Image: Pexels
Let’s face it, navigating online dating is a whole 'nother ballgame these days, and there are a bunch of different options and boastings on offer from the best dating apps. Swiping on Tinder? Pinging a message on Bumble? Formulating a crackin' profile on Hinge? It's an absolute minefield out there.
An endless roster of actively seeking singles(even ones with really niche preferences) are accessible on your commute, and profiles are swamped with Uber ratings, food preferences and requests that we follow these complete strangers on Instagram (like we weren't going to stalk you anyway). With all this to consider, how are you expected to find time to pick the best dating apps to bless with your presence? How do you know what apps have the 'best' single people lurking on them?
You’re in luck, we’ve tried and tested the best free dating app options on the market and we’re here to help you find your perfect match (the app, that is. No guarantees on the new bae, sorry).
From detailed profiles you can devour like a book to linking you with someone new for a quick meet-up, whether you're looking for a slow-burning, blossoming romance with your future life partner or just dipping your toe back in the dating water after a broken relationship - we applaud you, it's tough out there - these are the best options on the market to explore new dating opportunities.
Tinder
Best for: Endless possibilities
It’s no secret that Tinder is one of the most widely used, most saturated apps and it’s changed the way we date. If you’re looking for a whole host of options, Tinder’s the place for you. Disclaimer: 4 in 5 profiles feature dogs and/or naked torsos. Only let the former sway you.
Bumble
Best for: Putting yourself out there
You’ve got 24 hours, and you get the first word – no pressure, right? Bumble breaks down the unspoken rule of dating where we wait to be approached – ball’s officially in your court here. Try asking everyone the same three questions if you want to see how they all measure up, treating it like a job interview or go for a tried and tested ‘drinks Thursday?’ if you’re feeling bold.
Hinge
Best for: Showcasing your spellbinding fluency in sarcasm.
Hinge lets you customise your profile to add three key bits of personal information - claiming this will help you find something more real. You can certainly tell more about your potential partners from their profiles, but the catch? It comes with the pressure of coming across as witty, fun and effortlessly debonair. Plus the answers might get a little old - we get it, people hate slow walkers.
Happn
Best for: Approaching that guy you always stare at on the northern line without looking like a stalker
If you pass them IRL, they’ll appear on the app, and Happn will even rack up how many times you cross paths. Living in a big city can cause issues, though – think needle in a haystack…
Wingman
Best for: Giving in to your nagging friend who claims they can totally get you a date by the end of the week.
Feeling exhausted by all these options? Let a good pal step in and take the reigns, from the comfort of their own phone. Wingman offers a competitive leaderboard, so your loyal friend has even more reason to go for the hard sell and find you potential perfect matches.
Pickable
Best for: Avoiding being seen, and keeping things private
How often are you put off by being spotted by the man in IT or adding facts like your surname, job or 4 filtered (it's okay, we all do it) photos for everyone to see? With Pickable women reveal themselves to men they're interested in. For the men? They get a fun dashboard to gamify the experience and give them better feedback in future. This could be a game changer.
Badoo
Best for: Finding the next best thing to Tom Hardy
The fancy facial recognition technology means you can scan the single market for someone who looks just like one of your fave celebs. View our Sexiest Men of The Year for inspo. (Badoo will have you believe 95% of Hackney's bearded population bares semblance to Jake Gyllenhall. Don't be fooled).
Coffee Meets Bagel
Best for: Patiently waiting for the one
Give the lowdown on your tastes, hobbies, age, education etc. by linking up to Facebook and Coffee Meets Bagel will serve you up a single, quality match each day. They’re right there on a plate, but if they’re not your thing you’ve got a full day to uncomfortably ignore Jordan while you wait with baited breath for tomorrow’s option.
[Via GLAMOUR UK]
