9 Best Dating Apps Of 2023: Reviews And Costs

To determine the best dating apps for 2023, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on more than 20 popular dating apps, including:

• Subscription costs
• Free features available without subscription
• Availability on Apple Store and Google Play Store, as well as ratings
• Profile filters
• Bonus features such as a “Super Like” or “Go Back” feature
• Ability to display certain details on your profile
• Communication modes within the app
• Photo verification option

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Dating apps are online or mobile services you can use to find, connect with and interact with others to form various types of romantic relationships. “Typically, dating apps provide an array of features such as photo sharing, messaging, search functions and the ability to filter potential matches,” explains Kalley Hartman, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical director at Ocean Recovery based in Newport Beach, California. “They can be used to set up dates or even just make friends.”

Upon signing up, dating apps will typically prompt users to fill out a questionnaire about themselves and what they’re looking for in a partner. These assessments help various apps’ algorithms match you with potential partners based on factors like age, gender and more. Additionally, dating apps use WiFi or data to determine a user’s geographical location in order to match them with others in their area.

Dating apps often prompt users to create a profile that consists of pictures and a brief description about themselves. Some dating apps offer additional questions about your interests and criteria for a partner, which allows certain algorithms to provide more finely-tuned matches.

How Do I Match With Someone on a Dating App?

Each dating app is slightly different in terms of how you get matched with another user. “Generally, a user must fill out a profile with information such as their interests and age range,” says Hartman. “The app then uses algorithms to give users options of people to either select or reject. When two people choose each other, they match and are able to start a conversation.”

“While each app has its own [unique] algorithm, some apps prioritize specific niche qualities such as older singles, single parents and religion,” adds Adelle Kelleher, certified dating and relationship coach and founder of Coaching Hearts Consulting.

How Should I Describe Myself on a Dating App?

When you describe yourself on a dating app, think about what makes you different and get specific. “Instead of a blank statement such as “I like to travel,” explain why or what it is that makes you enjoy traveling,” says Kelleher. “The more specific you are, the more you stand out from the endless swiping, as well as filter people who do not share your same interests.”

How Do You Start a Conversation on a Dating App?

To start a conversation, be genuine and enthusiastic. “Let’s work towards presenting ourselves as respectful, assertive and curious to learn more about the person we are reaching out to,” says Cynthia Shaw, licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Authentically Living Psychological Services.

Whether or not dating apps are safe depends on the precautions you take when you use them. It’s important that you don’t give out personal information or share private photos, for example.

“There is a danger of getting ‘catfished’, meaning someone is misrepresenting themselves,” explains Harman. “The good news is, many dating apps now have measures to prevent their users from getting catfished, such as giving ’verified’ badges to users who take extra steps to verify that the photos they use are their own. Additionally, most dating apps have measures in place for flagging and/or blocking users who are being inappropriate or dangerous.”

“The majority of online apps do not conduct background checks on potential suitors, so you need to take precautions as you should when meeting anyone new,” adds Amber Soletti, dating and relationship expert and founder of Intellectual Blonde Branding and Events.

Each of the dating apps included on our list offer free versions to use. However, premium versions of certain apps offer a wider variety of features like super likes, the ability to go back to users you’ve previously swiped on, profile boosts and more.

Are Paid Dating Apps Better Than Free Options?

Whether free dating apps or those that require a monthly subscription fee are better depends on factors such as personal preference and budget. However, a report from the Pew Research Center shows that more than half of users (58%) who have paid to use dating sites or apps have had a positive experience compared to the 50% of those who reported a positive experience using free versions^[2]Key findings about online dating in the U.S.. Pew Research Center. Accessed 10/17/2023. .

Dating apps offer a convenient way to match and communicate with potential partners based on parameters like age, location, gender and personal interests. Additionally, the Pew Research Center reports that nearly one out of five adults under the age of 30 who are in relationships met their significant other through a dating site or app^[2]Key findings about online dating in the U.S.. Pew Research Center. Accessed 10/17/2023. .

If you’re in search of a dating app, there are some features that are likely to be important to explore. According to Kelleher, top features include the ability to write a bio about yourself, upload realistic pictures of yourself and share your particular dating goals, which may be a casual encounter or marriage and kids.

Hartman also recommends looking out for the following features:

• A way to block or report other users
• Measures to verify user identities
• A secure messaging platform
• Search filters with the ability narrow down user profiles
• Customized user settings and preferences

There is no shortage of dating apps available. Fortunately, there are ways to narrow down your options and hone in on the right app for your particular needs and preferences. Shaw offers these tips.

• Establish your goals: “Are you looking for a casual hookup, serious relationship [and/or] same-sex partner? Do research on similar apps that are within that category,” she says.
• Figure out the type of app you prefer: This may be a swipe-based app that lets you swipe on users that pique your interest or an algorithm-based app that connects you to users based on questions you answer and a specific algorithm.
• Have an open mind: “If you are used to using swipe-based apps with little luck, try switching it up by selecting an algorithm-based app,” adds Shaw.

No matter the app you choose, the right dating app for you will be a platform that offers the features and settings that allow you to present yourself honestly and authentically to find your ideal relationship type or match.