Tinder alternatives are other dating apps, each with its own way of matching people. Some are designed around relationships rather than quick swipes, some serve the LGBTQ+ community, and some focus on people you've crossed paths with in real life. Pick an app whose members want what you want, because that matters more than any feature.
Swiping can get tiring. After a while, endless profiles start to blur, and many people want an app where others are looking for the same kind of connection they are.
Here are ten Tinder alternatives, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Some are made for serious relationships, some are built for queer communities, and a couple take a very different approach to matching.
Every app here is shown as a free download on its App Store listing, with optional upgrades inside the app. You can try a few without committing to any of them.
Whatever you choose, there's one safety rule that matters more than the app itself, and it comes from the US Federal Trade Commission.
Tinder alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's store listing shows it as a free download. Plenty of free apps show ads or offer in-app purchases, and the store labels tell you which, so check them before you install.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bumble | Dating app | Women making the first move | Yes |
| Coffee Meets Bagel | Dating app | A small number of curated matches | Yes |
| Feeld | Dating app | Open-minded and curious daters | Yes |
| Happn | Dating app | Meeting people you've crossed paths with | Yes |
| HER | Dating app | Lesbian and queer dating | Yes |
| Hinge | Dating app | Profiles built around prompts | Yes |
| Lex | Queer social app | Queer friends and dates | Yes |
| OkCupid | Dating app | Matching through questions | Yes |
| Plenty of Fish | Dating app | A large dating community | Yes |
| Raya | Membership dating app | A members-only community | Yes |
Ten Tinder alternatives worth a look
Bumble
Best for: Daters who like an app where women send the first message in matches between men and women.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Best for: People who'd rather see fewer, more considered matches than swipe endlessly.
Feeld
Best for: Open-minded and curious people looking to connect with others who share their outlook.
Happn
Best for: People who like the idea of matching with someone they've passed in daily life.
HER
Best for: Lesbian, bisexual and queer women and non-binary people looking for dates and friends.
Hinge
Best for: Daters who want conversations to start from prompts and photos, not just a swipe.
Lex
Best for: LGBTQ+ people looking for friends, dates and community.
OkCupid
Best for: People who like answering questions so matches share their values and interests.
Plenty of Fish
Best for: Daters who want a large pool of people to chat with and meet.
Raya
Best for: People who'd like a members-only app for dating and networking.
The romance scam rule from the FTC
The FTC's guidance on romance scams has a bottom line that's worth memorising: never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven't met in person. It explains that scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and apps, build trust, then ask for help with something urgent, such as a plane ticket or emergency surgery.
It also warns that they'll ask for wire transfers, gift cards or money transfer apps, because those are hard to get back. If a match won't video chat or meet, and the conversation turns to a crisis, stop replying and talk to someone you trust.
Choosing the right dating app for you
- What you want: pick an app where people want the same thing.
- Community: some apps are built for LGBTQ+ daters.
- Pace: curated apps show fewer matches with more thought.
- Location: check the app is popular where you live.
- Safety: look for photo verification and easy reporting.
Writing a profile that gets better matches
- Use recent, clear photos that show your face and something you love doing.
- Answer prompts with specific details, not general statements.
- Say what you're looking for so the right people find you.
- Start conversations with a question about their profile.
- Move to a video call before you meet in person.
Meeting a match for the first time
Meet in a busy public place, tell a friend where you're going and arrange your own way home. A first date is just a chance to see whether you get on, so keep it short and easy to leave.
If anything feels off, trust that feeling. A good match will understand if you want to take things slowly.
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Other places to meet someone
Dating apps aren't the only option. If you're already on Facebook, here's how to set up Facebook Dating and what it shows other people.
And because scams don't only happen on dating apps, read how the PayID scam works, so you can spot the same pressure tactics anywhere.
Do you make dating or social apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on dating apps
Try two apps at most. Spreading yourself across five leaves you with lots of half-finished chats and no real connections.
And keep the FTC's rule in your head. Anyone who asks for money before you've met isn't the person in the photos, however lovely the messages are.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Tinder?
It depends on what you're looking for. Some apps suit relationships, others suit friendships or specific communities.
Are there dating apps for serious relationships?
Yes. Several apps on this list are designed around relationships rather than quick swipes.
Are there dating apps for LGBTQ+ people?
Yes. Some apps on this list are built for queer communities.
Are these dating apps free?
Every app here is a free download on the App Store, with optional upgrades inside the app.
How do I avoid romance scams?
The FTC says never send money or gifts to someone you haven't met in person.
How can I tell if a dating profile is fake?
Be wary of profiles that won't video chat, move fast or ask for help with an emergency.
Which dating app has the most users?
Large, well-known apps tend to have the biggest pools, but popularity varies by city.
Should I use more than one dating app?
One or two is plenty. More than that gets hard to keep up with.
What should I put in my dating profile?
Recent photos and specific details about what you enjoy and what you want.
Is it safe to meet someone from a dating app?
Meet in a public place, tell a friend and arrange your own transport.
Can I use dating apps to find friends?
Some apps include friendship and community features.
What should I do if I'm scammed?
Stop contacting the person, tell someone you trust and report it to the app.
