You might think that online dating is only for casual and insincere hookups, but let me tell you, times have changed! Nowadays, it’s become the norm to meet your long-term partner through a dating app or site. And let’s be real, healthy relationships are a crucial component of our well-being.
So, if you’re looking to find someone special for a serious, long-term relationship, why not try online dating? To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best dating apps for serious relationships that cater specifically to finding serious relationships. Who knows? You might find your perfect match and live happily ever after.
Table of Contents
Our Methods of Selecting the Best Dating Apps for Serious Relationships
Active User Base
We all know the frustration of swiping through a dating app only to be greeted with the dreaded “no more users in your area” message. Well, fear not because I’ve got your back!
In my quest to find the best dating apps for serious relationships, I only recommended apps that are well-populated with plenty of active members. That way, you can increase your chances of finding that special someone without being met with disappointment.
Known for Serious Relationships
I know some of you may be hesitant about online dating because of its reputation for fostering only short-term hookups. But fear not, because the dating apps I’ve researched and recommend today have a reputation for promoting long-term love!
With these apps, you’re less likely to run into people who are just looking for a casual fling. And if you do happen to come across someone like that, don’t worry, you can easily filter them out.
Compelling Profiles
When it comes to online dating, it’s important to have the tools to build a complete and compelling profile showcasing who you are. That’s why the dating apps we’ve chosen today all allow you to do just that.
With features like photo galleries, text prompts, and even the ability to upload audio files, you’ll be able to give potential matches a better sense of who you are beyond just your looks. And the best part? Your matches can do the same for you!
Now Onto the List, We have:
Eharmony: For Marriage seekers
If you’re looking for a dating app that takes the matchmaking process seriously, eharmony might be the one for you. This app uses a comprehensive questionnaire that maps out your likes, dislikes, and values by asking over 80 questions (and that’s just the beginning!). Using your answers, eharmony pairs you with potential matches and provides you with a compatibility score.
One major benefit of eharmony is that the extensive profile-building process (which takes at least 20 minutes) means you’re less likely to run into people who are only interested in hooking up. The downside, however, is that the best experience on eharmony comes with a paid membership. Without one, you’ll encounter blurred features and limited chat functions.
Our testers found that eharmony is a solid choice for those who are ready to financially invest in finding a serious relationship. If you’re struggling to find the right match on other apps, eharmony’s in-depth approach might just be what you need.
Pros
- You can expect an extremely thorough matching process that takes into account your preferences, interests, and values.
- With a compatibility score for every potential match, you’ll better understand who fits you well.
- One of the best things about a thorough matching process is that it lowers the risk of time wasters and people who are only looking for casual flings.
Cons
- Unfortunately, you’ll find that you cannot use the app’s features with a free membership.
- Another issue with some dating apps is that many users still don’t have detailed profiles, making it difficult to know if someone is a good match for you.
- Additionally, setting up a detailed profile can take a long time, which can be frustrating if you’re eager to start connecting with potential matches.
OurTime: For Those Over 50
If you’re a single over 50 who is looking for love, OurTime might be the dating site for you. Certified sex therapist Heather Shannon, LCPC, CST, highly recommends OurTime to older daters looking for love, and for good reason.
One of the biggest advantages of OurTime is that it’s not like other swipe-happy apps that are more concerned with shallow connections than real ones. Instead, OurTime focuses on fostering genuine relationships by providing singles with a variety of ways to connect and build intimacy.
For example, OurTime hosts events and mixers where singles can meet face-to-face, creating a sense of true connection and intimacy that you might not find on other dating sites.
However, it’s important to note that you’ll need a paid plan to start messaging people on OurTime. While the free version has some limited features, you’ll need to upgrade to really start connecting with potential matches.
So, if you’re a single over 50 looking for love and wanting to connect with other like-minded people in a genuine, meaningful way, OurTime might just be the perfect dating site for you.
Pros
- OurTime is tailored for individuals aged 50 and above.
- It has a track record of fostering long-term relationships rather than casual flings.
- Compared to other paid dating sites, it’s more budget-friendly.
- The platform hosts events that bring together singles, allowing them to build connections in-person and create genuine bonds.
Cons
- Somewhat dated interface
Match.com: Best for Paid Dating
Match.com is a platform for those who are serious about finding a long-term relationship. By subscribing to this service, users are showing that they’re willing to invest in their search for love, which can be a big plus when looking for a partner who is equally committed.
Having been in operation since 1995, Match has earned a reputation as one of the top sites for finding genuine connections and real relationships. With an impressive user base of 39 million people, the chances of finding someone who shares your interests and values are high.
Unlike some of its competitors, Match doesn’t require users to complete an extensive questionnaire. Instead, it uses a shorter version to get a sense of what you’re looking for and who might be a good match. From there, its algorithm takes over and uses your preferences to suggest potential partners as you swipe through profiles. So, if you’re ready to dive into the world of online dating with a serious mindset, Match.com could be the right fit for you.
Pros
- Match.com is one of the original dating sites, established in 1995.
- Due to its higher price point, it tends to attract people who are more serious about finding a long-term relationship.
- Match’s algorithm is based on a shorter questionnaire compared to eharmony, but it still allows you to effectively filter out qualities and traits that you’re not interested in.
Cons
- Can be costly to make full use of.
Bumble: Best for Men Looking for Women
Bumble is about empowering women to make the first move and initiate conversation. This unique approach to online dating means that women are less likely to receive unwanted messages and can focus on making meaningful connections. In fact, we recommend Bumble to guys who are looking for serious relationships, as they don’t have to worry about coming up with clever opening lines that often go unanswered.
Because Bumble requires women to make the first move and because matches expire if no message is sent within 24 hours, the platform is ideal for finding authentic and long-lasting connections. You’ll find a community of people who are looking for something real and are willing to put in the effort to make it happen.
Bumble profiles are also surprisingly detailed for a free dating app. You can learn much about a person from their profile, including their values, lifestyle, and relationship goals. This helps you filter out matches that don’t align with your own priorities, saving you time and energy in the dating process.
Pros
- Bumble boasts relatively detailed profiles, giving you important information right off the bat.
- The app’s interface is sleek and attractive, making for a pleasant user experience.
- Even without a paid subscription, the free version of Bumble works great, offering a solid dating app experience.
Cons
- Some find the “women message first” unappealing
OkCupid: The Best Free Dating Site
If you’re interested in a dating app that’s more than just swiping left or right, and want to get to know someone on a deeper level, then OkCupid is definitely worth checking out.
One of the things that sets OkCupid apart from the pack is its in-depth questionnaire. You’ll answer hundreds of questions about your values and opinions on a wide range of topics, from food and communication to sex and religion. The app then uses your answers to give you a compatibility score with other users, which is usually pretty spot-on. This means that you’ll only be matched with people who you actually have a good chance of hitting it off with.
But that’s not all. OkCupid’s profiles are incredibly detailed, giving you a chance to really showcase who you are and what matters to you. And because of the app’s compatibility ratings, you’ll have a good understanding of a potential date before you even meet them. This is great for people looking for more than just a casual hookup and wanting to find a meaningful relationship.
Pros
- The free version is top-notch, so you don’t have to pay to get a great dating experience.
- OkCupid is a dating app that welcomes everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or relationship style. It’s a safe and inclusive space for queer and poly individuals to find love.
Cons
- To unlock its full potential, you have to be prepared to answer a lot of questions.
- Has lost some of its popularity from its peak years.
Hinge: Best for Women Looking for Men
Hinge is a dating app I would recommend to people looking for more than just a casual fling. The prompts and short-answer questions give users a great opportunity to showcase their personality and interests, while also providing good conversation starters. And speaking of conversation, Hinge offers the option to send messages related to a particular picture or response, allowing for more meaningful interactions right from the start.
But what really sets Hinge apart is the ability to leave voice notes on your profile. This feature gives potential matches a better sense of who you are, and can help you determine if there’s real chemistry before even meeting in person. Plus, Hinge follows up with users to see if their matches are successful, which improves the algorithm and leads to better matches over time.
Pros
- Hinge has an attractive interface that’s pleasing to the eye and user-friendly.
- The app offers a cool feature where you can leave voice notes on your profile, giving potential matches a better sense of your personality and helping you stand out in a crowded dating pool.
- Hinge does have more male users than female users, so this might be something to keep in mind depending on your preferences.
Cons
- The premium version is quite expensive.
HER: Best for LGBTQ+ Women
HER is a dating app designed specifically for LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people, making it a great place to find love if you identify within this community. With 10 million users and a 4.4 rating on the app store, HER has received positive reviews from many users. One reviewer expressed gratitude for the app, which enabled her to find her soulmate despite living in a small town. Another user highlighted the vibrant community features of the app, including special events and dedicated channels for different interests, which enhance the overall experience.
What sets HER apart from other dating apps is its approach to matchmaking. Instead of just swiping left or right on profiles, HER offers users prompts to answer and add more detailed information about themselves. This makes it easier to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests and values. The app also has a cool voice note feature, which can be helpful in determining if there is chemistry with a potential match.
Pros
- HER is a dating app specifically designed for queer women and nonbinary people. With its 10 million users and a 4.4 rating on the app store, it has become a go-to destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
- The app provides a vibrant community experience through features like special events and dedicated channels for different interests.
- Unlike some other dating apps that focus on surface-level swipes, HER allows users to add a lot of different information according to the prompts provided.
- While the premium version of the app isn’t necessary to match and message, it offers some extra perks like unlimited swipes and the ability to see who has liked your profile.
Cons
- Have to pay for unlimited swipes.
Jdate: Best for Jewish People
Jdate is the top dating site in the U.S. for Jewish people and has been around since 1997. The site is focused on helping Jewish singles form long-lasting connections, including marriage. Jdate even features a wedding section, highlighting some of the thousands of couples the site has helped bring together. Jdate claims to have facilitated more Jewish weddings than all other dating sites combined. The site is user-friendly and emphasizes showcasing personality over just photos.
While Jdate is pricey at $60 for one month, subscribing for six months reduces the cost to $30/month. A subscription is necessary to send the first message, so sticking to the free version isn’t practical. However, the cost may be worth it for those seeking intrafaith love.
Pros
- Largest Jewish Dating Site.
- Has proven successful marriages.
Cons
- A very basic interface design.
Conclusion
In the world of online dating, finding a serious relationship can be a challenging task. However, with the right dating apps and tools, it is definitely possible. The apps on this list cater to individuals seeking meaningful connections and long-term relationships and have proven successful for many people.
From the in-depth compatibility matching of eHarmony and Elite Singles to the more relaxed approach of Bumble and Hinge, there is a dating app for everyone’s preferences and needs. In the end, finding a serious relationship through a dating app requires patience, honesty, and a willingness to put yourself out there. With these apps at your disposal, you are one step closer to finding that special someone who shares your values, interests, and goals for the future.
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