8 Best Dating Apps for Young Adults: What to Look For and What to Avoid

We have determined which are the best dating sites for young people of 2024 based on the most important considerations, so you are assured about finding that special someone effortlessly.

By the time you have finished reading this article, you will know what to expect from each site, the pros and cons, and the cost, and ultimately be able to decide which one works best for you.

We are the young adults of OFL (ages 18 – 25), and through our own personal experiences, as well as intensive research of over 3,000 young people that we surveyed, we have determined which are the best apps for young adults.

We have based these results on the most important factors to ensure that you waste no time in your effort to find the one.

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In this guide, we will give a summary of the 8 best young adult dating sites and consider the following points for each site.

  • A brief description of each site and what to expect.
  • Overall user experience while using the sites.
  • The pros and cons of each site.
  • Whom the site is best suited for.
  • We will answer the most frequently asked questions for each site.
Is your dating app giving you the best chance for success? Make sure to take our online dating site/app quiz to find out. It’s a fact that people who follow our dating site suggestions have on average 2 extra dates per month.

The Best Dating Sites for Young Adults in Video Form

Top 6 Best Dating Sites for Young Adults in 2022!

Audio (podcast) form for those of you on the go

Couple taking a selfie at the beach wearing sunglass with a big smile on their faces

Our authors have listed the 8 best dating sites for young people and millennials.

We have ranked them using the most important factors, and this should ultimately help you determine which site works best for you.

1. eHarmony.com

eharmony for online dating

Rating

  • Signing up – 4.5/5
  • Making Contact – 5/5
  • Profile Quality – 5/5
  • Finding Love – 4.8/5
  • Overall Quality – 4.9/5

Description

If interested, be sure to take advantage of the special sign-up deal for eharmony we’ve found after some digging. 

eharmony is probably not the site you would expect at the top of our list, but statistics don’t lie.

It has the highest number of young adult subscribers amongst the most popular dating apps in the US.

But the more significant statistic that pushed it up to the top of the list as the best dating site for young adults is the fact that it has the success rate.

According to our recent survey of 3082 young adults, the chance of finding love was significantly higher on eharmony at 72%, compared to the next nearest competitor at 39%.

Have a look at the graph below for the success rates of the top young adults dating sites in America.

Best Dating Sites for Young Adults Success Rates 2023

eharmony is a well organized website, with a methodical matching system that ensures you don’t waste time contacting the wrong matches.

They have a detailed signup process and this goes a long way into streamlining the matching process.

With over 20 million registered users, you really don’t want to waste time reaching out to the wrong people.

The specialized matchmaking system matches you with other young adults who meet your criteria.

At the click of a button, the algorithm will give you the necessary information and eliminate clutter.

They also have a secure on site phone line that allows you to chat with other users without sharing personal information.

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"Serious Relationships""Discreet Hookups""Best Course for Men"
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If you choose the paid version, which we highly recommend, you will gain access to all the profiles, be able to see more photos, and even send and receive messages.

That said, you can always start with the free trial and upgrade as you gain confidence in the site.

In addition, their “The Book of You” helps you refine your profile, which in the end helps the system understand your needs, and love expectations, and increase your profile views.

The site also has a ‘Video Dating’ feature, and this is a great way to showcase who you truly are and have potential dates to hear your voice. 

Some young adults might find it a bit pricey, but the cost is well worth it since you get to meet like minded people and reduce the amount of time it would take to meet one.

Besides, they are constantly running promotional deals, so keep an eye on those ones.

A 6 month membership would give you sufficient time to connect with that special person. 

Pros

  • High success rates for young adults, with a large number of US marriages originating on eharmony
  • It has the highest young adult population in the USA
  • It is well known for long term relationships
  • Encourages high quality profiles
  • Easy to use system

Cons

  • It may be pricey for young adults
  • Discourages casual dating
  • The sign up process can be tedious 

Who is it for?

eharmony is best for young adults who are seeking serious relationships, ideally, people that want to start a family.

In fact, if you are a young adult and want to hit the ground running with a relationship that could lead to marriage, then this site is for you.

That being said, you would need to take time to fill out the detailed signup page for the best results since this is where the magic happens.

They lay a huge emphasis on a great profile. 

FAQ

1. Is eHarmony A Hookup Site?

If you are looking for a casual hookup, eharmony may not be the best.

This site is best suited for people seeking a serious partner or relationship. 

2. Is it safe?

Yes, you can trust harmony.

This is one of the safest online dating platforms.

They have a thorough authentication process for each signup.

In addition, they consistently look out for potential fake profiles and scammers.

If you sense or suspect anything suspicious, for example, someone asking for cash, be sure to report it to customer support.  

3. Is it better than other online dating apps? 

We can say with authority, it is the best.

They are experts at what they do.

Based on our recent survey of over 3,000 young adults, eharmony emerged top with a significant margin over the next competitor.

Contact

If you have any inquiries or suggestions, you can reach customer support around the clock.

They will mostly replay within a few hours and at most 24 hrs.

You can also reach them on the phone by calling 1-855-290-5575 (USA) or 1-844-696-4819 (Canada).

The email is [email protected]

2. Tinder

8 Best Dating Apps for Young Adults: What to Look For and What to Avoid 3

Rating

  • Signing up – 5/5
  • Making Contact – 4.5/5
  • Profile Quality – 4.5/5
  • Finding Love – 4/5
  • Overall Quality – 4.2/5

Description

Tinder is one of the most popular online dating websites amongst young people and comes in at a close 2nd, which is largely because of the high subscription rate.

This system displays your profile to potential matches one at a time, and if you like what you see, you swipe them right, and if you don’t like the profile, you swipe left.

This makes one of the best icebreakers, a discreet way to show interest.

It is as simple as that.

If the two of you swipe each other right, then you are brought together into a chat room where you can pick up a conversation and start getting to know each other. 

The other good feature is the ability to travel on the app.

Teleporting on the app allows you to visit different locations and consequently increases your chances of finding the one. 

Signing up on the website is free, but to find better matches and chances of finding authentic romance, you need to purchase the Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold version. 

The Tinder Plus prices are $19.99 a month for the month by month option, $12.50 per month for a six-month subscription, or $8.25 for a 12-month subscription.

These will be paid all upfront and not on a monthly basis.

The free version comes with very few benefits, actually none except getting into the system.

In order to get maximum benefits, we highly recommend a paid subscription.

On this amazing site, you can find the sexiest Colombian chicks, handsome Thai guys, and the most sensual Brazilian lover you can think about.

You can check out Tinder here.

Pros

  • Easy to use system
  • 2nd most popular web dating platform from our survey
  • Fairly affordable for most young people
  • The teleporting feature allows one to travel across different locations.

Cons

  • Many users are not serious
  • It takes quite a bit of digging to find a match
  • Horror dating stories 

Who is it for?

Tinder is a great option for young people because of the large user population, with thousands of eligible men and women, enabling a variety of dating experiences and choices of partners.

It is ideal for young people seeking adventure, who are not afraid to try new experiences, not under pressure to settle down, and definitely not looking for a serious relationship.

FAQ

1. What kind of photo should I use on Tinder?

In general, you will want to avoid photos that cover your face or those that look blurry.

Ideally, make sure they are taken in plenty of light, in which case they should grab the attention of a potential date.

In addition, be sure to be alone in the photos, and explicitly show your personality to potential dates. 

2. Is Tinder free?

Yes, signing up and basic use is free.

But to get more serious and elaborate matches, a paid subscription is highly recommended. 

3. Can you send photos on Tinder?

It is not possible to send photos or videos on Tinder.

However, polishing up your profile, including hobbies, and making it more attractive will most certainly lead to better daters.

Contact

If you need any kind of help or support in relation to the iOS or Android app, contact them or reach them by facsimile at 214-853-4309.

Unfortunately, they don’t offer a customer support phone line, but the dedicated team is always online to help.

Tinder Plus | Product Release | Tinder

3. Bumble

8 Best Dating Apps for Young Adults: What to Look For and What to Avoid 4

Rating

  • Signing up – 5/5
  • Making Contact – 4/5
  • Profile Quality – 4.7/5
  • Finding Love – 3.9/5
  • Overall Quality – 4/5

Description

Buble is one of the unique online dating websites with a good reputation and it has so much to offer.

We like their simple yet meaningful philosophy, which states that “the key to a productive and positive life is a healthy relationship”.

For this reason, their mission is to make their subscribers feel empowered even as they make connections from all backgrounds.

You will need an outstanding profile, this is your advertisement, including nice clear photos, to get connections on this site.

When you hack this part of the signup process, you will be well on the way to finding your perfect match. 

Signing up can be pretty easy, especially if you are on Facebook.

You can also connect to your Instagram account if you like, and all this helps comprehensively complete your profile as quickly as possible.

The best way to use Bumble is via a mobile app, either on Google Play or the App Store, but you can also use it on a computer. 

Using the site is very similar to Tinder, where you swipe profiles right for profiles that you like, and left when you don’t like a profile for fresh dating prompts.

One unique thing about Bumble is that it prioritizes women making the first move, as opposed to the traditional ideology that men should be the ones making the first move at all times.

This in turn makes women feel empowered, as mentioned earlier. 

While creating a profile is completely free of charge, you need a paid subscription to access premium features such as swiping photos or buying more swipes, which inevitably increases your success chances. You can find the options in the settings. 

Pros

  • Good for young professionals
  • Easy to use on both computer and mobile
  • It’s ideal for those who are getting into the dating scene for the first time

Cons

  • Women have an advantage over men

Who is it for

Bumble is great for people who want a serious relationship, and even those who want casual friendships.

It is especially good for young professionals who want to meet like minded singles for the purpose of networking, basic friendship or even getting new connections and ideas towards your career.

If you are young and looking for like minded humans to connect with, you are in good company. 

FAQ

1. Is Bumble a good app for young adults?

This app is ideal for anyone seeking a serious relationship.

The gender ratio is balanced but it has more of a city than a rural population.

2. Why is it that only women can send a first message?

The idea behind Bumble was to create a female friendly Tinder, where ladies were not overwhelmed with messages from not so serious guys.

So if you are a woman, you will appreciate this site, and if you are a man, you can expect to meet plenty of women.

3. Does Bumble work for men?

Yes, it works for men.

But there is a catch.

Guys create outstanding profiles that will attract the ladies, since only women can send the first message.

Guys cannot initiate a conversation unless it is to compliment her.

Contact

Bumble does not have a customer support phone number, but the team is always there to offer any help needed.

However, you can email them at [email protected].

4. Hinge

Hinge

Rating

  • Signing up – 5/5
  • Making Contact – 4.3/5
  • Profile Quality – 4.2/5
  • Finding Love – 3.8/5
  • Overall Quality – 3.7/5

Description

Hinge is one of those dating apps where when you find the one, you want to delete it because it is designed to be deleted after you find the one.

They believe that in modern day dating, singles will rely on dating apps to find a dependable person to be with, but the sad thing is that most apps don’t actually deliver what they promise.

Hinge is designed to support young singles who are looking for a serious relationship, not a casual affair, hence, the need to delete it after you find the one. 

Above all else, Hinges promotes a well completed profile, and they achieve this by asking you to complete a questionnaire upon registration.

The kind of questions asked range from things you like, and favorites, to completely random sentences, all in an effort to get you to describe yourself, these answers should be at your fingertips.

One thing to note though, the questions and answers will be displayed on your profile, and other members can comment on them or send a like. 

Hinge promotes profile completion above everything else, and they do this by asking you to answer the prompted questions upon registration.

These quiz questions range from favorites to random “complete the sentence.”

The responses will automatically be displayed on your profile, which other Hinge members can like or comment on.

Hinge’s main goal is to match up young people for long term relationships, not a fling or casual dating experience.

They encourage people to share their habits, religion, education, preferences, and other personal details that would help other members identify you as a potential date quickly.

Creating a profile is pretty easy, but it needs some commitment to complete.

You will need to upload at least 6 photos, with different faces, from different angle or dimensions, and register either via Facebook or your phone number.

That being said, you will still need phone verification to authenticate your profile.

Hinge works pretty much like Tinder, where you swipe a  profile to the right if you like it, and to the left if you don’t.

And if two of you swipe each other positively, then you can start a conversation.

The difference with Hinge, though is that the swipe suggestions are given based on the details other users share.

Similar to other dating sites, it is free to join, but you will need a subscription to access some of the elaborate features, like sending messages and commenting.

You also get more likes per day compared to a free user.

The 6 month subscription gives the best value at $4.99 per month.

Pros

  • It encourages long tem relationships
  • It has an anti ghosting feature that encourages mutual communication 
  • You can start a conversation with anyone

Cons

  • It is only available as a mobile app
  • Has a smaller number of users on the overall

Who is it for

Hinge is best suited to young people who want a serious relationship and not just casual dating.

If you would be happy to find the one and delete a dating app, then you will like what Hinge has to offer.

It is ideal for tech savvy individuals who are always on the move.

FAQ

1. What’s the commonest age group on Hinge?

Hinge services users who are in their 20s and 30s, typically millennials.

However, the site is becoming increasingly popular every day, and you will be surprised to meet suitable people who are over 40 in your area.

2. How much does it cost?

The initial signup is completely free of charge, and you will have access to the most basic features.

However, to get more off the site, you will need a paid subscription, and you can choose a level that suits your needs and pocket; this will come with significant perks.

There are two subscriptions, Hinge+ and HingeX, costing $29.99 and $49.99 respectively.

3. Does it offer profile verification?

Yes, they do verify your account when signing up, but they don’t require a selfie verification like Tinder or Bumble.

That being said, they are constantly looking out for spammy or suspicious looking profiles to protect everyone else.

Contact

Hinge does not have a customer service number, but there is always someone to help online all the time.

Girlfriend Judges My Hinge Profile

5. BeNaughty

Benaughty

Rating

  • Signing up – 4.2/5
  • Making Contact – 4.3/5
  • Profile Quality – 5/5
  • Finding Love – 3.5/5
  • Overall Quality – 3.5/5

Description

Just like the name and the logo says, this site is for you if you are looking for fun and nothing serious.

The registration process is quite straightforward, with the minimum information required such as age, gender, location, and, of course, an email address for the ultimate compatibility score.

You will then need to specify the kind of relationship or sexual preference that you are looking for.

What stands out about this site is you can use all the search filters free of charge, which significantly increases the chances of finding what you are looking for.

Some of the readily available tools include the ability to send a wink, use the chatroom, play the ‘cute or not’ game, or send messages free of charge, (this feature applies to females only).

Just like with other dating sites, your profile and pictures will sell you.

The better they are, the higher your chances, so be sure to commission well polished pictures.

That said, the site management is rather strict and will not allow outright nudity, pornography, or other adult content, all in an effort to protect everyone else.

The site has a multitude of specific niches, encompassing various orientations, preferences, locations, and much more.

So, there are links between gay or lesbian, international, interracial, bisexual, married, senior, mature, and many others.

Looking at the structure of members, the majority of them are women.

There are no straight paths to meeting the one, you just have to try and see what works. 

As for the costs, with a paid membership, you get access to the entire album (free membership only gives you the view of profile pics).

The costs are not too high, and the best deal to save some bucks is to opt for a 6-month subscription.

Currently, there’s an app for Android, but the site can be accessed directly in the browser on any type of device.

The site is intuitive and easy to use even for those who are entering the dating space afresh.

Young adults will like most of the features.

The verification exercise makes Benaughty among the safe dating sites for young adults.

Pros

  • It accommodates all kinds of relationships
  • It’s ideal for young people 
  • Very fast sign up
  • Easy to use interface

Cons 

  • Does not encourage serious relationships
  • Too many notifications 
  • The subscription extends automatically

Who is it for

This is best suited for people who want casual dating. If you are looking for a serious relationship, this might not be the best place for you.

Those looking for “Fun dating with no waiting” LGBTQ+, trans, non-monogamy, threesomes, flings and lesbians, multiple pronouns, or just different encounters will find this one to be the most perfect choice there’s ever been.

FAQ

1. How does BeNaughty.com work?

When you log into the app, you will see various profiles of men and women near you.

You can then use the location and age filter to sort your searches.

To send or read messages, you will need a paid subscription.

2. Is Benaughty safe?

Yes.

they have put in multiple features to protect everyone on the site, and these include member verification and SSL site encryption.

Contact 

You can contact customer support if you have feature requests, login problems, legal questions, or any other site related questions Email [email protected].

You can call them at 1-800-489-6091, or send mail from any part of the world via a contact form, or mail a letter to: Together Networks Limited, 19 Giovanni Curmi Street, Lija, LJA 1071, Malta.

BeNaughty.com - Time To BeNaughty

6. Match.com

How To Unlike People On Match

Rating

  • Signing up – 5/5
  • Making Contact – 3.9/5
  • Profile Quality – 4/5
  • Finding Love – 3.4/5
  • Overall Quality – 3.4/5

Description

If you really want to find that special someone, match.com might be a great choice for you.

This is because match.com has such a diverse and large community of people.

You will find all walks of life on match.com and people looking for everything under the sun.

Match.com has an excellent matching system, is very popular, and has tons of appealing and useful features and their Match guarantee.

That being said, it all depends on how you craft your bio.

The website is also widely trusted and even a newbie in the dating game will feel secure on the site.

This is also a great site to meet Christians, people from other faiths and beliefs, Jewish people among others.

If you are a Christian single, or you want to specifically date from a certain faith, you should mention it in your profile.

Although Match.com is a paid dating site, their rates are quite affordable: enough to attach more young people and plenty to detract the time wasters.

The six month subscription offers the best value for your money.

In 6 months, you should be able to find that special person.

Pros

  • They pride themselves on having the largest number of first and second dates
  • Thorough search filters for the huge user base
  • A six month guarantee

Cons

  • A bit pricey for young people
  • Many features are limited for free users

Who is it for

Match.com is ideal for young people seeking either a serious, long lasting relationship or a casual one. 

The search filters make it so much easier to find the one.

For example, you can filter by gender, location, nationality, or other lifestyle behavioral options.

FAQ

1. Does match.com offer real life events?

The simple answer is yes.

They do organize special events for its premium members, and this is a great opportunity to meet the one and network, seek new job opportunities, or for career advancement. 

2. Can I report a user

You can block a member and, if necessary, report them by clicking the block/report button on their profile.

Contact

To contact their customer support if you have issues or need help, visit the Help section on the website.

Or try these: U.S. phone hotline: 1-800-926-2824 and address: 8750 N Cntl Expy Ste 1400 Dallas, Texas 75231, USA.

7. PoF.com

PoF.com

Rating

  • Signing up – 5/5
  • Making Contact – 3.9/5
  • Profile Quality – 3.5/5
  • Finding Love – 3.2/5
  • Overall Quality – 3.1/5

Description 

One of the things that make Plenty of Fish stand out is that it has plenty of young people, and this is exactly what you want when you want to meet the one, quickly.

POF is the most extensive online dating website around with well over 32 million members.

Young users, ideally college age adults on the PoF website will find it incredibly easy to meet all types of individuals, from different walks of life.

Young people whose goal is to meet and connect with new people, make friends, or become couples, and probably enjoy a few hookups will find that PoF meets their needs perfectly.

There is the possibility of finding someone special for a long-term relationship on PoF.

However, that should not be the primary focus as that site is more about connecting and having fun in different ways.

They could meet online, then somewhere like in a coffee shop, and can decide to move forward or drop it. 

The dating app is available on both smartphones mobile apps and a desktop version.

On registration, you will be directed to another screen where you can choose your preferences, which will steer your overall experience of the site.

This is where you tell the system whether you want something serious or casual dating.

You will also refine other specifics like sexuality and gender preferences. 

When it comes to pricing, you can enjoy meeting people free of charge.

However, you will need to upgrade to a paid option to message people in the dating pool and get a better experience.

The three plans, 3 months, 6 months, and 1  year cost $25, $60, and $100 respectively. 

Our advice is for you to pair your PoF membership with a Match.com membership to get the best of both worlds (casual and serious dating).

Click here to check out the complete review of PlentyOfFish.com as well as other reviews such as for Zoosk.com.

You could also consider Grindr for equality, happn, Gay Romeo, Raya, The league, Bloomy, Atraf, Planetromeo, Scruff, Growlr, hornet, Jack’d, Guyspy, manhunt or even Coffee Meets Bagel, EliteSingles among others.

Pros

  • A large pool of potential matches
  • Encourages users to know each other 

Cons

  • Many people lie about themselves
  • Many fake and scammer profiles

Who is it for

PoF is ideal for young people who not only want a serious relationship but also want to have lots of fun.

The large user base means there is a huge potential to meet the one. 

FAQ

1. Can you search profiles without joining?

No.

There is no way to search for profiles on the site without first signing up for an account.

While signing up is free, you will need a paid membership to find the best matches, but at the minimum, you need to sign up.

2. Can you join without paying

You do not need to pay anything to sign up, you will also be able to enjoy other basic functionality like adding photos and messaging on a free account.

But to use more advanced features like the Livestream tab, you will need a paid subscription.

3. How quickly does it take to make a connection?

This will largely depend on your profile.

The better, the more detailed your profile is with a great photo selection, the higher your opportunities of meeting one will be, because looks don’t lie.

You can always use the editors if you ever feel the need to change anything, or overall, to improve your profile.

Contact

If you need to contact POF, you can contact them at [email protected], and be sure to use the email that is connected to your account.

They lack a direct customer service line, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent.

8. OkCupid.com

OKCupid

Rating

  • Signing up – 5/5
  • Making Contact – 3.5/5
  • Profile Quality – 3.4/5
  • Finding Love – 2.9/5
  • Overall Quality – 3/5

Description 

Another great and free dating site for young people across all US states and cities is OkCupid.com.

It is an excellent site for meeting new people, making new friends, casual dates, and quick hookups.

Some people have actually found their perfect partner on the website, so it is worth a try.

Their decent match making system and overall algorithms make it even more attractive, especially when you have made your profile stand out from the crowd.

The system allows you to block certain people groups from viewing your profile.

While the site may be free to join, you will need a paid subscription to access premium dating features.

Another tip for the best chances of meeting the one is that it is best combined with another paid dating site such as eharmony.

The 6 month membership offers the best value for money.

In addition, you can always look out for sale discounts which are first advertised to registered users.

Pros

  • You can join and use the app free of charge
  • Detailed profiles
  • An all inclusive app for different gender identities

Cons

  • The search function is not well refined
  • Too many ads for the free user interface
  • No video chat for enhanced conversations 

Who is it for

OkCupid is ideal for young people who are looking for a long lasting relationship but still accommodate casual dating.

Besides, it does not discriminate against sex or gender orientation, or other interests such as politics.

People who like details will appreciate its data-driven approach to matching people since you can read a lot about a person before you contact them or meet them IRL, or in real life.

That said, we recommend pairing it up with other products, for example, another site if you are looking for a long term relationship.

FAQ

1. Who uses OkCupid?

OkCupid is mostly used by young people in their 30s and even 40s.

But being a hugely free dating site, you will find people from all walks of life and ages.

In addition, it doesn’t discriminate on values, it is very inclusive regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. 

2. Can I link my social media

The simple answer is yes, you can link to your Instagram account. 

3. Is it a hookup app?

Yes, if you want it to be.

That being said, you can use the “hookup filter” to update your availability, and also let your potential matches know exactly what you are looking for.

The website also has plenty of articles that offer tips to attract attention and meet the one.

Is it a hookup, casual dating, or a serious relationship, so you can reduce the matches to only a handful, and not have to sift through a ton of profiles?

In this case, the choice is yours.

Contact

You may reach OkCupid Customer Service at [email protected], or by mailing them at 809 Washington St., New York, New York 10011

OkCupid Presents: Single On Sunday


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4 thoughts on “8 Best Dating Apps for Young Adults: What to Look For and What to Avoid”

    • Hi Rino,
      If you are seriously in need of a long term friend, I’ll advise you to take a peep into the world of eHarmony dating site. This eharmony review will give you a few pointers.

      Reply

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