Looking for the best dating apps in the UK? Whether you’re searching for love, companionship, or just a fun date, there’s an app suited to your needs. The UK offers a mix of globally recognized and locally popular dating platforms, making it easy to connect with potential matches.
Apps like Tinder and Bumble remain favorites worldwide, while Match and Happn attract many UK-based users. Some platforms focus on serious relationships, while others cater to casual dating. Whether you prefer personality-based matchmaking or location-driven connections, there’s an app designed for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top five dating apps in the UK, breaking down their features, pros, and cons to help you find the right fit for your dating style. Plus, we’ll share practical tips to improve your chances of making meaningful connections.
The best dating apps & sites in the UK, at a glance
- Tinder Dating App
- Hinge Dating App
- Bumble Dating App
- Plenty Of Fish Dating App
- Grindr Dating App
1. Best Dating App in the UK: Tinder
Pros: One of the most popular dating apps is Tinder. Even if you’re in a very rural area, you’re sure to find people to talk with because so many people use it. If you go to their website, you may use Tinder online as well.
Cons: It’s a tad too easy to accidentally swipe the wrong way, especially when using “Super Likes”, which notify the other user.
Top tip: When writing your bio, stay clear of the common Tinder cliches, such as “fluent in sarcasm”, “don’t match if you’re not going to talk”, or “6ft because apparently that matters.” Keep it light and be unique.
Paid-for features on Tinder
- Tinder Plus: Allows you to go incognito, hide advertisements, match with people worldwide, undo your last swipe, and have an infinite number of likes.
- Tinder Gold: You can see who has liked you, receive five daily Super Likes, receive one monthly Boost, and receive new Top Picks every day. It has all the same features as the free and paid editions.
- Tinder Platinum: The free, Plus, and Gold versions’ capabilities are all included, along with the ability to message before matching, send prioritised likes, and see the likes you’ve sent in the previous week.
2. Serious Dating App in the UK: Hinge
Pros: People you’re Most Compatible with are recommended by Hinge’s algorithm.
Cons: You’ll be notified and offered the chance to match with someone each time you ‘like’ them on this site. Because of this, it could look a little more daunting than a mindless Tinder swipe.
Top tip: You won’t get many chances to browse and match on Hinge until you complete your profile.
Paid-for features on Hinge
- Hinge+: Allows you to send an unlimited number of likes, view all of your fans, sort likes, upgrade preferences, and find people in additional ways (e.g., by location).
- HingeX: The same features as Hinge+, plus the ability to send priority likes, skip the line, and improve suggestions.
3. Best Dating App in the UK: Bumble
Pros: When people of the opposite sex match. Faster-paced discussions are promoted by the need that the initial messages to be sent within a specific time frame. You might be able to get a job and a new best friend on this site, thanks to the Bizz and BFF options.
Cons: You must use Bumble frequently enough to meet the deadlines for sending the initial message and responding. If you don’t, you can lose matches with people you like.
Top tip: According to Bumble, the ideal time for users between the ages of 18 and 22 to use the app’s date setting is from 7 to 10 p.m.
Paid-for features on Bumble
- Bumble Boost: Allows you to replay using Bumble Spotlight once a week, extend matches for longer, have unlimited swipes, and use five SuperSwipes per week.
- Bumble Premium: The features of Bumble Boost are also available, along with infinite Advanced filters, the ability to view who has liked you, the ability to rematch with people, travel mode, and incognito mode.
- Bumble Premium+: All of the features included in Boost and Premium, along with two weekly compliments, five additional SuperSwipes, and access to Profile Insights.
4. Best Free Dating App In the UK: Plenty of Fish
Pros: Plenty of Fish (POF) is one of the largest free online dating apps, offering access to a vast dating pool. Free members can send and receive unlimited messages without restrictions. The app provides robust search filters, allowing users to refine matches based on height, age, body type, income, education, and children.
Cons: Since POF is free, the quality of matches can vary widely, with a higher likelihood of encountering escorts, fakes, and scammers compared to paid dating apps. While search filters are strong, finding truly compatible matches may take patience due to the large and diverse user base.
Top Tip: For better results, optimise your POF profile by using strategic photos and detailed responses—this increases your chances of attracting high-quality matches.
Paid Features on POF:
- See who viewed your profile.
- Using enhanced search tools for more refined matchmaking.
5. Best Dating App in UK : Grindr
Pros: Grindr is the biggest social networking app for its target audience. You can easily find local dates and hookups on there.
Cons: It’s generally known for quite risqué chat and image sharing. If this isn’t for you, it might be worth giving this app a miss.
Top tip: You can share your location with other users on Grindr, but don’t rush into doing this. We recommend asking for things like their Instagram and phone number before sending your location or meeting them in person, so you’re sure of their identity. Plus, it’s always best to pick somewhere public to meet dates from apps initially.
Paid-for features on Grindr
- Grindr XTRA: Allows you to get read receipts, view up to 600 profiles in the grid, use explore mode, save phrases to use in chats, send five expiring photos each day, access premium album features, use Grindr Web, unlock Grindr XTRA filters, and have no third-party ads.
- Grindr Unlimited: Has XTRA features and filters, plus added ones like the ability to view an unlimited number of profiles, see who’s viewed your profile, see who chatted with you, see typing status, and send unlimited expiring photos.
Conclusion
Finding the right dating app depends on what you’re looking for. The UK offers a range of options, from casual dating on Tinder to serious relationships on Plenty of Fish. Bumble encourages women to make the first move, while Hinge focuses on personality-based matches.
If privacy matters, apps like Grindr provide unique ways to connect. Some platforms offer paid features for added benefits, but free versions can also be effective. The key is to stay safe, be yourself, and take time to find the best match. Keep an open mind, enjoy the process, and make the most of meeting new people.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dating Apps in the UK
1. What are the best free dating apps in the UK?
Several dating apps offer free versions with useful features. Popular choices include Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish.
2. Which dating apps are best for people over 40?
For those looking for serious relationships or connections later in life, Match, eHarmony, OurTime, and EliteSingles are great options.
3. What are the most popular dating apps in the UK?
The most widely used apps include Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, Match, and eHarmony, catering to different dating preferences.
4. Is Bumble better than Tinder in the UK?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Bumble encourages women to make the first move, while Tinder is more focused on quick matches and casual dating.
5. Are there free dating websites available in the UK?
Yes, many dating platforms offer free versions, including OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, and Badoo.
6. What is the best dating app for serious relationships?
Apps like eHarmony, Match, and Hinge focus on long-term connections and compatibility.
7. Can I find niche dating apps in the UK?
Yes, there are apps catering to specific interests, such as Christian Mingle for faith-based dating or Feeld for open relationships.
8. How can I stay safe while using dating apps?
Always meet in public places, avoid sharing personal details too soon, and use in-app messaging before moving to other platforms.
