Top Dating Apps in USA: 15+ Best Alternative [2025]

In the last decade, we have witnessed the transformation of how people have started dating each other. There was an era when people used to find their soulmates in parks, libraries, or churches, and then social media apps like Facebook became the platform for finding people of the same interests. However, the advent of dating apps completely transformed how people date each other. Although in this blog we will discuss about top dating apps in USA for 2025

Tinder, Bumble, and many other apps become the most used dating apps in the USA, with more and more users trying to find dates and partners through these apps. As per Statista reports, the US online dating market is expected to grow by 7.41% between 2023 and 2027 and will reach a valuation of $1.47 billion.

That’s the reason why entrepreneurs are now competing with top dating apps in USA and trying to grab a pie in such a huge market. The dating app works on a simple principle: the app takes information about users’ interests, hobbies, and preferences. There is a backend algorithm that showcases profiles of persons with similar interests. If there is a match, the pair starts communicating, which turns into dating.

In this article, we will go through multiple facets of the dating app by firstly knowing which are the top 10 dating apps in USA. We will also cover the development cost of dating apps and the various monetization strategies to generate revenue. Let’s begin.

Top 15+ Dating Apps in USA:

1. Tinder (one of the top dating apps in USA):

It is no surprise that Tinder is leading the list with more than 100 million downloads of the app. Every entrepreneur asks, “How to create a dating app like Tinder?” and the reason is its high-quality features and interactive UI. It is a very easy-to-use dating app that allows users to quickly find the right partners and make rapid judgments.

However, Tinder has always been more focused on photographs than the overall personality of an individual. Thus, many users prefer to use Tinder for only short-term and casual relationships instead of serious dating. But that doesn’t mean you can find your soulmate on this app.

Its UI is quite sleek and user-friendly, plus its swiping feature is addictive. Users can begin with the app for free of cost, and if they want, they can buy premium features. If you want to develop an app like tinder then contact us.

Downloads: 100M+

Overall Rating: 4.9

2. Bumble:

For a decade, Bumble has been one of the most popular dating apps in the USA, second only to Tinder. It offers just enough free and paid features to keep things interesting and engaging. There is an engaging, inclusive, and unconventional experience for users of any identity.

The app also provides several non-textual means of user interaction. You can even start a video chat, send voice notes through its interactive messaging feature, or even add a virtual dating badge to your profile. One thing that sets it apart is that it prioritizes the interests of women and non-binary people over those of cis males.

There are multiple privacy options, which makes it a highly secure dating app. The user interface is also very engaging and welcoming.

Downloads: 50M+

Overall Rating: 3.9

3. Badoo:

Badoo is one of the best free dating apps in USA. It provides a lot of options for the users. For e.g., the users can specify if they want to meet someone “just to chat, ” “casually,” “for a serious relationship,” or “to keep an open mind.”

The app allows users to swipe through profiles and join real-time video conversations randomly. The user onboarding on this app is quite smooth. You can begin by answering just a few questions about yourself, and the app will alert you if someone likes or messages you.

Downloads: 100M+

Overall Rating: 4.0

4. Grindr:

If you are looking for specifically gay dating app development, then Grindr is the best reference for you. This app is focused only on men who men. It is also a perfect epitome of a dating app that focuses on a specific niche.

Grindr, is one of the best dating app in the USA and is the most successful LGBTQ+ app to date. It becomes a platform where a serious commitment-phobic partner is not a concern. Furthermore, it is free to use and provides anonymity.

Downloads: 50M+

Reviews: 4.1

5. OkCupid:

OkCupid is amongst the most famous dating apps in USA. It stands out from its competitors by using a series of more than 4,000 questions to help you find the most compatible matches. The app recommends answering 50 and 100 to start.

It provides compatibility ratings, which are really helpful in understanding a potential date before you even meet them. Thus, the daters can be clear and upfront about who they are and what type of relationship they are looking for.

The majority of the features of OkCupid are available for free of cost. Also, there are a lot of options for people of all genders and orientations to establish their identities.

Downloads: 10M+

Reviews: 4.0

Read More: Apps Like Cheaterbuster

6. PlentyofFish:

The name might sound anomalous, but it is amongst the most popular dating apps in the USA. It is like a sea with very few barriers between you and your soulmate. If you are not good at texting, then this is a game-changer for you as it offers helpful suggestions to improve your messages.

The core features of the app are free, but the free version is limited. You can search for compatible singles endlessly, but the number of first contacts each day and the number of photos you can upload are also limited. You may still swipe, browse a set amount of profiles every day, and message people.

Downloads: 5M+

Overall Rating: 4.6

7. Hinge: (One of the best dating apps in USA)

The user base of the Hinge dating app is mostly in their late 20s, 30s, and early 40s. Thus, if you are looking for senior dating app development, it could be a great reference. It is focused on serious dating experiences.

This dating app is “designed to be deleted” and is well-known for fostering serious partnerships. It provides complete profiles with suggestions for users to express their personalities and interests, allowing them to form true connections based on shared values and preferences.

Downloads: 10M+

Reviews: 4.8

8. Coffee Meets Bagel:

This dating app employs a different strategy to appeal to Tinder users who don’t want to swipe thousands of times. It offers one-match daily instead of swipe-a-thon. Ostensibly, it may seem a bit restricting in a dating world where countless options are available.

However, many pieces of evidence suggest that choice creates indifference. So, even if a user gets ten products for consumption, it will still be less likely to satisfy than giving 2-3 options. This is true in the dating industry as well.

Coffee Meets Bagel improves the user experience as the user tends to use the app more. It restricts access to member profiles and thus motivates people to make real connections.

Downloads: 5M+

Reviews: 4.8

9. Facebook Dating:

There should be no qualms over the fact that Facebook is the most popular social network, with more than 3 billion monthly users. Its own dating app, Facebook Dating, is also amongst the most famous dating apps in USA.

This dating app is free to use. You can create a personal profile on the app based on information from Facebook and Instagram. It will analyze the profile and provide you with compatible matches. Nothing of this will show in the main feed; thus, relax.

Downloads: 40M+

Reviews: 4.7

Read More: How to Develop Metaverse Dating App?

10.  Zoosk:

Zoosk was originally launched as a US dating service by Facebook in 2007. It then evolved into an independent company with more than 35 million registered users. The app offers virtual speed dating, live broadcasts, and a unique “carousel” game for rating potential dates.

It eliminates fake profiles by implementing a strict user onboarding process. You have to verify your phone number, picture, and social network account. The platform is accessible in 25 languages across 80+ countries, allowing users to join for free before choosing premium memberships and researching compatibility ideas.

Downloads: 10M+

Reviews: 3.9

11. eHarmony

UK based, eHarmony is one forerunner in online dating, mostly famous for its long-term compatibility system and in depth personality assessment. Launched in 2000, this app employs psychological principles to match users on the basis of 32 key dimensions of compatibility. It is a very low budget, as it often between young professionals who look to accomplish these relationships one after the other. 

It requires first filling a questionnaire before entering the site to search for one’s perfect match effort for more meaningful connections. It is among the most well-known in that area due to its high level of success stories. More ideal for middle-aged mature relationship-oriented users.

Downloads: 10M

Overall Rating: 4.8

12. Match.com

Another major online dating site, and one of the oldest-having been founded in 1995-match.com is still widely used by people looking for serious and long-term dating. Most of the sites have sincere, detailed profile customization and exhaustive filtering options. It supports all orientations and demographics, hence its diverse and inclusive nature. 

Though it boasts a rich database of users, its interface is somewhat outdated as compared to newer applications. Still, it suits older millennials and Gen X users just fine. Best recommended for serious daters, this site is.

Downloads: Over 100,000

Overall Rating: 3

13. HER

An app specially designed for dating and social networking with LGBTQ+ women, nonbinary, and queer individuals, HER has created dating and community-building tools like group chats, local events, and newsfeeds. The app promises to add experiences that are free, safe, and honest in connecting people.

HER’s environment is freakishly welcoming and judgment-free about users who usually feel unrepresented on mainstream dating platforms. Its neat interface and the modernity of its features meet well with the tastes and tendencies of Gen Z and millennial users. Apart from that, most importantly, it is well-discussed and known for a lot of support. Good for queer women who want both dating and friendship.

Downloads: 1M

Overall Rating: 4.2

Checkout More: How to Develop Casual Dating App?

14. Happn

Happn in the realm of dating apps, Happn connects users on the basis of real-life physical proximity, showing users profiles of persons crossed with during the day. It introduces spontaneity and locality into the online dating world. The app updates in real-time, thereby improving the chances of encountering someone nearby. 

It is great for urban zones with heavy foot traffic. Happn instills realism in dating by concentrating on real encounters. One of the most popular GPS-based dating apps. Praised for creativity and user experience. Excellent for city dwellers.

Downloads: 100M

Overall Rating: 4.7

15. BLK

BLK is a dating app exclusively catering to Black singles and intends to create meaningful opportunities for connection within the community. Its focus is on cultural relevance and identity as well as on celebrating Black love. The app operates on an easy swipe mechanism, matching singles with potential partners based on interests and location. 

The application interface is modern and user-friendly. BLK encourages representation and pride, hence appealing to users with an inclusive mindset. The platform often promotes Black-owned businesses and culture through events and content. Good for Black people looking for dating experiences centered on community.

Downloads: 1M

Overall Rating: 4.2

16. Christian Mingle

Christian Mingle is a faith-based dating app designed for Christian singles who are serious about looking for a partner who shares their spiritual values. It is known for promoting relationships that are grounded in mutual religious beliefs. Users can specify their denomination and church involvement, which helps to personalize matches. 

The platform feels basic, with a clean design and features typical of a dating app. It is popular among users in their 20s to 50s and is often regarded as the go-to app for believers seeking to marry within their faith. Great for spiritually based matchmaking.

Downloads: 1M

Overall Rating: 4.0

Dating App Development Cost:

There are various factors that affect the dating app development cost. Some of the major factors are UI/UX design, features and functionalities of the app, type and size of the dating app, location of the development team, and platform of the app.

Among all these factors, the location of the development team significantly affects the overall development cost of a dating app. If you hire a mobile app development company from North America, Eastern Europe, or Australia, they will charge you hourly rates of $80-$120 per hour.

On the other side, if you hire dating app development company from Southeast Asian countries like India, China, or Vietnam, they will charge you with hourly rates of $25-$50 per hour.

It is clearly evident that there is a huge difference in hourly rates, which will lead to a significant overall budget difference. Also, the lower development costs don’t mean there will be any compromise in development quality. In fact, you will get the best development quality from Indian mobile app developers.

Dating App Business Model:

Dating apps could act as a reliable and growing source of revenue. You can implement multiple business models in a dating app. It is a no-brainer to monetize dating apps and maximize revenue because a plethora of revenue models are available. Let’s know about the dating app business model:

a. In-App Subscriptions:

Most of the dating apps employ this business model. In this model, the users are given multiple premium options like Boosting their profile, seeing who has liked their profile, extending the response timeline, etc.

b. One-time Purchases:

The one-time purchase option in a dating app allows users to customize the app as per their requirements. Users can control how much they spend without having to commit to recurring payments. Some of the popular one-time purchase options are profile boosts, unlimited swipes, super likes, virtual gifting, and others.

c. Advertising:

Advertising is among the most common ways of generating revenue in mobile apps. It mostly works on a freemium model in which the users can download an app for free, but they have to encounter advertisements on the app. If they don’t want to see ads, they have to buy a subscription to the app.

d. Affiliate Marketing:

Affiliate marketing is not a highly popular way of generating revenue in dating apps, but it is worth a try. You can promote products and services directly related to your platform. It includes online relationship courses, dating coaches, and matchmaking services.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have gone through the top 15+ dating apps in the USA and other critical aspects like revenue models and the cost of dating app development. The dating apps have employed various monetization strategies, including freemium models, in-app advertising, and paid apps.

We at Octal, the best dating app development company, can help you with top-notch dating app development that fits your vision. Our team of expert developers has vast experience in custom mobile app development services. Let us know your requirements.

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