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Gen Z now represents the majority of online daters. And that’s no surprise considering that this generation is mostly in their 20s – a prime age for dating. Gen Z is considered the generation of people born from 1997 to 2012. Thanks to the many dating apps out there, this generation has plenty of options to choose from even though they range in age and their dating objectives differ.
To help you on your journey, here are some young people dating apps that our dating experts endorse for Gen Z.
Best Overall | For Women | LGBTQ+ Singles | Black Dating | FAQs
Best Overall Dating Apps for Gen Z
The best dating apps for Gen Z allow for creativity, exploration, and good conversations – without a high price tag! We’ve selected a few popular dating apps where Gen Z singles can form deep bonds and build relationships that go beyond superficial hookup culture.
1. Match
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “Match is a popular choice for your area singles, having led to more dates, marriages and relationships than any other dating site…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
Match is considered the OG of online dating apps. Match is one of the earliest dating apps, and the Match team has learned a lot over the years about what works and what doesn’t work in the online dating industry. The team is always trying to learn more about what people want and what tools team members can provide singles with to be successful.
Although Match is determined to help you find the kind of relationship you’re looking for, it’s typically used for serious dating. Gen Z singles who are ready to settle down and start a family will find comfort knowing that Match has a ton of success stories from members who used its services to find their special plus ones. Members can create a profile and receive daily matches at no charge –– which makes it easier and faster to find a match on the app.
2. Zoosk
Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System: Search and get match recommendations
Our Experts Say: “Zoosk’s integration with social networks and smartphones makes it one of the fastest-growing dating sites, and a popular choice for your area singles…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
28.9 Million* | Start Zoosk for FREE |
Despite all the challenges that come along the way, dating should be a fun experience! That’s why the dating app Zoosk focuses on how to create a fun dating experience that produces actual results. In other words, dating made fun without all the games. Zoosk has been in the online dating industry for 13 years and now has over 40 million members.
Zoosk includes cool social dating features like Zoosk Great Dates that make it easy to connect and get to know someone. Gen Z singles can benefit from using Zoosk Great Dates. Not only does it align with modern dating but this particular feature allows members to have interactive video dates that provide a sense of security and legitimacy in online matches. Members can rest assured knowing that they never have to second-guess someone’s identity.
3. Feeld
The Feeld dating app is where the open-minded meet the like-minded. Feeld is known for more than just its catchy slogan –– it’s a dating app geared toward polyamory and breaking traditional dating norms. Feeld was launched in July 2014 and has been on a mission ever since to create a positive safe space for singles to explore and connect.
Feeld is not your typical dating app. Members can choose from over 20 sexualities and gender identities, and even couples can create a profile together to find an additional partner. Which is so rare to see!
“We believe nothing is more fluid or less binary than human relationships. This is why we created Feeld, where everyone can be honest with themselves while being responsible towards others,” said the Feeld team.
4. Snack
Have you ever heard of the snack that bites back? Well, it does on the spicy dating app Snack. Snack is considered the ultimate Gen Z hot spot where curious and liberated singles can explore dating in various ways. Snack isn’t your parent’s dating app because there’s nothing old-school about it.
Unlike most dating apps, Snack uses AI to help members communicate and interact with one another online. Members can train their AIs to be the best wingman and let their AI do all the work on their behalf –– it’s quite genius. This is especially beneficial for those Gen Z singles who are busybodies who don’t have a lot of time to date or don’t know how to break the ice.
“I love the concept of the app!” said an anonymous Snack user in a review. “I love how you get to know someone’s personality better through a video rather than just photos. This app focuses on the younger adult generation which is super engaging!”
Best Dating Apps for Gen Z Women
Women can sometimes feel overwhelmed by matches and messages on mainstream dating apps where quantity wins over quality. Online dating doesn’t always exactly live up to single women’s dating needs, but certain feminist leaders in the space have made it a point to prioritize women’s safety, comfort, and success in the dating world. Here are a few of the best apps for single women.
Relationships: Dates and Serious Relationships
Match System: Search by gender, age, education, more
Our Experts Say: “ChristianMingle is the largest dating site exclusively for devout Christian singles. Offers excellent search functionality and safety features for just $19.99 a month…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Christian Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
3.5 Million* | Try Now for $19.99/Month |
ChristianMingle is a faith-based dating app that was designed to help men and women find a God-centered relationship. You can find that a lot of Gen Z singles were raised in the church and as a result wish to be with someone who shares a similar upbringing and belief system. Thanks to ChristianMingle people no longer have to resort to finding dates within a church.
A common issue that a lot of Christian couples face is learning how to incorporate God into their relationships. Thanks to ChristianMingle, even after members have found their perfect match they can still rely on the app for guidance and helpful relationship tips. The ChristianMingle Believe section features an array of helpful articles that range from online dating tips to success stories.
6. Plenty of Fish
When they said there were plenty of fish in the sea, they weren’t lying! Plenty of Fish is a dating app where adventure and romance can thrive. Dating can be nerve-wracking and sometimes a little awkward at times but Plenty of Fish is on a mission to change that. On this fishy app members can show up as themselves and get a real dating experience — the kind they would get at a local bar or club –– maybe even better!
“We know online dating isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we’re letting you choose your adventure and connect with other singles in a way that feels right for you. Whether you’re into spicy dating games, live streaming, or sending a good-old-fashioned DM, we’ve got lots of options to make finding your person fun,” said the Plenty of Fish team.
Plenty of Fish is free to join! As soon as members join they can get started by creating a profile and sending out messages right away. But if you’re looking for an enhanced dating experience then you should consider upgrading to a premium membership. Don’t worry, you won’t have to go bankrupt to use this app. The premium membership includes cool features such as unlimited likes and the ability to see who reads your messages.
7. Bumble
Bumble is setting new trends and making a huge stamp in the online dating industry. When you think of dating apps you often think of romantic connections or perhaps one-night flings but rarely do you ever consider it as a place to network. On Bumble, singles quickly learn that it can be a place for all three.
Bumble is no longer identified as just a dating app. Since it launched, the app has evolved and become a platform where social connections in all forms exist and thrive. Whether you’re looking for a committed relationship or a business partner, Bumble is the place to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Gen Z women can find comfort in knowing that Bumble likes to shake things up. Women on the app are the ones who make the first move. The intent behind this was to create a level playing field where gender norms are challenged and don’t exist. As a result, women feel respected and equal in the dating scene which produces better dates and matches at the end of the day.
8. Hinge
Hinge is relationship dating app that was “designed to be deleted.” The team is on a mission to help members find their last first date. Online dating is fun and all, but sometimes you want to put the device down and hang out with your boo. Hinge is typically used for serious dating and is built on the belief that love is meant for everyone.
Hinge is all about teamwork and bringing a group of love scientists together to help you find your soulmate. The team shared that Hinge Labs researchers, behavioral analysts, and matchmakers constantly study dates and compatibility to help members on their dating journey and provide higher-quality matches.
“Other dating apps were like shooting a fish in a barrel. But my girlfriend and I clicked right away on Hinge, and the conversations were effortless. We’ve been together for over a year,” said Jake, a Hinge user in a testimonial on the homepage.
Best LGBTQ+ Dating Apps for Gen Z
Queer singles don’t always have the filters or matches they need in the traditional dating scene. Fortunately, modern dating apps are becoming more fluid and LGBTQ-friendly to accommodate single people with all sorts of dating preferences and sexual orientations.
9. Tinder
Tinder is one of the most popular dating apps in the world. It was one of the first dating apps I heard about while in college. It’s a free dating app that prioritizes making connections based on similar interests and compatibility. On Tinder, you can find any relationship you want, whether that’s a romantic connection or not, but it’s important to note that it is known for being a hookup app.
Tinder has produced over 70 billion matches thus far. But how? Well, it’s not just by swiping right. Tinder offers a lot of cool features that make dating on the app more interesting. Tinder is free to join, but the app has multiple subscriptions available for singles who want a little more from their online dating experience.
With a basic membership, Tinder users can create a profile and use the swipe right or left feature to like and pass on different profiles. But only premium members have advanced filters and unlimited Super Likes at their disposal.
10. Grindr
It’s refreshing to have a supportive team behind you while you’re surfing the web for love. It doesn’t just make it less lonely, but it’s encouraging as well. Some people get caught up in the mindset that dating should be a one-person journey. But I like to think otherwise and so does the dating app Grindr.
Grindr is the world’s largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. Grindr paves the way for singles to discover local gay dates. Gay singles often experience challenges — like finding a partner — that heterosexual singles may not. That’s why Grindr was created — to help you become zero feet away from the queer world.
11. HER
HER is a progressive dating app where the FLINTA (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender) community can date freely. HER was designed for queers by queers so that FLINTA singles would have a fair chance at not only finding love but finding community. There are over 13 million singles on HER who are just as serious as you are about finding real connections.
HER offers a unique approach to dating by putting safety and comfort at the forefront. The team said it’s learned that the best connections are formed when singles feel comfortable to be themselves. HER offers online resources to help a single woman navigate online dating and lesbian dating. Some HER members said in reviews that they appreciated having the lesbian slang glossary available for reference.
12. OkCupid
Gen Z singles tend not to like to be boxed in and challenge conservative expectations which makes them the perfect crowd for the dating app OkCupid. This open-ended dating and social app offers cool and engaging features — such as dealbreakers — that make it easy to find meaningful connections. OkCupid has a unique matchmaking algorithm that matches members based on what matters to them.
OkCupid is an inclusive app that offers 60 different gender identity options for members to choose from. Members can also share their gender dating preferences from the beginning, and the team will curate matches based on that.
“OKCupid is on another level, you can put an insane amount of detail into your profile with hundreds of questions you can answer to help you filter through the randos and find people you’re compatible with,” said an anonymous OkCupid user in a testimonial.
Best Black Dating Apps for Gen Z
Young Black singles may not always feel seen or heard on mainstream dating apps, and that’s why niche Black dating apps have remained popular year after year. Here are a few of our faves.
13. BlackPeopleMeet
Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System: Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet is a large dating site, and its user base is growing every day. If you’re only interested in black or biracial daters, you’ve come to the right place…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
BlackPeopleMeet is one of the best dating apps for African American singles to find real #BlackLove. BlackPeopleMeet was created in 2002 and has changed the way Black singles meet. The app’s main objective is to elevate the Black dating experience. Toward this end, BlackPeopleMeet ensures that members can send flirts, enjoy unlimited messaging, and make use of other features to get a personalized dating experience.
Members can create engaging and detailed dating profiles that show off their personality while also getting to know others. But the ultimate goal is to help members connect with each other beyond that. You do not have to be Black to join the app, anyone can join BlackPeopleMeet who may be looking for a Black partner.
14. BLK
Unlike BlackPeopleMeet, BLK is a dating app exclusively for Black singles. The team said that BLK’s mission is to create an exclusive community where Black men and Black women can find meaningful connections with people who share similar likes and interests. BLK invites singles to be unapologetically themselves and open up in a way that other dating apps may not make them feel.
When members join BLK, they can customize their dating preferences and receive a daily personalized group of profiles to browse through — without having to pay a penny.
15. Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating is a great example of an app that doesn’t require you to empty your wallet to find love online. This completely free dating app helps singles find love based on common interests. A free member can start by swiping on local matches and sending free messages to anyone they like.
Facebook Dating provides information about a person’s social groups that enable you to scout the dating scene and discover similar interests. You can also discover local events on Facebook Dating, which is another great way to go out and meet Black singles.
Facebook Dating uses the power of social media to power new relationships. The app has a Secret Crush feature that allows singles to identify people in their Facebook friends list who attract their romantic interest. If two people both add each other to their Secret Crush list, the app will send a notification of the match. Otherwise, your secret is safe with Facebook!
Although Facebook Dating has gained a lot of attention, it is still a rather green app that was launched in 2019. The team continues to improve the app so its features reflect modern dating needs and active member preferences.
FAQs: Is Gen Z Using eharmony?
From its early days in 2000, eharmony has distinguished itself as a dating site for people who are ready for love and marriage. The eharmony mantra is “Get who gets you,” and it uses deep compatibility factors to inspire long-term relationships that lead to a life-long commitment.
Gen Z singles tend to embrace intentional dating and honest communication with matches — but they’re not exactly of the age to settle down and get married. The eharmony dating service is a bit more serious than this generation needs at the moment, and its high price tag may also be out of reach for many Gen Zers, many of whom are still in school or have only recently graduated.
Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
Match System: Personality test suggests matches
Our Experts Say: “eharmony has a large, commitment-minded user base in your area, and its unique matching system is ideal for those seeking a serious relationship…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | View Profiles FREE |
The eharmony membership base is known for its maturity. It’s not a place for casual dating and playing the field. The majority of eharmony users are singles over the age of 35 and looking to go on their last first date. You’re more likely to find millennials and Gen X users than Gen Z singles on the dating app and site.
What Percentage of Gen Z Singles Use Dating Apps?
A lot of Gen Z singles use dating apps for their dating needs. New research shows that 55% of online daters are Gen Z consumers. This is no surprise considering that online dating is evolving and responds to its customers’ interests and needs. Why get out of bed after a long day of classes when you can just swipe right to find your next date?
Are Casual Dating Sites Safe for Younger Singles?
Some cougar dating and sugar dating sites offer free chatting for young people, but they also use these profiles as bait, so it’s good to research reviews to find out which casual dating sites have good reputations. Our top pick for casual hookups is the famous affair dating site Ashley Madison. This dating service has been going strong for over 20 years and seen over 80 million registrations by people seeking low-key romances.
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs
Match System: Search by age, location, appearance, and more
Our Experts Say: “With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles & Attached* |
71%*
29%*
|
65 Million* | Start Now for FREE |
Ashley Madison takes user privacy seriously, so we rank it as the safest dating site for hookups. Ashley Madison users can blur or mask their faces in photos, and they can use the private photo gallery to share explicit pics with potential dates without making their personal lives public knowledge.
No Cap: Generation Z Embraces Online Dating
As you can see, whether you’re looking for a committed relationship or just a casual fling, there’s an online dating app out there to help you find what you’re looking for. Gen Z singles are in good hands and don’t have to stress — like our parents once did — about not finding a date.
Young singles can find quick opportunities to meet people online now more than ever. It’s just a matter of knowing where to go!
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