Apps like Tinder have become a dime a dozen these days because, for better or worse, Tinder is one of the most well-known dating apps around, and many competitors would like to copy/paste its swiping success.
Since its launch in 2012, Tinder has created a dating experience where singles are in control of their matches and messages. Tinder was the first dating app to offer the swipe matching feature (right for yes and left for no). Today, Tinder sees over 2 billion views per day and arranges over 1.5 million dates per week.
Tinder has become part of the modern dating culture, referenced in popular shows, like “Master of None,” and movies like “How to Be Single.” And, of course, who could forget the Tinder Swindler?
But Tinder isn’t the only popular dating app out there — plenty of other dating sites and apps are making their mark by adding their own spin to traditional swiping features.
1. Match
Match is a longstanding name in the dating industry (having been founded in 1995) and is responsible for more romantic connections than any of its competitors. The online dating site and app don’t skimp on the affordability component either — it’s 100% free for all your basic features, including unlimited browsing and liking.
Free members can send messages to their mutual matches (just like on Tinder), and they have the option to explore local meetups and get expert dating advice as well.
- Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
- Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
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About the App:
Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you’ll have a high chance of success. It’s free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Match Group actually bought Tinder not too long ago, and the app’s original swiping features have become the status quo on many of its affiliated sites and apps.
One of the biggest differences between the Tinder app and the Match dating platform isn’t in the features but the user base. Match members are more likely to be older (30 and up) and looking for a serious relationship. Tinder users tend to be young adults who are more interested in playing the swiping field than settling down.
Another difference is in the matching filters. Match uses search tools based on religion, interests, lifestyles, and other key factors to identify true compatibility and spark real relationships.
2. Adult Friend Finder
Swiping on Tinder is usually based on looks, which is why its members tend to have casual hookups on the brain. As an alternative, we’d suggest you try Adult Friend Finder.
On this dating platform, you won’t have to weed through incompatible people — every one of its 105 million members are interested in adult fun only. That could be a one-night stand, threesome, or affair, to name a few.
- Relationships: Hookups Only
- Match System: Filter by distance, gender, encounter
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About the App:
With 77 million members, Adult Friend Finder is one of the most popular apps for the sex community. It doesn’t matter if you’re single or part of a couple — you’re welcome to search for sex buddies, threesomes, and other casual encounters. And you won’t have to pay to do that as well as download the app, fill out a profile, and chat.
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Adult Friend Finder doesn’t charge singles to register, create a profile, add photos, or view profiles and photos. And there’s no charge to search by age, distance, and type of encounter, get notifications about matches, and chat in certain ways.
Unlike Tinder, Adult Friend Finder is a mobile dating site, not an app, so you don’t have to download anything to access AFF’s casual dating pool.
3. Bumble
Bumble is considered the female-friendly version of Tinder because the dating app works in practically the same way (messaging is enabled when two people swipe right on each other). However, the women have first move privileges, which mean they must send the first message within 24 hours of the match or the connections disappears. For same-sex couples, either one can send the first message to unlock a potential match.
The CEO of Bumble is actually a former Tinder executive and co-founder. Whitney Wolfe Herd left the online dating giant out of a desire to help “tons of women who were tired of being spammed with annoying messages.”
Some unique aspects of Bumble include the ability to extend the 24-hour deadline, undo a mistake if you swiped the wrong way on a dating profile, and see people who’ve already swiped right on you.
Bumble has also distinguished itself from the Tinder app by opening itself up to all types of relationships, friendships, and friendly connections. Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz offer single adults the opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests and goals, and aren’t necessarily looking for romance.
4. OkCupid
From its earliest days in 2004, OkCupid has been completely free, and the dating site’s team promises it will always be that way. The dating website and app were created by a few Harvard-educated math nerds in the dating industry. This unique dating platform has one of the most intricate and accurate matching algorithms you’ll find in the dating scene.
The OkCupid app uses your answers to personal dating questions to predict which dating profiles are most compatible with your values and personality.
OkCupid sees over 1 million app installs a week (iPhone and Android combined), and the dating platform’s users send over 7.3 million messages a day. To join them, all you have to do is download the app, upload a photo, and get your chat on.
5. Hinge
Also known as “the Anti-Tinder,” Hinge focuses on quality instead of quantity. Most of its users say they want a serious relationship, and the dating app delivers potential matches based on a unique match algorithm. Hinge members must comment on or like something specific on another person’s dating profile to initiate a match, and the mobile app only supports chats between users who have liked each other.
Hinge has cultivated a reputation as “the relationship app” because it gives singles the opportunity to showcase their personality and enjoy deeper conversations based on shared interests, opinions, and lifestyles.
While Hinge offers swiping and mutual matching the same way that Tinder does, this relationship app also provides more in-depth profile prompts, photo options, and upgraded Rose features to help break the ice. The Hinge profile requires six photos and three prompt responses as well as personal information regarding age, career, religion, lifestyle habits, and desire to have children.
The team says this makes it easier to break the ice because people aren’t relying just on superficial things to get the ball rolling.
6. Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) was launched by three women who observed how differently men and women approached dating and wanted to make the experience more efficient, fun, and successful. Recently, the dating app launched a campaign called #LadiesChoice — which sends men 21 matches (aka Bagels) a day they can like or pass on, while the women are only sent Bagels who’ve liked them to take out the guesswork.
Tamara and Jon are just one of the many couples who’ve found love thanks to Coffee Meets Bagel. “I joined CMB on a whim. Out of the matches I received… I only clicked ‘like’ twice and matched with both. However, I only took one of them up on the offer to going on a date. Two years later, I am still with this amazing man,” she said.
7. Happn
Have you ever crossed paths with a cute person who caught your eye, but nothing ever came of it? Either you couldn’t get up enough courage to approach them, the timing was off, or there were other obstacles in the way. How are you ever going to see that person again, especially if you live in a big city? Well, if you’re both on Happn, that doesn’t have to be the case.
The Happn formula draws from GPS location data to find viable matches. The online dating app will show you how many times you’ve encountered another member in your daily life, making it easier to reconnect. Maybe, coincidentally, you guys go to the same bar every Saturday or the same gym after work, but you just never noticed each other. Happn can point out that missed opportunity to you.
8. Grindr
Grindr was created in 2009 to help gay and bisexual men narrow down the dating field more efficiently. The gay dating app works almost the same way as Tinder in terms of the swiping and location aspects, but it also has more of a social networking feel to it. Plus, there are only dudes in these swiping cards.
The Grindr app is completely free to download, but you’ll only be able to swipe and chat with local men with the free version. Grindr Xtra includes perks like added search filters and a passport to match with single guys anywhere you fancy.
Recently, Grindr has expanded its mission to more than dating. The team has become advocates and influencers in fashion, photography, politics, LGBTQ rights, health, and technology.
9. Down
Anonymity is a big part of the Down dating app. No matter if you want to get down (aka hook up) or get dates, no one will know how you feel about them until they express that they feel the same about you. Rejection avoided!
Formerly called Bang With Friends, Down is mostly used for hooking up, which is why the hookup app requires everyone to sign up through Facebook (they’ll never post on your behalf) to ensure members are who they say they are.
10. Pure
Pure calls itself “the hookup app for awesome people,” and by that, it means it wants its members to freely express their desires, focus on having casual fun and being positive, and remember all singles there for one thing: sex. No calling, texting, or approaching each other in public after the deed is done!
None of the dating profiles on Pure are permanent. It’s all created in the moment by a live user, and all you have to do is post a selfie to become active in the mobile dating pool. No need to sync up a social media profile or even provide a real name. Just get your picture up there and start swiping. Then you’re on your way!
11. Hornet
Hornet is another popular dating app that takes inspiration from all the best parts of Tinder, but it makes it a better experience for gay and bisexual men. The app has more than 20 million members, from New York to Prague, and offers unlimited messaging, match recommendations, and event searches.
In addition to its dating resources, Hornet provides a ton of social resources in its Stories section, including the latest news, entertainment updates, and tips and videos that cover topics like health, travel, and culture. Members can use hashtags to find common ground with one another, and they also have the chance to send photos in private chats.
Tinder is Great, But Why Limit Yourself to One Great App?!
Tinder has accomplished so much in a short period of time, and it has no intention of slowing down. For example, in honor of Pride month, the company offered to pay for a dream wedding of an LGBTQ couple who met on the app. And Tinder even released a choose-your-own-adventure show premiering on Sundays, taking romance and entertainment to a whole new level.
The online dating app has paved a successful path that others are taking inspiration from, so if you’re a big fan of Tinder, we have a sneaking suspicion you’ll also be a big fan of at least one of the apps like Tinder we’ve highlighted above.
