The 9 best dating apps for men who are tired of being alone

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Read our full review of Tinder Premium.

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Tinder — the OG swiping app and undisputed champion of casual hookups. Whether you're seeking a one-night stand, a friends-with-benefits situation, or just some casual fun, Tinder is the place to find it.

With its infamous swipe-and-match interface, you can quickly browse through what seems like an endless stream of potential partners (most of whom are just looking for a good time). It's the perfect app for guys who know exactly what they want and aren't afraid to go for it. It's also particularly popular among college students, though you'll find users of all ages.

Love it or hate it, Tinder works for casual hookups. (We'd be surprised if you haven't already downloaded it at least once.) Tinder invented swiping, and they're still the biggest player with billions of swipes daily. While you might have to swipe a lot, you'll find active users everywhere. And on Tinder, it's totally cool to be upfront about just wanting a hookup. Most people appreciate the honesty.

While the swipe is still king, Tinder has been rolling out new features. The latest evolution is "Modes," a navigation bar that gives you dedicated spaces for things like "Double Date" or "College Mode." They're even testing a new AI feature called "Chemistry" that uses your camera roll to help find compatible matches.

Most importantly, Tinder is getting serious about safety. In late 2025, the app began requiring a mandatory "Face Check" for all new users in the U.S. This means you have to take a video selfie to prove you're real, which Tinder claims has already reduced reports of "bad actors" by 40 percent. It’s a solid move to clean up the platform and make sure you're swiping on real people.

Read our full review of Match. 

Match is the dating app for guys who are ready to commit and willing to invest to make a meaningful connection. With a quarter of users under 30 and nearly half between 30 and 49, there's a diverse range of potential partners to connect with.

And don't let its 25+ years of experience fool you — it's evolved with a modern and innovative interface and features that leave behind any notion of its 90s roots.

Match quietly dominates the market for mature, serious daters. The data backs this up: Match is the most popular app for users aged 50-64. We like it because the barrier to entry (specifically the subscription cost) acts as a useful filter. It weeds out people who aren't serious enough to invest in the process.

The odds are also in your favor if you're looking for something real. Match's own 2025 "Singles in America" study found that 73 percent of singles still believe in "forever love," suggesting a user base that's optimistic about finding a lasting connection.

The platform has also taken steps to improve safety and authenticity. You're now required to upload three photos (you can add up to 26 to your profile) to set up your profile, a clear move to crack down on fakes. This shows they're serious about creating a safer and more authentic dating environment. In fact, Match Group, the company behind Match, removes an average of 44 spam accounts every minute across its portfolio of dating apps.

However, we do need to add a note of caution. While the platform is effective, Match Group agreed to a $14 million settlement with the FTC in August 2025 regarding allegations of deceptive practices involving fraudulent accounts. While the company denied wrongdoing, it's important context to have before you hand over your credit card info.

Read our full review of OkCupid.

OkCupid is our top pick as the best free dating app for men, period. It's for guys who value substance over swipes and want a feature-rich experience without having to pay. The platform is known for its inclusive, progressive user base and attracts a diverse crowd interested in everything from social justice to casual flings.

Data from the SSRS survey shows it has broad appeal, particularly among daters aged 30 to 49, where it's slightly more popular than among the youngest adults. If you want thoughtful matches without breaking the bank, OkCupid is a great place to start.

OkCupid goes beyond surface-level swiping by letting you connect with potential partners based on what really matters to you. Want to make sure you're on the same page about the important stuff? OkCupid lets you express your values and filter out potential matches with different dealbreakers. Whether it's gun control, vaccinations, or social justice, you can take a stance and find someone who sees eye-to-eye. Of course, you're more likely to find a match if you're on the liberal end of the political spectrum, so conservatives might have better luck elsewhere.

This focus on what really matters attracts a community of intentional daters. A recent OkCupid survey found that 71 percent of users are looking for something meaningful, and 61 percent say their personal values and life goals shape how they date.

While politics play a significant role, OKC understands that there's more to romance than just political alignment. They make it easy to showcase your personality with in-depth profiles that are fun to create. The questions are thoughtfully designed to explore your dating style without being overly sentimental. And the best part? The free version is actually functional. You can do pretty much everything you need to without shelling out for a premium subscription.

What sets OkCupid apart is its matching algorithm, which calculates the percentage of compatibility based on shared answers to these questions. This algorithm has been refined and perfected since OkCupid's launch in 2004, helping you find matches with genuine compatibility.

Read our full review of eharmony.

eharmony is the best dating app for the grown-ass man who knows what he wants: real, lasting love. It's not for the casual dater or the guy who's just looking for a fling. This app is for men ready to settle down. And the data backs this up. According to the SSRS survey findings, eharmony is one of the top apps for users aged 50 to 64 (35 percent) and 65 and over (32 percent). If you're past your 20s and serious about finding a partner, eharmony is a solid choice. It also tends to be a better fit for men who are more conservative or value religion in their dating preferences.

eharmony has a serious track record. They claim to be responsible for 4 percent of U.S. marriages — that's huge. That's why we've named it the best dating app for men looking for marriage. Doesn't mean you'll be saying "I do" tomorrow, but it does mean you'll be connecting with singles who are open to commitment, whether that's exclusivity, meeting the family, or moving in together.

What was once a doozy of a sign-up process is now short, sweet, and free of the corny, religious questions that used to scare off younger folks. The revamped questionnaire covers 32 (up from 29) dimensions of compatibility. Instead of asking directly if you're emotionally stable, they might ask how you handle apologies or what ticks you off. They still ask about hobbies and interests, but it feels more like a conversation than an interrogation.

While it was once known for its more conservative approach to matchmaking, the platform has made a few changes in recent years to become more inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. In October 2024, eharmony partnered with GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, to better understand the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ daters and learn more about how dating apps influence coming out and identity disclosure in the digital age. We're keeping an eye on the app to see if it becomes a good option for LGBTQ+ singles in 2025.

Read our full review of Grindr XTRA.

Grindr is the app for gay, bi, trans, and queer men. Hookups, dates, friends, something serious — whatever you're looking for, Grindr connects you with other guys in the LGBTQ+ community. It's great for exploring the local scene, especially when you're traveling. Bottom line: If you're a guy into guys, Grindr's where it's at. It's a place to be yourself and find what you're looking for (no matter what that might be).

One important note: While Grindr used to be one of our favorite free dating apps, the free version is becoming more annoying to use as Grindr pushes users toward paid plans.

You know what you're getting with Grindr: some serious attention, some pushy messages, and plenty of dick pics. But finding and meeting up with men on Tinder or OkCupid isn't always easy, especially if you're in a small town with a meager queer community. Whether it's your first time with a guy and you want someone experienced, or you're the experienced guy, it's nice to have Grindr in your back pocket. 

And it's not just for hookups. Plenty of couples meet on Grindr. One survey even found that over half of Grindr users believe they can find love on the app. Grindr for Equality also advocates for sexual health and LGBTQ+ safety. The company has also been working to make the app safer, using AI and a dedicated moderation team to crack down on underage users.

The app is also leaning heavily into new tech. In September, Grindr announced it's becoming an "AI-first company" with its new proprietary AI — gAI™ (pronounced "gay-eye"). The first feature, "A-List," is already rolling out to paid users and offers chat summaries and personalized recommendations. The company has also updated its privacy policy to give users explicit control over how their data is used for AI features. For in-the-moment meetups, the "Right Now" feature was recently upgraded with a Sniffies-style "Map View," a live map of guys nearby who are ready to connect, though it's only available in select cities for now.

Of course, new features sometimes mean new bugs and paywalls. Bisexual men have also reported mixed experiences on the app, including biphobia. This thread of Reddit users has experienced it in some way, describing the disappointment they feel from not being supported by their LGBTQ+ community and getting messages like "vaginas are gross" at the first mention of being bisexual. This is part of a larger challenge the platform faces with its content moderation. The app has struggled with inconsistent policies, as seen in its brief ban (and subsequent reversal) of the phrase "no Zionists" in user profiles in late July 2025.

Don't let the name fool you, SilverSingles isn't just for guys who are ready for retirement (though it's a great option if you are!). It's actually designed for any man over 50 who's looking for a genuine connection. Whether you're hoping to find a serious relationship, a casual dating partner, or even just a new friend, SilverSingles is a great option.

So, even if you’re not a “silver fox,” this dating app is worth considering.

SilverSingles is the best dating site for men over 50 who are looking for a genuine connection. This platform prioritizes compatibility, using a detailed personality quiz (similar to the one used by EliteSingles) to match you with potential partners who share your values and interests.

Instead of swiping through endless photos, SilverSingles encourages you to really get to know someone. Sure, setting up a profile might take a bit longer than on those swipe-happy apps, but the matches tend to be more promising — and less likely to ghost you.

The app also got a major upgrade just in time for 2026. In November 2025, parent company Spark Networks launched a comprehensive "technology platform overhaul," giving SilverSingles a modern design and an improved user experience. Along with the new look, they’ve made it easier to connect: messaging is now free for all users, provided you both "like" each other first. We also like that it doesn't overwhelm you; the site sends free users three curated "Recommended Picks" daily, while premium subscribers get up to 10.

The registration process is straightforward, with free and paid membership options. However, we’ve noticed that SilverSingles isn’t quite as LGBTQ-friendly as other dating apps. While you can set your preferences for same-sex matches, you can't receive matches from both genders at the same time. Hopefully, they'll update this in the future.

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is like the younger, more laid-back cousin of EliteSingles. It's perfect for guys who are tired of the endless swiping game and want a more curated dating experience.

Instead of bombarding you with a ton of profiles, CMB delivers a select few "Bagels" each day – potential matches chosen just for you based on your preferences and interests. It's kind of like having a wingman who actually knows what he's doing.

While tons of active users can seem like a plus, we know that getting 20 new messages every time you sign on can be jarring. CMB's unhurried approach is great for men who are out of practice, introverted, or don't feel like scrolling whenever they have a free minute. We also think it's a great app for young professionals looking for a serious partner.

The app also has a unique way of keeping the conversation moving. A chat stays active as long as someone messages every 72 hours. If you both go silent for 72 hours, the chat becomes inactive and will fully close 7 days after the last message. It adds just enough pressure to get you to set up a date, but if you miss your window, you can always reopen a chat for 99 beans (the in-app currency) for 30 more days.

Read our full EliteSingles review.

EliteSingles is a dating app for ambitious, intelligent men who are looking for a partner who's just as driven and successful as they are. If you're a professional who values stimulating conversation, intellectual compatibility, and shared career goals, EliteSingles attempts to offer more specificity than eharmony and Match.

EliteSingles is about finding someone who challenges you intellectually, supports your ambitions, and shares your vision for the future. It's about finding a partner who's not just a pretty face, but a true equal.

EliteSingles offers a targeted approach to finding compatible matches. The app considers factors such as education level, career trajectory, and professional goals to ensure that the matches you encounter have a similar outlook on life. With EliteSingles, you can elevate your dating experience by connecting with individuals who share your dedication to personal and professional success.

Rather than being thrown into an endless pool of profiles, EliteSingles attempts to match you through the Five Factor Personality Test. Via 29 algorithms, the site will try to find singles to complement your attachment style and personality traits.

And like its sister site, SilverSingles, they've also rolled out a major update that makes it much easier to use. Along with a cleaner design, messaging is now free for all users, provided you both "like" each other first. Of course, premium members get extra perks like seeing who liked them and reading receipts, but actually connecting with other singles is now more accessible. Plus, you can take comfort knowing you won’t deal with as many fake accounts, as EliteSingles manually verifies profiles with an upscale fraud detection system.