If you’ve spoken to any single friends lately or scrolled through social media, you’re aware of the prevailing feeling: People are worn out from online dating. The “app fatigue” is genuine, making it feel impossible to establish a real connection online. As someone who’s been evaluating and reviewing dating apps for years, I’d often receive one question: Which apps genuinely work?
My response is consistently the same: The sole “hack” that truly works is selecting the right app for what you genuinely desire. Someone on eharmony is seeking something different than a user on Tinder. That’s why I’ve devoted time, swipes, and subscription fees to discover the finest options for every type of single individual.
Keep in mind: A 2023 Pew Research Center report indicated that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other on a dating app, with even higher percentages for younger people. More recently, the 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus revealed that 65 percent of individuals aged 18-29 have utilized a dating app. Numerous connections have been sparked online, so to assist you in finding your match, these are the top dating apps worth downloading in 2025.
If you’re in need of even more tailored advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and the LGBTQ community.
The dating apps I would avoid (and the reasons why)
You’ll likely notice a few well-known apps are absent from my list. This is by design. A part of my role is to eliminate platforms that aren’t deserving of your time, money, or peace of mind. An app doesn’t earn my recommendation simply for being popular — it must be effective and secure.
Here are several popular dating apps I would bypass:
– **Plenty of Fish (POF):** I’m aware this one appears on a lot of lists, but in my view, it’s a dating app dead zone. POF launched as a dating platform back in 2003, and it shows. From my experience (and based on widespread user feedback), the platform is inundated with bots and scams, and the chances of finding a quality connection are against you. Unless you enjoy wading through fake profiles, I believe your time is better utilized elsewhere.
– **Raya:** Raya is essentially the Soho House of dating apps. It’s exclusive, costly, and not for the average individual. You must complete an application to access it, and the vetting process can last from a few days to several years. While it might be excellent for networking or connecting with an influencer, it’s simply not a viable recommendation for most people seeking a date. (See also: The League.)
– **Niche “hookup” sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.):** There’s a possibility you’ve encountered advertisements for these types of sites, which promise quick, no-strings-attached enjoyment. Based on my findings and numerous user reviews, I would recommend avoiding them. These platforms are infamous for being flooded with bots and having questionable billing practices, with users reporting unexpected and challenging-to-cancel subscription fees.