Singles can choose from many ways to meet new people in the dating world today. One of the most effective methods is speed dating, an organized dating event for single people seeking romantic relationships. The events give participants the chance to meet multiple potential dates in one sitting and hopefully find at least one who measures up to their standards. It’s a bit like swiping, but in real life!
Speed dating started in 1996 with a rabbi who wanted to connect like-minded Jewish singles. The events quickly caught on beyond the Jewish community because they are a fast and fun way to introduce singles. This intentional method of meeting people remains popular in modern dating.
The advancement of technology means that speed dating can go virtual, so it’s even more convenient and quick for single people. We have compiled a list of some of the best dating apps that accommodate speed dating events — online and in person.
1. Match
Match.com has come a long way since it launched in April 1995. This well-reputed dating site has honed its match algorithm to identify long-term compatibility and facilitate countless first dates, serious relationships, and successful marriages. Match’s esteemed dating experts go to great lengths to guide singles to a seriously good match.
- Match is the world’s longest running dating site
- The Discover section has search filters by interests, looks, lifestyle, and more
- Match is available in 50 countries and 15 languages
- Browse Match profiles 100% free »
Match has created countless opportunities for singles who enjoy intentional dating. Since the company launched in 1993, Match has created a space where human interaction thrives. Today, Match is known as a good place for sparking authentic conversations and quality relationships.
The platform has an easy signup process, during which users provide personal data (email, phone number, password) and take a short questionnaire so the service can generate a list of ideal local matches. App users have the option to sign up for local speed dating events by going to the Match Events calendar.
Match offers some virtual speed dating options that make interacting more personal and fun for everyone. Its Match Events list varies by city, and singles in more populated areas will likely have more event options.
And singles who live in rural areas don’t have to rely on local events to meet a new partner. Match also offers some virtual speed date sessions through its private chat rooms, and the free messaging tools for your Top Picks can be an easy way to break the ice online before setting up a date offline.
2. Bumble
Since its launch in 2014, Bumble has positioned itself as one of the queens of the online dating world. The dating app turns gender stereotype on its head by empowering women to make the first move in a conversation with a man. Once you’ve made that mutual match, you have up to 48 hours to respond and make a connection.
- A feminist dating app puts singles on equal footing
- 60% of Bumble matches turn into dates
- Bumble Bizz and Bumble BFF spark non-romantic connections
- Browse Bumble profiles 100% free »
Bumble is one of the most popular dating apps on the market, and it’s a solid choice for users seeking speed date opportunities. The interactive dating app gives users creative ways to express themselves and discover like-minded matches. Users can create profiles and add funny icebreakers to show off their personality and get attention.
The platform also has virtual speed dating events that help users with busy schedules maximize their time in the dating scene. App users can choose to join the recurring events and engage in three-minute chat sessions with potential partners in the same time zone.
Bumble doesn’t reveal the face or profile of matches for the virtual event. Much like real speed dating events, the mini date is a complete surprise, and only afterward can users choose to pursue the connections they made.
3. The League
A single professional may find it difficult to meet people on their level or dedicate time to swiping on mainstream apps. The League offers a simple and fast solution for busy professionals with its League Live feature.
The League distinguishes itself by offering video speed dating events to help people save time in the dating scene. The League Live sets online daters up on three video dates in nine minutes, and its success rate indicates that speed dating is the way to go on the app.
The League users are 3.5 times more likely to exchange phone numbers or report going on first dates if they participate in League Live speed dates.
The online dating site has tools to help users to express themselves through their passions and find commonality in professional goals. The registration process even offers social media networking through LinkedIn, and emphasizes education and career goals. The dating platform represents a new wave for online daters to find the other half of their power couple.
4. Filteroff
Sometimes, messaging isn’t enough to gauge if a person is the best fit. With the Filteroff app, users can engage with each other in a more meaningful way through video chat. The app focuses on video tools to connect people on virtual dates quickly.
Once users create an account, they can set their dating preferences and browse match suggestions. Filteroff matches users through an AI system based on similar interests, location, and individual preferences. Mutually matched users can schedule a four-minute virtual call to build a connection and see where it leads
The dating app’s video chat acts as a first date, and users can feel each other out quickly and safely. This feature has received rave reviews from Filteroff users.
“I love this app, it’s super easy to use and the people I’ve met through it are nice and genuine,” said KaylaBe123 in a review about Filteroff. “The concept is unique and much needed — I haven’t seen any other video dating apps, and it’s refreshing to get to see someone’s face and actually talk to them instead of just messaging.”
5. Speedfriending
Attending a speed dating event in person can be inconvenient or stressful for some single people. It’s a small window of time to start a romance and build a new relationship. Fortunately, Speedfriending offers a more chill atmosphere for singles to meet without the pressure of dating expectations. Speedfriending connects singles in the local area in friendly conversations that are just about making friends.
Speedfriending is a good resource for both casual and serious daters because it provides an easy introduction to all types of people. Users can reserve a spot at local Speedfriending events to enjoy the networking atmosphere and low-key party vibes in person.
Singles can get off to a great start with Speedfriending, whether they are looking for love, friendship, or adult companionship. Some of the best love stories start as friendships, and you never know who you’ll meet when you attend a social event with an open mind.
FAQs: Is eharmony a Good Dating App to Meet People?
Yes, eharmony has smart matchmaking tools that have proven effective at building serious relationships. The compatibility quiz helps like-minded people find one another, and the dating platform offers icebreaker quiz questions to exchange with a new match.
It may take some time to fill out eharmony’s personality test, but the results are well worth it. This dating site goes the extra mile to get to know its members and deliver quality matches to their inboxes. Every profile has a compatibility rating to let you know your essential similarities and differences. Plus eharmony has inspired more than 2 million love connections since 2000.
- Designed to satisfy marriage-minded single women
- In-depth compatibility quiz generates high-quality matches
- Personalized Match Preferences on gender, age, income, religion, education, and more
- Browse eharmony profiles 100% free »
Online dating can feel impersonal and superficial on some mainstream apps, but not on eharmony. The detailed dating profiles and thorough compatibility analysis give singles plenty of information before they even spark a match or start an online conversation.
Users who focus on building real relationships rather than casual flings will find the eharmony platform an ally. eharmony is one of the most used apps in the dating world today because of its reliability and commitment to creating authentic relationships.
How Does Traditional Speed Dating Work?
Speed dating events are pretty straightforward. Event participants rotate through multiple mini-dates in one night — they’re typically limited to a short conversation that may last up to 10 minutes, depending on how many people attend. The event organizer will ring a bell or play music to tell couples when it’s time to switch to the next person.
After the speed dating event is complete, participants mark down who they’d like to see again, and event organizers exchange contact information for any mutual matches that night. There’s usually a more casual post-event cocktail gathering, particularly when the events are held at hotels or bars, so participants can choose to make the next move themselves.
Does Anyone Still Use Tinder for Serious Dating?
It does happen, but the Tinder app’s reputation for casual chats and hookups means serious daters may run into some bumps along the way. If you’re hoping for a real relationship, you may have to swipe through some undesirables before finding a viable match.
First impressions matter on Tinder. The dating app gives its users the chance to find romance by liking the photos and bylines of local singles. The app’s casual atmosphere encourages flirty conversations that quickly lead to exchanging numbers or arranging in-person dates. Every week, Tinder facilitates over 1.5 million dates and hookups in 190+ countries.
- The dating app of choice for millions of sexually active singles
- Accelerating the dating process through swiping
- Has led to over 97 billion mutual matches
- Browse Tinder profiles 100% free »
According to Tinder’s internal data, the mobile app is responsible for about 1.5 million first dates per week, and you can find evidence of Tinder success stories on Reddit and other review sites. Tinder can help an online dater find real love, but it may take time to find good potential matches and engage in authentic conversations with other users.
Ramp Up Your Dating Life With Speed Dating Apps
Some single people yearn for more than emojis and small talk in their dating life. It can be time-consuming to swipe on profiles and send basic messages week after week, so it makes sense that speed dating events appeal to many singles nowadays.
Speed dating may seem a bit old-fashioned, but when paired with popular online dating networks, it’s a big win for the average dater.
Speed Dating has become very popular over the years because it helps eliminate the awkwardness and nervousness people feel when meeting new people. Try out some of the speed dating apps on this list to approach matches in a different way and mix up how you interact with your dates. Best of luck!
