Best Dating Apps for Serious Relationships in 2024: Full Guide and Review

Dating apps for serious relationships are like virtual matchmakers. They're unique because they cater to serious relationships rather than casual hookups. They probe deeply into your background and suggest matches that might be a good fit for you.

The best part? You can utilize these apps to learn more about users before ever meeting them. You can chat, share photos, and learn about each other's interests and values. It's like going on a bunch of mini-dates without leaving your couch. Plus, there are strict rules to keep things respectful and safe, so you can feel more comfortable opening up to potential matches.

Nowadays, all it takes to find someone special is a few clicks on a screen. If you're looking for a serious relationship, try any of these 15 best dating sites:

eHarmony

Since its inception in 2000, eharmony boasts over 2 million users who have found love on the site across 125 countries. How it works? It guides you through a series of 80 questions about your preferences, communication style, and what drives you. These insights are used to create your Personality Profile and identify your ideal match.

Match

Launched in 1993, the Match dating app is just as old as someone who can legally drink and rent a ride. That's even older than most AOL email addresses. Match has had a lot of time to develop, and it’s definitely got several perks. The website is well-designed, signing up is easy, and it doesn't let you create a profile without filling in all the necessary details.

With a free basic membership, you can see other users, get daily matches, send messages to a few personalized picks, and show interest by liking profiles. But to access more, you'll need a subscription. 

EliteSingles

EliteSingles stands out for targeting professional, educated singles who value marriage but lead busy lives. It uses the "Big Five Model of Personality," concept to help lovers find serious relationships. This model examines five main personality traits to create meaningful matches. Members fill out a questionnaire that assesses their personality dimensions, which are then used to predict compatibility between potential couples.

Tinder

Tinder has evolved greatly from its 2012 inception as a platform for finding casual hookups. You can now find people looking for long-term commitments as well as casual dates.

The iconic swipe-right and swipe-left feature was so revolutionary that Tinder secured a trademark. With so many partnerships and lots of success stories, there must be a good reason why Tinder is so popular.

OkCupid

OkCupid is a dating website that welcomes everyone. It's got a free plan that's packed with cool features, like a fancy matching system. This uses a big questionnaire to find people who are like you in lots of ways. Plus, there are Boosts and SuperBoosts you can pay for to make your profile pop up more and attract users. 

Hinge

Hinge is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Once you create a profile, you'll answer some interesting questions about yourself, like what you do on a typical Sunday or your biggest life goal. These help match you with someone who shares your interests and values.

Unlike other dating sites, Hinge allows you like only eight profiles per day. While some find this limiting, others appreciate the quality over quantity approach. 

Bumble

Bumble is a special online dating app where women make the first move. It's great for women who want to meet local singles without getting too many creepy messages from guys they're not interested in.

This app has lots of great features, like a mode where you can hide your profile, a fun video chat option, and a game with fun questions to start conversations. Plus, it can help you verify users’ identity so you don't have to worry about bots or fake profiles.

Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel provides a refreshing alternative to the endless swiping that takes place on most dating apps these days. With it, you can boost your visibility and make your dating profile more attractive–earn five times more profile views and three times more matches. You can as well Skip the Line to accelerate your visibility and step up the matching process.

The League

The League is like a VIP club for smart, hardworking people who want a real relationship. It's super exclusive—you have to wait in line to get in, and you need an invite. Everyone who joins is checked to make sure they're real and safe. It's a dating app where smart singles with the same ideas about life can meet and talk. If you're a busy professional who wants to find love without wasting time, The League might be just what you need.

Zoosk

One of the earliest Facebook apps, Zoosk aims to be easy to use and accessible. It allows you link your Facebook or Google account to get started on your quest for love. But in today's world, many are cautious about sharing personal information. Zoosk doesn't require detailed profiles, so it can be challenging to find matches who are truly your match. 

SilverSingles

SilverSingles is like a matchmaking fairy godmother for folks aged 50 and up. It's a unique dating site that helps you find potential partners. You sit back, make a few swipes, and then the magic happens.

Once you sign up, you get a taste of what the Premium membership offers, but to really dive into all that the site offers, you'll need an upgrade. Premium membership helps you access the full SilverSingles experience.

Plenty Of Fish (POF)

Plenty Of Fish is a free dating app that allows you chat with other users without having to match or pay for a subscription. This makes it super easy to start talking to people right away. While it may not have as many cool features or be as user-friendly as other dating apps, it's still a good option for singles who want to save money and find a meaningful connection.

OurTime

OurTime is another site in the online dating world that focuses on users aged 50 and up. It is designed with an easy-to-use website, so the sign up process is a breeze. After creating a profile and adding a photo, you get access to the dashboard. From there, you can look for singles nearby or check out profiles suggested by the app.

Christian Mingle

For Christian singles seeking love, the dating scene can sometimes feel like a maze without a map. Unless you stumble upon a potential match in the pews, it's hard to gauge their religious values or know whether or not you’ll get along.

But don't worry–apps like Christian Mingle can make it easier. They're designed for people looking to find meaningful relationships with others who are rooted in faith. 

JDate

Jdate is a dating site that focuses on bringing together Jewish singles. Their goal is to support the Jewish community and preserve Jewish traditions for future generations. The site has a simple signup process and user-friendly design. This makes it convenient for people of different faiths who are interested in dating within the Jewish community. 

Are Dating Apps for Serious Relationships Safe?

Yes, they are. But like in real life, it's important to exercise caution and be smart when meeting new people online. 

Get familiar with a match before meeting in person. Chatting online and video calls can help you gauge if there's a genuine connection. Be wary of anyone who pressures you to meet too quickly or asks for personal information right away.

Also, always meet in a public place for the first few dates and inform a friend. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's okay to end the date early or leave. Lastly, consider using a reputable app with safety features like photo verification or the ability to block and report users.

Below are some of the benefits and downsides of using a popular dating app for serious relationships:

Pros

• Easy connection anytime
• Wide range of potential matches
• Self-Discovery
• Quick filtering options
• Reach anyone globally
•  Instant chat features

Cons

• Risk of superficial Impressions based on appearance
• Overwhelming Choices
• Some profiles may be fake

When it comes to dating apps for serious relationships, you'll find both the free version and premium offers. Free apps offer basic features like creating a profile, browsing matches, and sending messages. They're a good starting point if you're new to online dating. However, free apps may have limitations, such as ads, fewer advanced search filters, and limited access to premium features.

On the other hand, premium dating apps typically require a subscription fee. These apps often offer a more tailored experience with enhanced features. Premium offers can be beneficial if you're serious about finding a long-term relationship and want access to more advanced tools and a higher quality pool of potential matches. Ultimately, whether you choose a free or premium dating app depends on your budget, preferences, and how invested you are in finding a serious relationship.

Are dating apps good for serious relationships? Some say yes, others say no. Let's weigh the pros and cons.

On one hand, dating apps offer a big pool of potential matches. You can meet people you might never come across in your daily life. Plus, they're convenient. You can chat with someone anytime, anywhere, without the pressure of face-to-face meetings. It's a low-key way to get to know someone before committing to a date.

On the other hand, some users worry about the quality of connections. It's easy to swipe left or right based on looks alone, which might not lead to meaningful connections. There's also the risk of scams or dishonesty. Not everyone on dating apps is looking for something serious. Some are just there for fun or to waste time. So, while dating apps can be a helpful tool, it's important to approach them with caution and realistic expectations.