What do you consider the best dating apps for serious relationships instead of hookups?

Started by Devin Price 5 Jun 2025 Free Dating & Apps dating apps adult dating online hookups
Devin Price
Devin Price
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 3804
#1

This has been on my mind for a few weeks. Decided to just post and see what comes back.

The question of "What do you consider the best dating apps for serious relati..." comes up all the time in spaces like this, and I think it deserves a real conversation. I've seen a lot of conflicting info online and honestly a lot of it feels like paid promotion or outdated reviews from years ago.

For reference, here's what I've personally tried or looked into so far:

  • Bumble – better for people who want some initial filtering
  • Facebook Dating – surprisingly active in smaller towns
  • Feeld – if you're open to more flexible arrangements
  • Hinge – more relationship-focused but has casual users too
  • OkCupid – underrated, especially for niche interests

Curious what other people's experiences have been. Drop your honest take below.

KaylaBee
KaylaBee
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 42
#2

Not gonna lie, I was skeptical at first but It's hit or miss. Give it two weeks before writing it off completely.

Worth trying out Turndate for this kind of thing. Decent experience so far.

Chris Lawson
Chris Lawson
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2749
#3

There's a few things to think about here. Let me try to be helpful.

I've found that the key is managing your expectations. No platform is going to be perfect for everyone. What works in Los Angeles might be completely dead in a mid-size city. The user base matters more than the features.

Quick breakdown of what I'd suggest trying:

  • Zoosk – decent verification system
  • Tinder – still the widest reach if you're in a big city
  • OkCupid – underrated, especially for niche interests

Hope that helps. Happy to answer follow-up questions if you have them.

SophieR
SophieR
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3740
#4

I've been in a similar situation and Not my favorite but it's not bad either. Has a decent user base.

Worth trying out Ezhookups for this kind of thing. Decent experience so far.

Todd Harrison
Todd Harrison
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 2519
#5

Tried a bunch of these. Here's what I found: Not my favorite but it's not bad either. Has a decent user base.

Hannah Morris
Hannah Morris
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 1777
#6

This comes up a lot and the real answer is Not really worth the hassle imo. The free version is enough if you're in a decent-sized city.

One I actually like is Souldate for this kind of thing. Decent experience so far.

DerekC
DerekC
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1092
#7

I've tested a few options and The free tier is fine for browsing but you'll want a paid plan if you're serious.

Someone also mentioned datescout.site to me recently — apparently it's pretty active if you're in the right area.

JessA
JessA
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4200
#8

I've been in a similar situation and It's hit or miss. Give it two weeks before writing it off completely.

One I actually like is Souldate for this kind of thing. Decent experience so far.

DevP99
DevP99
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 570
#9

So I actually looked into this pretty recently. Just read the reviews before signing up for anything. Saves a lot of headaches.

ChloeM
ChloeM
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 660
#10

Had some luck with this, actually. Depends on your area honestly. Some places are more active than others.

Ryan Mitchell
Ryan Mitchell
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 3357
#11

There's a few things to think about here. Let me try to be helpful.

Privacy is the thing I care about most and I've actually done some digging into how these services handle data. The short answer: read the terms. Most of them are vague enough to do pretty much whatever they want with your info unless you opt out of certain things during signup.

The one I keep coming back to personally is Datebie. It's not perfect but the user base feels more genuine than most.

Hope that helps. Happy to answer follow-up questions if you have them.

Amanda Parker
Amanda Parker
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 3093
#12

I've tried probably five or six of these platforms over the years so here's my honest breakdown.

Moderation is the big differentiator for me. Some of these platforms have genuinely improved over the last year or two. Others still feel like the wild west. The ones investing in real moderation are worth your time and money.

Quick breakdown of what I'd suggest trying:

  • Feeld – if you're open to more flexible arrangements
  • Coffee Meets Bagel – slower paced but more intentional
  • Badoo – popular outside the US, good for international users
  • Facebook Dating – surprisingly active in smaller towns

Hope that helps. Happy to answer follow-up questions if you have them.

You must be logged in to post a reply here.