Best Dating Apps

The phone, the app, and the Tinder

One could cast stone at these apps, saying that all they do is copy Tinder to steal its users. In reality, not every dating site is a cheap means to get into bed with strangers. This is especially true with the apps belonging to dating websites, which showcase the same qualities and service the original site has. The traditional dating sites lack the location-based matchmaking, as they rather use a system that matches people by their preferences and inner qualities. The same could be said for the standalone apps, as their creators realized people are fed up with the shallow experiences and disappointing conversations on Tinder, and that’s why they’ve come up with something new.

When Tinder first appeared, it took the dating world by storm. Everyone was blown away by it, and its user base skyrocketed. But as time passed, people started to realize its flaws. It’s overly simplified, a shallow excuse for serious matchmaking, and people only use it to flirt or hookup. This lead to a new generation of independent dating apps, which often utilize the same location based matchmaking and sweeping approach, but with innovative new ingredients added to the boring old mix. The listed applications are all free, and available for iOS and Android systems. Take a chance with these latest Tinder challengers, if you are bored with Tinder.

Happn

Happn is a relatively new player on the field of Tinder competitors. Starting with Happn is very easy: just download the app, and use your Facebook account to register. It won’t post anything under your name, but it spares you from the hassle of providing basic details. Happn operates in a 250m radius, and displays people who match your age gap and gender preference. The interesting thing in Happn is that it presents you an actual map, showing you where you and your potential matches crossed paths, and how many times you were close to each other. The people you see aren’t complete strangers, as the app lets you know the profession of your dates next to their profile pictures. This is a big step up compared to Tinder, but the differences don’t stop here. While most dating apps in this category only let people chat after the match is mutual, Happn gives you a head start by allowing you to send a “charm” . It’s a simple notification sign, but it ensures you’ll get the attention you deserve.

Badoo

Badoo is a social slash dating app that wants to shake off the bias people have about these networks. The concept is simple: while Facebook is the place for your long-time friends, and Tinder is for casual hookups, Badoo wants to be the platform where you can meet new friends. The creators intended it to be different from the shallow dating sites, thus entrusting the choice to you. The GPS functionality shows you people around you, and you can decide whether you want to make friends with someone, or move on for something more serious. The people you see appear can be secretly rated, and if the feelings are mutual, you can start chatting, and the rest is up to you. Sadly, Badoo falls into the same category as Tinder and the rest of the bunch, as people use it mainly for dating and hookups. After signing in for the first time, it very eagerly indicates a large number of people who all seem to be interested in you. Also, it shares the same business model with some dating sites, allowing you to register for free with one hand, while restricting you with the other.

Bumble

Bumble is a location-based dating app that matches people based on their physical attraction. It’s available on both iOS and Android, and weighs only 8MB. Bumble is compatible with your Facebook account, and uses it as a means to verify your age, as only people above 17 can register. The basic premise is identical to Tinder’s; you have the option to like and dislike profiles with simple sweeping gestures, and you can chat in case the interest is mutual. But there is a catch with Bumble: only the women can start a conversation. Guys are powerless in this situation, since they are the wallflowers here. The connection also expires after a day, but you can prolong it for another 24 hours with one girl per day. So choose wisely! The downside of Bumble is you can’t narrow down your searches. The only filters you can set are related to the age gap and the preferred gender.

Hinge

Hinge is considered to be the “safer Tinder” ; a dating app that tries to avoid the sexist marks, while promoting the idea of friendship and loving relationship between young adults. The site is targeted towards younger women and men, as well as intellectuals who just started their new independent life, but struggle to meet new people. Although it lacks the iconic “swipe left or right” feature, Hinge introduces you to a couple of matches from your close vicinity every day, as well as showing interesting people you cross paths with. The registration requires a Facebook account, as the app displays some of your Facebook profile information, including your relationship status. It should be noted that the system only matches people who have mutual Facebook friends. This seems to be a restriction at first, but it gives people a sense of security, and it makes for a great icebreaker. Hinge also removed the annoying match expiration, which drove many people crazy as they waited for a reply. The only problem with the app is that it’s only available in a limited number of American cities, plus some international capitals like London.

Traditional dating sites apps

Unlike their website counterparts, these “traditional” apps can be considered as the miniature version of the service available on the internet. But this doesn’t do justice for them, as the developers often went out of their way to add an even better visual design, rearrange the layout to fit the touch-based screen, or changed the layout of the profiles. Not to mention you receive instant notifications when someone contacts you, a definite advantage over the websites.