Thousands of dating websites exist out there. They seem to exist for every niche imaginable, from the super specific (like farmers only) to the more general (like Tinder), to the more risqué (like swinger sites). But if you’re not looking for the best sugar daddy websites or for someone that absolutely must share that scrapbooking interest, which ones are actually worth your time and investment?
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular dating websites and apps, as well as some up-and-coming options that might just be your new favorite.
1. Tinder
You knew Tinder would be on this list. It’s the most popular dating app by far and has been for a while now. If you’re not familiar with it, Tinder is basically a dating app that allows you to swipe left or right on potential matches. If you both swipe right, then you’re a match and can chat.
One of the things that makes Tinder so popular is that it’s really easy to use. You don’t have to fill out any lengthy profiles or answer intricate questions. All you need is a few pictures and a short bio, and you’re good to go. While it has gotten a reputation as a hookup app, there are plenty of people who have found real relationships through Tinder. You just have to be very specific about what you’re looking for in your profile so that you don’t end up wasting your time (and other people’s time) on bad matches.
2. Bumble
If you’re not a fan of Tinder or if you’re just looking for something a little different, then Bumble might be the dating app for you. On Bumble, women have to make the first move. That means that if you’re a woman and you match with a guy, it’s up to you to message him first. This can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. Some people like it because it takes the pressure off of men to make the first move. Others find it empowering because it puts women in control. Either way, it’s definitely an interesting twist on the traditional dating app formula.
3. Hinge
Hinge is another popular dating app that works in a similar way to Tinder. However, there are a few key differences. For one, Hinge relies more on your Facebook friends to make connections for you. That means that it might be a little bit harder to find matches if you’re not very active on Facebook. Additionally, Hinge only allows you to match with people who are in your extended social circle (meaning people who are friends of your friends). This can be good or bad, depending on how much you like (or don’t like) surprises. On the plus side, it does add an element of trust and safety that you might not find on other dating apps.
4. OkCupid
OkCupid is one of the more popular dating sites out there and it’s definitely worth checking out. OkCupid has a pretty extensive questionnaire that you’ll need to fill out before you can start using the site. However, the questionnaire is actually really fun to answer and it can help you learn a lot about yourself (and potential matches) in the process. Additionally, OkCupid has a great matching algorithm that does a good job of finding compatible matches for you.
5. Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel is a different kind of dating app. Instead of showing you an endless stream of potential matches, Coffee Meets Bagel sends you a handful of matches (or “bagels”) each day. You can then choose to “like” or “pass” on those matches. If you both like each other, then you’ll be able to chat.
Coffee Meets Bagel is a great option if you’re looking for something a little more low-key than some of the other dating apps out there. It’s also nice if you’re tired of swiping through dozens (or even hundreds) of potential matches and just want a more curated selection.
6. eHarmony
eHarmony is one of the more traditional dating sites out there. It’s been around for a while and has a pretty good reputation. One of the things that sets eHarmony apart from other dating sites is its matching algorithm. eHarmony takes a lot of time to get to know you (through an extensive questionnaire) and then uses that information to find matches for you. This means that you’re more likely to find compatible matches on eHarmony than on some other dating sites. However, it also means that eHarmony can take longer to find matches for you than other sites.
There are a lot of different dating websites and apps out there, but not all of them are worth using. In this article, we’ve shared our picks for the best dating websites and apps that you’ll actually want to use in 2022. We’ve included options for everyone, whether you’re looking for something casual or something more serious. Try them out, see what works, and stop using whatever doesn’t. That way, you’ll be sure to find the perfect match for you in 2022.