In 2021, there’s no stigma when it comes to online dating and dating apps like there was 15 years ago. In fact, a 2019 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that couples are more likely to meet a romantic partner online than through friends, family, work, or anywhere else. Roughly 40% of couples in the study reported meeting their partner online; that number was only 22% in 2009.
The key to finding a romantic or sexual partner through a dating app is using the correct app specifically for your needs. As they say, you gotta use the right tool for the right job. There are currently over 1,500 datings and hookup apps. (The market is extremely oversaturated.) While there are similarities between them, each app caters to a different audience, however slightly. That’s why you need to know which app you should use and that all depends on what (or who) you’re looking for.
Have no fear if you feel overwhelmed by the number of dating apps. Here we not only provide the best ones, but we also break them down by category to increase your chances of finding that special somebody. (Oh, and here are some tips for creating a dating app bio along with some profile picture tips. After all, you’re not going to find someone with a blank profile.)
The tried and true:
Bumble: Bumble adds some pressure so people actually make conversation with each other instead of just racking up matches for the sake of it, as matches expire after 24 hours if no message is sent. And for heterosexual couples, only ladies get to message first, so it’s good to know that someone is actually into you when you see a notification in your inbox.
Grindr: Grindr is geared toward gay, bi, trans, and queer men. It was actually the first mobile dating app that utilized geo-location. On the app, you see a grid of men sorted by distance (how far they are from you). While the app is catered towards more quick liaisons, men have and continue to find their hubbies on it.
OkCupid: OkCupid was the first free online dating site, and the app makes 
matches by asking their users a set of questions to figure out what they’re into and the issues that they care about. OkCupid is also super-inclusive, and they were the first app to introduce 22 gender and 13 orientation options in 2014.
Tinder: Chances are, you’re probably already on Tinder, alternatively loving and hating its barebones system-swipe left for no, swipe right for yes. And while Tinder definitely has a reputation as a hookup app, there are tons of people who have found love at first swipe, so there’s something on there for everyone.
The trendy:
Coffee Meets Bagel: This app sends you curated suggestions each day at noon, and you can “like” or pass on the person. If they like you too, you’ll match. An interesting facet of CMB is that chats expire after 7 days because the app believes that “the most meaningful connections happen face-to-face,” so it’s up to you to exchange contact information within a week of matching.
Happn: Tired of matching with people that are too far away? With Happn, every time you cross paths with someone who is also on Happn, their profile will show up on your timeline, and you can even see the number of times you guys have crossed paths. You can then like them, and if they like you too, it’ll become a “crush” and you can start chatting with each other.