This article about dating apps Australia was updated in 2023, keeping it fresh for the reader!
Whether you’re new to dating apps or on the hunt for the right one for you, this article will help you make an educated choice to get the very best experience.
We cover:
- What to think about before choosing a dating app
- The advantage of paid vs. free with online dating
- Simple tricks to get the best from the app you choose
- Our pick of the best dating apps Australia
Points to think about before choosing a dating app
COST
Many dating apps have a free, limited version that lets you browse profiles and send messages. However, you’ll need to spend some cash if you want extras like unlimited communication, profile customisation and a more tailored experience. Download a couple of apps and try out the free features before you commit.
LOCATION
Consider where you live before choosing a dating app. Many apps claim large memberships, but these can be concentrated in more metropolitan areas. Try a few apps to see which ones connect you to quality matches in your location.
LOVE GOALS
Are you looking for a serious relationship or a one-night stand? Not ready for marriage but want to scope out what’s available on the market? Are you a member of the LGBTQ community? Maybe you’ve never used a dating app before and are simply curious. Our guide below should help point you in the right direction.
The advantage of paid vs. free with online dating
Free Dating Apps
Many dating apps hide their best features behind a paywall, but this doesn’t mean you can’t find love without spending money.
You would expect dating apps with free versions to attract more users or members, and this is true for apps like Tinder and Facebook Dating. These apps also tend to have bigger communities, although the quality of matches that you get can vary depending on factors like location and your profile.
Free dating apps are great if you’re new to online dating, are trying out different apps to see which one fits your needs best, or are just here to browse and have fun.
Paid Dating Apps
Dating apps can cost from a few dollars per feature to a couple of hundred per month. The longer the subscription, the least expensive it is.
The main pull of paid dating apps is the level of customisation they give in terms of experience. And there’s the reassurance behind the fact that paying for premium features means members are taking online dating seriously.
You pay a monthly subscription to create a detailed profile, upload unlimited pictures and videos, see or contact people who have viewed your page, send and receive unlimited messages, and filter search results based on criteria like religion, ethnicity, and interests. You can also pay to have your profile featured so it shows up prominently in search results.
Further reading: Online dating apps: Paid vs. free.
Simple tricks to get the best from the app you choose
- Try the free version of different dating apps to find a good fit before you purchase a subscription or buy premium features.
- Decide on the features that you want to pay for, like unlimited messaging, profile spotlights or match filters. You might not need all the bells and whistles that come bundled in a subscription.
- Figure out your online dating goals and choose the right app, such as Tinder or Adult Friend Finder for hookups, or eHarmony for marriage and long-term relationships.
- Don’t give up. Dating is messy for most of us, so don’t give up hope if one match doesn’t work out.
- Once you have chosen your app, take time to write an honest but engaging profile to attract the kind of partner you are looking for. A good profile will make all difference to your online dating experience.
Our pick of the best dating apps Australia
EHARMONY
Eharmony is one of the oldest dating apps on this list and has come a long way from its roots, evolving with the times and including LGBTQ matches in its main service. With its solid data-driven matching system and incredibly detailed profiles, it’s the best dating app for people looking for serious relationships or marriage. Although it can be pricey (starts at $60/month), you get what you pay for: strong security features, thorough surveys to nail down your dating personality and interests, high-quality matches, and video dating to boot.
Free version: Yes, but very limited
What we like most about this dating app: Solid matching system, personality quizzes and very detailed profiles
What kind of people hang out here: Those seeking long-term relationships
BUMBLE
Feeling confident and love to make the first move? Bumble might be the best dating app for you. Women get to message men first, who are given 24 hours to reply to messages. You get to contact multiple people, initiate conversations based on your chosen topic, and see matches near you (the app is location-based). It’s super easy to use, lets you filter by interest (and even astrological sign) and allows you to control the narrative from the get-go. It’s perfect for women who are just looking around or want to go on dates with different matches.
Free version: Yes
What we like most about this dating app: Lets women make the first move, choice between in-app purchases or subscription
What kind of people hang out here: Women who are new to online dating and those who are browsing for eligible matches
ADULT FRIEND FINDER
If hookups are more your thing, Adult Friend Finder is definitely worth checking out. It’s easily one the most popular places, if not the most popular, on the web to arrange meetups online and off with other people looking for sex. Their membership base is colossal and there are multiple filter options to easily find what you’re looking for. Even if you’re just browsing, you can have fun by watching adult vlogs and webcams or joining chatrooms. The app even has paid sex academy courses.
Free version: Yes, but you can’t contact other members
What we like most about this dating app: Large membership base, detailed profiles and multiple options to express sexuality
What kind of people hang out here: People looking for sexual encounters online and offline
RSVP
RSVP is an Aussie dating app for people looking to take relationships to the next level. This is the app for you if you’re in the mood for meaningful conversations and serious or long-term dating. With over 2 million members in the country and 30,000 new ones added each month, plenty of potential matches await. You can use RSVP for free with ads, pay for stamps, the in-app currency, or a monthly subscription. RSVP is easy to use and fairly secure with mods manually filtering fake profiles.
Free version: Yes
What we like most about this dating app: Large and growing community, secure app
What kind of people hang out here: People looking for serious or long-term relationships
SUGARBOOK
If a dating app where you can earn treats and money in exchange for sexual favours sounds like a dream come true, give Sugarbook a try. This is the app for sugar babies who want to connect with sugar daddies for a mutually beneficial relationship. This is easier said than done if you are a sugar baby, as the competition is tough. Majority of members are young (20s to 30s) females who are in the free Student Program with premium access. Meanwhile, the paying sugar daddies (about 35% of members) who are in their mid 20s to early 50s are guaranteed a wealth of options.
Free version: Yes, but you can’t send messages for free unless you’re in the Student Program
What we like most about this dating app: Free premium membership for female students who can show proof of enrolment
What kind of people hang out here: Sugar babies looking for sugar daddies
PASSION
Passion is like the soft-core cousin of Adult Friend Finder. Both attract people looking for hookups and casual encounters, but Passion offers a more refined experience. You can set your contact settings to be as clean or as X-rated as you like, for example. The website and app are easy to use, you can build very detailed profiles with 12 sections, and get in the mood with member videos, video chats, and webcams. Search by sexual interests and engage with the community through a voting and points system (this can be a pro or con depending on your personality).
Free version: Yes, but very limited
What we like most about this dating app: Growing membership base, customisable contact settings (clean to dirty)
What kind of people hang out here: People looking for fun and casual relationships
HINGE
Whether you’re into long-term relationships or meaningful connections, Hinge has you covered. With a limited number of connections each day (unless you pay for the upgrade), the focus is on quality, not quantity. The app is a great choice for people who love conversations, getting to know their matches and those looking to build something serious. Profiles are detailed, with demographic information (last names, location, age, etc.) and interests shown to matches to drive better quality connections.
Free version: Yes, with limited matches per day
What we like most about this dating app: Easy to use, reduced risk of catfishing, focus on match quality rather than quantity
What kind of people hang out here: People looking for meaningful connections and are not shy to share their personal information with others
TINDER
The OG swiping app that’s known for hookups is still going strong. Tinder remains an excellent choice for someone who’s completely new to the world of online dating and looking to get their feet wet, whether you’re looking for long-term love or something more casual and short-term. The app is easy to use with a simple swipe left/right matching system and quick sign-up (you can connect your social media account directly). It’s a great dating app for people who live in more remote areas where other dating apps don’t have a strong membership base.
Free version: Yes
What we like most about this dating app: Simple to use, great for casual dating and people who are new to online dating
What kind of people hang out here: People seeking casual connections as well as more meaningful ones
HAPPN
Feeling nostalgic about a missed connection? Happn can help. The dating app connects you to people you may have crossed paths with or those you may find interesting based on your location. Sign up is easy and there’s a free version that lets you use most features, like viewing profiles of people you’ve met and liking and contacting them if the feeling is mutual. Contacting other members and seeing profiles that have liked you requires a premium subscription, however. And if you live in a remote area, you may see fewer profiles to connect with.
Free version: Yes
What we like most about this dating app: Easy to use and set up an account, detailed profiles, location-based matching
What kind of people hang out here: Younger crowd looking for casual flings as well as long-term relationships
