The Best Dating Apps and Sites of 2021

Trying to find your perfect match?

Lord knows it’s hard to be single in 2021. Our only solace is dating apps. But let’s be honest. Some dating sites or apps are just plain disappointing.

If you have been on a dating website and are looking for a perfect match, it can be hard. If you are not looking for that perfect match or potential partner, some dating sites are available for just ultimate fun.

Especially in these socially distanced times, using social media and going through video calls to find love or a match can be challenging. That’s why apps like tinder or free dating apps provide different types of dating services.

If you’re looking for the best dating apps in 2021, look no further. Whether it’s the love of your life you’re after, or just a night of fun, these dating sites and apps will get you there!

Note: We have not ranked the apps or sites in any numerical order.

1. Bumble

With Bumble, women are in control. If you’re a woman seeking a man, you’re the one who gets to make the first move. This dating app was founded by women for women.

Nowadays, Bumble is also for same-sex couples. And the best part: Bumble has zero tolerance for racism, homophobia, transphobia, or any form of discrimination. Join 22 million users worldwide on Bumble!

2. eHarmony

Unless you’ve just time-travelled to 2021 from the nineties, you must have heard about eHarmony. This dating site has brought love to millions of people.

eHarmony has even won awards as the best site to get into a serious relationship.

To use this website, you need to fill in an extensive survey. This helps to match you up with someone that’s just right for you, also known as your perfect match.

3. Inner Circle

Many singles will tell you that Inner Circle is their favorite dating app. You get to see more extensive information about the singles you’re interested in besides just a cheesy tagline. Joining Inner Circle is free, but the selection process is harder than with most apps.

4. HER

HER is a dating app that was created by and for LGBTQ+ women. Hence the name. Whether you’re looking for the love of your life, a casual date, or fun queer events near you: HER has you covered. It’s perfect for cisgender and nonbinary singles looking for love.

5. OkCupid

OkCupid started out as one of the first major dating sites back in 2004. But this huge platform isn’t just for older people! They also have an app these days to make it even more accessible. You fill in questionnaires that help you match with your special someone.

6. Hinge

Hinge claims itself to be an app that’s “designed to be deleted.” Which means they strive to be better than the rest. If you’re looking for a one-night stand, don’t download Hinge. The matching algorithm is designed to find you a potential match for a long-term relationship.

7. Happn

Happn is a perfect dating app if you’re interested in connecting with local singles. Happn will connect you with people that have been in close proximity to you. Now you’ll never again have to be left wondering ‘what if’ about that handsome stranger you passed in the street but were too afraid to talk to.

8. Plenty of Fish

Looking for a dating app that’s filled with young people just like you? Then check out Plenty of Fish! This dating app has one of the youngest user bases.

More than 50% of the users are younger than 36. Perfect for all you young adults out there!

9. Tinder

Do we need to say much about Tinder? Tinder has been one of the most popular dating apps for several years since it started in 2012. Probably one of the reasons why using the terms ‘swiping left’ or ‘swiping right’ became popular.

It’s kind of like a game of playing the odds. Because you can only match with someone if you both swipe right. Then the rest is up to you and the person you matched with to pursue a relationship or casual hookup.

10. Badoo

For everyone who always wanted to date their celebrity crush, Badoo is the dating app for you! This app uses facial recognition technology to find hot singles who resemble your ultimate celebrity crush.

11. MyTransgenderCupid

MyTransgenderCupid is a dating site for transgenders looking for a serious relationship. Especially trans women looking for a relationship with a man.

People are overall very respectful on the site. If not, then you’ll be removed. Making an account is free and easy as can be!

12. BLK

BLK is a dating app for singles looking for a serious relationship. It’s a great way to connect to other singles who share related experiences. This dating app features a swipe function just like Tinder.

If you upgrade to premium membership, you can choose to ‘rewind’. This allows you to give someone a new chance after you’ve swiped them away.

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13. Coffee Meets Bagel

You can have too much of a good thing. And with a bazillion matches, how can you ever choose? Oh, the stress! Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that flips the script.

They show you one quality match every day. After all: quality is better than quantity, right?

14. Feeld

Feeld is a dating app for non-monogamous daters. Or if you’re already in a polyamorous relationship and looking for more partners.

Or if you’re single and interested in a less conventional relationship. All gender identities and sexual preferences are welcome.

15. Grindr

Another one that has been popular for over 10 years. Grindr first started out as catering towards gay men, but soon started catering to bi, trans and queer people too. Like minded people get the chance to meet each other if they are nearby.

The only problem is if you want to receive push notifications for messages you would need to upgrade your account to Grindr Xtra.

16. XO

XO takes a unique approach to using the app to meet your potential partner. It steps away from the awkward first talks and cheesy pick up lines. Instead you and your match get to play a ice breaking games together.

You can also take personality quizzes and by playing games you get to open up and be more authentic with your match.

17. SilverSingles

If you are over 50 years old, SilverSingles is the right dating app for you. All you have to do is take a personality test, fill in your dating preferences and profile and put your favorite picture of yourself on your profile.

The app guarantees you to get approximately 3 to 7 highly compatible matches a day. The app is not only meant for dating but also for people looking for companionship, friendship or friends with benefits.

18. Facebook dating

Most of us still use Facebook or have a Facebook profile already set up. So there wouldn't be much work to do when using the dating feature. Although available only in the U.S.A and Europe at the moment, the feature exists within the Facebook app.

19. Kippo

The dating app for gamers. That’s what Kippo aimed to do when creating the app not so long ago. Video gamers are able to put what they like by filling out a list of their favorite games. Gamers who prefer using different platforms and consoles can use cards/badges to show allegiance to a specific one.

Sooner or later you will find your match from anywhere in the world. The downside is that there is no option for video chat on the app and there is no desktop version. So you might need to take your date onto Discord.

20. Match

Match is kind of like Tinder in the sense that there are special features with your Apple watch or Android wear. You can also add voice snippets of yourself to your profile.

Although it comes as a free version, subscribing would be beneficial.

Similar to Tinder, you get safety features of letting your friends know when you will go on a date and where. As well as alert them if you feel unsafe during your date.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks. The very best dating apps in 2021! Now all that’s left to do is pick up your phone and swipe and scroll left to your heart’s content.

Didn’t get lucky on the dating apps today?

No worries, there’s always tomorrow! And in the meantime, you can always give yourself some love. Did you know that there are many health benefits to masturbation? Treat yourself to some of our interactive sex toys for him or her for ultimate pleasure.

Enjoy!

WRITTEN BY

Lara Metman

Discover more of Lara's work

and Mindy Cordova