Let’s face it: dating isn’t what it used to be. From more people becoming more comfortable with their sexuality to their expectations of what they look for and want in a relationship, looking for your match has never been easier… and more complicated. Dating apps are on the rise to assist anyone who wants to find their love online. In this multi-part series on online dating, learn about the best dating apps for women and men and the realities and challenges of using these apps.
(Check out this list of must-read books on relationships, curated by Project Bold Life.)
Women and Dating Apps
The dating scene is always a hit-and-miss, and it’s no different with dating apps. Although recent statistics note that males are more inclined to use dating sites or apps than women, a large group of females still acquire online dating services.
Nearly two-thirds of women in dating apps take their searches seriously, while the rest use them for fun and attention. Despite that, women have more bad experiences with dating apps due to the rising number of scam cases. But in recent years, female-friendly dating apps have increased, focused on protecting women’s interests and helping them find love through a more secure pool of members.
Match
Match is always high on the list of the best female-friendly dating apps. The platform started in 1995 and is one of the first and longest-running dating sites. Their decades of experience in the industry ensure the best matches for every user. They offer inclusive profile options and a user-friendly app to make the experience easier and more convenient.
Match has over 96 million users, providing single folks a bigger pool of options and lowered chances of running into sane people. Unlike newer dating apps, Match follows a more traditional approach to online dating and encourages long-form profiles. The app provides 4,000 characters for its users to showcase themselves better for their prospects than other dating sites that keep profiles under 300 characters.
In addition, Match users can upload 26 photos and include their date preferences. Besides that, every new user has to answer numerous screening questions about lifestyle, relationship status, education, and faith. Due to this, people can make a thorough check of their possible dates and provide higher chances for them to meet their perfect match.
“Unlike other popular dating apps, Match.com allows me to get better look at the guys I’m getting matched with. I get to see different angles of the men and their personalities, and it actually makes things easier for me to decide if I should give the encounter a chance or not. So far, the results have been good!” – Nadja, 32, English Teacher
Bumble
Bumble is a notable dating app for numerous reasons, but two significant ones are that it’s free and one of the most female-friendly options. Bumble challenges online heterosexual dating norms by giving women the power to be the first to initiate contact and control conversations.
The app’s founder, Whitney Wolfe Herd, believes this system works best for ladies who don’t prefer waiting for men to message them and men who like confident women. In addition, Bumble also acts as an app to find friends and network. It focuses on making meaningful connections and breaking the unwanted “DTF” messages from a match.
“I like being the one who initiates contact. It gives me some sort of control to the situation, and that’s sometimes difficult to get when you’re in a dating app and you’re working in different country. That made Bumble my fave because it lets me take the initiative which helps the whole online dating thing more comfortable. And it’s also fun because I didn’t just get dates with like-minded dudes, I also got to befriend them. I mean, what more can you ask?” – Jazz, 28, Environmental Engineer
HER
HER is one of the best dating apps catering to the LGBTQ+ community, especially lesbians, queer, and other gender-nonconforming users worldwide. Although many dating sites claim inclusivity, they still cater to cisgender and heterosexual dating norms.
HER has a large community of single LGBTQ+ members and offers virtual community-building activities that make the experience more fun and meaningful. In addition, they also have an incognito mode, which makes your profile invisible until people like them beforehand.
“Finding a date in the LGBTQ+ community’s hard. I don’t know about the others, but for me it was. Some dating apps say they’re inclusive, but they’re really not. Finding an app like HER is actually helpful in so many ways, not just in dating. I’m still looking, but now, using dating apps doesn’t feel isolating.” – Mitch, 29, Pharmacist
Happn
Many romcom movies show how love blossoms between two people after a meet-cute at their local park, grocery store, or community library. But who says these sweet connections can only happen in films? Dating apps can also get you that moment to meet your match with Happn.
The difference with Happn is that users can swipe for their match, not because of their interests but their locations. The app matches other users near you, giving you a higher chance to have a meet-cute with someone from your community. Although it could have a smaller pool of choices, dating becomes more convenient when you live in the same area or city.
“I’m a homebody, so I rarely go out. And I really don’t like going far from my comfort zone, literally and figuratively, even in dating. I like using other dating apps, but Happn is at the top if you’re someone who prefers convenience. Also it’s easier—dating someone local, you know?” – Daphne, 26, Dental Hygienist
Hinge
Hinge is one of the best dating apps for people who want serious relationships and prefer getting to know their matches beyond their profiles and photos. It uses a popular matchmaking algorithm and catchy profile presentations that make things more interesting when swiping for the one.
In addition, they also provide conversation starters, voice memo features, and transparent likes. It means users don’t need to like each other to match, which lowers the chances of what-could-be’s. One notable downside for free Hinge users is the limited swipes they have and some premium members like the algorithm’s selections.
OkCupid
OkCupid is a dating app created in 2004 by Harvard math majors in their quest to make the formula for true love. It provides users with high compatibility rating matches by using a comprehensive multiple-choice and open-ended questionnaire, which ranges from interests and likes to career, politics, and their stand on societal movements.
OkCupid is perfect for single individuals who prefer shared values and interests when looking for a partner. It’s also committed to providing inclusivity and creating a welcoming space for every relationship searcher.
Don’t forget the book that lays out the principles of goal-achievement and attaining a Bold Life!
