9 Dating Apps To Check Out If You've Struck Out On Hinge, Bumble & Tinder & Are Still Looking
If you've been having trouble finding what you're looking for on Hinge, Tinder and Bumble, it might be time to cast your net a bit wider to see what you might find on some of the other dating apps that are out there.
While there are, of course, numerous success stories from the main dating apps (myself included!) there are quite a few other online dating options out there that might help you find exactly what it is you're looking for in a partner.
In Canada, the best dating app for you of course depends on what you're looking for (long-term, casual, sex, etc.), but if you're looking for a jumping-off point, here are a few apps that were recommended by Narcity colleagues.
Feeld
Feeld is an app that is open to all genders and sexual identities as well as both singles and couples. As well, it's a place where people who are interested in alternative relationship structures can explore.
"Feeld is a dating app for the curious; those open to experiencing people and relationships in new ways," says their site. "Polyamory, consensual non-monogamy, homo- and heteroflexibility, pansexuality, asexuality, aromanticism, voyeurism, and kink are just a few of the sexual identities and desires that make up the Feeld community."
"Whether you want to dip a toe into digital intimacy, explore ethical non-monogamy, find partners-in-kink or just make friends, Feeld will connect you with like-minded humans," they say.
Available for Android and iOS.
Lex
If you're 2SLGBTQIA+ and looking for friends or community, you might want to give Lex a try.
"Lex is a lo-fi, text-centered social app for the queer community. Our mission at Lex is to create a digital playground so that transgender, genderqueer, nonbinary and queer folks can form meaningful connections," says Lex. "Inspired by old-school newspaper personal ads, Lex encourages connections that go beyond swiping on selfies."
Available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Dil Mil
Geared specifically towards people from South Asian communities, Dil Mil boasts that they've made over 20 million matches so far.
"Our vision is to empower the world to find true love by creating the best match-making technology and product experience for each user," says Dil Mil.
"We're more than just a casual dating app — through our platform, we encourage strong, fulfilling, and meaningful relationships."
Available on Android, iOS and web.
Happn
If you're looking for someone in your close proximity to connect with, happn might be the app you've been looking for.
"Walking down the street, sitting at a bar or on a night out, we’ve all experienced it: you make eye contact with someone who catches your attention, but you don’t dare go up to them," explains the app.
"Now with happn, you can find the people you’ve crossed paths with and make your own luck!"
They say the app is one of the top 5 most downloaded dating apps in the world, so it might just be the one where you'll find your person.
Get it on Google Play or the App Store.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Marketed as the app for "serious daters," Coffee Meets Bagel provides a curated experience.
"We ask upfront what you want and deliver daily batches of people picked just for you, so you can match with confidence," says the app, noting they take into account important details such as value system alignment and whether or not people want to have kids.
"With over 91% of CMB Daters looking for a committed relationship, you won’t be stuck wading through singles who aren’t on the same page," they say. "Plus, we’ve been named one of the best dating apps for relationships, with over 150 million matches and counting."
Available on Google Play and the App Store.
Muzz
Marketed as the "leading Muslim dating and marriage app," Muzz helps "single Muslims find their perfect partner while respecting their religious beliefs."
"Say goodbye to boring biodata CV’s and pushy aunties!" they say. "We bring together more than 500 happy Muslim couples every day and celebrate over 500,000 Muslim success stories worldwide."
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Fruitz
To help you match with someone who's looking for the same thing as you, Fruitz uses — you guessed it— a fruit-based system that lets users know exactly what people are looking for.
For instance, if you're looking for something long-term, you'd be a cherry, whereas if you're looking for a friends-with-benefits situation, you'd be a watermelon.
"Everybody is looking for something different on a dating app: a serious relationship, a buddy to go out with or more," they say. "If you don’t dare to say it with words, do it with fruits!"
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
OkCupid
One of the earliest dating apps, OkCupid boasts that it's mentioned in the New York Times wedding section more than any other app. As well, they say that there are over 91 million connections made every year which results in over 50,000 dates every week.
"No matter who you are, no matter what you’re looking for, OkCupid helps you find meaningful connections," they say.
"OkCupid is the only dating app with thousands of questions––on everything from climate change to cilantro––that match you on what matters.
It is truly important to know where someone stands on cilantro before getting into something serious!
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Plenty of Fish
Like OkCupid, Plenty of Fish has been around for a long time and they say they'll help you "create the same magic online that you would IRL" when looking for a partner.
"We know online dating isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we’re letting you choose your own adventure and connect with other singles in a way that feels right for you," they say. "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 actually fun."
May the dating odds be ever in your favour! And as always — be safe!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on May 5, 2023.
