If you’re among those looking to find love online, be it casual or long-term love, there are countless apps on the market that will make your heart skip a beat. A recent report by web technology platform WedMeGood shows that about one-third of engaged couples in India find their partners through dating apps. However, not all dating apps are the same. We analyze the best dating apps to help you make the right choice.
Tinder
Tinder is the OG swiping app, perfect if you want something quick and easy. The swipe-based system keeps it fun, and the huge user base means you’ll rarely run out of people to compare yourself to. Features like Passport (matches worldwide) and subscriptions like Tinder Plus (Rs. 850/month), Gold (Rs. 1250-2500/month) and Platinum (Rs. 1700-3400/month) unlock benefits like like unlimited swipes, expanding your profile and seeing who has already liked you.
However, Tinder can feel a bit like a dating conveyor belt, where matches happen quickly but meaningful conversations don’t always happen. The app is photo-centric, often favoring looks over personality, and it’s not uncommon to encounter bots or people who give up after one “Hey.”
Bumble
Bumble is an app where women take charge, which creates a more empowering atmosphere. Under the 24-hour response rule, women must send a message first, and the match ends if there is no response. The free version lets you swipe and chat, but upgrades like Boost ( ₹1250/month) or Premium ( ₹2,000/month) unlocking extra features like travel mode (so you can swipe in new cities), advanced filters, and the ability to see who has already swiped right on you. It also has Bumble BFF for friendship and Bumble Bizz for professional networking, making it versatile. The app looks fresh and proactive, but the 24-hour window can sometimes feel like a ticking clock, especially if you’re busy. For men, waiting for a message can be frustrating, and for women, the pressure to create a smart opener every time can be exhausting.
Hinge
The USP loop is that it’s an app “designed to be removed,” and it really stands out with its focus on meaningful connections. Instead of endlessly scrolling, you interact with profiles by liking or commenting on photos or tips, which can lead to more natural conversations. Features like your move reminders help keep chats running. The free version works great, but Hinge Plus (Rs 1,600 per month) adds perks like unlimited likes, advanced filters and priority visibility to make it easier to find the right person. However, while Hinge’s approach seems more thoughtful, it can still suffer from ghosting and the occasional boring conversation starter. Plus, quirky prompts like “What’s your most controversial opinion?” at times it may appear that icebreakers are overused.
Paradise
Raya is for those who want exclusivity – it’s basically a dating app and a members-only club. The app is rumored to host Bollywood stars like Hrithik Roshan and Vaani Kapoor, making it a hotspot for celebrities, models and industry insiders. To join you will need an invitation or recommendation and a detailed application reviewed by the committee (this can take several weeks). After approval of Rs. A fee of 2100 per month gives you access to a highly selected group of creative people and professionals.
While Rai’s exclusivity is part of its appeal, it can seem intimidating or even elitist. There are fewer matches, which can be great for quality, but it’s easy to feel like you’re just scrolling through Instagram influencers and celebrities. If you are not active in the creative industries, gaining acceptance can be an uphill battle.
OkCupid
OkCupid is perfect for people who want more depth in their matches. It uses detailed questionnaires to understand your interests, values and characteristics. The match percentage gives you a compatibility score, making it easy to gauge whether someone is on your wavelength. The free version works well, but the Basic (Rs 499 per month) and Premium (Rs 999 per month) remove ads, add advanced filters and increase the visibility of your profile. However, the profile can seem endless, and while it’s great for finding like-minded people, this app isn’t for those looking for something casual. The time and effort you put in can make the lack of responses even worse, so patience is definitely required here
Grindr
Grindr claims to be the world’s largest dating app for the LGBTQ+ community. The application has an interesting specification. While other dating apps typically have a minimum range of 2km for logistical travel, Grindr approaches matching profiles within a few meters. Interestingly, the app also has a “language translation” option for matches that occur when someone lives elsewhere. Despite its widespread popularity, the program has a bad reputation, as there are no criteria that would legitimize the age or identity of the user. Many users have also reported ghosting and body shaming as part of their experience with the app.
happened
The Happn interface is based on logistic intersections. You don’t really have to sit and swipe unless you choose to. The idea comes from “love at first sight”, if you find someone attractive nearby and they also have a profile on this app, just like Wi-Fi, they will appear in your environment. But only for the next eight hours. A premium subscription to the app allows you to rewind and revisit a profile you may have missed before.
However, this app uses real-time location tracking and can easily be used for stalking. It also doesn’t have personal matches, which can be a drawback for those looking to connect with like-minded people.
Deal Mill
Dil Mil markets itself as an NRI dating app specially designed for South Asians around the world. Here you are not limited by geographical restrictions. You can sit in India and swipe in the States or Canada. However, this creates a moral dilemma – unless one of the matches plans to travel to the other person’s place, long distance can be murderous, but fate is fate.
How to be careful when using dating apps
Look for inconsistencies in the stories, terms, or details people share about themselves. These subtle signals often indicate when someone is not being sincere.
Avoid including too much personal information, such as your place of work, frequent meetings, or your exact location. This may cause them to use your information.
Use reverse image search tools (like Google Image Search) to check if anyone’s photos are stolen or too polished. Scammers often use photos of attractive people to lure others.
When meeting for the first time, always choose a public place and share your location with a friend or family member.
– Inputs from life and relationship coach Siddharrat S. Kumara
