The Best Dating Apps For Women In 2025, Tested And Reviewed

If one more ‘hey’ message is going to make you delete your accounts for good, this is the guide for you.

Tabitha Britt

Freelance Writer

Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer and editor. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master’s degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School of Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online pubs, including National Geographic, Insider, Kinkly, and others.

Read Full Bio

on September 27, 2025

Editors and writers independently select products unless marked Sponsored or Promoted. Sponsored content is a paid ad, while content marked Promoted is chosen by Ziff Davis leadership. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Promoted cards do not include input from individual authors.

Overview

Best dating app for women

Hinge Jump to Details

Best dating app for women in 30s

Match Jump to Details

Best free dating app for women

OkCupid Jump to Details

Table of Contents Being a woman on the internet can be tough, but trying to find a genuine connection on a dating app can feel even harder. Between the emboldened creeps, endless swiping, and surprisingly convincing AI profiles, it’s enough to make you wonder if applying for Love Island is a more sane alternative. (Spoiler alert: it’s not.)

The reality is, dating as a woman in 2025 comes with a unique set of challenges. There’s the constant barrage of low-effort “hey” messages, the unsolicited dick pics, the men who are definitely married, and the underlying fear for our own safety that men just don’t have to think about. It’s enough to make you want to swear off dating for good and just get another cat (which wouldn’t exactly be the worst thing).

But despite the challenges, dating apps do work — millions of women have found a partner online. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other through online dating. The same survey found that young people and the LGBTQ community are even more likely to meet their partner on “the apps.” The key isn’t giving up and hoping for an old-fashioned meet-cute; it’s finding the best dating apps for women that create a safer, more respectful experience and filter out the nonsense.

That’s where I come in. Over the past several years, I put the top dating platforms to the test — I faced the good, the bad, and the unsolicited DMs — to find the best dating app for women. From classics like eharmony to exciting newcomers like Pure, I tried them all. I swiped, I matched, I blocked. So, whether you’re looking for a serious long-term relationship, a fun hookup, or just an app where you’re in control of the conversation, we’ve found an option that’s actually worth your time.

Our Pick

Hinge Best dating app for women No commitment needed to start browsing Sign up without linking a Facebook account Limited swipes encourage intentional matches Personalized profiles and prompts Get to know matches better with video chat and voice notes Inclusive platform for all genders and sexualities Limited functionality for free users (e.g., only eight free “likes” per day) No desktop version Some users might be on multiple platforms Paid features can add up quickly Likes don’t always translate to matches Hinge is the app for single women who are tired of the games and just want to connect with someone genuine. The prompts and responses take time to fill out, but when they work, they lead to deeper, more genuine connections. Plus, while users leave apps like Tinder, Hinge’s user base is actively growing in 2025.

What makes Hinge feel more genuine is its “designed to be deleted” philosophy. For many of us, the ultimate goal is to find a connection so meaningful we can’t wait to delete the apps, and Hinge is built around that exact goal. It’s for women who are tired of swipe culture and are looking for a more thoughtful, intentional approach to online dating. It’s ideal if you’re feeling “fatigued and burnt out,” like so many of us clearly are.

The app’s user base is full of men and women who are serious about finding a real connection. For example, a majority of Hinge’s LGBTQ users (82 percent) say they prioritize finding a life partner. That said, “serious” doesn’t mean “rigid.” The app is also great for women who want to define relationships on their own terms.

The app sets the stage for better connections by requiring more effort than a few photos and a lame bio. Profiles are built around creative prompts that give you a better sense of a person’s personality before you match, and the app has even added an AI-powered “Prompt Feedback” tool to help you write better answers.

Hinge has also rolled out features to improve the online dating experience. The “Hidden Words” tool lets you filter out specific words or phrases from incoming messages, giving you more control over your inbox. Meanwhile, “Your Turn Limits” helps reduce ghosting by nudging you to reply to messages. And in June 2025, Hinge collaborated with renowned relationship expert Esther Perel to launch “Your World,” a new set of prompts designed to help you share your authentic self.

As we head into “cuffing season,” Hinge is also offering some timely advice. Their Lead Relationship Scientist, Logan Ury, recently shared the top prompts most likely to lead to a date, including “I go crazy for…” and “The way to win me over is…”. Ury also recommends using the “Backstory” feature to be explicit about your dating goals, since Hinge’s own data shows a majority of users check someone’s “Dating Intention” before liking them.

Match Best dating app for women in 30s Massive user base More than 20 years of experience perfecting the matchmaking algorithm Can mark deal breaker traits as a filter Multiple messaging features, including voice chat, video chat, and text messaging Not as lovey-dovey as before, but still has a serious aura IRL group dating events Next to no good features for free users Sifting through so many users takes work Notifications get overwhelming quickly Prices change constantly and are hard to find App is ad-ridden and can be glitchy Read our full review of Match.

Match is for the woman who is serious about finding a relationship and wants to date people who are on the same page. Its new design also makes it easy to tell who’s serious about finding love. It’s a paid platform (there is a free version, but its functionality is limited), and its user base reflects that level of commitment.

According to the Match website, nearly half of its members (48.6 percent) are between the ages of 30 and 49, and the 50+ age group is its fastest-growing demographic. That means not only is it one of the best dating apps for women in their 30s, but it’s also a smart choice for women over 40 or 50. On top of that, 74 percent of users have attended college or have a degree (if that’s important to you).

Match is a more laid-back dating app than eharmony, making it a pretty good option for anyone looking for a real relationship while keeping their options open.

Over the years, one of Match’s shining points of consistency has been its well-populated but balanced user base. There’s a near-even split between men and women and users with and without children. And, thanks to its large user base, the platform is stacked with people to match with, even if you’re looking for love in a less-populated area.

Match has totally reconstructed its questionnaire to be more conversational and less like a tedious interrogation. Instead of asking you a bunch of questions about your preferences, it now asks how you’d react in realistic situations, giving you a better sense of someone’s personality and how they handle conflict before you even match.

A quick heads-up, though: in August 2025, Match Group settled a 2019 FTC lawsuit that alleged the app used notifications from fake accounts to encourage users to subscribe. Fortunately, the company says those practices are long gone.

OkCupid Best free dating app for women Free to sign up and get started Large and diverse user base Expands compatibility to those with similar political views Dedicated space in bio for preferred pronouns Major rebrand made the app feel hip and genuinely fun to navigate Shows compatibility percentage for each new person Best features aren’t free (but still affordable) Prices fluctuate and can be hard to find Not great in small towns Reports of data breaches in the past Chance of catfishing with lack of video chat option Read our full review of OkCupid.

OkCupid is for women who want to match on more than just a photo. The app is designed for people who care about substance and shared values, attracting a (mostly Gen Z and Millennial) user base that’s progressive and politically engaged. If you’re passionate about social justice and want to filter out people with hard dealbreakers on issues like gun control or vaccinations, OkCupid is your best bet.

It’s also one of the most inclusive dating apps available, making it a top choice for queer women and non-binary people. With more than 22 genders and 12 sexual orientations, plus specific fields for pronouns and relationship styles like non-monogamy, OkCupid encourages you to be exactly who you are.

We picked OkCupid as the best free dating app because its philosophy is built around substance, and you can access the most important features without hitting a paywall.

By answering deal-breaker questions like “Would you date someone who keeps a gun in the house?” or “Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases?” you can highlight the issues you care about and weed out people you’d just argue with.

This focus on what really matters attracts a community of intentional daters. According to a recent OkCupid survey, 71 percent of users are looking for something meaningful (even if it takes time), and 61 percent say their personal values and life goals are what shape how they date. This is the kind of user base you’re getting access to for free.

And it’s not just about politics. OkCupid provides detailed user bios that cover modern dating topics and explore love languages without resorting to clichés. Each profile is assigned a compatibility percentage, offering additional insight into potential matches.

Low chance of vulgar messages Compatibility score is shown for each potential match Proven success rate over the years Offers video dating Users make it obvious that they’re ready to settle down Monthly subscriptions are almost always on sale Efforts to make website more inclusive for LGBTQ users Free version is pretty limited Historically not LGBTQ-friendly, but that’s changing Monthly price is double or triple the cost of most competitors Too many messages from non-matches Read our full review of eharmony.

Have you officially moved out of “casually-dating-but-open-to-something serious” into “I’m ready to start a family” territory? Then you should check out the paid version of eharmony. This is the app for all of the Charlotte Yorks out there who are ready for a serious, long-term commitment. In fact, eharmony is known as the #1 trusted dating app, and for good reason: its famous compatibility matching system has helped over two million people find love.

The data from eharmony’s 2025 “Dating Diaries” report backs this up, painting a clear picture of a user base that is deeply committed but also pragmatic. While 68 percent of singles on the platform say finding love is “very important,” a huge majority are not willing to sacrifice their financial goals (75 percent) or career trajectory (77 percent) for a relationship.

You’re matching with established, self-assured people who are looking for a true partner, not just a plus-one.

We picked eharmony because it takes the search for a life partner more seriously than any other app, and it has a long-standing success rate to prove it. Users reportedly find a match on the app every 14 minutes. This success isn’t new; back in 2015, eharmony reported that it was responsible for four percent of all new marriages in the U.S.

This track record is driven by the app’s famous in-depth personality test. It’s a big-time commitment, but it goes deep, matching you on over 30 dimensions of compatibility to find a lasting connection. And while it once had a reputation for being old-school, eharmony has made huge strides to become more inclusive, even partnering with GLAAD to better understand the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Free to sign up and get started Designed specifically for lesbians, queer women, and non-binary people Niche tags like “newly out,” “in a relationship,” and “travelers” Opportunity for local LGBTQ+ community involvement App aesthetic is clearly geared toward a young, hip crowd Moderators search and destroy fake profiles Lots of users complaining about being single Occasional biphobia reported Same users keep popping up in some locations Search function could be improved HER our top choice as the best dating app for gay women, and it’s not close. It’s a queer women-only dating app for women who are tired of being harassed or fetishized by men on other dating apps. It’s a sanctuary where you can connect with other queer women in a safe and empowering environment.

HER welcomes all queer women with open arms, regardless of age, background, or journey. Whether you’re newly out or an LGBTQ+ veteran, HER celebrates your authenticity.

HER is an award-winning app created by and for queer women, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream platforms. Its commitment to inclusivity is clear from the start, with detailed profile options for everything from pronouns and sexuality to diet preferences. It’s a space that encourages you to be your full self.

The biggest news for HER in 2025 was its acquisition by Match Group in May. While HER founder Robyn Exton expressed optimism about the deal, the reaction from the community was apprehensive, with many users on Reddit expressing fear that the app would decline or lose what made it unique.

However, the first major feature rollout since the acquisition shows a continued focus on the user experience. This summer, HER launched “Feelings,” a tool that lets you add temporary tags like “Flirty” or “Go on a date” to your profile. These 48-hour status updates are designed to help users communicate their intentions more honestly, making it easier to find someone who’s on the same page.

Bumble Best for women-first messaging Large user base More respectful-feeling space for women and nonbinary folks New “Opening Moves” feature offers more flexibility than “Women message first” rule Interests and Spotify Top Artists featured at top of profile Backtrack lets you undo accidental left swipes Incognito Mode to hide your profile from non-matches (with Platinum) The 24-hour rule can be stressful Paid match extension is only an additional 24 hours Premium is pricier than most other paid dating apps Read our full review of Bumble Premium.

Bumble is for women and non-binary people who want to take control of their online dating experience. If you’re tired of waiting for someone to make the first move or sifting through countless unwanted messages, Bumble puts the power in your hands. With updated “Dating Intentions” that include everything from “fun, casual dates” to a “life partner,” the app lands in a sweet spot for women who are open to anything from a serious relationship to something more casual.

Bumble’s main draw has always been its signature feature that puts women in control of the conversation. The app’s “Opening Moves” lets women and non-binary people make the first move, either by sending a message or setting a question for their matches to answer. This process helps filter out low-effort “heys” and create a more respectful vibe from the start. The app also has clever tricks like 24-hour match expirations, a “Share Date” feature for safety, and a brand-new in-app advice hub that’s filled with exclusive content from relationship experts.

But we can’t ignore that Bumble has been fumbling lately. A major controversy blew up after users reported seeing profiles they had already blocked. Things got worse when a support email, reviewed by Rolling Stone, seemed to confirm it was intentional, telling a user the app shows you blocked profiles “in case you have changed your mind.” While Bumble’s official spokesperson called the email an “error,” the incident seriously damaged the trust of some users.

Now, in a major new marketing push, Bumble has launched its “For The Love of Love” campaign, featuring soft-focus, romantic montages of real couples. But as Sian Conway-Wood says in her op-ed in The Drum (a UK-based publication), this is a clear strategy to reframe the app’s pricey subscription as an “investment in your long-term goals of marriage, babies and cosy coupledom” rather than just a fee for hookups.

The potential flaw? This new romantic marketing might not align with the actual, sometimes frustrating, user experience. The company is obviously still trying to find its footing. We’re keeping a close eye on it.

The free version is enough for most people Massive user base, even in small towns Great for finding someone while you’re traveling Easy and instantaneous Upgrades offer un-swiping and location changes People looking for hookups will probably say so in their bio Next to no granular filters like political views or drinking/smoking habits People have no chill with bad opening lines Can be difficult to stand out Tinder Platinum members being able to hide their age is sketchy Keeps going up in price Read our full review of Tinder Platinum.

While some women have found relationships on Tinder, that’s not why you’re here. Even as Tinder tries to move past its reputation as the top hookup app, it’s still our go-to choice for casual dating. It’s also one of the best free dating apps, with a massive user base and robust features for free users.

Tinder is something to have in your back pocket if you’re looking for, well, pretty much anything more casual than a serious relationship. That doesn’t necessarily have to be a one-night stand, though Tinder is an infamously successful no-strings-attached matchmaker. It can also be a quick and convenient platform if you’re new to a city or looking for an impromptu date whilst on vacation.

Regardless of your goals, anyone on Tinder will have to be down to do some digging. Unlike most other online dating platforms, Tinder’s filtering options max out at age, gender, and proximity to you (based on miles). You’ll have to have the patience to play the swiping and waiting game — and wade through a ton of fish pictures.

There’s just something to be said for the instant gratification that this OG swiping app provides. Based on numbers alone — over 75 billion total matches made in the app’s history and 4.2 million GIFs sent between matches per week — Tinder’s ability to put you in touch with a massive pool of people is hard to top.

But in 2025, Tinder is evolving far beyond the simple swipe and giving users more control to find what they’re actually looking for. On the Explore page, you can now filter for specific relationship goals, from “Short-Term Fun” to a “Long-Term Partner” or even “Non-Monogamy.” The company has also been testing a paid height preference, so you might be able to get your 6-6-6 after all.

Tinder is also changing how people connect. Instead of one endless feed, you can now switch into specific modes like “Double Date Mode” (for a low-pressure group hang) or “College Mode.” According to Tinder, this is all part of an effort to give Gen Z “easier, low-pressure ways to connect” and, more importantly, to help you find “better matches, not just more of them.” It’s a smart move that shows even the king of casual is starting to understand that women want a more curated, less overwhelming experience.

Profiles are actually ads that force you to get in touch quickly Focus on anonymity and discreet meetups Most people describe exactly what they want in a date or hookup Artsy, less ad-ridden design than most hookup sites Can send self-destructing nudes that can’t be screenshotted Video and voice chat features Very limited user base, especially outside of cities Have to re-type your profile and re-add photos often Which users have to pay and which are free seems random Pure is for women who want to skip the small talk and get straight to the point in a space that prioritizes anonymity and sexual exploration. It’s unapologetically designed for no-strings-attached hookups. If you’re looking for a kink-friendly, sex-positive environment where you can be upfront about your desires, this is it.

Best of all, the app is completely free for women to use.

For women who want to freely express their sexuality, Pure is a safer, hipper solution that gives all the vibes of a hookup-centric site without the nasty ads everywhere. App rules urge you to “pretend like you’re strangers afterwards,” making no-strings-attached connections the only name of the game here.

You post a personal “ad,” and if you see someone with similar turn-ons, you can start a conversation. You’ll have to act fast, though, because your chats and anything you’ve shared or written on the app expires after 24 hours (you can turn the time limit off if you find someone worth talking to). Nudes aren’t allowed on profiles but are allowed in chats, and you can send them with confidence that they’ll also self-destruct and can’t be screenshotted (you’ll get a notification if someone tries to screenshot a chat or photo).

To further boost authenticity and safety, Pure rolled out a “Photo Verification” feature in June 2025. You can get a badge on your profile by completing a quick liveness check, and you can even filter to see only other photo-verified users. It’s a great step toward making sure the person you’re chatting with is real.

Less chaotic, more serious experience than Tinder User interface is targeted toward a certain age range Limited to 3-7 matches per day rather than endless swiping Smaller user base Lack of customer support SilverSingles is a dating site for people who are over the age of 50 and know what they want in a relationship. They’re experienced, they’re confident, and they’re ready to find their happily ever after.

SilverSingles uses a personality test to match you with other users who are compatible with you. This means that you don’t have to waste time swiping through profiles of people who you’re not interested in.

Why we picked SilverSingles: Dating over 50 means that, more than likely, this is your second or third attempt at love. When match or eharmony’s user bases still pose too much of a never-married-with-no-kids crowd, SilverSingles is here to let you know that putting yourself back out there doesn’t have to be scary.

SilverSingles proves that online dating isn’t just for Gen Z and millennials. Because SilverSingles wants to ensure that your next relationship is your happily ever after, the sign-up process and questionnaires will take a good bit of time to assess the type of partner you are. The site will use your info to send you five of its best matches per day.

A sister site to EliteSingles, SilverSingles uses the same intense compatibility system that EliteSingles does, bringing in the popular big five personality traits to assess five levels of your being: Openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. If you’ve heard of Senior Singles Meet in the past, SilverSingles is that same site with a rebrand — so they’ve been working on mastering the five-factor model in tandem with senior dating for about two decades.

Mature user base Fun and engaging questionnaire Use of the word “elite” seems like a red flag Reports of lots of fake or unresponsive accounts Might get suggestions that don’t match your filters Easy for users to lie about salaries No support for non-binary users Free version doesn’t support photos or messaging EliteSingles is designed for successful, educated women who are tired of explaining their career goals and are ready to meet their intellectual match. The platform isn’t shy about its target audience: over 90 percent of its members are over 30 and hold an above-average education.

This means you’re connecting with a pool of people who are committed to finding genuine love and are in a similar life stage. According to the site, it helps 2,500 singles find love each month, proving that a more curated dating pool can deliver serious results.

Why we picked EliteSingles: Differences in work ethic and professional schedules can throw a wrench into even the most head-over-heels relationships. For those unwilling to budge on their partner’s educational values and career goals, EliteSingles attempts to offer more specificity related to where a person is career-wise and family-wise than eharmony and match.

Elite Singles’ matching system utilizes 29 algorithms rooted in the Five Factor Personality Test, ensuring compatibility in attachment style and personal values. And don’t worry; the process includes engaging questions like “Do you like sleeping with the window open?” and “Which of these foods do you like the best?” to add some fun to the mix. Unfortunately, you may not get many open-ended answers about a person past how they’ve answered these questions, as several Reddit users have noted that many profiles appear unfinished (or even seem downright spammy).

Recommending dating apps for women isn’t something we take lightly. Our Dating & Relationships team knows that your time, money, and especially your safety are on the line. Our goal is to make sure our recommendations are trustworthy and genuinely helpful. Here’s exactly how we test:

Hands-on testing: Our team creates real profiles and spends weeks swiping to see what you’re up against, from the quality of the matches to the quantity of unsolicited DMs. We use both the free features and pay for the upgrades, specifically looking for advanced safety tools and features that let you control the conversation.

Community and expert feedback: We know our experience isn’t the only one that matters, so we read hundreds of Reddit threads, discussion forums, and App Store reviews to see what other women are saying. We look for patterns in the feedback, whether it’s praise for a great new feature or widespread complaints about creeps and fake profiles.

Continuous monitoring: We treat this guide as a living document. If a once-great app goes downhill, we’ll be the first to tell you and update our recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions If you’re ready to get serious, you have options. In previous dating app guides, we’ve named Match the best for serious relationships because its paid model helps weed out flaky people. However, our top pick for single women right now is Hinge. Its in-depth profiles and focus on conversation over swiping lead to more meaningful connections. And if you’re truly looking for a life partner, eharmony’s intense compatibility quiz is still the most thorough matchmaking algorithm.

This really comes down to what you value more: control or conversation. Bumble is great for women who prefer to be in the driver’s seat. Women and non-binary users can set their own “Opening moves,” cutting down on creepy, low-effort DMs. Hinge, on the other hand, is designed for better conversations. (Their motto is “designed to be deleted,” after all.) Its detailed prompts give you more to talk about from the start, making it our top choice for finding a real, substantive connection.

HER is the best dating app for queer women, by a long shot. Unlike mainstream apps where LGBTQ+ features can feel tacked on, HER was built from the ground up by and for queer women and non-binary people.

Guard your personal info like it’s your social security number — never put your full name or phone number on your public profile. Always do a quick video chat before meeting up to make sure they’re a real person and the vibe is right. For the first date, meet in public and text a friend your plan. Most importantly, trust your gut. If someone makes you feel weird, block them without a second thought.

A few classic red flags: a profile with only one photo (or all group shots), a totally empty bio, or anyone who immediately tries to move the conversation to WhatsApp. Also, trust your intuition — if someone’s opening line is overly sexual or they’re pushing your boundaries in the chat, that’s a good sign to unmatch.

Yes! You don’t have to pay to find a great connection. Our go-to recommendation for the best free dating app is OkCupid, because its free version is impressively feature-rich. Bumble is also a top-tier free option that puts you in control, and both Hinge and Tinder have great free versions for matching and messaging.