As a lesbian, you may be aware of dating applications. Lesbian Americans, along with bisexual and gay Americans, tend to use dating apps more than heterosexual Americans: 51 percent versus 28 percent, according to the Pew Research Center.

Several factors may lead LGBTQ individuals to seek online dating faster than heterosexual individuals. For example, you might live in a location lacking a dynamic LGBTQ community, making face-to-face dating difficult. If you don’t initially know other lesbians, how can you connect with more in real life for dating? Occasionally, lesbian spaces might also be appropriated by heterosexual individuals. Moreover, in-person dating could be less secure depending on your surroundings.

Luckily, we are in a time where we can meet like-minded people with just a few swipes. Major dating apps are inclusive of lesbians, and there are specialized ones tailored for lesbians and other queer women and individuals. But which option should you select?

How to discover the best dating apps for lesbians

Niche lesbian dating apps aren’t your sole choice for finding romance.

In Mashable’s suggestions, you’ll come across both general dating apps and apps developed for queer individuals. The former caters to the broader audience, ensuring you’ll encounter more users in those environments. However, while swiping on other women, you might come across those partnered with men looking to include another woman for a threesome (also referred to as unicorn hunters). No judgment, yet that may not align with your desires. Conversely, individuals of various types are present on dating apps like Tinder and Hinge. You never know who you might connect with.

There are also applications designed specifically for the community, like HER and Lex. If you prefer a more intimate dating environment, consider these platforms. While there isn’t a “Grindr for lesbians” — as detailed in the FAQ section — these apps resemble walking into your local lesbian bar more than using an app like Bumble.

You can also explore several dating apps, as each one provides a free version. You can filter based on the gender you identify with and are looking for, and sometimes, as seen with OkCupid, there are numerous options to select from.

Entering the dating scene can be challenging, but the experience is rewarding. Check out our guide below for a comprehensive overview of our recommendations and dating app evaluations.