Dating online as a lesbian can be a delightful journey, yet it might also mean encountering straight individuals in your space or frequently seeing your former partners (and their past partners) show up in your feed.
Throughout the years, queer women have sought love through personal advertisements, bars, and word of mouth. Currently, not much has changed. From finding dates on WLW TikTok to innovative lesbians launching new applications just for themselves, LGBTQ women are discovering unique ways to connect with their ideal match.
Fortunately, in 2025, there are both specialized and mainstream apps where queer women can seek partners—whether for a night or a lifetime. Which dating apps are the best for lesbians? We examined the most well-known dating sites and apps and gathered perspectives from our Dating & Relationships writers to uncover the answer.
How to identify the best dating apps for lesbians
Specialized lesbian dating apps are not your sole option for discovering love.
In Mashable’s suggestions below, you’ll encounter both general dating applications and platforms specifically designed for queer individuals. While the former attracts a broader audience, you’ll notice a larger user base in these spaces. The downside, however, is that when you swipe on other women, you may find those paired with men who are seeking another woman for a threesome (often referred to as unicorn hunters). No judgment here, but that probably isn’t your intention. Nonetheless, people of all sorts are found on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. You might be surprised by who you stumble upon.
Additionally, there are apps tailored for the community, such as HER and Lex. If you desire a more intimate dating environment, explore these apps. While there’s no “Grindr for lesbians”—we explain the reasons in the FAQ section—these platforms feel more akin to stepping into your local lesbian bar than using an app like Bumble.
You can also explore multiple dating apps, as each one mentioned has a free option. You can specify which gender you identify with and are seeking, and sometimes, as with OkCupid, there are numerous selections available.
Venturing into the dating world can be challenging, but the waters are welcoming. Refer to our guide below for a comprehensive overview of our suggestions and reviews of dating apps.