While traditional dating might seem romantic and intentional, it can also be overbearing and overwhelming to some people. Not to mention extremely frustrating. Not all first dates will pan out as you hoped, and you might end up having nothing in common with your date.
When it comes to online dating, you’ll always have the upper hand. If anything, you get to vet a potential match even without saying hello first. Thanks to the combined effort of dating profiles and advanced algorithms, you only get to connect with people who match your preferences. Isn’t that awesome?
If you’re trying to get on a dating app, you might be a little overwhelmed by all the available options. While it might be tempting to download the most popular apps, it is wise to consider other alternatives too.
Here are some of the best dating apps on the market that are not tinder.
Best Dating Apps to Try Out
1. Happn
If you’re looking for an app with awesome features that connects you to the people in your location, then Happn has you covered. However, unlike other apps, Happn uses an interaction algorithm that helps to trace people who have crossed paths within seven days! So, if you think you might have missed your soul mate on a train or a crosswalk, then you know where you might find them.
Most of the features on Happn are free, so you don’t have to make a financial commitment to access them. Even with a free account, you can view profile pictures, make matches, and chat.
Happn allows its users to sync their Instagram and FaceBook accounts with their profiles.
The matching algorithm is meticulous and will only suggest matches within a 250-meter range. However, you must upgrade your subscription to activate the invisibility feature.
Let other matches know what activities and plans you are up for, and collection through Spotify.
2. Taimi
Taimi is the world’s largest dating app that caters to the LGBTQ+ community across the world. It is the most secure and reliable dating platform that allows all queer people to interact, connect, live stream, and find love in the same place.
The site offers most of its features for free, including text messages. This means that you can use the app without the need for a premium subscription.
What makes Taimi a special app is that it offers a nook where even the minority queer community, such as Trans, can find love and friendships. With the , people have the option to interact with other Trans from across the world without judgment or harassment. The site does not condone such behavior on the app.
The app has a modern layout, and the profiles are well-detailed, so you’ll find it easy to navigate the site and find potential matches.
3. The League
If you’re a successful person who values intelligence and ambition, then the league dating app is for you. The site offers a highly advanced screening and monitoring algorithm that ensures the community is active and well-balanced.
The site has a small population because it only accepts users with excellent professional and academic backgrounds. The app now accepts users over the age of 40. To prevent scammers and fake accounts, all profiles are rigorously verified and authenticated. In addition, the premium subscriptions at the league are very high, thus discouraging non-intentional users. All new users are placed on a waitlist before their accounts can be verified.
Even without a premium subscription, users can send and receive messages, use the search feature, send friend requests and create photo profiles.
On the other hand, a premium subscription offers you prioritized customer service, advanced search and matching features, profile boosts, and access to league tickets.
You must link your FaceBook or LinkedIn account to create a profile on the league. As such, the more connections and friends you have, the higher your chances of getting access to the app.
As an exclusive dating site, the league offers you a chance to mingle with like-minded individuals, and you never have to worry about fake profiles. In addition, you only get a limited number of match suggestions, so you’re easily able to go through profiles and suggested matches.
4. Coffee Meets Bagel
Dating apps are notorious for their swiping culture, and that might put off a lot of people. If you’re looking for an app where you’re not always swiping and making casual connections, then Coffee Meets Bagel is the perfect app for you.
Men on the site match, known as Bagels, and have 24 hours to respond to the match suggestions. This makes the site more suitable for people who are looking for serious relationships and quality partners.
Coffee Meets Bagels allows you to access most features without upgrading to a premium subscription. You can create a profile, browse profiles, and message your matches. If you don’t want to upgrade, you can access premium features by using Beans. You can earn Beans by buying them, performing tasks, or referring friends.
The CMB feature allows you to tell if a potential match . This can be achieved by their engagement patterns, last log-in details, reply patterns, and how often they send the first message.
Coffee Meets Bagel offers a wide array of special features that allow you to express interest, explore match suggestions, and even be a matchmaker for your friends! The rematch feature gives you a second chance to connect with a match suggestion you missed during the 24-hour window.
5. Badoo
Badoo is a modern dating app that caters to the younger generation looking for serious partners, casual hookups, or platonic relationships. The site has a high activity rate, given that the majority of the population is late teens and young adults.
This app is very user-friendly, and it is accessible even on a free account. Users can message without a premium subscription.
While Badoo is a location-based service, you can also meet people worldwide by changing the location pin on your app. Known as Badoo Encounters, the app uses a roulette matching algorithm to find you better-suited suggestions. If you want your profile to rank higher on searches and gain more visibility, consider adding clips to your profile.
If you’re uncertain about making a financial commitment, you can use the app’s credit to access premium perks.
If you are wary about interacting with scammers, bots, and fake profiles, you can always check for the verification mark before interacting with a profile. This is a blue checkmark at the bottom of a profile picture.
Conclusion
While there are numerous dating apps that look appealing and often brag of high matching success, there are other apps that offer better features too.
Have you used any or some of the dating apps above? What were your experiences, and would you consider referring them to someone else?
Share your thoughts and likes with us. We would love to hear from you!