11 Best Dating Apps We Tried In 2025 (& The Worst)

In 2025, there are so many dating apps out there that it can be hard to choose the best one. The right app is very important if you want to find a real relationship, a hookup, or something specific like kink or single parenting. You can use our list of the best dating apps this year to help you find the one that fits your needs and goals the best.

Our list includes popular sites like eHarmony and Tinder as well as niche sites like Feeld and Grindr to meet a wide range of needs and tastes. We also let you know which apps didn’t quite live up to your hopes so you don’t waste your time. As of 2025, our in-depth review will help you find smarter, safer, and more successful matches online, whether you’re new to it or ready to try something new.

Best for Serious Relationships: eHarmony

A lot of people think that eHarmony is one of the best dating apps for people who want to find serious, long-term relationships. It stands out because it uses a full compatibility system that groups people based on personality tests, values, and living choices. Instead of apps that focus on shallow swipes, this method finds matches that are more important. When new users sign up, they are asked to fill out a long assessment. This helps the app’s system find partners who are a good match.

Guided communication hints on eHarmony also urge users to have deep talks right away, which helps build stronger relationships from the start. Even though you have to pay for eHarmony to use all of its benefits, many users think it’s worth it because it helps people find long-term connections. The platform has improved virtual dating options in 2025 by adding video chat and interactive date ideas. These features help people meet more naturally in a digital-first dating setting. Overall, eHarmony is still a great option for people who are serious about using a science-based matching system to find a lasting partner.

Best for Serious Relationships: Hinge

The main goal of Hinge is to help people find important, long-lasting relationships, so the company offers itself as the app “designed to be deleted.” This app is different from others because it encourages users to connect with detailed profiles that include questions, photos, and thoughtful answers instead of just matching people based on swipes. This makes people more interested and starts more real talks right away.

“Most Compatible” on Hinge uses AI to look at user tastes and habits and suggest matches who are more likely to be a good fit based on how the two have interacted in the past. The app has put a lot of money into safety features like background checks, video calls, and picture proof, which are becoming more and more important in 2025. These improvements make the place safer for single people looking for a long-term relationship. Hinge is great for people looking for serious relationships because it focuses on quality over quantity and has a large and busy user group with a wide range of demographics.

Best for Over 50: Match

Match.com has long been the site of choice for people over 50 looking for love, whether they want to be in a serious relationship or just hang out. Adults are the main audience for the site and app because they let users make profiles that focus on values, hobbies, and life events instead of just pictures. By getting to know each other on a deeper level, this method helps older people connect in a way that goes beyond simple attraction. Match gives users a range of ways to talk to each other, such as direct texting and video calls, so that everyone can feel comfortable.

Because the app has so many users, older people can find many possible matches who have similar life goals. Match also plans parties and social events that take place in real life. These events are becoming popular again in 2025 as people look for real face-to-face conversations. Safety is still a top concern, and strong control and verification systems make sure that the dating site is safe. Match is a great site for people over 50 looking for love or friendship because it has both easy-to-use features and mature dating standards.

Best for Kink: Feeld

Feeld is the best dating app for people who are into kink, different types of relationships, and exploring different sexual tastes. The site is known for having a community that is open-minded and includes everyone. Singles and couples can explore their wants without fear of being judged. Feeld lets users make profiles that list their hobbies, limits, and types of relationships. This makes things clear and respectful from the start.

The app lets you chat privately or with a group, so it’s easy to talk to possible partners about tough subjects like limits and consent. It also has learning materials about consent and good conversation, which are very important in kink groups. In 2025, Feeld continues to grow, adding more safety features to keep users safe, like picture verification and review. People who want to experience non-traditional relationships, like polyamory and BDSM, in a safe, respectful, and helpful space use the app because it is open to new ideas.

Best for Hookups: Tinder

Tinder is still the most popular app for hookups and casual dating because it’s easy to use and has a huge user base around the world. Its simple interface and quick matching system make it perfect for people who want to meet someone on the spot without making a long-term commitment. The app’s system gives users more chances to meet possible matches who are nearby, making it easier for people to meet quickly. Tinder also has paid tools, such as “Boost” and “Super Likes,” that can help you get more matches and be seen by more people.

Tinder is known for hookups, but a lot of people have found real relationships on it, even though that’s not its main goal. Tinder has put a lot of money into safety in 2025, adding new features like sharing your location with trusted friends during dates and using AI to filter out inappropriate material. The goal of these changes is to make the area better for people who are just hanging out. Overall, Tinder is the best app for hookups and casual dating around the world because it is easy to use, has a large user base, and is updated all the time.

Best Free Dating Site: OkCupid

OkCupid is one of the best dating sites that you can use for free because it has so many features that you don’t have to pay for simple access. The app has a unique system that lets users answer hundreds of questions about their personality, values, and hobbies. Based on the answers, the system then figures out what number of matches there will be based on compatibility. Users can find people who share their beliefs and relationship goals because of this openness.

This makes matches more important. OkCupid is also praised for being open to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Unlike many other apps, OkCupid doesn’t charge users to send texts or connect with each other, which promotes open communication. OkCupid is still working to improve its technology and user checking in 2025 so that there are fewer fake profiles. The app is great for people who want to date without spending a lot of money because it has a good mix of free features, accepts everyone, and has detailed matching.

Best Free Dating App for Women: Bumble

Bumble is different from other dating apps because it forces women to start chats. This gives them power over who they talk to. This design helps make dating safer and more polite by cutting down on spam texts and other forms of abuse. Bumble also has features for making friends and networking professionally, but its dating feature is the most popular among women looking for casual or serious relationships.

The app is very easy to get because it has a lot of free features, like viewing profiles, texting, and video calls. Safety is very important, and strong control tools and picture verification make sure the community stays positive. In 2025, Bumble added resources and tools for mental health and to promote polite exchanges, making the app a helpful place for women to meet people. Its focus on empowering women and putting women first has won it a loyal following and the title of best free dating app for women.

Best for Single Parents: Facebook Dating

Facebook Dating works perfectly with the Facebook app, making it easy for single parents who want to meet people to do so without having to switch between apps. The site uses Facebook’s huge network to suggest matches based on shared hobbies, mutual friends, events visited, and group memberships. This can help single parents find others who are going through the same things they are.

“Secret Crush,” a cool feature, lets users pick people they’re interested in. If the other person feels the same way, they’ll both know, making it a low-pressure way to date. To keep privacy safe, users’ dating pages are kept separate from their main Facebook profiles and friend groups. This way, users don’t have to deal with awkward situations. In the year 2025, Facebook Dating has added features that let users make it clear that they are parents and set rules for dating. This makes it a caring and easy choice for busy single parents who want to be in a relationship with someone who understands them.

Best for Gay Men: Grindr

As of now, Grindr is still the best hookup app for gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer guys. Its location-based system lets users quickly find possible matches nearby. This makes it very popular among LGBTQ+ people for both meeting new people and building relationships. Grindr has a simple design with detailed profiles, chat tools like sharing photos and videos, and filters that help users find partners who share their hobbies or traits.

The app also gives users safety tips and neighborhood tools that are specific to their needs. In 2025, Grindr has made privacy better by adding end-to-end encryption and better profile verification to stop harassing and catfishing. People in the community will trust these security improvements, which will help keep a big, active user group. Grindr is the best dating app for gay guys around the world because it cares about safety, usefulness, and being open to everyone.

Best for Lesbians: Her

Many people agree that Her is the best dating app for bisexual, gay, and female women. It stands out because it creates a safe, welcoming place that isn’t just for dating but also for building communities with things like events, social groups, and an LGBTQ+ news feed. Users can make thorough accounts with photos and comments, and they can have talks that go beyond just finding a match.

They also support non-binary and transgender identities and stress the importance of acceptance and respect. Safety is very important, so there is strict content control and easy-to-use tools for reporting bad behavior. In 2025, Her has added more social features to help people meet with each other for friendship and action. This makes it more than just a dating app; it’s a lively community platform. Because it lets you date and connect with other people, Her is the best app for gay women looking for love, company, and support.

Best for Working Professionals: The League

The League is made for driven workers with high standards who want a dating app that gets their busy lives. The League is different from other dating apps because users have to apply and are then screened based on their education, job, and lifestyle. This creates a selective dating group of successful people. The app limits the number of matches you can make each day to encourage meaningful conversation instead of mindless clicking.

The League also has organizing tools and calendar sharing built in, which make it easier for users to plan dates around busy work schedules. In 2025, the app has improved its private features and added coaching services that give users specific advice on how to improve their profile and talk to others. Because of this, The League is great for workers who want to date quickly and well without having to sacrifice their work. Its selective group and focus on work make it the best choice for career-driven singles looking for important connections.

In the End

Which dating app is best for you relies on what you’re looking for: a real relationship, some fun, or something more serious. Our top picks, like eHarmony and Hinge, are great for serious relationships. On the other hand, Tinder and Feeld are great for more relaxed or different ways of life.

Free sites like OkCupid and Bumble are great, especially for women and people who are watching their spending. Apps like Grindr, Her, and Facebook Dating offer customized experiences for specific groups, such as LGBTQ+ people or single parents. In the end, the best dating app is the one that fits your beliefs, way of life, and level of comfort. You can make a better choice and have a better chance of meeting the right person in 2025 if you use our advice.

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