Let’s start with the juggernaut in the online dating space, Tinder. Founded in 2012, it has rapidly become a global sensation thanks to its easy-to-use user interface and addictive yet simplistic features.

For starters, these guys are the ones who popularised the swiping phenomenon that allows you to express interest in someone by swiping right. They also nailed the matching algorithm perfectly and ensured that users were matched based on interests and location.

Thankfully, most of their features can be enjoyed with their free version. For those looking to improve their dating prospects, they also have Tinder Plus, which includes unlimited swipes, ad-blocking, and super likes that make you stand out more.

However, it should be noted that Tinder has a reputation for being geared more towards hookups and short-term relationships. Skip it if you want a serious relationship.

You can totally use this app for free and have no problems

“You can totally use this app for free and have no problems. They added tags like long- or short-time relationship, infos about pets, current relationship status and much more. Really good. If you have the money you can buy/rent filters, so you will mostly see persons you might really be interested in. Good stuff. Worth it. Makes sense to want money for this deluxe feature.”

-Andreas Duffner, Google Play Store Reviews

I’ve had some good dating successes using Tinder

“Tinder offers consistent matches based on good and decent profile settings. I’ve had some good dating successes using Tinder.”

-Jay Ammon, Google Play Store Reviews

Another name that’s also well-known is Bumble, an online dating app that started in 2014. Quite similar to Tinder, it too simplified the dating experience by implementing a similar swipe feature to express interest in someone else.

However, what truly set it apart from Tinder initially was its emphasis on women making the first move. After that concept was dropped in early 2024, they’ve since moved on to implementing cool features like Opening Moves, which lets users pick a recommended topic to start a conversation.

What’s also great about Bumble is that they welcome users of all genders and sexual orientations! They also included Deception Detector, an AI program designed to weed out fake profiles and scammers.

Overall, it’s a great app. However, it’s a bit annoying that it’s inundated with non-dating extensions, like its networking feature for professionals.

Really good dating app with a lot of matches

“Really good dating app with a lot of matches. It actually works in a way you need to be interested and invested in it as if you don’t reply your match disappears in 24h. I’ve used it before and this time had some technical problems that were sorted by the support team quite quickly.”

-Diana Nunes, Google Play Store Reviews

Better than all dating apps, honestly

“better than all dating apps, honestly. every app seems to turn into a hookup app, but bumble is not like that. It’s way better than it was 1 year ago, with MORE free features than it used to have. Finally an app that listens to its customers. Much love y’all ✌🏻 Also, you take our reports seriously, unlike any other app. That’s probably my favorite thing.”

-lalaloopsie, Google Play Store Reviews

Founded in 1995, Match.com is one of the oldest online dating sites that is still operating today. Unlike the other two I’ve mentioned earlier, this one is all about long-term relationships.

I say that because they don’t use the rapid-fire swipe matching feature that popular apps use nowadays. Instead, they feature detailed profiles that include things like lifestyle, interests, and relationship goals for better matchmaking.

What’s also great is that they have advanced matching algorithms that’ll search for the most suitable partners for you. You’ll be getting fewer matches, but they’re carefully vetted!

Match.com also has extensive security features in place to catch scammers, like photo verification.

However, the downside is that most of these cool features are locked behind a paywall. Their free version is a bit lacking, as it doesn’t include access to their advanced matching algorithms.

Probably the best relationship-matching app

“Probably the best relationship-matching app there is right now after OkCupid was systematically destroyed over the past 3-5 years. Real people, actual matches. I just wish you could filter on diet.”

-Luke Keppler, Google Play Store Reviews

Definitely worth the cost if you’re serious about finding a serious relationship

“Definitely worth the cost if you’re serious about finding a serious relationship. It’s way too expensive but worth the investment if you can afford it!”

-T. G., Google Play Store Reviews

Hinge, started in 2012, is another online dating app targeted at serious relationship-seekers. It too forgoes the popular swiping method, as it instead allows users to create in-depth profiles to make themselves known.

Here, you’re free to share anything you want in your profile. Aside from your basic information, you can also include things like height, religion, political beliefs, and more.

They even introduced the Prompts feature to help users distinguish themselves even further through short-answer questions that can also serve as conversation starters.

However, the best part is that Hinge uses an algorithm that’s based on the Nobel-prize-winning Gale-Shapley formula to match you with someone who checks most of your preferences! 

Sadly, they lock most of these features behind their subscription service. Free users are only allowed a couple of likes a day, so I suggest you skip it and go straight to becoming a paid member.

Hinge truly shines as a shining example of things done right

“Among a sea of dating apps, Hinge truly shines as a shining example of things done right. Between its prompt based profile setup which adds more depth to people’s encounters on the app, the ability to put voice and video prompts in your profile and send and receive voice messages, and the fact that you can actually use the app for free unlike some other alternatives, Hinge is truly an impressive dating platform.”

-Gascon, Google Play Store Reviews

Overall, I like it a lot

“It is really nice. A different pace from the other big dating apps. It also feels less like a swipe to reject than a sorting to look at later. At the time I was using it there seemed to be fewer users, but then the ones I saw all seemed to be actual active users. I had some great conversations and overall, I like it a lot.”

-sdbckr, Google Play Store Reviews

If you want an app with a cute gimmick, check out Happn. Founded in 2014, it features a location-based matchmaking system to match its users who have crossed paths at some point in their lives.

Thankfully, it doesn’t share your current location, so your privacy is still safe!

To help speed up the process a bit further, Happn also has the CrushPoints feature. Here, users can add their favourite spots, like bars and cafes, to their profiles and see which fellow users also love to visit these kinds of places.

Another cute thing I love about this app is its Happn Voice feature, which lets users record a two-minute audio note on their profile. 

Sadly, if you ever happen to use this app (no pun intended), you should know that its gimmick may work less effectively in certain parts of Perth, like its outskirts.

Met some wonderful people and had some fantastic dates thanks to it

“Absolutely love this dating app! It’s user-friendly, has a great interface, and the matches are surprisingly accurate. Met some wonderful people and had some fantastic dates thanks to it. Highly recommend giving it a try!”

-Hildah Henry, Google Play Store Reviews

By far, the best dating app

“By far, the best dating app. People like you id they actually do, rather than the constant swipes to like on other apps, by people who are not really interested. For those who like you, you can see who they are, and choose to like them back or not. You can only message if you both like each other. Likes and matches are less frequent, but they are true.”

-Kelly Rolt, Google Play Store Reviews