Dating apps are everywhere, but how do you know which one is right for you?
Do you swipe left or right, like or pass, wink or poke?
Do you look for compatibility or chemistry, personality or appearance, romance or hookups?
In this article, we will help you navigate the confusing world of online dating and find the best app for your needs and preferences.
We have got you covered whether you are looking for love, fun, or something in between.
Keep reading to learn how to get started on the best dating app in only 6 steps.
Let's get started.
Shortcuts to the contents of this article:
#1 Define dating goals
Dating goals are not just about what you want to find in the dating world but also what you can offer and how to achieve it.
Here are some tips on how to define your dating goals and make them happen.
Know yourself
Before you start looking for a partner, you need to know who you are and what you want.
Being honest and realistic with yourself will help you find the ideal match faster.
Hovalo tip: Trouble defining your preferred matches? At Hovalo, we can help you find the people most compatible with you. Reach out to find out more.
Know your options
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you must know where to find it.
The most popular dating apps have options for casual dating, short and long-term relationships.
However, you can find other platforms focused on certain types of relationships or niche dating preferences that might suit you better.
#2 Considering Demographics and Location
Now that you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, it's time to consider the demographics and location of potential matches.
Different dating apps attract different types of people, so choosing an app that aligns with your preferences and desired dating pool is essential.
Demographics
Looks are still a massive part of online dating, so consider the kind of people who prefers your type before joining a dating app.
It might be the case that you have an outstanding feature that will grant you success if you highlight it.
Location
If you live in a big city, you'll have a more comprehensive selection of dating apps to choose from, catering to various niches and interests.
Also, living in areas with significant populations will increase your chances of matching and finding something you like faster.
However, living in a small town or village doesn't mean immediate failure.
With the increasing success of online dating, finding an app that targets people with the same needs and preferences gets easier every day.
#3 Portray Your Best Self
After narrowing down your options based on your dating goals and location, it's time to put your best foot forward and create a killer dating profile.
Remember, first impressions matter, even in the online dating world.
So, let's make sure you stand out from the sea of shirtless mirror selfies and cliché bios.
Profile Pictures
When choosing your profile pictures, make sure they are recent, clear, and reflect your true personality.
Avoid group photos where it's hard to identify yourself, and skip the bathroom mirror selfies.
Show off your interests and hobbies, whether hiking, playing guitar, or collecting vintage vinyl records.
This will give potential matches a glimpse into your life and provide conversation starters.
Hovalo tip: To get the best pictures possible, check out this article on how to take pics for online dating or this one about photo editing. You're welcome 😉
Bio or Prompts
Craft a bio that showcases your wit and charm.
Steer clear of generic clichés like "I love long walks on the beach" or "Looking for my partner in crime."
Instead, inject some humor and personality into your bio.
Show off your quirks and unique qualities.
Profile Information
It might not seem important to fill in details like your zodiac sign, interests, hobbies, or drinking habits.
However, for some women, knowing this information before swiping is crucial, so fill it up even if it takes a few extra minutes.
#4 Popular Dating Apps
Now that you have a solid understanding of what you're looking for and how to present yourself let's dive into the exciting world of dating apps and explore some popular options.
Dating App | Relationship Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Badoo | Casual Relationships | •Free premium trial •Free to use | •Best for younger people |
Various Relationships | •Free to message •Active member base | •Woman make the first move •24-hour limit after matching | |
Various Relationships | •For busy professionals •Chats expire in a week | •Use social media to find matches •Limited likes and matches •Limited features | |
Serious Relationships | •Matches based on compatibility quizzes •Genuine profiles | •Expensive membership •Lengthy sign-up | |
EliteSingles | Long-term Relationships | •Detailed profiles •Superior filters •Active members | •Expensive membership •Subscription required |
Casual Relationships | •Ideal for FB users •Completely free •Private | •Only available on app •Requires FB to work | |
happn | Meetings based on location | •Free to use •All profiles are close •Best for cities | •No search function •Can find people from real life |
Serious Relationships | •Free to use •Active users •See who likes you | •Limited likes •No free filters •Limited availability | |
Various Relationships | •Hugh member base •Complete profiles •Plenty of features and filter | •Expensive memberships •Membership required to talk | |
OkCupid | Various Relationships | •Large pool of matches •Detailed profiles •Personality quiz | •Lengthy sign-up •Expensive features |
Plenty Of Fish | Long-term Relationships | •Free to use •Reduced catfish •Advanced search filters | •Getting expensive •Too much competition |
Thursday | Various Relationships | •Only available on Thursdays | •Unfit for busy people or those who want to take it slow |
Various Relationships | •Free to use •Tons of profiles | •Prone to fake or abandoned profiles •No match filters | |
Serious and long-term relationships | •Quick set-up •High activity •Good algorithms •Less catfishing | •Membership required to talk •Ads in feed |
#5 Time to Choose
If nothing from the table above cleared your doubts, you can never go wrong, starting with one of the big three: Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge.
They will teach you the essential functions of dating apps and give you a pool of people large enough to find great dates.
And if you found a different app that caught your eye, try it out!
In the end, having a great profile and exceptional texting skills will give you a jump start no matter what app you choose.
#6 Swap and Expand
Sometimes, the first dating app you try is the only one you need.
However, this isn't a rule of thumb, so don't be afraid of trying new apps as you stumble upon them.
Remember that your age and location will impact the type of profiles you get to see, so you may get lucky with an app that doesn't seem as promising from the online reviews.
Another thing you can do is manage more than one dating app at once.
With this, you will get used to talking to different people, arranging dates, and going on them, so finding someone who makes you comfortable will be easier.
Hovalo tip: Don't have time to take care of all those dating apps? Not a problem! At Hovalo, we outsource your entire online dating process from beginning to end, so you only worry about showing up for the date.
Keep going!
Finding the best dating app for you can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be.
There are plenty of options, each with its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
The key is to know what you are looking for, what you are willing to compromise on, and what you are ready to invest in.
Whether you want a serious relationship, a casual hookup, or something in between, there is an app for that.
You have to do some research, try some out, and see what works for you.
Remember, dating is supposed to be fun, not stressful.
So don't be afraid to experiment, be yourself, and enjoy the process.
You never know who you might meet along the way.
Bumble Boost Price
As we've been telling from the beginning, Bumble Boost is a paid subscription. Time to know how much money it costs.
Depending on the length of the purchased period, you can expect to pay between 8 to 24 USD each month.
The longer is the period you pay, the cheaper it will be monthly.
Hovalo Tip: Two things to consider here; the first is that prices of dating apps change faster than your ex-girlfriend's mood, and the second is that prices will skyrocket after you turn 30.
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