The best dating apps can cure your app fatigue. So I put them to the test.

If you’ve chatted with any single friend lately or scrolled through social media, you know the general consensus: People are exhausted by online dating. The “app fatigue” is real, and it makes finding a genuine connection online feel impossible. As someone who’s been testing and reviewing dating apps for years, I get asked one question constantly: Which apps actually work?

My answer is always the same: The only “hack” that works is choosing the right app for what you actually want. Someone on eharmony is looking for something different than a user on Tinder. That’s why I’ve put in the hours, the swipes, and the subscription fees to find the best options for every kind of single person.

Remember: A 2023 Pew Research Center report found that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other on a dating app, and the numbers are even higher for young people. More recently, the 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus found that 65 percent of people aged 18-29 have used a dating app. Countless connections truly have been sparked online, so to help you find your match, these are the best dating apps worth downloading in 2025.

If you need even more personalized advice, check out our guides to the best dating apps for men, women, and the LGBTQ community.

The dating apps I’d skip (and why)

You’ll probably notice a few popular apps are missing from my list. That’s intentional. Part of my job is to filter out the platforms that aren’t worth your time, money, or sanity. An app doesn’t get my recommendation just because it’s well-known — it has to be effective and safe.

Here are a few popular dating apps I’d skip:

Plenty of Fish (POF): I know this one shows up on a lot of lists, but in my opinion, it’s a dating app ghost town. POF launched as a dating site back in 2003, and it shows. In my experience (and based on widespread user feedback), the platform is filled with bots and scams, and the odds of finding a quality connection are stacked against you. Unless you enjoy sifting through fake profiles, I think your time is better spent elsewhere.
Raya: Raya is basically the Soho House of dating apps. It’s exclusive, expensive, and not for the average person. You have to fill out an application to use it, and the vetting process can take anywhere from a few days to a few years. While it might be great for networking or bagging an influencer, it’s just not a practical recommendation for most people who are simply looking for a date. (See also: The League.)
Niche “hookup” sites (like BeNaughty, Fling, etc.): There’s a chance you’ve seen ads for sites like these, which promise quick, no-strings-attached fun. Based on my research and countless user reviews, I’d advise you to steer clear. These platforms are notorious for being overrun with bots and having questionable billing practices, with users reporting unexpected and hard-to-cancel subscription charges.

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