for those who are tired of being bombarded with messages, especially of the creepy nature), there's Bumble, an app made by and for women. According to the company's research, 63 percent of male users said that 'women making the first move' is largely why they downloaded the app, too.
Bumble, like many dating apps, saw a spike since COVID-19 struck planet Earth. In fact, video calls on increased by 70 percent, according to Fortune. The female-first dating app also skyrocketed to a market value of more than $13 billion since listing shares in early 2021, according to the BBC. In fact, at 31 years old, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd became the youngest woman to take a company public in the United States.
Basically, Bumble isn't bumbling around. Herd was actually a co-founder of Tinder but left the company after allegedly facing sexual harassment, the BBC reported. The company is all-around empowering for women; a Business Insider reporter tried out a bunch of dating apps andranks Bumble as one of the most successful.
Hinge is a dating app for those who want more than a casual encounter
Ah Hinge. It's been around since 2013, but it's arguably gotten more popular over the years. Hinge touts itself as 'the dating app designed to be deleted,' where you can 'meet people who want to get off dating apps, too.' It's mission is simple: 'In today's digital world, singles are so busy matching that they're not actually connecting, in person, where it counts. Hinge is on a mission to change that.' And, so far, so good.
In fact, according to Tech Crunch, Hinge is the first app to actually measure real-world success. With its feature called 'We Met,' Hinge asks users a few days after they've shared their phone numbers with one another whether or not they went on a date. If so, they ask whether or not they'd like to see that person again. The data informs Hinge's algorithms to improve matches, as well. It's sort of genius.
Add all of that to the fact that you can swipe people in different area codes with the premium membership, and Hinge is a solid option for those still stuck inside their houses in 2021.
Her is a dating app that ranks well among queer womxn
For queer womxn who want to use an app designed with them in mind, there's Her. In fact, there are over four million queer womxn on Her — hundreds of whom have reportedly found 'their person.' Robyn Exton founded Her after trying her hand at all the big dating apps already in existence; she realized that they just weren't made for queer womxn, according to her interview with Linktree.
However, it took research and one failed app to nail down what exactly queer womxn want. 'I didn't really understand product or tech,' Exton said. 'I was like, 'Cool, Grindr's doing a great job. And everyone loves that. Let's just make that for womxn.' So we made Dattch, which was very much like Grindr, and it did not work. Womxn don't want casual sex at the same frequency. The behavior and experience that womxn are looking for is based on so many different behaviors and traits and insights and patterns. So I kind of started everything from scratch and built Her in 2015.'
With integrated insights and community events, Cosmopolitan ranks Her one of the best lesbian dating apps out there.
Grindr is the OG dating app for the LGBTQ+ community
Grindr is the OG of dating apps for the LGBTQ+ community; t's been around for well over a decade. Since its onset in 2009, it's made quite the name for itself as one of the best dating apps for LGBTQ+ folks to hook up (and, sure, to date, too). After all, on Grindr, users can send photos back and forth. According to the app's own research, 855 million photos were sent each month in 2020 — and we're pretty sure that many of these weren't just selfies. Additionally, Sunday nights seems to be the most popular time for Grindr users — you know, right around when those Sunday Scaries hit hard.
According to an AskMen review, the only real downside to Grindr is the prevalence of faceless bots and advertisements. Otherwise, it's totally easy to register and navigate the app, and there are tons of people from you can choose your match.
BLK is for Black singles looking for other Black singles in 2021
BLK is a dating app that's designed with people of color in mind. 'BLK is the new app for Black single men and Black single women with a simple mission: to create an exclusive community where Black men and Black women can find meaningful connections with people who share similar likes and interests,' the app explains. The app has hundreds of thousands of ratings on the app store, and most of them are favorable, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 stars on Apple.
BLK was created by the Match Group in 2017 to provide a more nuanced environment for Black people who are online dating, according to Paper. 'Black women are considered the most 'disliked' on dating apps,' head of marketing and brand, Jonathan Kirkland said. 'They get the least amount of right swipes. Even on general market apps, Black men are swiping less on Black women. There's definitely a huge void there, as well as a lot of discrimination on the general market apps.'
According to Paper, BLK is a platform where users 'feel safe, respected and understood.' We love to see it.
Parents (and wanna-be parents) should hop on HeyBaby in 2021
Dating during the COVID-19 crisis isn't an easy feat, and dating as a single parent during a pandemic is even harder. But there are apps for everyone out there, including parents (and people who want to be parents). HeyBaby is one of them, and it launched in 2020 amidst all the chaos.
There are more than 13 million single parents in the United States, but traditional dating apps like Tinder aren't necessarily kind to them. Heybaby calls itself 'the dating app for people who want kids or have kids... If you're a decent human being with parent potential (or have kids already), this app was made for you,' their website says. According to Mashable, HeyBaby is doing more than matching couples; it's creating happy and healthy families.
HeyBaby was founded by three dads, but they made an ample effort to get women involved, as well. In a Fortune interview, HeyBaby cofounder Diko Daghlian said: 'We're hiring a lot of women and a lot of our advisors are women. We realize we've got the dad and man perspective. We need it to be super broad: gay, straight, male, female, white, brown, Black.'
Loosid is a dating app strictly for sober daters
Contrary to popular belief, dating doesn't have to mean drinking — and there's a dating app out there for sober people who want date other sober people. That's because dating someone who drinks can be difficult and even dangerous for people who are recovering from addiction; that, and some people just don't like drinking, plain and simple.
Enter: Loosid, the sober dating app. With over two million interactions, Loosid is a top sober social network. 'It's no secret that drinking is a big component of contemporary dating — after all, 'drinks' tend to be the de-facto activity a Tinder date will propose for your first (nerve-wracking) meet-up,' Paper explained. 'However, what happens when you're in recovery or sober for another reason? How do you date in a world where everyone seems to be drinking without feeling awkward or like you have to explain yourself (which you, obviously, don't)?' And that's the void Loosid strives to fill.
While many people are still struggling during the COVID-19 crisis, there's some solace in the fact that sober dating is increasingly interesting. According to Fortune, Loosid saw a 620 percent increase in messages throughout the pandemic.
Best Dating App List Maker
Feeld is a dating app for non-monogamous folks
Some might say that Feeld is playing the field with all the coverage the dating app for non-monogamous people has garnered. The app calls itself the 'threesome dating app,' and 'a space where you can explore your desires,' as well as 'connect with open-minded humans.'
Meanwhile, GQ calls Feeld 'the kinkiest dating app that exists outside of Craigslist.' But Feeld cofounder Ana Kirova described it in another way. 'Feeld is a platform for alternative dating, for people who are beyond labels,' she said in an interview with The New YorkTimes. 'They can meet each other without the necessity of coming from a very defined place with a very defined requirement.'
Elle interviewed multiple people who've tried Feeld out for themselves, and the responses are overwhelmingly positive. Many of the users said that Feeld makes it easier to match with people who are actually interested in group encounters, compared to their experiences on more traditional dating apps where they don't get a lot of interest and, instead, often face judgment for their sexual desires.
Ship is the best dating app for Millennials in 2021
First look:
- Best for serious relationships - Eharmony
- Best for working professionals - EliteSingles
- Best free dating site - Okcupid
- Best casual dating site - AdultFriendFinder
- Largest dating app - Tinder
- Best senior dating site - SilverSingles
- Best personality matching system - Hinge
- Best for christian singles - ChristianMingle
- Best married dating site - AshleyMadison
- Best dating app for women - Bumble
- More women than men - Seeking
- Serious dating site for under 30 - Zoosk
How The Best Dating Sites Were Evaluated:
User reviews - For each dating site we looked at app store reviews, forum discussions, and trustpilot reviews to find sites with the highest average rating in a given category.
Privacy and security - Everyone has heard horror stories of online dates gone sour or dangerous. The best dating sites feature built-in privacy features and even moderators to step in when a user is out of line or poses a risk to others.
Unique features - Some dating websites just offer straightforward meet-up options, whether through chat or video call. Others help people find their match with compatibility games, filtering options, and more. These additional features indicate a better chance at success.
15 Best Dating Sites for 2021
1. Eharmony - Best for serious relationships
Millions of couples have been connected by Eharmony—in reality, 400+ users marry someone they meet on the website every single day. The platform has even won awards as the best site for finding stable relationships.
Eharmony requires users to complete a lengthy survey upon signup, which functions as a “compatibility matching system.” The site then uses this information to present users with could-be successful dating choices.
Thiss platform is interesting in that it prompts users to like or comment on a certain section of the other person's profile. It provides a way for people to interact beyond the usual chat.
8. Seeking - For sugar daddies and sugar babies
Seeking is unique because it focuses on linking younger individuals (sugar babies) with older, wealthy sugar daddies. Apparently, it is more common than most believe, given the platform now has over 10 million subscribers. Each person can specify his/her terms before they connect, whether they want to travel, demand an allowance, or other specifications.
There is a high female-to-male ratio, which means the daddies have plenty of options to choose from, although it also indicates that competition could be fierce for the babies.
9. JDate - Jewish singles only
JDate is a dating service exclusively for Jewish singles. It was established in 1997 and is now accessible in over 100 countries, allowing users to communicate with Jewish singles in five different languages (English, Hebrew, French, German, and Spanish).
When it comes to online Jewish weddings, JDate is responsible for matching over 50 percent of those couples.
Users can contact anyone with a free or paid membership. Customer service checks each profile to ensure that it is created by genuine customers.
10. ChristianMingle - Best Christian dating site
ChristianMingle assists users within the christian community with finding their forever love. It boasts over 1 million users, and the site explicitly encourages “faith-based dating” for long-term potential.
There is a free account option or a monthly membership for $29.95. The latter comes with a guarantee, where a user can receive six months for free after their initial six-month membership is over if they do not find some suitable.
11. Zoosk - Large international community
Zoosk boasts one of the largest platforms on an international scale, with over 40 million members worldwide. Each day, these users submit more than 3 million messages in 25 different languages. Zoosk operates in over 80 nations.
The website employs something called “behavioral matchmaking technology” to help singles find compatible individuals that might equate to a match made in heaven.
After a free trial period, a Zoosk membership costs $29.99 per month.
12. Reddit R4R - Best for Reddit users
R4R, or Redditor for Redditor, is a subreddit dedicated to connecting users. The platform does not use a matching scheme, instead, it is a massive venue of personal ads.
A user’s search criteria brings up their preferred results. Reddit consumers use it to find activities, friends, parties, hookups, and even long-term relationships.
Even though it is a generalized forum, there are still rules relating to age, privacy, legality, and conduct. For example, NSFW posts are allowed but must be labeled as such so users can decide if they want to view the post or not.
13. OkCupid - Free and popular
OkCupid is one of the most well-known dating sites and features comprehensive profiles that other members can thoroughly scan before connecting. It is available in both a desktop and mobile version, with loads of details that users can fill in for the best results.
The site is very inclusive, with over 20 gender and sexual orientation choices.
14. Ashley Madison - Best married dating site
Ashley Madison is one of a kind, made for married individuals looking to have private affairs. It is not connected to social media accounts for this reason.
There are other privacy restrictions and features to help users stay anonymous if they are afraid of getting caught. Additionally, Ashley Madison has a travel option where members can search their upcoming location in advance.
Special Mentions:
Match.com - Match has been around since 1995 and offers a virtual dating mentor program to assist participants in matchmaking and dating ideas.
Tinder - This dating app is widely popular and comes with credibility. Most people use it for hookups, given its massive user base and location-driven algorithms.
BlackPeopleMeet - For over 18 years, BlackPeopleMeet has been connecting African American singles seeking love. The site's 100,000+ members can flirt, email, and see who views their profile.
Grindr - Grindr is exclusively for LGBTQA+ individuals. It is location-based, and users primarily use it for hooking up, though longer-term matches are also possible.
Plenty of Fish - This dating website is Canadian-based, but allows users to communicate with people from all around the world.
Why Do People Use Online Dating Sites?
Dating sites expose people to a far larger pool of individuals than a single person would have the chance to meet in real life. This is especially the case for users that have a limited social group, are new to town, or otherwise.
Using these sites can also allow users to be more selective based on criteria that are important to them: shared values, hobbies, or the type of relationship they want.
Are Dating Apps Safe?
Generally, yes, dating apps are safe, but it does still require discernment and caution. Apps have privacy features in place to help members out, such as profile verification. Certain websites also scan participants manually, adding an extra layer of security to the process.
Individuals should never provide personal information before meeting someone in real life, such as their surname, address, or even their neighborhood. It is also smart to arrange a first date in a public space. Contacting a friend beforehand and letting them know they are going on a date with a stranger is also not a bad idea.
How to Ensure Your Safety While Online Dating?
Never provide personal information to someone online, especially before meeting in person. This information includes the surname, employer, address, and even neighborhood.
When encountering anyone online, arrange for the first few dates to take place in public places. This may be a café, a hotel, a theatre, or some other public space. Avoid isolated areas such as beaches, and never allow strangers into the house.
Finally, contact a buddy before the date to inform them of the whereabouts and anticipated return time. Notify them when it's time to leave for home. To provide an extra layer of protection, request that they call or text during the date to ensure maximum safety.
First Date Suggestions
Dating for the first time can be overwhelming! To ensure optimal safety and to meet the match in person, follow these tips:
Maintain an open mind. Individuals may look very different in person than they do online, so be prepared for the preferences to change.
Avoid being too formal. Establishing a social meeting, such as a lunch date, allows the users to get to know one another without feeling obligated to spend hours together.
Review the conversations before going on a date. Re-read the person's profile and review what was discussed, and schedule general discussion topics.
Is It Possible to Develop a Serious Relationship When Dating Online?
Yes, it is possible! If two people meet, are compatible, and chemistry is present, the relationship could turn into something stable and secure. It happens every day, thanks to sites like Eharmony.
Online Dating Sites in Conclusion
The trick to online dating is for the individual to know what they want and need in a relationship beforehand. Based on the list above, there are many types of relationships to be found on these sites.
Maintain caution but an open mind when using a dating site. Each site here has something to offer, depending on what the user desires.
Visit tigersoftinder.com for more product comparisons and reviews.
Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from the above press release is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor or professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website’s selling mentioned in the source. The content publisher and its downstream distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about. The links contained in this product review may result in a small commission to the author if you opt to purchase the product recommended at no additional cost to you.
Despite how much everyone loves to hate it, more people online date than you may think. That's right, according to the Pew Research Center, three in 10 adults in the United States report having used a dating site or app at some point in their lives. Of course, usage varies significantly by age and sexual orientation, but a solid chunk of people have given the whole online dating thing a shot. Almost half (48 percent) of 18 to 29 year olds report having used a dating site or app. Meanwhile, 38 percent of people aged 30 to 49 and 26 percent of those who are 50 and older have said the same.
And guess what? Dating apps work for some people! Sure, a bunch of folks on these platforms are probably looking for hookups. But about one in ten of them (12 percent) have said that dating apps have led to committed relationships and even tying the knot. But the world of dating apps is such a densely saturated space these days, with more and more options hitting the market. So here are the best apps to try in 2021 — some legacy apps, and some kids on the block.
Tinder is a dating app notorious for hookups
You're certainly familiar with Tinder, the O.G. of dating apps (and a notorious hookup app). It's been around for quite some time; it even has social media accounts dedicated to it, like the hilarious @TinderNightmares on Instagram, where millions of people come to read some belly-creasing Tinder gold.
Tinder makes this list because it's been around for a while for a reason: it's stuck with us through the onslaught of dating apps that have come and gone since its debut in 2012. In fact, The Atlantic has even gone so far as to say that Tinder is responsible for '[ushering] in a new era in the history of romance.' In fact, swiping on Tinder has largely even replaced dating. Holly Wood, who wrote her Harvard sociology dissertation on singles' behaviors on online dating platforms like Tinder, told The Atlantic that respondents of her research spent hours per day swiping. 'We pretend that's dating because it looks like dating and says it's dating,' she explained.
It probably comes as no surprise that, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Tinder saw a massive surge in usage from quarantined singles, hitting records in daily usage, according to Fortune.
Women with initiative need to be on Bumble in 2021
For women who are sick of archaic gender norms and who aren't afraid to reach out first (and for those who are tired of being bombarded with messages, especially of the creepy nature), there's Bumble, an app made by and for women. According to the company's research, 63 percent of male users said that 'women making the first move' is largely why they downloaded the app, too.
Bumble, like many dating apps, saw a spike since COVID-19 struck planet Earth. In fact, video calls on increased by 70 percent, according to Fortune. The female-first dating app also skyrocketed to a market value of more than $13 billion since listing shares in early 2021, according to the BBC. In fact, at 31 years old, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd became the youngest woman to take a company public in the United States.
Basically, Bumble isn't bumbling around. Herd was actually a co-founder of Tinder but left the company after allegedly facing sexual harassment, the BBC reported. The company is all-around empowering for women; a Business Insider reporter tried out a bunch of dating apps andranks Bumble as one of the most successful.
Hinge is a dating app for those who want more than a casual encounter
Ah Hinge. It's been around since 2013, but it's arguably gotten more popular over the years. Hinge touts itself as 'the dating app designed to be deleted,' where you can 'meet people who want to get off dating apps, too.' It's mission is simple: 'In today's digital world, singles are so busy matching that they're not actually connecting, in person, where it counts. Hinge is on a mission to change that.' And, so far, so good.
In fact, according to Tech Crunch, Hinge is the first app to actually measure real-world success. With its feature called 'We Met,' Hinge asks users a few days after they've shared their phone numbers with one another whether or not they went on a date. If so, they ask whether or not they'd like to see that person again. The data informs Hinge's algorithms to improve matches, as well. It's sort of genius.
Add all of that to the fact that you can swipe people in different area codes with the premium membership, and Hinge is a solid option for those still stuck inside their houses in 2021.
Her is a dating app that ranks well among queer womxn
For queer womxn who want to use an app designed with them in mind, there's Her. In fact, there are over four million queer womxn on Her — hundreds of whom have reportedly found 'their person.' Robyn Exton founded Her after trying her hand at all the big dating apps already in existence; she realized that they just weren't made for queer womxn, according to her interview with Linktree.
However, it took research and one failed app to nail down what exactly queer womxn want. 'I didn't really understand product or tech,' Exton said. 'I was like, 'Cool, Grindr's doing a great job. And everyone loves that. Let's just make that for womxn.' So we made Dattch, which was very much like Grindr, and it did not work. Womxn don't want casual sex at the same frequency. The behavior and experience that womxn are looking for is based on so many different behaviors and traits and insights and patterns. So I kind of started everything from scratch and built Her in 2015.'
With integrated insights and community events, Cosmopolitan ranks Her one of the best lesbian dating apps out there.
Grindr is the OG dating app for the LGBTQ+ community
Grindr is the OG of dating apps for the LGBTQ+ community; t's been around for well over a decade. Since its onset in 2009, it's made quite the name for itself as one of the best dating apps for LGBTQ+ folks to hook up (and, sure, to date, too). After all, on Grindr, users can send photos back and forth. According to the app's own research, 855 million photos were sent each month in 2020 — and we're pretty sure that many of these weren't just selfies. Additionally, Sunday nights seems to be the most popular time for Grindr users — you know, right around when those Sunday Scaries hit hard.
According to an AskMen review, the only real downside to Grindr is the prevalence of faceless bots and advertisements. Otherwise, it's totally easy to register and navigate the app, and there are tons of people from you can choose your match.
BLK is for Black singles looking for other Black singles in 2021
BLK is a dating app that's designed with people of color in mind. 'BLK is the new app for Black single men and Black single women with a simple mission: to create an exclusive community where Black men and Black women can find meaningful connections with people who share similar likes and interests,' the app explains. The app has hundreds of thousands of ratings on the app store, and most of them are favorable, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 stars on Apple.
BLK was created by the Match Group in 2017 to provide a more nuanced environment for Black people who are online dating, according to Paper. 'Black women are considered the most 'disliked' on dating apps,' head of marketing and brand, Jonathan Kirkland said. 'They get the least amount of right swipes. Even on general market apps, Black men are swiping less on Black women. There's definitely a huge void there, as well as a lot of discrimination on the general market apps.'
According to Paper, BLK is a platform where users 'feel safe, respected and understood.' We love to see it.
Parents (and wanna-be parents) should hop on HeyBaby in 2021
Dating during the COVID-19 crisis isn't an easy feat, and dating as a single parent during a pandemic is even harder. But there are apps for everyone out there, including parents (and people who want to be parents). HeyBaby is one of them, and it launched in 2020 amidst all the chaos.
There are more than 13 million single parents in the United States, but traditional dating apps like Tinder aren't necessarily kind to them. Heybaby calls itself 'the dating app for people who want kids or have kids... If you're a decent human being with parent potential (or have kids already), this app was made for you,' their website says. According to Mashable, HeyBaby is doing more than matching couples; it's creating happy and healthy families.
HeyBaby was founded by three dads, but they made an ample effort to get women involved, as well. In a Fortune interview, HeyBaby cofounder Diko Daghlian said: 'We're hiring a lot of women and a lot of our advisors are women. We realize we've got the dad and man perspective. We need it to be super broad: gay, straight, male, female, white, brown, Black.'
Loosid is a dating app strictly for sober daters
Contrary to popular belief, dating doesn't have to mean drinking — and there's a dating app out there for sober people who want date other sober people. That's because dating someone who drinks can be difficult and even dangerous for people who are recovering from addiction; that, and some people just don't like drinking, plain and simple.
Enter: Loosid, the sober dating app. With over two million interactions, Loosid is a top sober social network. 'It's no secret that drinking is a big component of contemporary dating — after all, 'drinks' tend to be the de-facto activity a Tinder date will propose for your first (nerve-wracking) meet-up,' Paper explained. 'However, what happens when you're in recovery or sober for another reason? How do you date in a world where everyone seems to be drinking without feeling awkward or like you have to explain yourself (which you, obviously, don't)?' And that's the void Loosid strives to fill.
While many people are still struggling during the COVID-19 crisis, there's some solace in the fact that sober dating is increasingly interesting. According to Fortune, Loosid saw a 620 percent increase in messages throughout the pandemic.
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Feeld is a dating app for non-monogamous folks
Some might say that Feeld is playing the field with all the coverage the dating app for non-monogamous people has garnered. The app calls itself the 'threesome dating app,' and 'a space where you can explore your desires,' as well as 'connect with open-minded humans.'
Meanwhile, GQ calls Feeld 'the kinkiest dating app that exists outside of Craigslist.' But Feeld cofounder Ana Kirova described it in another way. 'Feeld is a platform for alternative dating, for people who are beyond labels,' she said in an interview with The New YorkTimes. 'They can meet each other without the necessity of coming from a very defined place with a very defined requirement.'
Elle interviewed multiple people who've tried Feeld out for themselves, and the responses are overwhelmingly positive. Many of the users said that Feeld makes it easier to match with people who are actually interested in group encounters, compared to their experiences on more traditional dating apps where they don't get a lot of interest and, instead, often face judgment for their sexual desires.
Ship is the best dating app for Millennials in 2021
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In today's world, people are generally lonely, and they tend to feel fatigued with decision anxiety; that's according to a burgeoning body of research that says millennials, in particular, struggle (via Psychology Today). Millennials are notorious for relying on their friends for help making decisions when they can't make up their own minds. That's why Betches' dating app, Ship, is an ideal option for today's world.
You don't have to send screenshots of dating profiles to dissect with your friends anymore. Instead, on Ship, you can swipe with your friends. So you can cure loneliness and decision fatigue both at the same time.
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Plus, it's a great way to keep your biggest hype-people in your corner. 'Dating sucks but your crew has your back,' reads the tagline. Betches cofounder Samantha Fishbein told Elite Daily: 'When you're disappointed on most dating apps, there's nothing to build you back up. But when you're with your friends, they're not going to be like, 'Well, now you'll never find someone.'
