10 dating apps to swipe right or left depending on what you're looking for in your next relationship here in Japan.
So you've moved to Japan hopeful that the dating scene here will be ah-mazing and full of new excitement. You think you'll find the perfect Japanese man for you right away and things will lead to a happy ending. Or just have some fun for a while. While that's a great mindset to have, it's time to get real. Most foreign women living in Japan that want a serious relationship need to put in more legwork than they might otherwise overseas. Shyness combined with language and cultural barriers plus the not-so-little matter of a global pandemic make dating an even more stressful situation than it typically is.
- LunchClick by Lunch Actually - Free Dating App. Lunch Actually Pte. Offers in-app purchases. Add to Wishlist. Introducing LunchClick - The best dating app in Singapore for singles who are serious about finding love and settling down. Unlike many dating apps, we're committed to making sure that you can date.
- The dating app is free to download, and free members can browse a newsfeed of profiles, comment on photos or stories, and RSVP to local queer events (everything from parades to picnics). HER fosters a dynamic dating scene where womxn can feel safe, comfortable, and confident — and that means everything to the HER couples around the world.
May 27, 2019 Sapio is a free dating app that is designed for those who want a real relationship. You'll answer questions similar to eHarmony, but others can see your answers if they have answered the question as well. The more questions you answer, the more successful you will be on the site. Apr 27, 2021 The Best Dating Apps for 2021. Whether you're looking for a casual hookup, a serious relationship, or even a marriage, we've tested all the major competitors so you don't have to waste time you.
But luckily, we live in an era where you can find anything online—even relationships. A quick search online will show you dozens of different deai-kei (出会い系 online dating) apps, but how do you know what will help you find who or what you're looking for?
Having been there, done that, I decided to do a quick poll of my foreign friends to find out what apps or sites worked best for them and what didn't. 15 international women living in Japan gave the original rankings out of five stars when this article was first published in 2017, and five of that same group helped to update this ranking for the dating scene in 2020. It's up to you whether to swipe right or left!
1. Tinder
One that doesn't need an introduction. While most people are 'just looking' on Tinder, if you're actively trying, you can not only meet people to date, but new friends, drinking buddies, networkers and activity mates. I found a whole group of men and women to check out summer festivals with, so I can speak from experience when I say that Tinder isn't just for hanky panky.
In 2020, Tinder began offering its global passport, normally a paid service, for free to all users. It enabled them to better connect and communicate, which for several of the ladies was a huge bonus.
- Language: English, Japanese
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription
- Original Ranking: 4 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 5 stars
2. Bumble
Bumble markets itself as the app where the woman makes the first move, and if she doesn't message, then the match disappears after 24 hours. This app also relies on the user having a Facebook profile first in order to log in, which has made it a bit slow to catch on in Japan, but it is gaining in popularity because of its 'women get to choose' option.
One of the women I surveyed (and who found her current Japanese boyfriend through this app) summarized it as follows: 'There are a lot of guys on there, and most of them aren't on other apps as well. You don't find as many fake profiles on Bumble as you do with other sites, and you get to control the whole ‘am I going to bother talking to him' part, which is really nice.'
In 2020, the app is not just for dating, but also for business opportunities, and making friends too. Within the app, you can switch from one feature to another, which makes it very versatile for the global community, and also a great way to keep in touch and build your social circle from a safe distance. Online dating website middletown delaware.
- Language: English, Japanese
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription
- Original Ranking: 4½ stars
- 2020 Ranking: 5 stars
3. OkCupid Japan
Billed as 'the best dating site on Earth,' OkCupid's Japanese version is much more detail focused than Bumble or Tinder, with the average time to fill out your profile coming in at around 45 minutes. You can of course opt to leave most of your profile empty, but based on the experiences shared with me, it isn't recommended, because you're most likely to remain unnoticed. According to one woman who has used it, 'OkCupid has a lot of serial daters on it, so if you use other dating apps/sites, you may be discouraged by the dating pool overall.'
In the 2020 dating scene, it's still a staple, but the imbalance in users and the volume of fake profiles is staggering. It's also said to be a hassle to sign up for too, so unless you're really determined to use it, you'd probably have less trouble with a different app.
- Language: English, Japanese, and others
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription
- Original Ranking: 3 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 2 stars
4. JapanCupid
Not to be confused with OkCupid, JapanCupid is a part of the Cupid Media Group, a niche-based dating site group, that connects users with people from around the world rather than just in their immediate area. While this makes it somewhat less appealing to users in Japan, JapanCupid is popular with those who will not be staying in Japan for the long term, and with those who are looking for someone to marry—though apparently there are far more Japanese women on this site than there are Japanese men.
Unfortunately in 2020, not much seems to have changed, and when a different friend logged in, she was inundated with a number of obviously fake profiles and soon deleted her account. 'Claiming a 20-year-old Korean pop star is really you, but you're a 36-year-old Japanese man? No thanks.'
- Language: English, Japanese, and others
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription/fees
- Original Ranking: 3 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 1 star
5. MatchAlarm
MatchAlarm was a Japanese language only dating app that recommended a new person to you every morning at 8 a.m. based on your social information gleaned from your Facebook profile and behavior. You had 16 hours to respond to an alarm, after which it would disappear, and would require three coins (a part of the in-app payment system) in order to tap the 'Might Like You' button. But unfortunately, MatchAlarm is no more, and therefore no longer part of the ranking.
6. Omiai
The largest online dating site and app service in Japan that relies on your Facebook profile (or Apple ID, or phone number now) to search for your ideal match. This is another konkatsu service, so unless you're looking for a serious relationship, Omiai might not be the site for you. There are 24 points that you can filter your results by, including nationality and income level, which some users pointed out makes this site seem more for sugar daddy searching than anything else, but overall, no one had any serious complaints about this site.
For daters in 2020 with the Japanese language skills to keep up, Omiai has somewhat rebranded itself in more of a Tinder/Instagram friendly fashion, and strictly placed focus on it being a relationship/marriage-centric app. If you're seriously looking to meet a marriage partner, this is probably your best option when it comes to dating apps.
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, ¥1,950 per month (for the 12-month plan) for men
- Original Ranking: 4 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 4 stars
7. Tapple
Tapple is a dating app where, instead of filling out a profile and searching for people, you fill out the qualifiers of what sort of man you're interested in, and then join different groups based on your hobbies. Then, you're shown a selection of men who share that interest and meet your criteria, and you can either like, skip, or super like their profile.
While I had some positive experiences meeting and talking to people on this app, when the time came to actually meet in person, the people that I spoke to were very hesitant to meet offline. One guy actually said he preferred to talk and date online exclusively. Other foreign female users I spoke with had similar results, so this might not be a good choice if you are seriously looking to meet someone.
Thanks to numerous updates to a more streamlined, Tinder-like service, plus TV and online commercials in 2020, Tapple has become a very competitive app, preferred by those in their 20s who are looking for a relationship that could lead to something more. Plus, the numbers of people who want to take things slowly and start online here make it ideal for those wanting companionship but not willing to head out on the town just yet.
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, monthly subscription fee for men (varies by number of months desired)
- Original Ranking: 2½ stars
- 2020 Ranking: 4 stars
8. YYC
YYC has been around for twenty years now according to its website and still lists itself as Japan's largest dating service. When you join, you are given an automatic 300 points to use in order to meet and match with others based on your own search parameters. The vast majority of this service's users are young professionals. YYC is a dating site designed for people who want to combine the blogging space of LiveJournal with the influencer lifestyle of Instagram, so if you aren't the type to frequently update and message, you might find this site to be more of a hassle than anything else. 50+ speed dating somersworth new hampshire. 'Casual users tend to just disappear after their free points run out, so it's not a place for you if you aren't ready to commit to the effort,' said one user.
None of the ladies I spoke with still used YYC, so I gave it an honest try, and I have to say, it wasn't all that bad, but I did find it somewhat repetitive. If your Japanese isn't up to par, it can be a struggle to navigate as well.
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, monthly subscription fee/points system for men
- Original Ranking: 3½ stars
- 2020 Ranking: 3 stars
9. Pairs
Pairs is another online dating site and one that has had numerous TV and train commercials since going online. This site and its related app also uses your Facebook profile but allows you to hide your full name, enabling its users to go by initials instead. Their target audience tends to be younger Japanese men, 'so there are plenty of guys to choose from, but those that are interested in pursuing a serious relationship with a non-native Japanese speaker are few and far between, at least in my experience,' according to a user.
'It's updated a bit, but nothing really major has changed about the quality of the users,' says the same person as above in 2020. 'I still use it, and sometimes you find someone nice, but it's more work than some of the other apps out there now.'
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, monthly subscription fee for men
- Original Ranking: 3 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 3 stars
10. Zexy Koimusubi
Zexy Koimusubi is a dating app that is part of a popular Japanese wedding services company. The app overall works on the same principles of matching based on shared interests and uses your Facebook profile to compile this data, but otherwise, it seems to have a fairly high success rate. Whether this is due to their association with weddings and marriage already is anyone's guess, but of the people that I know that have used this site, two married someone they met on there, and one is planning her wedding now, so make of that what you will.
'I met my husband on this site, so of course I would recommend it to anyone that is serious about marriage, having kids, and staying in Japan. It does work, if you're brutally honest with yourself about what you're looking for. If you're still trying to figure that out, don't bother with this app.' (Jane, American, 31)
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: initial one time ¥108 fee for women (for ID check purposes), monthly fee for men
- Original Ranking: 4 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 4½ stars
11. Bonus App—Happy Mail
Happy Mail first began in 2001 but wasn't a major player in the dating app scene for a long time. According to their website, thanks to consistent efforts over the last twenty years they have the largest number of members of any dating/matching app in Japan. There are just over 25 million people on Happy Mail, looking for everything from pen pals to serious marriage partners.
Based on testimonials from male friends and a few women, it's quite similar to Pairs but has more of the immediacy of Tinder in terms of matching, so it all comes down to what or how you want to go about dating in 2020 whether this app is what will work for you.
Totally Free Dating Apps
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women (plus a 120 coin present as some services require points), points/pay as you go fees for men
- Ranking: 4 stars
Before subscribing to a Japanese 'serious' dating app, keep in mind that most of them are likely to require you to submit a photo of an official ID before using their services. This is because they are quite literally trying to find you a suitable husband. If that's your goal, don't mind the screening! Good luck in finding the best for yourself, ladies!
Have you ever used a dating app or site in Japan? Share your experiences in the comments.
By now, you've probably read about which dating app is best for this, that and the other thing ad infinitum. Important question, though: Of them all, which dating app is most effective? Perhaps you've read about which dating app is best for relationships, or which you should try if you live in New York or San Francisco, or which are the highest-rated dating apps. And while that's all well and good, and fun to read about, what most people really want out of a dating app is effectiveness, amirite? You don't want to waste your time gadding about, flitting from app to app like a crazed bumblebee without getting any results.
The results you crave likely vary, depending on who you are. One person's idea of an effective dating app might be landing tons of fun dates. Another person's dating holy grail might be an actual relationship, and they might be unwilling to yield or give up until they find that special someone. And, of course, there are some who just want to have fun, and don't even really want to date, per se — hooking up is their modus operandi. All are valid, but just which app is best to download? Never fear. There's a dating app for that, and that, and that. Here are the 10 most effective dating apps.
1. OkCupid
OkCupid's genius lies in the fact that it has so many users, and many (not all) of them want to date or get into relationships. If that's what you're after, you likely want to try this. Bonus points for lots of inviting profile pics and a robust, filled-out profile around here.
2. Coffee Meets Bagel
For the purposes of this piece, I'm sticking close to apps that I know are effective, either from personal experience, second-hand experience or high ratings in general. I know one couple — in fact, I was just with them last night at a Julia Holter concert — that met on Coffee Meets Bagel. Its premise is super straightforward: Each day at noon, you get one — count them, one — match. Not three, not five, not a swipe-all-day-erry-day situation. One. If you like them, yay. If you don't, you can dial in your preferences and help the app send you a better match the following day.
3. Tinder
Actually Free Dating Apps 2020
Tinder, like it or hate it, isn't going anywhere any time soon. The ubiquitous app that everyone loves to hate or hates to love — or just, like, loves — is effective in part simply thanks to its saturation: Some 50 million people have Tinder, according to Wikipedia. Though the app is known for its nefarious hookup culture, people totally meet and fall in love here too. It just depends on what you're looking for. If it's love, be upfront about it in your self-summary. If your match is just looking for a lil' somethin'-somethin', they'll know to not come knocking on your door.
4. Hinge
Any app that matches people based on friends of friends is a friend of mine. Isn't that how the expression goes? No? Anyway, Hinge is all about introducing you to people who are connected to your real life Facebook friends, or to your Facebook friends' Facebook friends, so you'll never have more than one degree of separation when you meet. ('So, how do you know Jacob?' is always a good starting line.)
5. Match
Match calls themselves 'number one in dates, relationships and marriages,' and they have the data to back this one up. It's pricey, but if you don't find The One in six months, they'll give you another six months gratis. Not a money-back guarantee, exactly, but an incentive to roll up your sleeves and join if marriage or an LTR is what you're after.
6. Bumble
Bumble has really taken the dating game by storm of late. Founded by an ex–Tinder employee, who experienced sexual harassment at her old job and sued the company, the app puts the power where it belongs: In the woman's hands. (As far as online dating goes, at least.) If you see someone you like, you reach out within 24 hours before the connection disappears. If you don't, you don't. End of story. For LGBT matches, either person can reach out before the connection is gone.
7. Her
Actually Free Dating Apps
May 27, 2019 Sapio is a free dating app that is designed for those who want a real relationship. You'll answer questions similar to eHarmony, but others can see your answers if they have answered the question as well. The more questions you answer, the more successful you will be on the site. Apr 27, 2021 The Best Dating Apps for 2021. Whether you're looking for a casual hookup, a serious relationship, or even a marriage, we've tested all the major competitors so you don't have to waste time you.
But luckily, we live in an era where you can find anything online—even relationships. A quick search online will show you dozens of different deai-kei (出会い系 online dating) apps, but how do you know what will help you find who or what you're looking for?
Having been there, done that, I decided to do a quick poll of my foreign friends to find out what apps or sites worked best for them and what didn't. 15 international women living in Japan gave the original rankings out of five stars when this article was first published in 2017, and five of that same group helped to update this ranking for the dating scene in 2020. It's up to you whether to swipe right or left!
1. Tinder
One that doesn't need an introduction. While most people are 'just looking' on Tinder, if you're actively trying, you can not only meet people to date, but new friends, drinking buddies, networkers and activity mates. I found a whole group of men and women to check out summer festivals with, so I can speak from experience when I say that Tinder isn't just for hanky panky.
In 2020, Tinder began offering its global passport, normally a paid service, for free to all users. It enabled them to better connect and communicate, which for several of the ladies was a huge bonus.
- Language: English, Japanese
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription
- Original Ranking: 4 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 5 stars
2. Bumble
Bumble markets itself as the app where the woman makes the first move, and if she doesn't message, then the match disappears after 24 hours. This app also relies on the user having a Facebook profile first in order to log in, which has made it a bit slow to catch on in Japan, but it is gaining in popularity because of its 'women get to choose' option.
One of the women I surveyed (and who found her current Japanese boyfriend through this app) summarized it as follows: 'There are a lot of guys on there, and most of them aren't on other apps as well. You don't find as many fake profiles on Bumble as you do with other sites, and you get to control the whole ‘am I going to bother talking to him' part, which is really nice.'
In 2020, the app is not just for dating, but also for business opportunities, and making friends too. Within the app, you can switch from one feature to another, which makes it very versatile for the global community, and also a great way to keep in touch and build your social circle from a safe distance. Online dating website middletown delaware.
- Language: English, Japanese
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription
- Original Ranking: 4½ stars
- 2020 Ranking: 5 stars
3. OkCupid Japan
Billed as 'the best dating site on Earth,' OkCupid's Japanese version is much more detail focused than Bumble or Tinder, with the average time to fill out your profile coming in at around 45 minutes. You can of course opt to leave most of your profile empty, but based on the experiences shared with me, it isn't recommended, because you're most likely to remain unnoticed. According to one woman who has used it, 'OkCupid has a lot of serial daters on it, so if you use other dating apps/sites, you may be discouraged by the dating pool overall.'
In the 2020 dating scene, it's still a staple, but the imbalance in users and the volume of fake profiles is staggering. It's also said to be a hassle to sign up for too, so unless you're really determined to use it, you'd probably have less trouble with a different app.
- Language: English, Japanese, and others
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription
- Original Ranking: 3 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 2 stars
4. JapanCupid
Not to be confused with OkCupid, JapanCupid is a part of the Cupid Media Group, a niche-based dating site group, that connects users with people from around the world rather than just in their immediate area. While this makes it somewhat less appealing to users in Japan, JapanCupid is popular with those who will not be staying in Japan for the long term, and with those who are looking for someone to marry—though apparently there are far more Japanese women on this site than there are Japanese men.
Unfortunately in 2020, not much seems to have changed, and when a different friend logged in, she was inundated with a number of obviously fake profiles and soon deleted her account. 'Claiming a 20-year-old Korean pop star is really you, but you're a 36-year-old Japanese man? No thanks.'
- Language: English, Japanese, and others
- Fees: Free, special features require a monthly subscription/fees
- Original Ranking: 3 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 1 star
5. MatchAlarm
MatchAlarm was a Japanese language only dating app that recommended a new person to you every morning at 8 a.m. based on your social information gleaned from your Facebook profile and behavior. You had 16 hours to respond to an alarm, after which it would disappear, and would require three coins (a part of the in-app payment system) in order to tap the 'Might Like You' button. But unfortunately, MatchAlarm is no more, and therefore no longer part of the ranking.
6. Omiai
The largest online dating site and app service in Japan that relies on your Facebook profile (or Apple ID, or phone number now) to search for your ideal match. This is another konkatsu service, so unless you're looking for a serious relationship, Omiai might not be the site for you. There are 24 points that you can filter your results by, including nationality and income level, which some users pointed out makes this site seem more for sugar daddy searching than anything else, but overall, no one had any serious complaints about this site.
For daters in 2020 with the Japanese language skills to keep up, Omiai has somewhat rebranded itself in more of a Tinder/Instagram friendly fashion, and strictly placed focus on it being a relationship/marriage-centric app. If you're seriously looking to meet a marriage partner, this is probably your best option when it comes to dating apps.
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, ¥1,950 per month (for the 12-month plan) for men
- Original Ranking: 4 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 4 stars
7. Tapple
Tapple is a dating app where, instead of filling out a profile and searching for people, you fill out the qualifiers of what sort of man you're interested in, and then join different groups based on your hobbies. Then, you're shown a selection of men who share that interest and meet your criteria, and you can either like, skip, or super like their profile.
While I had some positive experiences meeting and talking to people on this app, when the time came to actually meet in person, the people that I spoke to were very hesitant to meet offline. One guy actually said he preferred to talk and date online exclusively. Other foreign female users I spoke with had similar results, so this might not be a good choice if you are seriously looking to meet someone.
Thanks to numerous updates to a more streamlined, Tinder-like service, plus TV and online commercials in 2020, Tapple has become a very competitive app, preferred by those in their 20s who are looking for a relationship that could lead to something more. Plus, the numbers of people who want to take things slowly and start online here make it ideal for those wanting companionship but not willing to head out on the town just yet.
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, monthly subscription fee for men (varies by number of months desired)
- Original Ranking: 2½ stars
- 2020 Ranking: 4 stars
8. YYC
YYC has been around for twenty years now according to its website and still lists itself as Japan's largest dating service. When you join, you are given an automatic 300 points to use in order to meet and match with others based on your own search parameters. The vast majority of this service's users are young professionals. YYC is a dating site designed for people who want to combine the blogging space of LiveJournal with the influencer lifestyle of Instagram, so if you aren't the type to frequently update and message, you might find this site to be more of a hassle than anything else. 50+ speed dating somersworth new hampshire. 'Casual users tend to just disappear after their free points run out, so it's not a place for you if you aren't ready to commit to the effort,' said one user.
None of the ladies I spoke with still used YYC, so I gave it an honest try, and I have to say, it wasn't all that bad, but I did find it somewhat repetitive. If your Japanese isn't up to par, it can be a struggle to navigate as well.
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, monthly subscription fee/points system for men
- Original Ranking: 3½ stars
- 2020 Ranking: 3 stars
9. Pairs
Pairs is another online dating site and one that has had numerous TV and train commercials since going online. This site and its related app also uses your Facebook profile but allows you to hide your full name, enabling its users to go by initials instead. Their target audience tends to be younger Japanese men, 'so there are plenty of guys to choose from, but those that are interested in pursuing a serious relationship with a non-native Japanese speaker are few and far between, at least in my experience,' according to a user.
'It's updated a bit, but nothing really major has changed about the quality of the users,' says the same person as above in 2020. 'I still use it, and sometimes you find someone nice, but it's more work than some of the other apps out there now.'
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women, monthly subscription fee for men
- Original Ranking: 3 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 3 stars
10. Zexy Koimusubi
Zexy Koimusubi is a dating app that is part of a popular Japanese wedding services company. The app overall works on the same principles of matching based on shared interests and uses your Facebook profile to compile this data, but otherwise, it seems to have a fairly high success rate. Whether this is due to their association with weddings and marriage already is anyone's guess, but of the people that I know that have used this site, two married someone they met on there, and one is planning her wedding now, so make of that what you will.
'I met my husband on this site, so of course I would recommend it to anyone that is serious about marriage, having kids, and staying in Japan. It does work, if you're brutally honest with yourself about what you're looking for. If you're still trying to figure that out, don't bother with this app.' (Jane, American, 31)
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: initial one time ¥108 fee for women (for ID check purposes), monthly fee for men
- Original Ranking: 4 stars
- 2020 Ranking: 4½ stars
11. Bonus App—Happy Mail
Happy Mail first began in 2001 but wasn't a major player in the dating app scene for a long time. According to their website, thanks to consistent efforts over the last twenty years they have the largest number of members of any dating/matching app in Japan. There are just over 25 million people on Happy Mail, looking for everything from pen pals to serious marriage partners.
Based on testimonials from male friends and a few women, it's quite similar to Pairs but has more of the immediacy of Tinder in terms of matching, so it all comes down to what or how you want to go about dating in 2020 whether this app is what will work for you.
Totally Free Dating Apps
- Language: Japanese
- Fees: Free for women (plus a 120 coin present as some services require points), points/pay as you go fees for men
- Ranking: 4 stars
Before subscribing to a Japanese 'serious' dating app, keep in mind that most of them are likely to require you to submit a photo of an official ID before using their services. This is because they are quite literally trying to find you a suitable husband. If that's your goal, don't mind the screening! Good luck in finding the best for yourself, ladies!
Have you ever used a dating app or site in Japan? Share your experiences in the comments.
By now, you've probably read about which dating app is best for this, that and the other thing ad infinitum. Important question, though: Of them all, which dating app is most effective? Perhaps you've read about which dating app is best for relationships, or which you should try if you live in New York or San Francisco, or which are the highest-rated dating apps. And while that's all well and good, and fun to read about, what most people really want out of a dating app is effectiveness, amirite? You don't want to waste your time gadding about, flitting from app to app like a crazed bumblebee without getting any results.
The results you crave likely vary, depending on who you are. One person's idea of an effective dating app might be landing tons of fun dates. Another person's dating holy grail might be an actual relationship, and they might be unwilling to yield or give up until they find that special someone. And, of course, there are some who just want to have fun, and don't even really want to date, per se — hooking up is their modus operandi. All are valid, but just which app is best to download? Never fear. There's a dating app for that, and that, and that. Here are the 10 most effective dating apps.
1. OkCupid
OkCupid's genius lies in the fact that it has so many users, and many (not all) of them want to date or get into relationships. If that's what you're after, you likely want to try this. Bonus points for lots of inviting profile pics and a robust, filled-out profile around here.
2. Coffee Meets Bagel
For the purposes of this piece, I'm sticking close to apps that I know are effective, either from personal experience, second-hand experience or high ratings in general. I know one couple — in fact, I was just with them last night at a Julia Holter concert — that met on Coffee Meets Bagel. Its premise is super straightforward: Each day at noon, you get one — count them, one — match. Not three, not five, not a swipe-all-day-erry-day situation. One. If you like them, yay. If you don't, you can dial in your preferences and help the app send you a better match the following day.
3. Tinder
Actually Free Dating Apps 2020
Tinder, like it or hate it, isn't going anywhere any time soon. The ubiquitous app that everyone loves to hate or hates to love — or just, like, loves — is effective in part simply thanks to its saturation: Some 50 million people have Tinder, according to Wikipedia. Though the app is known for its nefarious hookup culture, people totally meet and fall in love here too. It just depends on what you're looking for. If it's love, be upfront about it in your self-summary. If your match is just looking for a lil' somethin'-somethin', they'll know to not come knocking on your door.
4. Hinge
Any app that matches people based on friends of friends is a friend of mine. Isn't that how the expression goes? No? Anyway, Hinge is all about introducing you to people who are connected to your real life Facebook friends, or to your Facebook friends' Facebook friends, so you'll never have more than one degree of separation when you meet. ('So, how do you know Jacob?' is always a good starting line.)
5. Match
Match calls themselves 'number one in dates, relationships and marriages,' and they have the data to back this one up. It's pricey, but if you don't find The One in six months, they'll give you another six months gratis. Not a money-back guarantee, exactly, but an incentive to roll up your sleeves and join if marriage or an LTR is what you're after.
6. Bumble
Bumble has really taken the dating game by storm of late. Founded by an ex–Tinder employee, who experienced sexual harassment at her old job and sued the company, the app puts the power where it belongs: In the woman's hands. (As far as online dating goes, at least.) If you see someone you like, you reach out within 24 hours before the connection disappears. If you don't, you don't. End of story. For LGBT matches, either person can reach out before the connection is gone.
7. Her
Actually Free Dating Apps
OK, the claim that 'Her connects you to every lesbian worldwide' is a bit of a stretch, as every lesbian worldwide definitely does not have this app. So it's a little hyperbolic. But Her certainly is the most popular app for women ISO women, and the interface is clean, easy to use and handsome. Whether you're down for dating or looking for love, Her is certainly worth a download.
8. Align
Since we're talking about effectiveness, I have to include Align. Why? Well, Align matches you based on your horoscope. Aries? You need a Libra, of course. Cancer? Grab a Scorpio (but not by the tail!). Since all of this matching we're doing online is pretty willy-nilly, mostly based on looks or the fact that two people happen to both love the writing of Andre Dubus or the singing of Jeff Buckley or the dancing of Isadora Duncan or whatever — aka it's so far from an exact science as to be downright laughable most of the time — why not rely on the stars to matchmake? Also, it's fun.
9. Jaumo
I had never heard of this one until today, so don't panic if you're like, Huh? But Jaumo is, in fact, the highest-rated dating app, according to Applause, an app-quality company. The popular app allows you to 'share your moments,' which will appeal to those who are Snapchat-obsessed, and promises to simplify 'flirting and looking for a partner,' which can be one and the same on this app.
10. Mesh
Mesh is another one you may not be familiar with, but even Vogue recommends it, which is reason enough to be intrigued. In terms of effectiveness, Mesh employs a built-in spam filter, which means that you never have to subjected to endless 'sup' messages again. (At least if you stay off Tinder, that is.) Mesh offers you a chance to 'de-clutter your dating experience,' thanks to their 'patent-pending Mismatch,' which 'automatically filters sub-par messages to a Mismatch folder.' Sounds like a dream.
Images: Fotolia; iTunes (9); WiffleGif
