7 Dating Apps To Try (That Aren’t Bumble, Tinder Or Hinge)
Regular dating apps not cutting it for you? Fear not, if you’re unlucky in swiping, maybe you’re just on the wrong app. We dug deep and found dating apps other than the regular Tinder, Bumble and Hinge – that might have a smaller dating pool but perhaps a more effective one. Whether you’re tired of swiping or just looking to take the conversation from your phone to IRL quicker – here are the best dating apps to have on your radar.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Best for: Long term relationships.
Founded by three sisters, Coffee Meets Bagel is an app designed “for serious daters” and for those who aren’t looking for casual swiping. The website claims that over 91% of the users on the app are looking for committed relationships, so just being on the app filters out people who aren’t looking for anything long-term. If you’re done with situationships, this one seems to be a good choice. Plus, just last month they’ve launched a worldwide edition of the app, so it’s no longer just US and Canada based.
Thursday
Best for: Meeting people IRL.
The dating app Thursday has been shaking things up by making dating all about meeting face-to-face. If you’re still in lockdown mode and struggle to meet people in person, this one may not be for you. But the concept of actually getting out to make plans and meet some does sound refreshing, and is a relief from endless swiping. Thursday manages to try and turn dating into a more genuine experience, and helps you filter out people quicker so you don’t waste time on endless online chat.
The concept of actually getting out to make plans and meet some does sound refreshing, and is a relief from endless swiping.
Happn
Best for: For serendipitous meetings.
If you’ve ever crossed paths with someone and wished you could see them again, or shared a coffee shop and didn’t realise it, or even sat next to someone in the park…the app helps you match with people you might have missed (possibly cause you were busy swiping on your phone). In a little technology meets serendipity mashup, happn’s is all about finding people you could fall in love with…in the places you love.
eHarmony
Best for: Authentic connections.
With a website full of relationship advice and the app’s own compatibility matching algorithm, eHarmony has gone to great length to try and create a platform that can lead to successful relationships. Rather like having a personal matchmaker on your phone, eharmony takes into consideration your personality traits, hobbies and preferences so you can connect with people who share the same values and interests.
eHarmony takes into consideration your personality traits, hobbies and preferences so you can connect with people who share the same values and interests.
Match
Best for: Expert relationship advice.
With a website that claims every 1 in 5 Brits know a Match couple, the app does seem to have a good success rate. The dating profiles are very detailed, so you can filter out people without wasting time if you spot any red flags or strict no’s on someone’s profile. Plus, life coach Jay Shetty has recently partnered with Match as a “dating advisor” – so if you need some help (if you trust Shetty’s advice) in your quest for love, this might be the right place to be.
Life coach Jay Shetty has recently partnered with Match as a “dating advisor”.
OurTime
Best for: Dating for singles over 50.
OurTime is flipping the script on dating apps by focusing on a crowd that’s often overlooked—those over 50. This app is user-friendly and designed with features that make online dating less of a hassle for mature daters. If you’re ready to jump back into the dating pool, or maybe even dip your toes in for the first time in years, OurTime is where it’s at. All about finding love and companionship, no matter your age, OurTime is has location-specific dating pools across all of the UK’s major cities, so you can find people you won’t have to depend on the national rail to meet.
All about finding love and companionship, no matter your age, OurTime is has location-specific dating pools.
Raya
Best for: Celebrities and influencers.
This one’s so exclusive that their website has close to no information, and the Instagram page has all of zero posts. So it goes without saying that exclusivity is their thing. Designed for celebrities and influencers – some pretty famous people have been spotted on it. Fun fact: Simone Biles met her now-husband on Raya, and Lily Allen and David Harbour met on the app too.
You need a referral to get on it, and there’s a monthly membership fee so be prepared to put some effort into actually being allowed in.
With its private members’ club vibe and screening process, getting on Raya feels like an accomplishment big enough to put your CV. You do need a referral to get on it though, and there’s a monthly membership fee so be prepared to put some effort into actually being allowed in the “club”.
