If 2021 is your year for dating, then you need to familiarise yourself with the latest dating apps.
The problem is that there are so many, it can be overwhelming. For this reason, we’ve hunted down the most popular dating apps and compiled the information in this handy article.
Everything you need to know to find the right dating app for you is right here.
Not sure whether to pay for a dating app or not? See … Online dating apps: Paid vs. free.
eHarmony
eHarmony is one of the original dating sites and one of the first to use algorithms to match potential dates. Some of the best features are their in-depth member profiles, solid matching system and robust privacy settings. It’s a brilliant dating app for people looking for serious, long-term relationships.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Detailed member profiles, safe and secure matching, video dating
Cons: You have to pay to view photos of matches.
You will love this app if: You are looking for a serious or long-term relationship.
ADULT FRIEND FINDER
If you’re in the mood for hookups and racy chats, give Adult Friend Finder a go. This is one of those dating apps that is perfect for single mums and anyone who’s down for a good time, no strings attached. It’s one of the best places to meet people as horny as you are. Just a warning: the photos and texts are super explicit.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Feature-packed app for flirting and hookups
Cons: Lots of pop-up ads, explicit nudity and texts may put off some people
You will love this app if: You’re in the mood for flirting and hooking up.
Elite Singles
Elite Singles is one of those exclusive dating apps for picky people, where the majority of members are educated professionals looking for The One. Matching is based on criteria like personality, preferences and location (from the questionnaire you answered on sign up). There’s a free basic version, but you need to fork over some serious cash if you want to be successful.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Verified and in-depth profiles, short questionnaire
Cons: Pricey, no video chat, basic features are locked behind a paywall
You will love this app if: You are looking for a serious relationship and don’t mind paying.
Happn
Happn is the dating app for nostalgic people who want to reconnect with past lovers or friends. The location-based service shows Happn users that you have met before and others that you may find interesting. We like the fact that you only get messages from people you fancy.
Free version: Yes
Pros: No unwanted messages, customise your profile to hide age and location
Cons: No verification process
You will love this app if: You want to reconnect with old crushes and lovers.
HELIUM
Helium is one of the few dating apps for people who want to be anonymous. No need for a phone number, email address or social media account to register. Simply sign up and instantly contact members who interest you. You can also tag profiles based on your experience, whether to give them a thumbs up or warn others to stay away.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Register without phone number or email, rate other people based on behaviour
Cons: No verification raises the risk of fake profiles
You will love this app if: You prefer to be anonymous in the online dating world.
WHICH DATING APP IS BEST?
Sugarbook
Sugarbook is the app for people looking for a sugar daddy/sugar baby relationship. It’s popular with students and young people who love getting gifts or earning cash in exchange for romantic and sexual favours. Sugar daddies and mummies pay a high price for membership, but sugar babies with a university email get premium for free.
Free version: Yes (limited features)
Pros: ID-verified members, free premium account for sugar babies with a university email
Cons: Expensive, free basic account is limited
You will love this app if: You’re into sugar daddy/baby relationships.
Match
Match is one of the oldest dating apps that remain popular with Aussies. It’s free to create an account, upload a few photos, get daily matches and send “winks” to people you like. If you want to send unlimited messages and see who has viewed your profile, you have to pay for the premium service.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Free to use, detailed and verified profiles, video chat with matches
Cons: Premium subscription is expensive.
You will love this app if: You want an all-in-one dating app for flirting as well as long-term relationships.
Bumble
Like making the first move? Bumble is the dating app for you. Women get to contact their matches first, and they have 24 hours to do so before the connection is gone. There’s also a separate section for people who are here to make friends and business relationships rather than romantic connections.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Lets women make the first move, solid free version, video chat
Cons: Profiles are less in-depth compared to other dating apps.
You will love this app if: You love making the first move.
OKCupid
OKCupid’s massive membership base and data-driven matching system are key selling points for Australians looking for a meatier alternative to Tinder. Most of the features are free to use, the profiles are detailed and the app itself is easy to use and navigate. Whether you’re here for a casual hookup or a long-term relationship, you’re guaranteed to meet interesting people.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Most features are free to use, dating tips, large user base
Cons: You need to pay to see users who have liked your profile, ads can be annoying
You will love this app if: You want an easy-to-use app for casual or serious dating.
Clover
Clover is a feature-packed dating app that has a swipe right/left matching system similar to Tinder, plus “on-demand” dating, live mixers and games. Most of the features are free to use, and the large user base makes it easy to connect with like-minded people.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Most features are free, large user base with very active members
Cons: Premium features are pricey, unlimited messaging only on premium
You will love this app if: You want multiple ways to connect with potential matches.
BEST DATING APPS 2021 (CONT.)
Hinge
Hinge is all about connection and conversation. You create detailed profiles with text and photos, receive daily match recommendations and get to comment on and like other people’s profiles. The goal is to delete the app once you’ve found Mr. or Ms. Right. We like the new “Date From Home” features that make online dating a breeze during the pandemic.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Unique and detailed profiles, multiple ways to engage with matches
Cons: You need to pay for unlimited likes and matches.
You will love this app if: You like Tinder but are looking for long-term relationships.
Passion
Passion is for people looking for hookups and casual connections, similar to Adult Friend Finder but more laid back. You get to flirt with millions of members from around the world in a safe environment. It’s perfect for single mums who just want to have fun at the end of a tiring day.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Unlimited live webcam, user friendly
Cons: Desktop only, lots of fake profiles, you need to pay to access most features
You will love this app if: You want to flirt and have fun in a safe environment.
Zoosk
With over 40 million members around the world, Zoosk is one of the largest dating apps in terms of user base. It attracts the young and old looking for fun and flirting as well as serious relationships. The free version lets you try some basic features, but you need to pay for the premium subscription if you want to send unlimited messages.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Solid matching system, photo verification, large user base
Cons: Only paid members can message you.
You will love this app if: You are willing to pay to meet the love of your life.
HUKUP
Hukup is a fairly new dating app for the LGBTQ community. Whether you’re looking for a hookup or a serious relationship, you’re in the right place. The feature-rich app lets you filter profiles based on preferences, contact people who interest you and share your photos.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Designed for the LGBTQ community, feature-packed, affordable premium plan
Cons: Fewer members compared to other dating apps
You will love this app if: You’re LGBTQ looking for fun or more serious conversations.
Tinder
Tinder’s reputation as a hookup app hasn’t changed a bit. It still attracts a young demographic looking for a good time, as well as older people looking for fun and flirting. It’s free to use and the swiping feature is just addictive. With around 5 million users in Australia, you’re sure to find someone interesting to talk to.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Easy to use, swipe right/left matching, large user base
Cons: Lots of in-app purchases
You will love this app if: You want an easy-to-use dating app for flirting and casual relationships.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel is all about quality online dating, starting from its small, curated user base to its focus on profiles, not photos. Each day your receive potential matches, and you have seven days to initiate a conversation. A recent update lets you comment on profiles and photos to encourage more connections.
Free version: Yes
Pros: Curated membership base, laid-back atmosphere
Cons: Expensive premium features, lack of matches in some areas
You will love this app if: You like to take your time before meeting someone in person.
