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By Anna Baluch
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Rufus Tony Spann is a nationally certified school psychologist and licensed professional counselor based in Washington, D.C.
Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D., L.C.P.C., L.P.C.Mental Health / Holistic Health
Updated: Sep 3, 2024, 8:40am
Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.
If you’re ready for a long-term, committed relationship rather than a casual fling, dating apps may be a good method to use on your search, as they can introduce you to other singles who are also in it for the long haul.
However, some dating apps are better for serious relationships than others. Fortunately, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and compiled the best dating apps for serious relationships below. With our list, you can spend less time trying to figure out which app to use and more time making connections and finding your significant other. Star ratings were solely determined by the editorial team, based on factors such as cost, features, photo verification and more.
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Discover The Best Dating Sites
- Best Dating Sites Of 2024
- Best Dating Apps
- Best Free Dating Sites
- Best Dating Sites For Seniors
- eharmony Review
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- Match Review
- Elite Singles Review
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Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
eHarmony- Love Begins Here!
- Free Basic Membership and free trial available
- Complete a compatibility quiz to create your personality profile
- Align with individuals who desire deeper and more meaningful relationships
- Offers special features like Discover showing compatible matches near you, Likes and Favorites
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- Best Dating Apps And Sites For Serious Relationships In 2024
- Bumble
- Tinder
- Coffee Meets Bagel
- Hinge
- Facebook Dating
- happn
- Plenty of Fish
- BLK
- Feels
- Methodology: How We Picked the Best Dating Apps For Serious Relationships
- How Do Dating Apps For Serious Relationships Work?
- Can Dating Apps Help You Find a Serious Relationship?
- The Benefits of Online Dating For Serious Relationships
- What to Look For in a Dating App For Serious Relationships
- How to Choose the Right Dating App For You
- Final Thoughts
- Summary: Compare the Best Dating Apps For Serious Relationships
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our Top Dating Apps And Sites For Serious Relationships
- Best Versatility: Bumble
- Best for Most Widely-Used: Tinder
- Best for Efficiency: Coffee Meets Bagel
- Best Prompts: Hinge
- Best for Convenience: Facebook Dating
- Best for Location-Based Connections: happn
- Best User Ratings: Plenty of Fish
- Best for Black Singles: BLK
- Best Social Features: Feels
Best Dating Apps And Sites For Serious Relationships In 2024
Best Versatility
Bumble
5.0
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: $19.99 for Bumble Boost, $34.99 for Bumble Premium and $49.99 for Bumble Premium+
- Free version available
- Who It's For: Individuals interested in flipping the script and requiring women to either message a match first or set a prompt for matches to respond to via its Opening Moves feature (allows either match to make the first movet in same-gender or non-binary matches)
- Key Features: Travel Mode (allows you to swipe in additional locations), Spotlight (be seen by more people for 30 minutes) and SuperSwipes
- BBB rating: Not accredited; Trustpilot rating: 1.3 out of 5 stars
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Best for Most Widely-Used
Tinder
4.9
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: $24.99 for Tinder Plus, $39.99 for Tinder Gold and $49.99 for Tinder Platinum
- Free version available
- Who It's For: Those interested in love, a date, casual chats, meeting new people and more
- Key Features: Passport, Read Receipts (allows you to see when a match views your messages) and Rewind
- BBB rating: Not accredited; Trustpilot rating: 1.2 out of 5 stars
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Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Efficiency
Coffee Meets Bagel
4.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: $14.99 per month for Mini and $34.99 per month for Premium
- Free version available
- Who It's For: Serious daters
- Key Features: Boosts, Flowers (shows another user you’re especially interested in them) and Activity Reports (15 most recent connections)
- BBB rating: Not accredited; Trustpilot rating: 1.6 out of 5 stars
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Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best Prompts
Hinge
4.8
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: $34.99 for Hinge+ and $49.99 for Hinge X
- Free version available
- Who It's For: Those looking for love
- Key Features: Boost (makes your profile visible to more users for one hour), Superboost (makes your profile visible to more users for 25 hours) and Hidden Words (allows users to filter certain words, comments and phrases from incoming messages)
- BBB rating: Not accredited; Trustpilot rating: 1.3 out of 5 stars
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Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Convenience
Facebook Dating
4.7
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: N/A
- Free to use
- Who It's For: Those with active Facebook accounts in good standing who are looking to meet new people
- Key Features: Secret Crushes and Match Anywhere
- BBB rating: Not accredited (Facebook); Trustpilot rating: 1.3 out of 5 stars (Facebook)
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Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best for Location-Based Connections
happn
4.7
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: $24.99
- Free version available
- Who It's For: People interested in making connections with those they’ve crossed paths with in real life
- Key Features: Boost (increases profile visibility), SuperCrush and CrushTime (optional game)
- BBB rating: N/A; Trustpilot rating: 1.2 out of 5 stars
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Why We Picked It
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Best User Ratings
Plenty of Fish
4.6
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Annual subscription cost: $119.99 for POF Premium
- Free version available
- Who It's For: Those interested in connecting with other singles in a way that works for them, according to the company
- Key Features: Super Like (shows special interest in another user), Are You Sure? And Live!
- BBB rating: Not accredited; Trustpilot rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars
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Why We Picked It
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Best for Black Singles
BLK
4.5
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: $14.99 (Premium) and $29.99 (Elite)
- Free version available
- Who It's For: Black singles
- Key Features: BLK Community, Boosts and Rewinds
- BBB rating: Not accredited (Match Group); Trustpilot rating: N/A
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Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Best Social Features
Feels
4.5
All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
- Monthly subscription cost: $9.99 for Fastpass and $24.99 for Infinity
- Free version available
- Who It's For: “Relaxed relationships without rules or labels,” according to the company website
- Key Features: Icebreakers, Boosts and SuperFeels
- BBB rating: N/A; Trustpilot rating: N/A
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Why We Picked It
Pros & Cons
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Dating Apps For Serious Relationships
To determine the best dating apps for serious relationships of 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on 20 dating apps, based on metrics such as:
- Monthly and annual subscription costs (10%)
- Available free features without a subscription (20%)
- Apple Store and Google Play Store availability and ratings (27.5%)
- Dating profile filters (10%)
- Bonus features such as a “Super Like” or “Rewind” (12.5%)
- Whether you can display certain details on your profile (5%)
- Communication options within the app (6.25%)
- Photo verification (6.25%)
- Whether profile boosting option is available (2.5%)
Read more about our methodology for the best online dating platforms.
How Do Dating Apps For Serious Relationships Work?
“[The best] dating apps for serious relationships provide a platform where individuals can create profiles, connect with potential partners and engage in conversations or activities designed to foster genuine, long-term connections,” says Ryan Sultan, M.D., a psychotherapist and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University in New York.
He explains that these apps use various algorithms and user preferences to match users with compatible individuals based on factors like interests, values and relationship goals. Users can then communicate through messaging, video chats or other features to get to know each other better and determine if they’re a good fit for a serious, committed relationship.
Pro Tip
Most dating apps and sites offer paid subscriptions or a la carte purchasing options to access the entirety of a platform’s features.
Can Dating Apps Help You Find a Serious Relationship?
It’s possible to use dating apps to find a serious relationship, says Hannah Mayderry, a licensed mental health counselor based in Jacksonville, Florida. “Over time, I’ve come across a significant number of couples, both in personal circles and in professional settings who are in healthy, long-term relationships that have begun on dating apps,” explains Mayderry.
The Benefits of Online Dating For Serious Relationships
Dr. Sultan notes that online dating offers a number of benefits for singles who are interested in committed relationships, including:
- Access to a wider pool of potential partners: Online dating broadens your dating pool, connecting you with people you might not meet otherwise.
- Chance to browse detailed profiles: Users can share their interests, values and relationship goals, helping you find compatible partners.
- Ability to save time: Dating apps save time by connecting you with individuals who share your relationship intentions.
- Convenience: You can access dating apps at any time, from anywhere, making it convenient to search for serious relationships.
Explore Our Featured Dating Partners
Company Logo | Forbes Health Ratings | View More | learn_more_cta_below_text | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|
Elite Singles |
| GET STARTED | On Elite Single's Website | https://www.spark-an.com/go.cgi?pid=100302&wmid=1301&cpid=14&prid=336&subid=YOURSUBIDHERE&target=ELITESINGLES.com-default" rel="nofollow" |
Silver Singles |
| GET STARTED | On Silver Single's Website | https://www.spark-an.com/go.cgi?pid=100302&wmid=1300&cpid=42&prid=661&subid=YOURSUBIDHERE&target=SilverSingles.com-default" rel="nofollow" |
What to Look For in a Dating App For Serious Relationships
Not all dating apps for serious relationships are created equal. As you search for the right one, Mayderry recommends you consider the following:
- Matching algorithms: Look for apps that use advanced algorithms, such as ones that use artificial intelligence (AI) and can predict user preferences to suggest compatible matches.
- Profile depth: Choose apps that encourage users to provide detailed information about themselves and their relationship goals.
- Communication tools: Find an app that offers a variety of communication options, from messaging to video calls.
- User base: Consider the size and demographics of the app’s user base, as it can affect your chances of finding a suitable partner.
- Safety and privacy: Ensure the app you choose has safety features like verification processes and reporting mechanisms for fake profiles.
How to Choose the Right Dating App For You
Choosing the right dating app depends on your preferences and needs. Here’s a step-by-step approach suggested by Dr. Sultan:
- Define your goals: Determine if you’re looking for a serious relationship, casual dating or something else.
- Research apps: Read reviews, compare features and consider user feedback to find apps aligned with your goals.
- Try multiple apps: Don’t limit yourself to one app; try a few to see which one suits you best.
- Complete your profile: Create a comprehensive profile to attract like-minded individuals.
- Stay safe: Be cautious about sharing personal information and meet in public places when transitioning to in-person dates.
- Communicate clearly: Be honest about your intentions and expectations to ensure compatibility with potential partners.
If you’re looking for a lifelong partner, a dating app is a great resource. It can help you connect to others you may not meet otherwise and lead to a happy, fulfilling future.
Final Thoughts
Our winner for the best dating apps for serious relationships is Bumble, due to its focus on giving power back to women in dating by requiring women to send the first message or set an Opening Move prompt for potential matches to respond to within its platform. It also has a well-rounded group of subscription plans, including Bumble Boost, Bumble Premium and Bumble Premium+.
Other dating apps for serious relationships that top our list include Tinder and Coffee Meets Bagel.
Summary: Compare the Best Dating Apps For Serious Relationships
Intelligent Matchmaking For Quality Connections
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On Elite Singles's Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is the best dating app to actually meet someone?
The best dating app to meet someone in-person depends on your unique goals and preferences.
Which dating app leads to the most marriages?
Dating apps can make your search for long-term love a bit easier. “Just make sure you remember that the success of finding a genuine connection often relies on your individual preferences and interactions,” says Mayderry.
Sources
References
- Bumble. Accessed 10/30/23.
- Tinder. Accessed 10/30/23.
- Hinge. Accessed 10/30/23.
- Coffee Meets Bagel. Accessed 10/30/23.
- Happn. Accessed 10/30/23.
- Feels. Accessed 10/30/23.
- Facebook Dating. Accessed 10/30/23.
- BLK. Accessed 10/30/23.
- Plenty of Fish. Accessed 10/30/23.
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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Anna BaluchContributor
Anna Baluch is a freelance writer from Cleveland, Ohio. She enjoys writing about a variety of health and personal finance topics. When she's away from her laptop, she can be found working out, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family. Connect to her on LinkedIn.
Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D., L.C.P.C., L.P.C.Mental Health / Holistic Health
Dr. Rufus Tony Spann is a nationally certified school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, yoga teacher and reiki master. Over the years, he has served as a department chair, adjunct professor, assistant professor, speaker and trainer. Dr. Spann owns private practice You in Mind Psychotherapy and Consultation, which focuses on providing culturally responsive therapy, and he assists many therapists of color in receiving their independent licenses. He also is part of a research team looking to develop a new instrument that measures clients’ perceptions of whether counselors are effective in their ability to discuss the contextual dimensions of race, ethnicity, and culture (REC) with clients. Dr. Spann is a founding team member and the former chief clinical officer of Hurdle, a digital health platform for people of color.
Discover The Best Dating Sites
- Best Dating Sites Of 2024
- Best Dating Apps
- Best Free Dating Sites
- Best Dating Sites For Seniors
- eharmony Review
- Zoosk Review
- Match Review
- Elite Singles Review