The dating experience can be dramatically different for men, women, and nonbinary people. Each gender identity has its own romantic struggles and advantages. Experts in the dating field understand the struggles of men seeking a partner.
While many women struggle to find emotionally available male partners with compatible lifestyles, many men struggle to find women willing to date them at all.
But not all hope is lost. Sometimes, the key to finding success in online dating is knowing where to go and who to ask. With the help of experts in the dating field, our team has put together a guide to the best dating apps for men.
From matchmakers to dating coaches, these experts know the dating game inside and out — and their recommendations might just change the game for you!
Meet the Experts
The men’s dating experts in this list truly know their stuff. Here are some credentials to prove it.
Award-winning dating expert and coach Hunt Ethridge is the go-to guide for single men. Hunt is a dating coach with over 15 years of experience working with single men. He has been featured on over 100 different media outlets, including CNN, The New York Times, Playboy and GQ. He helps men figure out what it is that they want and use the right tools to get it.
Photographer Christopher Todd Griffiths is an entrepreneur in dating app photography. He and his wife run Christopher Todd Studios to show singles in the best possible light. Christopher received a program certificate in Photography & Graphic Design from Orange Coast College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California Los Angeles. He has traveled the world taking photographs of clients of all backgrounds.
Men of Action founder Michael Sartain is a dating, relationship, and performance coach dedicated to helping men succeed in all aspects of their lives. More than 2,000 students have joined the Men Of Action coaching community since 2019. For his podcast, he has interviewed top dating and social experts on over 120 episodes. An outside-the-box thinker in the dating space, Michael believes that using social media is the key for men looking for romantic connections.
Hannah Reeves is an LMFT Relationship Therapist and writer at online sugar dating platform Private Sugar Club. As both a therapist and voice in online dating, Hannah understands the complex emotions and experiences men face in dating and offers holistic advice for finding the right dating sites for their needs.
Amber Brooks is our editor-in-chief at DatingNews.com. As a leading expert in the dating industry, Amber has written over 1,800 articles offering dating advice and reviewing dating platforms. She has been quoted as a dating expert by The Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, Bustle, Well + Good, and AskMen.
Best Dating Apps for Serious Dating
If you’re in the dating scene to meet a partner for life, you need to choose a dating app that’s aligned with that mission. Relationship-driven dating apps tend to have more emphasis on compatibility and smart matchmaking to ensure singles can find promising connections. Here are the expert picks for serious dating apps.
Hinge: “For Genuine Connections”
Many men find that Hinge offers the best of both worlds in the dating game: It boasts a robust dating pool, but offers more room than some other general dating apps for meaningful matches.
Hinge is widely known as the dating app that was “designed to be deleted.” That means everything from the in-depth profile to the matchmaking formula works overtime to connect singles to that perfect match. The goal isn’t to get single people in as many chats and on as many first dates as possible. The goal is to streamline the process of finding a relationship and then retiring your Hinge profile forever.
- Profiles require multiple photos and responses to prompts
- Users can send a message with their match request
- The app collects post-date feedback to improve its system
- Browse Hinge profiles 100% free »
It just so happens that someone on our team got married thanks to Hinge.
Dating Editor Amber Brooks Says:
“I like Hinge because it’s where I met my husband,” Amber told us. “He was only on the app for two weeks before we matched. I’d been there quite a bit longer, but it was worth the wait. Both of us canceled dates with other people after our first date.”
Amber told me she really likes how detailed the profiles are on Hinge. Users are required to upload six photos and answer three prompts that range from pet peeves to favorite Disney movies. The profile also has optional demographic info regarding religion, smoking habits, political views, and other important characteristics. For men who like to lead with their personalities, this can be a huge plus.
The League: “For Intellectual Banter and Career Goals”
If you’ve got high standards, The League might be for you. Initially designed only for Ivy-league grads, The League seeks to match successful professionals to form the power couples of their dreams.
This is a great dating app for college-educated people who don’t want to settle.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Holly Reeves Says:
“For the overachievers out there, The League is a solid option,” Hannah said. “It’s more, ‘What’s your five-year plan?’ level chats, but if you’re into intellectual banter and career goals, it’s a goldmine. That said, prepare for a waitlist; exclusivity is part of the charm.”
Regardless of education, some men may be concerned about their dates judging them for their income or present success. If you’re insecure about your career, The League may not be for you. But if you’re proud of what you’ve accomplished and you’re ready to find a successful partner, this might be your place.
CMB: “For Quality Over Quantity”
Coffee Meets Bagel was a bigger name a few years ago, but the dating platform is still a great option for men looking for a few high-quality matches daily. It’s best for men who don’t want online dating to suck up all their day.
Finding a relationship can easily become a second job, but Coffee Meets Bagel helps you to keep that from happening.
Photographer Christopher Todd Griffiths Says:
“This online dating platform is more unique in the sense you have 24 hours to make a move once you get a match or bagel,” Christopher explained. “Each day at noon, men receive 21 bagels that they can like or pass on. At the same time, women are shown the men who liked them and they can choose to complete the match or pass. This app is more for a long-term relationship seeker.”
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Holly Reeves Says:
“For those who like their matches delivered daily like a morning coffee, Coffee Meets Bagel is a calmer choice,” Hannah said. “You only get a few curated matches a day, which means no late-night swiping marathons that leave you questioning your life choices. I’m all about intentionality, and this app nails it.”
Best Dating Apps for Men Over 35
I think we all know that the dating scene changes quite a bit for those of a certain age. Mature adults may not have time or patience for the swiping game anymore, and that’s why certain mature dating sites have stayed popular through multiple decades. Here are some time-tested dating apps for men in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and up.
Match: “For Mature Singles”
Since 1995, Match.com has been the gold standard for singles looking for committed relationships. After completing an in-depth profile, users get matches based on genuine compatibility: shared goals, interests, and values. This makes Match a great option for men hoping to meet a serious partner.
Since 1995, Match has made a name for itself as one of the most successful dating platforms in the world. The site empowers singles to find compatible dates and make a deep connection based on shared interests and lifestyles. Match.com is responsible for countless love stories, and the next one could be yours.
- Find quality women with advanced search filters
- Communicate with your Top Picks for free
- Add up to 26 photos to your profile
- Browse Match profiles 100% free »
Men who have been frustrated by the shallowness of swiping-based apps will love the high-quality matching they’ll find on Match. If you’ve ever felt like no one looks past your profile photo, Match.com will help you show your potential matches a more comprehensive look into who you are before they look away.
Dating Editor Amber Brooks Says:
Amber told me, “Match is going on 30 years of matchmaking success, so it’s a trustworthy name in the online dating industry. It does tend to cater to more mature daters than young college kids — that’s likely due to the limited access free members have to chatting — so only join this online dating platform if you’re serious about committing to that special person.”
eharmony: “For Intentional Dates”
Matches on a dating app can feel a bit random sometimes, but that’s never the case with eharmony. eharmony is an industry leader in compatibility-based matching.
When it comes to long-term relationships, eharmony doesn’t mess around. This dating website has crafted a time-tested matchmaking formula that identifies key personality traits and areas of compatibility. It provides hard data on how you stack up against potential dates and delivers a curated list of match recommendations to your inbox every day.
- Over 2.3 million messages sent every week
- Match formula pinpoints compatibility in lifestyle, temperament, and goals
- Relatively even gender split of men and women
- Browse eharmony profiles 100% free »
When you sign up for the app, you’ll complete a psychologist-led personality test, your answers to which inform your matches.
Dating Coach Hunt Ethridge Says:
eharmony can be a bit pricey, which might be a deterrent for some men who are watching their wallets. But as Hunt pointed out: “Women will see that you have paid, which will make it seem like you are more serious or intentional about finding someone. And that’s a good mark in your favor!”
Dating Editor Amber Brooks Says:
Amber told us that the eharmony quiz “really digs into who you are and what you want. Its compatibility breakdowns are helpful at pointing out whose values and goals align with yours. eharmony gives daters a chance to stop the swiping carousel and really focus on building a relationship through careful consideration.”
Best Dating App for Free Messaging
Men have to pay to play on premium dating apps like Ashley Madison and eharmony, but that’s not the case everywhere. A few forever-free apps are good enough to get the job done without forking over any hard-earned cash. Just be aware that you won’t have access to all the features that could make things go faster.
OkCupid: “For Profile Writing Help”
Another oldie-but-a-goodie, OkCupid is a great option for men who simply don’t know what to say on their dating profiles.
OkCupid inspires dates and relationships by identifying specific areas of compatibility. The dating site and app has an endless questionnaire that allows single men to express who they are and what matters to them. OkCupid uses this treasure trove of information to generate highly accurate match recommendations and compatibility ratings.
- Men can leave a message to anyone they fancy
- A sophisticated match algorithm developed by Harvard math majors
- The site and app facilitate over 50,000 dates every week
- Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free »
Breaking the ice can be tricky when you’re getting to know someone, and OkCupid is the perfect app for people who want to use tech to their advantage.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Holly Reeves Says:
“It’s the one I recommend to people who get nervous about writing their profiles,” Hannah said. “The app practically writes it for you with all its quirky questions.”
And with its fun questions, OkCupid can help you connect with matches in ways you never would without its help. “One client of mine met their partner because they both admitted they’d happily eat pizza for every meal,” Hannah said. “True story.”
Bumble: “For a Long-Term Relationship Seeker”
Bumble is often seen as an app that’s best for women, given that women on Bumble make the first move. But many men find it takes the pressure off them.
On Bumble, men don’t have to worry about coming up with pick-up lines or witty greetings. They can sit back and let women come to them. Only women can send the first message on Bumble. All matches expire after 24 hours (or 48 if you choose to use the extend option), so the pressure is on to make a connection and take the relationship offline.
- Bold women reach out to men on Bumble
- A gender-balanced environment takes the pressure off
- Facilitating millions of matches each month
- Browse Bumble profiles 100% free »
In reality, Bumble can be better for men because the only women they spend their time on are those ready to initiate a conversation and potentially move the connection offline.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Holly Reeves Says:
Hannah shared that many of her male clients have had positive experiences with Bumble after being skeptical at first. “If you’re someone who struggles to make the first move, this is your safe space,” she said. “You can sit back, breathe, and let the conversation come to you. Plus, it attracts women who are genuinely looking to connect, not just collect matches or build followers on Instagram.”
Best Dating App for Casual Dating
Making a serious commitment is, well, a big commitment, and it’s OK if you’re not ready for that yet. Plenty of casual dating spaces have popped up to help sex-driven adults meet their carnal needs without making romantic promises for the future. The problem is knowing which dating apps are legit and really work. Experts seem to like one casual app in particular:
Feeld: “For Open-Minded Relationships”
Not every man is exclusively looking for straight and monogamous relationships, and that’s where Feeld comes in.
The app specializes in open-minded relationships, whether that entails dating outside the gender binary or exploring non-monogamy. If that sounds like something that you could be interested in, give Feeld a try.
Dating Editor Amber Brooks Says:
“We’ve interviewed Feeld’s leadership a few times over the years,” Amber told me. “What stood out to me in our most recent talk was the passion for normalizing polyamorous dating and poly relationships. The co-founders really walk the ethical nonmonogamy walk alongside their users, and they understand the need for more diverse and open-ended dating options.”
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Holly Reeves Says:
“Feeld is a wild card, and honestly, it’s where I send my clients who are exploring open-minded relationships or just want to meet people who are refreshingly honest about what they’re into,” Hannah said. “It’s all about creating a judgment-free zone, which I can’t recommend enough. I once had a client who claimed this app changed their perspective on dating entirely. Whether you’re curious or committed, it’s worth a try.”
FAQs: Which Dating App Has the Highest Success Rate?
There’s not really a definitive answer to which app has the highest success rate because with dating apps, it’s hard to find a clear definition of success.
Tinder certainly has the most matches (over 97 billion). It is an undeniably popular casual dating app with 630 million downloads, so it should certainly be considered if fast matches is your goal. According to Hunt: “If you’re looking for casual dating, Tinder might work best.”
However, Hinge claims to be the best app for second dates. Additionally, the Knot found that 35% of new marriages began on Hinge, which suggests that Hinge might be your best bet for lasting love.
Still, Match has been in business the longest, and that says something positive about its reputation and success. Other apps have come and go, but Match has connected countless couples since the 1990s.
Should I Sign Up for Bumble or Hinge?
Single men looking for relationships will probably find themselves choosing between Bumble and Hinge. It’s also pretty convenient that women send the first message on Bumble more often than not. But the best app for you depends on what you want.
Hinge has taken up the mantra “designed to be deleted” because its focus is on building relationships that last. The profiles are detailed and offer many potential icebreakers. As I mentioned before, Hinge has a great success rate. Our editor-in-chief Amber is among its success stories.
I’ve heard complaints that Bumble isn’t too much different from Tinder these days. Especially since men can now send the first message if granted First Move privileges by their match. Bumble has surpassed 100 million downloads, which is quite a milestone, but more members doesn’t always mean more satisfied customers.
If you want to slow down and really get to know someone, I’d say Hinge is the better app.
Where Else Can Men Meet Dates?
Men don’t necessarily need to use dating apps to find love online. Michael encourages men to pursue relationships through social media, particularly Instagram.
“Guys need more than just a good photo to catch someone’s eye,” Michael explained. “That’s where social media comes in handy. You can convey so much more about yourself on social media, like your personality and your lifestyle. So, if you’re serious about finding love, focus on building a solid social media presence, like on Instagram, rather than relying solely on dating apps.”
In addition to social media, remember that you can still meet dates in person. Join a club, go to the bar, say hello to the cute girl at the coffee shop. IRL vulnerability can be scary, but it’s still worth trying.
What’s the Secret of Getting More Matches and Messages?
Online dating is a great tool for finding singles to date who you never would have met elsewhere. But for some men, online dating exacerbates the dating struggles they were already facing offline. According to QZ, one study by Hinge found that 1% of men get 16% of matches. I want to talk about how to get yourself in that 1%.
Men often think of matching, messaging, and securing a first date as a game. But your goal should actually be proving yourself trustworthy. It’s about indicating to the other person that you’re nice and safe to be around.
Make sure that everything in your profile and your messages is respectful, both to the person you’re talking to and to other people, especially women. Avoid talking about your ex, making generalizations about women, or, god forbid, referring to women as “females” or anything disrespectful!
Hunt also emphasizes the importance of making sure you’re fun to talk to. “Learn to make women smile and laugh!” he said. “Yes, they want to marry someone with a decent job, good organization skills, and who wants to be a dad. But for now, they just want to have fun and enjoy themselves.”
Try to keep things fun while you’re messaging and going on those first few dates. Make jokes, share stories, and remember to ask your dates questions about themselves.
The Best Dating App Depends on You
There’s no universal rule for finding love, and there’s no single dating platform that can guarantee you’ll find your partner. People find love on dating apps that fail, just as they spend years swiping on Tinder with no relationship in the works. Dating platforms connect you to people, but the work of building a relationship is up to you.
Still, different dating apps are better served to set you up for different dating goals. Pick the dating platform that lines up best with what you want to find in love, and start matching!
