It doesn’t matter who you are dating can be difficult at times. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, learning more about a person you are interested in can be intimidating. However, it does not have to be this way! Sitting back and playing it cool is a risk in either getting friend-zoned or receiving the common phrase and dreaded phrase, “not that interested.”
It becomes easy to give up and blame it on being busy at work; however, online dating is just a click away. There is a perfect dating app for you, depending if you want to make connections, friends, or meet your partner. This way, you can avoid spending countless hours filling out the wrong app for you. Instead, you can pick which dating app(s) is most applicable to who you are and what you desire.
Best Dating Apps for Men in 2020
Below is a guide of the best dating apps for men in 2020.
Each section includes a summary of the dating app, pros of the dating app, cons of the dating app, and the cost:
- Hinge
- Facebook Dating
- Bumble
- Coffee Meets Bagel
- Elite Singles
- Clover
- Match
- Happn
- Plenty of Fish (POF)
- Badoo
- The League
- Hily
- Tinder
1. Hinge
Login into Hinge, and you will think you are on Tinder. Hinge is like a younger sister to Tinder, which might make you uncomfortable at first.
The branding for this app is for the user to find their person and delete the app. Upon entering the app, the user will be asked to choose from a variety of broad and sometimes vague questions. Hinge users must pick from several questions to answer, like “Where to Find Me at a Party” or “I’ll Never Tell My Grandchildren” or “Pet Peeves.” The purpose of these questions is to demonstrate the user’s personality and interests. As someone who once used Hinge, these questions are important to dedicate time to as they will provide others with topics to help spark a conversation with people who may be interested in you.
However, it is different in matching users. As a new user, you will have to answer some questions to get your perfect match. Your matches will be curated from your answers.
Pros
Hinge has a clean and intuitive interface as compared to other dating apps. You can add a story with up to six photos. The icons are clearly labeled with a pencil for editing stories and an eye to hide certain information. This app utilizes and integrates other social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. From experience, be mindful of linking other forms of social media with the page, if you are untruthful about yourself or your dating history!
The app provides users with daily matches where you can either like or move on. Additionally, Hinge implemented a feature known as “We Met.” This feature allows the app to collect additional information regarding your preferences following a date to continue to select partners that are more tailored towards your preferences.
Cons
Unfortunately, Hinge has a small dating pool that it recycles the matches it gives to users. You may notice that after a few months on the app, you may encounter the same potential people that are recycled or shown again based upon your preferences. This is a common complaint from users that they can get bored or tired of seeing the same people as potential matches.
Also, since you can link the app to Facebook, it is difficult to edit out the information you do not want to be displayed Hinge.
Costs
The app has a trial version. Once the trial period expires, you will pay $7 per month as a membership fee.
Facebook Dating
Why add your information to a new app while you can use an app you use daily?
Facebook Dating has started in the U.S., and it uses the data Facebook has about you. For easy convenience, the site can be accessed from the top right side of your Facebook app. Your Facebook Dating profile can be filled after a few quick steps.
Pros
It is easy to get a match since Facebook skims through your profile to show you potential suitors. Additionally, since you do not have to download a new app, there is no need to check for notifications frequently. User safety also seems to be of importance to Facebook Dating. This online dating app allows users to share their location with Facebook friends 15 minutes before their date promoting a sense of safety amongst users.
Also, Facebook Dating is inconspicuous. You can rest assured that Facebook Dating allows users to turn off other Facebook Dating App users or another Facebook user. Thus, you will have the ability to block a Facebook user while still maintaining a “friendship” through Facebook or Instagram. This way, you will not have to risk matching with your ex!
Also, your Facebook Dating messages are stored in a separate inbox, as most of us want some separation from your dating and personal life! Facebook Dating may attract additional users compared to other dating apps due to its convenience and existing infrastructure.
Cons
Unfortunately, Facebook Dating has only been partially rolled out in the U.S. and some South American nations. It is yet to be available globally and will only match you with other users in a 100-mile radius from your location.
Costs
Currently, Facebook Dating is available for free.
Bumble
Bumble is another dating app that initially looks like Tinder. However, the app functions differently since once users match, ladies must be the one to message first. Women have 24 hours to message the guy, although the duration can extend. The app is easy to use, and the system encourages an active approach between users.
A unique feature that Bumble offers if they ask you to take a selfie when completing your profile, to verify your identity. Thus, there are fewer fake accounts on the site and you can feel confident when chatting with someone of interest.
Pros
Since women initiate contact, they are not overwhelmed with unwanted messages and some men find it easier to ask out someone they are interested in, due to women starting a conversation. Further, more than 55% of Bumble matches result in discussions for app users. It is easy and quick to set up your Bumble account since the bio should not be more than 300 characters. Bumble also empowers women to make the first move, which may be refreshing to Bumble users.
Cons
Men cannot initiate contact, and if the woman hates beginning contact, Bumble is not the dating app for them. The profile, which includes six photos and a short bio, is not enough to attract other users. Also, since women initiate contact, there are many more men in the app compared to other dating apps.
Costs
Bumble is a free dating app and can be used without spending money. However, there are premium accounts that range between $8.99 to $10.99 weekly. The premium account allows you to see the profile of women who liked you.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Initially, Coffee Meets Bagel required users to have a Facebook account for them to create an account. Currently, you only need a phone number to verify yourself. The app will send you a few “bagels” each day that potentially matches your profile. If you and your bagel like each other, you will connect and can message each other. Unlike other dating apps, the chat room expires after eight days.
Pros
You are provided with a manageable number of bagels that allow you to respond. Women respond more to likes, and it is easier to set dates. Premium membership will allow you to see your match and whether your message has been read. Little time is spent on the app since you cannot browse on profiles. You only get messages from the profiles you have liked. Coffee Meets Bagel
Cons
The number of matches is limited; thus, you have fewer dates. Further, your dating pool includes friends of friends. The probability of matching with an ex-girlfriend or a mutual friend is high. Since the app is less prevalent, the user pool is limited. The matching algorithm is limited to religion, distance, age, ethnicity, and height.
Costs
The basic features of the app can be used for free. A premium subscription to Coffee Meets Bagel costs between $20 and $35 per month. In-app purchases also contain beans. The more the beans, the more the bagels. Beans cost between $1.99 and $24.99 for 100 and 3000 beans, respectively.
Elite Singles
If you have a busy life or a busy career, Elite Singles is the best option for you. This app is suitable for professionals who are looking for successful partners. The site has been highly rated on intelligent matching. Users fill in a lengthy questionnaire since the user pool is between 30 to 60 years old. Users are provided with seven matches daily.
Pros
The site has top-notch user privacy and verification methods. Additionally, for serious relationships, Elite Singles is the best site.
Users are provided with comprehensive profiles of their matches.
Cons
It is tedious to fill out the lengthy questionnaire.
Costs
Although there is a free version, it has limited features. Premium accounts range from $31.95 to $57.95 per month. The premium subscriptions come with additional features.
Clover
Clover has integrated a blend of Tinder and OkCupid. This dating app has a wide variety of users to find and meet potential matches. Cover users are matched from questionnaires and their lists of interests.
When bored with swiping profiles, users can participate in live mixers or experiment with “on-demand dating.” The Clover premium subscription improves visibility and adds profile features.
Pros
You can enjoy a large user base with multiple communication options and unlimited chat. Additionally, when users match, they can request or confirm dates, with the time and venue. The user profile can be customized from the 20-question quiz.
Cons
First-time users enjoy a trial version. The users will be required to subscribe to the premium version once the trial version expires.
The high engagement rates may be tiresome to the users.
Costs
The premium subscription is $9.99 per month.
Match
Match is the granddaddy of all dating apps. The app existed long before Tinder came along. Match’s registration includes entering your personal details and selecting your preferences. On Match, a wink is considered as flirting. The system will provide you with daily matches. Additionally, you can have a coach who will recommend desirable matches for you.
Pros
The app holds group events where the users can meet up in person, going beyond the online matchmaking events. Moreover, the users are active in engaging their matches. Match.com constantly innovates online dating.
Cons
Users cannot message people they like unless they purchase a membership.
Costs
The app is not free and requires a subscription. The least expensive option is $24 per month, annually. The other subscription is biannual at $27 per month. These premium subscriptions allow you to see who liked your profile and photos.
Happn
Happn is a proximity dating app. The app is useful when you want to know the people you may often cross paths with. Although the app is simple to use, it is suitable for social people. Your timeline displays notifications, messages, and settings.
Pros
Since the app is proximity-based, it shows you the people you cross paths with and how often you meet. It is simpler to meet people who share similar interests as you. The connection in this app feels easier since you already know the location you met your match.
Cons
This app will only help you get a date if you are a social and outgoing person. Additionally, if you move a lot, you can be lucky to meet your date. To meet your match, you must always be on the app all the time.
Cost
The premium costs range from $10 to $24.99 per month. The premium payment enables you to see who liked your profile. Furthermore, you can also send more messages to the profiles you like.
Plenty of Fish (POF)
Since 2003, Plenty of Fish has been a pioneer of the dating app (and site) world. With over 90 million users registered to the app and 3.6 million log ins per day, it’s one of the most widely used dating apps in the world.
Upon creating an account, a user is prompted to fill out an extensive survey for the website to generate “matches.” After that, users can choose from a list of 50 “most compatible” or “Ultra Matches.” If users aren’t looking for an “Ultra Match,” they can also browse the site, and choose their matches based on photos and profile descriptions.
Pros
Plenty of Fish is entirely free to join and you can utilize many features without ever having to pay a penny. The app is also free to download and use! There are multi-millions of users on this dating app for men and women, so the dating pool is large, which is a huge plus. There is an instant messaging feature on Plenty of Fish’s website and app so you can begin communication with people who are online immediately.
Cons
To have an app-free experience on Plenty of Fish, you have to have a paid subscription. Also, there are certain features that can’t be accessed without paying for them like seeing who’s viewed your profile, uploading more than eight photos, receiving more messages and seeing more info on others’ profile. Another con of this dating app, is that there is not a video chat feature on their website or mobile app.
Cost
There is a free subscription that is available to all users. Paid subscriptions range from $10.18/month to $19.35/month, depending on how many months the user commits.
Badoo
Badoo is a social networking-meets-dating site. It’s excellent for having casual conversations with others that might not lead to deeper connections, but are still fun while they last. As it is still categorized as a “dating site,” there is the chance that adult content will be shared, so users must be at least 18 years old to sign up. Badoo is one of the largest dating sites globally, with over 100 million users in over 180 countries, and website translations in over 25 different languages.
Pros
There is a strict photo verification process that each user must go through once they upload a photo. This feature helps weed out fraudulent users or “catfishers.” Badoo also has a quick-play “game” called Badoo Encounters, where users can see user-profiles and images in a quick-view setting (kind of like Tinder’s swipe right/left feature). Badoo has a proximity feature in which you see who is closest to you – you can filter the results to be exactly what you are seeking.
Cons
There isn’t a ton of profile customization or personalization, which makes it hard for people to realize if they’re compatible with you or not from the beginning. This tends to draw more of a “hook-up” crowd instead of bringing in people who are looking for something more serious.
Cost
Badoo ranges from $8/month to $12.99/month, depending on how many months you sign up for. You can also buy “credits” to use within the app and access even more features. However, there is a free option in which users cannot access all of the features but still can use the site to find matches and make friends.
The League
The League provides a thoughtful and selective solution to the crazy world that is online dating. Every user must go through a vetting process that will either approve or deny their access to the site. This feature allows for the weeding out of fake or thoughtless profiles. The League also only lets users see a limited amount of profiles per day to make the selection process more thoughtful instead up flipping through hundreds of people per day, like Tinder.
Pros
The League verifies your account by using your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles. At the same time, it also filters out people you are friends with on those two platforms to avoid awkward and unnecessary run-ins. The League also has a “concierge” service that helps you navigate the app and give you tips on how to browse/optimize your profile to provide you with a better chance at being one of the few that another user will see that day.
Cons
Since the approval process is done by hand, by a real person, it can take up to a few weeks, or even months, before you’re finally allowed to use the features on the site.
Not just anyone can use The League. In fact, only about 20-30% of profiles are actually approved and they are all geared toward attractive, interesting, and successful people.
Cost
There are three levels to The League: League Member at $29/month (paid annually), League member at $83/month (paid annually), or League Investor at $999/month (paid monthly).
Hily
Hily is an up-and-coming dating apps that combines the fun and casual aspects of social media apps while integrating some extra personalization to match lovers. Users can share and flip through “stories” like on Snapchat or Instagram and the app will tell you right away when someone “likes” you. No waiting for a mutual connection like on Tinder.
Pros
Hily, like many of other dating apps out there these days, has a verification process that connects your account to your Facebook, Snapchat or photo ID. Again, this cuts down on scammers and “catfishers.” To find compatible partners, Hily uses artificial intelligence (AI). It tracks your movements on the apps, so the more you use the app, the more likely you are to find someone compatible.
Cons
Since Hily is on the new-ish side, there aren’t as many options for matches as there are on competitors’ sites. There also isn’t a proximity feature as of yet, so you can’t set a filter to include only people who are within a specific range.
Cost
Hily has a free version, but it doesn’t have as many features as their premium service, Hily Elixir. Hily Elixir can be used for free for 7-days and then must be purchased for $53.99/3-months or $119.99/1-year. Hily Elixir lets you “boost” your profile, send messages before matching with people, disable ads, and more.
Tinder
Tinder is among the most popular dating apps. Users spend more than 80 minutes daily scanning through the numerous options, so this may not be the most time-effective option for busy professionals. Despite having a “super-likes” feature, the app is famous for casual hook-ups. Tinder is where you can find anyone in your local area, making it anyone’s game to ultimately make the type of connection the user is desiring.
Pros
Tinder is user friendly and easy to use. Moreover, its integration with Facebook has made it easier to import your social media. Tinder also cares for guys looking for a same-sex connection. It is a pro for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. Due to Tinder’s large user base, it may be easier to connect with other users. For dating apps users looking for a casual and easily-accessible dating app, Tinder may be the right choice.
Cons
Once you put your image and basic information on the site, it remains there forever, which can cause a privacy issue for some users. The app encourages compulsive use, where the users spend more than 80 minutes daily on the site. Additionally, Tinder does not utilize a matching algorithm based on interests/age ect. Dating app users looking for a more personalized approach to dating or connections may be remiss by this feature.
Costs
Although the app is free, the premium is age-based. Users under 30 pay $10 per month while those over 30 pay $20 per month.
My Conclusion
Who does not want to meet their life partner sooner? Although not all dating apps are created equal, everyone knows someone who met their partner through an online dating app. Dating apps will provide you precisely what you are looking for, whether that is a connection, a fling, rebound, or a long-term relationship.
So, why not download the best app for you, interact, realize your depth, and give yourself more chances for a perfect partner?
Once you have selected the perfect dating app, you made need to brush up on the tips and tricks to power up your dating profile!
Want a customized approach to which dating app is right for you?
Profile Boss has helped countless clients looking for love or connection find the most suitable dating app for them!
Leave me a comment before you go…
What online dating app do you feel most comfortable using and why?
Which dating apps do you want to try?
Much Love ❤️
2 replies on “13 Best Dating Apps for Men (2020 Ultimate Guide)”
Hi Taylor, great article. Very interesting. I’ve used Hinge and CMB previously with limited luck. Thoughts/Suggestions?
Mark,
Foremost, thank you for sharing which apps you have used! As mentioned, all apps and online websites have a variety of pros/cons and it can vary significantly depending on the person.
However, a variety of factors exist with online dating that may have contributed to this. For instance, have you completely filled out your profile? Have you recently updated your information/pictures? A lot of people overlook these simple aspects of their profile, but I promise you, it can make a huge difference.
Feel free to email me at taylor@profileboss.com with any other questions/need for recommendations for a more suitable app/website. I’d be happy to help (: