Gone are the days when people would hate you if you said you met your partner online. Dating apps we have irrevocably changed the way we date – just as social media has changed the way we all interact. With so many apps, from Bumble to eharmony, it can be a challenge to decide which ones to invest in, especially if you’re looking for that special someone.
According to the Pew Research Center’s 2023 findings, one in ten adults are cohabiting (married, cohabiting, or in a committed relationship) meet a partner on a dating app or site. If you are a young adult and/or LGBTQyou’re more likely to meet your significant other online: one in five adults under 30 and nearly one in four LGBTQ adults.
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The same study found that nearly half (44 percent) of dating app users said the main reason they use them is to meet a long-term partner. So, if that’s you, you’re not alone, despite what you might see people crying on TikTok.
The talk about dating app culture can be endless. Singles told Mashable earlier this year that he would meet a potential partner in personbut they scoff at the applications. Others, like him Tinder, they saw their money go down in the latter places, while the Hinge grows. However, dates are still available for even the most popular applications. After Zohran Mamdani’s win for Mayor of New York City in November, for example, Hinge users complain that it somehow “isn’t the same app” where he met his wife four years ago.
Despite the frustrations with The Apps™, there’s no denying that if you want to chill from the comfort and safety of your own home, this is the way to do it. If, say, you’re logged in or have difficulty approaching someone in person, the app has its uses.
What is the #1 best dating app?
When you consider the diversity of experiences across dating apps, it’s hard to determine which ones are “the best.” Some people find their mates Tinderwhile others are disappointed that their match only wants to hook up.
That being said, if you’re looking for something serious, your best bet is probably an app with multiple users, your options to show what you want in your bio, and filters to eliminate who you really want to interact with. There are also apps whose product is aimed at finding the perfect match — like eharmony and Match, both decades-old sites with a reputation for helping users find their mates. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have a reputation for more “serious” connections.
Depending on the type of relationship you’re looking for, you may also benefit from a more niche application. Take the single app on our list, SilverSingles, for over 50s. Sure, there are older people on apps like Tinder and Bumble, but you might have more luck finding someone age-appropriate if you’re in a space just for you.
What is the best dating site for serious relationships?
Mashable did some research to pick a few of the many dating sites (and apps) out there. These options are available to both Android and Apple users, so the type of phone you have will not dictate your options. In terms of investment, you can use some of these for free (like Tinder and Bumble), while others are very pay-to-play. We’ve also included some “niche” options, like the aforementioned SilverSingles and Elite Singles, so you have more than the usual buffet of dating apps.
Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships:
