Dating apps like bumble 5 alternatives to try instead


Dating Apps Like Bumble: 5 Alternatives to Try Instead (2023)


Bumble's main gimmick is that only women can send the first message in conversations between women and men. This aims to make the app feel safer for women.


Dating Apps Like Bumble: 5 Alternatives to Try Instead (2023)


People often think of Bumble as the best dating app to make lasting connections, compared to apps like Tinder which may be used more for short-term flings or hookups. However, there are a number of other apps like Bumble that can also lead to meaningful relationships. Here are some dating apps to check out if you're looking for a serious partner.


If you're familiar with dating apps, you've probably heard of Bumble. This app is well-known for giving women the power to make the first move, encouraging better conversations, and allowing users to create in-depth profiles. Other popular features that set Bumble apart include SuperSwipes, question games, voice note chatting, and many more.


If you're looking for an alternative to Bumble, we've rounded up the perfect alternatives to help you make deep and meaningful connections. Whether you want less restrictive messaging, better matching, or simply a change of pace, we're here to help you find the best alternative to Bumble to meet your needs.


The 5 Best Alternatives to Bumble At a Glance


    
  
  • EliteSingles - Best for sapiosexuals looking for any relationship type
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  • eharmony - Best for smart matching algorithm
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  • SilverSingles - Best for singles over 50 looking for love
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  • Zoosk - Best for fun and interactive features
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  • DateMyAge - Best for middle-aged daters
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» Looking for even more options? Take a look at our top picks for the best dating apps and sites.


Our Top Picks for the Best Alternatives to Bumble in 2023


1. EliteSingles


A robust app primarily used by university graduates


Best for: Finding fellow intellectuals


Starting price: Free trial, membership from $31.95 per month


Connection type: Long-term


EliteSingles is used primarily by 30-50-year-olds who are highly educated and searching for a serious relationship with someone who can be a romantic and intellectual match.


Available as a website and a mobile app used by 13 million people, it matches users using an evidence-based personality test similar to the Myers-Briggs and presents 3-7 compatible singles to them per day. They can then "like" parts of other users' profiles and send them messages, smiles, or icebreaker questions.


Pros


    
  
  • Data-based matching
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  • Detailed profiles
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  • 82% of users are college graduates
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Cons


    
  
  • Long signup process
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  • Limited free features
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  • No video chat
    • 



Looking for professional singles to connect with? Your next match is on EliteSingles Get Matched 


2. eharmony


A dating site made for lasting love


Best for: Advanced matching


Starting price: Free basic plan, membership from $25.90 per month


Connection type: Long-term


eharmony has been around since 2000, matching over 10 million people using a compatibility questionnaire, detailed profiles, icebreaker questions, and more.


When browsing other profiles, you can see a score showing how compatible you are according to their patented algorithm, allowing you to meet people with similar interests and values.


Pros


    
  
  • Video date feature
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  • High-quality safety features
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  • Detailed profiles
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Cons


    
  
  • Long signup process
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  • No messaging without a paid subscription
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  • Not ideal for casual dating
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eharmony already knows who your perfect match is - click to find out for yourself Get Matched 


3. SilverSingles


A site for singles over 50 to find love


Best for: Meeting people later in life


Starting price: Free basic plan, premium subscription from $27.95 per month


Connection type: Long-term


SilverSingles, as its name suggests, is a dating site and mobile app for people looking for love later in life, whether they're divorced, widowed, or simply have yet to find love. With 25,000 new members each month who are matched using a personality test and questionnaire, there are plenty of people to get to know using SilverSingles' secure messaging platform.


Pros


    
  
  • Easy to use
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  • Advanced matching system
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  • Individual messaging and chat rooms
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Cons


    
  
  • Limited free options
    • 
  
  • No video chat
    • 
  
  • Long signup process
    • 



Dating over 50 has never been easier! Get started with SilverSingles today Get Matched 


4. Zoosk


A general-interest app that gamifies the dating process


Best for: Unique features


Starting price: Free trial, membership from $12.49 per month


Connection type: Casual or long-term


Zoosk allows its over 40 million users can connect using a "Carousel" activity that lets you categorize other users as "yes," "no," or "maybe." You also have access to a "NextDate" virtual speed-dating game.


Zoosk's unique behavioral matchmaking technology shows you profiles based on which users have caught your eye in the past, making for better quality matches. The app contains a mix of users seeking casual and serious relationships.


Pros


    
  
  • Available in 25 languages and used in over 80 countries
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  • Sophisticated behavioral matchmaking technology
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  • Photo verification upon signup for security
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Cons


    
  
  • Minimalistic profiles
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  • Limited free features
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  • No video chat
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With over 40 million users, who's to say your perfect someone isn't just a click away? Get Matched 


5. DateMyAge


A dating site and mobile app for middle-aged singles looking for love and friendship


Best for: People aged 40+


Starting price: Free basic plan, membership from $49.99 per month


Connection type: Long-term


DateMyAge is geared toward those 40 and over or those who are open to dating a 40-and-over partner. Its one million users can connect via live streams, engage in one-on-one video chats, and even send one another IRL or virtual gifts.


There are a number of messaging options, including instant chats, emailing, and a Let's Mingle function that lets you send the same message to multiple users. Various payment options offer different numbers of credits, which you can use to chat.


Pros


    
  
  • Video messaging
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  • Fun features
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  • Photo-sharing in chat
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Cons


    
  
  • No matching algorithms
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  • No options for LGBTQ+ people
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  • Expensive
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Middle-aged and looking for love? Look no further than DateMyAge Get Matched 


» Struggling to find the perfect LGBTQ-friendly dating app? Check out our roundup of the best gay dating apps and sites.


Why Choose These Alternatives Over Bumble?


Bumble is one of the better dating apps out there, but it leaves something to be desired in a few areas. Here are some reasons an alternative to Bumble might be a better choice.


For Less Restricted Messaging


Bumble's main gimmick is that only women can send the first message in conversations between women and men. This aims to make the app feel safer for women.


However, it may not be ideal for men who like to initiate or women who want to feel pursued. Some of the above apps, like Zoosk, allow users to message one another without needing to match first, making connections less superficial.


For More Sophisticated Matching


Since Bumble relies on the "swipe right for yes and left for no" format, matches are made based on people's impressions of one another's appearances and profiles.


Some apps above, including eharmony and EliteSingles, have quizzes and questionnaires that detect how compatible users are on a deeper level. That way, less time is wasted going through the talking stage with people you don't have much in common with.


To Find People Seeking Long-Term Relationships


While Bumble may be more relationship-oriented than Tinder, many people who use it are still seeking casual hookups or short-term dating. While Bumble may be free and easy to set up, dating sites and apps that require people to pay and fill out surveys (like EliteSingles) tend to attract more people who are looking to settle down.


To Find a Specific Type of Partner


While Bumble is marketed to everybody, those who are interested in a particular age group or type of person are more likely to find what they're looking for on special-interest apps like EliteSingles, DateMyAge, and SilverSingles.


Bottom Line: The Best Alternatives to Bumble for Meaningful Connections


The best dating app for you will depend on who you are, what you're looking for, and how much money and time you're willing to invest in finding love. The best strategy, of course, is to utilize multiple services so that you can be exposed to as many people as possible. If you're interested in a long-term partnership and meaningful relationship, try one (or all!) of the above apps.