Tired Of Tinder? The 11 Best Free Alternative Dating Apps

Part of a network of more than 30 other dating sites, PinkCupid has a huge community of users worldwide for those who like to cast a wider net. And because it’s been in operation since 2006, the site also has a long track record of success, plus a whole bunch of testimonials that will restore your faith in love. Fem focuses on videos more than other platforms, and also allows for group chats if you’re into that sort of thing. A text-based app for queer, trans, gender non-conforming, two spirit and nonbinary people, Lex has a clear zero-tolerance policy for creepy or discriminatory behavior of any kind. It’s based on newspaper personals ads (remember those?) so it focuses on the language we use for ourselves and our relationships, rather than placing a heavy emphasis on physical appearance.

Like Tinder, Sweatt isn’t interested in getting you to fill out lengthy questionnaires, instead profiles are simple. This is great for those who are pushed for time, but it does mean it’s likely your matches will be based solely on how you both look – a fact some will love and others will hate. Formerly go3fun co called Dattch, Her claims it’s the “most popular lesbian app” and that’s hardly a surprise considering its fresh approach to connecting people. It’s mostly about dating with its “Meet” tab, with a bit of platonic social networking thrown in for good measure via its Facebook-like “Feed” area.

Best dating apps in 2022: which is right for you?

OkCupid was offering lesbian singles a welcoming and actually useful dating platform before many others in the industry, and it has continued to do so. One of the most recent and impressive changes the app has made is to its gender and sexual orientation identifiers. For example, instead of only having options like straight man, straight woman, gay man, and lesbian woman, OkCupid has options like genderqueer, intersex, sapiosexual, and questioning. That’s why we wanted to pay some extra attention to 11 of our favorite lesbian dating apps.

FWIW, communication skills may have gotten better, or at least more important to people, during the pandemic. Hashing out COVID-related issues with strangers required getting comfortable with personal boundaries and learning how to discuss anxieties with someone new. You can even tell if someone is vaccinated based on their profile on most dating apps, so that saves you from any awkward anti-vax conversations. We get that, on some level, there’s a certain appeal to the coffee shop meet-cute or fun situation-ship that gradually and naturally turns into something more. But frankly, we’re tired of everyone ignoring the fact that dating apps give you the chance to meet a whole group of people you might not have otherwise.

First, the app asks for a photo—even before getting to things like name, sex, and age. Of course, Bumble handily prompts you to auto-fill from Facebook again, and you’re given the option to add more photos right at the start. On the plus side, the app is free, and you can match and message with people without paying a cent. That said, for unlimited swipes and VIP access, you have to pay, and as with most dating apps, it isn’t cheap, costing £13.49 a month in the UK, and around $18.99 in the US. The chat section is a traditional repository for your conversations, while Super Likes shows you people who think you’re pretty darn swell. Aside from the whole vegan/vegetarian angle, it’s definitely one of the more straightforward, low-algorithm apps, making for what feels like a pretty organic interaction experience.

For same-sex matches, either user can start the conversation. Users can include prompts in their profiles to tell others more about their interests and personality, and you can connect with Spotify to display your favorite artists. Unlike any other app on our list, Bumble also includes options designed to help users find friends and network with professionals in their industry, called Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz. Bumble made waves when it hit the scene in 2014 because it was created by women for women, and only women were allowed to send the first message. If you’re gay or lesbian, either person can send the first message.

Good app

When you sign up for the app, you select what you’re looking for – just to chat, casual dates, a serious relationship or stay open-minded. Your exact location is not shared – just the approximate area. The app is free but you can upgrade for Premium benefits including up to 10 ‘Hellos’ and access to the list of people who like you. HER also shares LGBTQ+ news and events taking place in your area, and there are smaller chat groups where you can meet other users. Almost all the photos were of them at the beach or in sportswear – basically, any situation where they didn’t have to wear a shirt. Pictures also featured a lot of lion cubs and elephant-riding – the animals-attract-girls strategy is a lot more endangered than the fuzzy golden retriever here.

Bumble Specs

To help keep you safe, your location is never shared with other users. It’s also worth mentioning that this app offers free profile certification and free audio features such as audio notes, audio calls, and an audio timeline. Grindr is the only app on our list that caters specifically to gay, bisexual, trans and queer people to help them find relationships and hookups. You can find people near you, chat and share private photos, block users, add profiles to your “favorites,” share your location for easy meetups, and chat with people from around the world. Once you sign up, you can customize your profile to share your interests, dating preferences, and lifestyle preferences. Grindr XTRA makes it even easier to find matches by letting you see more profiles, access premium filters, and filter profiles based on who’s online and who has photos.

The idea is you can build an authentic picture of yourself, with answers, photos, details about what you’re reading or listening to and even video. So you’re more likely to find someone with genuine shared interests, rather than just a nice face. The problem I come across over and over again is that POF is filled with bots and scams, even though it may have the most users of any dating app. POF’s issues don’t mean you won’t be able to find love on it, but the odds might be stacked against you. Tinder has 3 different premium packages available if you want to see who’s already liked you, change your location, and get access to unlimited swipes.

Best dating app for hooking up

Why prevent your users from chatting to eachother for free? I don’t think I’ve ever dealt with a dating app that charges for that lol. That being said, you can click on the ‘Discover’ tab and like a handful of people per day.

Bumble also has a BFF feature to help you meet new people, but that’s really not our focus, so I’ll save it for another time. Sign up for these top dating sites or apps, start chatting and maximize your chances of meeting your match. Lesly workskind oflike a lesbian version of Bumble and Tinder. It’s a swipe app in which you’re presented with a series of profiles which you must swipe left or right on. Once you’ve got a mutual match, the two of you can start chatting. Lesly is another free lesbian dating app that is for women only.

Match.com is another older dating website that’s evolved over the years to become one of the most popular apps. The profiles are detailed , which means you can find out more about someone before you speak to them, and location-based searching means you’re shown people who live or work nearby. With restrictions on Covid-19 loosening across the globe, there’s more opportunities for single people to meet others, and dating apps are going to be a big help for this once again. Despite the fact that we’re actively seeking out new dating apps and feel a rush every time a cute contender swipes right back, no one looking for something serious wants to be on these.

They’re not random, either — rather, Hinge offers more detailed profiles with sections about religion, political views, stance on weed, and more. One’s funny or serious answers to fun icebreakers are showcased just as heavily as profile photos. To get you started, this handy guide breaks down the most popular dating apps and why people like them, plus some up-and-coming apps that offer a more tailored experience.

Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.