While dating apps are often associated with horror stories around trends like ghosting and catfishing, sometimes, the best dating apps can lead to positive – or at least interesting – experiences that help many find love. It can be difficult to discern which are the best dating apps for relationships or poly and nonmongamous dating, the app features that are worth your money, and the apps that will make folks feel safe while dating.
As someone who’s been “on the apps” for a while, I can’t tell you how many fish photos or cheesy dating app openers I’ve swiped through. To figure out the best online dating apps out there, I signed myself up for and tried out nine dating apps that are popular right now. For the dating apps I wasn’t able to test myself, I tapped users who had experience with them to get their take.
My research led me to determine which platforms are ideal for developing long-term relationships, welcoming queer folks, exploring sexuality, and finding quick hookups or even the dreaded situationships. Some dating apps, like Clover and Plenty of Fish, offer a live-stream feature, where you can connect with new singles instantly, as a nontraditional way of getting to know each other. There are also apps that value stances on social and political issues, with Chispa designing profile badges to help people express their opinions.
Ahead, we broke down the basics of each app so you know which one(s) to sign up for, whether it’s worth an optional payment plan, and what your profile might reel in.
