In the era of swipe culture, finding a nice, comfy, long-term relationship on a dating app may seem daunting. But it really doesn’t have to be. According to 2023 data from the Pew Research Center, 44 percent of dating app users say they date to meet a long-term partner, compared to the 40 percent who say they want to date casually.
And while some dating apps may be better for serious relationships than others, there are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to finding love online. “Any dating app or website can be good for long-term relationships if you are honest and intentional about what you want from the beginning,” says Rachel Needle, PsyD, a licensed psychologist in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. “The truth is you won’t know if you want a long-term relationship with someone until you meet them and get to know them. Once you meet someone, you can decide if there is a connection and can share long-term goals from there over time.”
That said, finding the right app for you, especially if you’re looking for something serious, can help you curate your results and decide how to best spend your valuable time. While some apps are ideal for hook-ups or sexting, others are more relationship-minded. Enter: this handy list of the 15 best apps for serious relationships complete with our expert insight on how to use them for the best results.
Because, yes, how you use these apps is just as important as which ones you choose. And that starts with your profile. “Include things in your profile that tell a story. When you show people who you are and subtly invite them into your world, they’re more likely to become genuinely interested in you,” says clinical sexologist Tatyannah King, MSW. “Also, if you’re looking for something long-term, definitely state that in your profile. While it may result in you getting fewer matches, it’s at least more likely to turn off anyone who isn’t on the same page as you,” she advises.
“Include specific details about the type of relationship you’re seeking and the qualities you value in a partner,” agrees Mariah Freya, sex education expert and founder of Beducated. “Being clear about your desires can help attract the right person.” Also, make sure to upload cute photos that not only make you feel confident but accurately express who you are. You want your potential matches to do the same! While finding something worth a long-term investment doesn’t always happen right away, it’s absolutely possible, and you deserve to get exactly what you want.
Without further ado, here are our picks for the 15 best dating apps to find a serious relationship.
1. Bumble
Best For:
Women who like to make the first move.
Why We Picked It:
“Bumble is an ideal app for people who are looking for long-term partnerships, especially for women who date men,” King says. “As someone who dates with intention and prefers long-term relationships over short flings, I’ve personally also found it helpful to pay for the premium version. I noticed that men who are paying for the premium version of Bumble’s dating app seem to be more intentional about dating.” She especially loves the “Opening Moves” feature, which allows women to set prompts for men to respond to. After you match, your connection has 24 hours to respond, which can help instigate actual conversations.
Who It’s For:
Following the traditional storyline, it's an app where women have to message the men first. However, Bumble is for all genders and orientations. (For gay and queer couples, anyone can match first.)
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Women get to send the first message or reply to Opening Move response with a match within 24 hours
- You can take a break from the app whenever you want with Snooze Mode
- Lots of profile prompts to help you set up your profile
- Get people to notice you with SuperSwipes
- With Incognito Mode, a paid feature, you can swipe in private, not to mention only be seen by those you swipe on
- Unlimited swipes with paid version
- You can share your music using Spotify (here’s how to stalk your crush on Spotify, btw)
- Fun prompts
Cons:
- Women don’t always want to have to make the first move
- Limited swipes with paid version
- Travel mode is limited to one location at a time
- Queer folks may feel left out by the origin story of women messaging first
Price:
Free to download and use
- $19.99 per month for Bumble Boost
- $34.99 for Bumble Premium
2. Hinge
Best For:
Women who date men
Why We Picked It:
The self-proclaimed "dating app designed to be deleted," Hinge is ideal for finding long-term relationships. "If you're searching for a dating platform that prioritizes depth over quick swipes, Hinge might be just what you're looking for," Freya says. "It combines the best of Tinder's ease of use with Match's focus on genuine connections."
Who’s it for:
While Hinge is for everyone, women in particular may particularly like this app due to its emphasis on depth in dating.
Platform info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Literally built on a Nobel-Prize winning algorithm
- Made by matchmakers, researchers, and behavior analysis's who studied dating and compatibility
- Queer friendly thanks to the NFAQ (not-so-frequently asked questions) section for LGBTQIA+ daters)
- Profiles are detailed, and have at least six photos and videos, and three prompt answers to help you match with the right person
- Videos let you see someone's personality
- Thanks to selfie verification, everyone is who they say they are
Cons:
- Not swiped-based (honestly, could be a pro depending on who you ask)
- Limited likes with free version, unlimited with paid subscription
Price:
- Free to download and use
- $34.99 per month for Hinge+
- $49.99 for Hinge X
3. Tinder
Best For:
Lots of options.
Why We Picked It:
Tinder is basically the reason swiping exists. People tend to associate it with hook-up culture because, as of April 29, 2024, Tinder had 75 million active users per month. There are so many people to meet; really, anything is possible. (P.S. This writer met her fiancé on Tinder!)
Who It’s For:
Tinder is large and modern, making it a solid option for all genders and orientations. Per Pew Research, it's the most popular option for those under 30, making it a cute choice for younger crowds.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Lots of users
- Easy to set up
- The Rewind feature, available to all paid subscribers, lets you backtrack in case of an accidental swipe
- There’s an option to verify your profile using ID and photo
- The Priority Likes feature ensures that Platinum users' Likes and Super Likes are seen more quickly by potential matches.
- Switch up your location while traveling
Cons:
- More users means more poor choices to wade through
- Limited likes on free version
Price:
- Free to download and use
- $24.99 for Tinder Plus
- $39.99 for Tinder Gold
- $49.99 for Tinder Platinum
4. eHarmony
Best for:
Marriage.
Why We Picked It:
An old-school option, eHarmony, claims to be responsible for 4% of all marriages in the United States, with an average of 438 people getting married each day as a result of being matched on the site. Because you have to pay to use it after the free trial, everyone who stays is pretty serious about getting serious. "If you're ready to say ‘I do,’ then eHarmony is there to guide you along the way. Renowned for its emphasis on long-term commitment, it's like the Charlotte York of dating apps—traditional and mostly geared towards heterosexual relationships," Freya says. Plus, the profiles are super detailed, and coupled with the matching algorithm, they are truly obsessed with matching you with the right person.
Who It’s For:
Those looking to get hitched. The main age demographic is those 30 and older.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Super detailed profiles
- Shows compatibility scores with each match
- Very thorough matching process
Cons:
- Pricy
- Not the best for younger daters
- Queer folks may want something more modern and inclusive
Price:
- Free trial, then six months $359 ($59.84 per month)
- One year: $388 ($32.25 per month)
- Two years: $699 ($29.13 per month)
5. Match
Best for:
Mature, serious-minded daters.
Why We Picked It:
Match has been around for 25 years, has a user base of over 30 million people, and brags about facilitating over 517,000 relationships, 92,000 of which resulted in marriage. And counting. "Match is my top choice for its ability to cater to individuals in their 30s and 40s seeking meaningful connections," Freya says. "Its large user base offers a wide range of like-minded adults looking for genuine relationships." (If you're younger but interested in a sugar daddy, do with that information what you will.)
Who It’s For:
Traditional daters looking for something serious.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Users tend to be really serious about finding a partner
Cons:
- Pricy
- Not ideal for meeting younger partners
Price:
- Standard Membership is one month for and $44.99 six months for $118.99
- Premium Membership is three months for $116.99 and six months for $129.99
6. OkCupid
Best for
Free dating app
Why We Picked It:
OkCupid is one of the few dating apps that has been around for a long time (since 2004) but still feels modern and inclusive. It allows for more in-depth dating than some of the newer apps.
Who It’s For:
OkCupid is super popular and inclusive, making it a lovely choice for about everyone. Its demographic leans slightly older than Tinder and newer dating apps, perhaps because it's been around longer, with the primary age demographic clocking in at 30 to 49-year-olds.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Large user base
- Super inclusive options
- Free version is great
- Easy to use on desktop
Cons:
- Takes a bit of time to fill out your profile
- Some people say the desktop version is easier than the mobile app
Price:
- Free to download and use
- Basic membership is $44.99 per month
- Premium is $54.99 a month
7. Flure
Best For:
For selective and sex positive women
Why We Picked It:
Flure is a rather new dating app that's focused on prioritizing women's pleasure and desire. Men can't join with an invitation. The app prioritizes safety. While it's a little sexier than some of the other apps on this list, it's great if you're looking for a sex-positive and respective partner.
Who It’s For:
Flure is for queer and sex-positive straight women, non-binary and trans folks, and the men lucky enough to be invited.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Invitation-only for men
- Chat in Safe Mode
- Community-based
Cons:
- Fewer members
Price:
- $29.99 per month
- $44.99 for three months
- $107.99 for one year
8. BLK
Best For:
Why We Picked It:
BLK describes itself as "the #1 dating and lifestyle app for the Black community creating a warm, inviting, and supportive space where Black love is celebrated."
Who It’s For:
Black singles
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- BLK Community has different chat rooms based on shared interests
- You can send a Gem to someone you really like
- Take a break by hiding your profile
- Rewind feature lets you go back if you accidentally skip someone
- Created with Black singles in mind
Cons:
- Despite this, some users complain that all races are on the app
- Limited features in free version
Price:
- Free to download and use
- Premium membership: $14.99 per month
- Elite membership: $29.99 per month
9. Plenty of Fish
Best For:
Conversation-based dating.
Why We Picked It:
Plenty of Fish has been on the scene since 2003, giving it a solid track record if you want something reliable. The app prioritizes conversations over photos and comes with a handy "Are you Sure?" feature, which helps review your messages before you send them (which perhaps could help men who don't know what to say).
Who It’s For:
Plenty of Fish markets itself as "the most relaxed way to date," and coupling that with the "Are You Sure?" feature makes it lovely for those who need some help figuring out what to say or get stressed out by dating apps.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Long-distance options
- The more you use it, the more users it shows you
- Lots of gender options
Cons:
- Might not be best if you want someone nearby (you can’t filter by state or national borders)
- Kind of old school despite options for inclusivity
Price:
- Free to download and use
- $119.99 a year for POF Premium
10. Happn
Best For:
Meeting someone nearby.
Why We Picked It:
Happn, a location-based dating app, connects members who are physically close to one another. It's great if you're tired of long commutes for dates or want to settle down with someone in your neighborhood. Think of the app as a way to facilitate rom-com worthy meet-cutes. If you don't want to actually bump into someone hot while carrying a coffee and bagel in order to get them to notice you, this app can digitally do it for you.
Who It’s For:
Those of us who want to meet someone on the way to work, but don’t want to actually stop a stranger in the street
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Awesome if you want to meet someone close to you
- You can browse on your desktop
- You can use the Boost feature to make yourself more visible when you really want attention
Cons:
- Complaints about the interface and app glitches
- Not ideal if you want to meet people in other cities
- Once you send another user a SuperCrush, their profile disappears
- As it's location-based, you can see the same people over and over
- Not as many users as other apps
Price:
- Free to download and use
- Premium subscription $24.99
- In-app purchases
11. Jdate
Best For:
Jewish daters
Why We Picked It:
JDate is the go-to for Jewish singles who want to find other Jewish daters. According to Jdate, over 52% of Jewish marriages that started online began on JDate.
Who It’s For:
Jewish daters
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Caters exclusively for Jewish daters
- You can define your Judaism
- Solid reputation for serious relationships and marriage
Cons:
- Fewer options than other apps
- Some complaints about the interface
Price:
- Free to download and use
- 1 month: $59.99
- 3 months: $134.97
- 6 months: $179.94
12. Her
Best For:
Queer femmes
Why We Picked It:
Self-described as "the sapphic dating app" and created by queer folks, HER is a safe space for queer and lesbian women and trans and non-binary folks. "HER isn't your average dating app—it's a vibrant community and dating platform designed specifically for queer women and non-binary individuals," Freya says. "If you've ever felt out of place or uncomfortable on mainstream apps, HER offers a safe haven. It's a welcoming space where you can truly be yourself and connect with like-minded queer folks who understand your experiences."
Who It’s For:
Queer women and trans and non-binary folks. The main age demographic seems to be 18-30.
Platform info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Made for queer women by queer women
- Hosts community events
Cons:
- Not for queer cis men or straight people
- Have to pay for unlimited swiping
Price:
- Free to download
- $14.99 a month for premium membership
13. Elite Singles
Best For:
Highbrow dating.
Why We Picked It:
EliteSingles brands itself as a serious dating app for those who like nice things. "If you're a go-getter in both your career and personal life and find the usual dating apps a bit uninspiring, EliteSingles might be just what you need," Freya says. "It's like the exclusive club of dating apps — perfect for ambitious, successful individuals seeking genuine connections. While the membership fee may be higher, it serves as a barrier, ensuring you meet people who are as serious about finding a partner as you are."
Who It’s For:
The proudly snobby.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Paid membership ensures that users are serious about finding a partner
- Marketed towards ambitious individuals
Cons:
- Limited free features
- Expensive
- Not as many users as other apps
- Some users write that some of the men on the app men are looking for sugar mamas
Price:
- Free to download and use (although features are limited)
- $31.95 per month for 12 months
- $44.95 per month for six months
- $57.95 per month for three months
14. Beyond
Best For:
Polyamory/Open Relationships
Why We Picked It:
“We believe dating should be honest, intentional, inclusive, and consent-driven,” describes the new dating app Beyond. It isn’t just for ethical non-monogamy, although it does let you filter by type in addition to orientation, making it a lovely choice for poly people who want to expand their chosen family. It’s a members-only app that’s already garnering a strong fan base. “I’d suggest Beyond because it has more of a social element that most apps are missing,” King says. “Beyond’s core mission is to ‘curate a community for honest and intentional dating.’ Because of its mission, the founders host consistent in-person meetups for users in various cities in the U.S., which creates a more organic dating experience that naturally leads to creating a solid connection.”
Who It’s For:
Sex-positive, community-minded, and ethically non-monogamous folks
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- IRL meet-ups in select cities
- Application only makes it sexy and elite
- No screenshots
- Filter by relationship stye and orientation
Cons:
- Meet-ups not available everywhere
- The membership vetting process can take a while
- Smaller member pool
Cost:
- Free to download
- In-app purchases
15. The League
Best For:
The ambitious.
Why We Picked It:
The League is the most career-driven dating app. If you’re super busy with work, pride yourself in your success, and want to meet someone who feels the same, look no further. You need to apply, and there’s often a waitlist, although a referral can help quicken the process up.
Who It’s For:
The League is for the ambitious and workaholics. It’s less about meeting a sugar daddy and more for the career-obsessed meeting an equal.
Platform Info:
- Available on iOS and Android
Pros:
- Application process makes sure everyone is who they say they are
- Great way to meet ambitious and successful people
Cons:
- Elitist
- Super pricey
Cost:
- $99.99 for a one-week subscription
- $299.99 per month
- $399.99 for three months
