UPDATE: Nov. 17, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated to remove Zoosk as a recommendation, and to give more context on features from Match, Tinder, Grindr, and more.
A lot of guys have a love-hate relationship with the apps, but what’s the alternative?
Sure, even the best dating apps for men can be a pain, yet meeting someone organically, or “in the wild,” can feel nearly impossible. Between work, hobbies, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, who has the time to actually meet people? That’s where online dating comes into the picture.
The right dating platform can help you find those “could-be-the-one” kind of dates. Instead of browsing through thousands of faces, some apps use in-depth questionnaires and research-backed matching to connect you with someone worth meeting IRL. This means less time swiping and more time on dates that actually have potential.
Of course, dating as a man in the 21st century is tough. It’s not just the pressure to make the first move or the fear of rejection if you do — it’s the endless swiping through fake profiles, AI-generated thirst traps, bots posing as potential matches, and the relentless Instagram models trying to lure you into their OnlyFans scam. It’s easy to get discouraged.
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Despite these challenges (and the very long list of others we didn’t mention), there are still plenty of real people out there looking for love, just like you. It’s just a matter of finding the best dating apps and putting in the effort to weed out the fakes and the flakes.
Do dating apps work for most guys?
Yes! We’re not going to sugarcoat it and say everyone finds love on their first swipe (or even their first app). But here’s the thing: Real men and women are finding real connections on these apps every day. One 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other through online dating. The numbers are even higher for young people and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
When asked about their experiences with dating apps, 53 percent of users said they had a positive experience, with 14 percent even rating it as “very positive.” Of course, your mileage may vary depending on who you are and what you’re looking for. But the good news is that guys seem to be having a pretty decent time, with 57 percent reporting positive experiences and results compared to 48 percent of women.
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The top dating apps for men
The dating apps in this guide are a great starting point for guys who know what they want and aren’t afraid to put in a little effort to get it, whether it’s a casual fling, a serious relationship, or something in between. Each app offers unique features and caters to different dating styles, so there’s bound to be one that fits your personality and goals.
Don’t be afraid to experiment; try out a few different apps and see what works for you. And most importantly, don’t get discouraged by the occasional bad date or disappointing match. Remember, there are plenty of fish in the (digital) sea, and with a little effort, we’re sure you’ll find the one that’s worth reeling in.
How we tested
To bring you the most accurate and up-to-date information on the best dating sites for men, we put them to the test.
Our team created multiple profiles on each platform, experimenting with different levels of detail and information in these accounts. We wanted to see how these sites handled our data, how well their algorithms matched us with potential partners, and how many matches we could get even with incomplete profiles (a telltale sign of bots or low-quality users).
We checked out each mobile app’s features, swiped left and right with abandon, and immersed ourselves in the overall user experience. We even paid attention to how inclusive and diverse each platform was, because everyone deserves to find love, regardless of their background or identity. Finally, we consulted Mashable’s own Dating & Relationships writers, as many of our team members use these apps IRL. Yes, your personal results will vary, but we considered dating app success stories.
We’ve done the legwork (or rather, the finger-work) so you can focus on finding that special someone.
As of Nov. 2024, we’ve removed our recommendation for Zoosk. Though setting up a profile on the site is easy (and free), once you’re in, you’re surrounded by bots and a site that feels like it hasn’t been updated in years.