top ten dating apps uk guide and rankings

Looking for the right match in Britain’s bustling dating scene? This guide highlights the UK’s most popular apps, who they suit, and smart tips to help you date with confidence.

The UK dating-app landscape at a glance

The market blends swipe-heavy giants with relationship-first platforms, plus niche communities for faith, LGBTQ+, and professional daters. Quick take: the “best” app is the one that fits your intent and lifestyle.

How we ranked the top ten

• User base in the UK and match activity
• Quality of profiles and prompts
• Safety tools and moderation
• Value of free tier versus premium perks
• Success stories for different age groups and goals

The top 10 apps in the UK

1. Bumble – Women message first, strong safety features, good for serious-to-casual intentions.
2. Hinge – Prompt-led profiles encourage depth; great for meaningful chats and relationship-minded daters.
3. Tinder – Massive reach and quick matching; best for volume, travel, and casual-to-flexible dating.
4. Match – Longstanding brand with detailed profiles and events; appeals to 30+ and commitment-focused users.
5. eHarmony – Compatibility quizzes and guided introductions; geared to long-term relationships.
6. OkCupid – Inclusive identities and nuanced questions; ideal for values-based matching.
7. Plenty of Fish (POF) – Large pool and practical filters; budget-friendly with robust search.
8. Badoo – Visual-first discovery and live features; popular outside major UK capitals too.
9. Thursday – Only “live” once a week; turns matches into real-life plans fast.
10. HER – For LGBTQ+ women and non-binary folks; mix of dating, communities, and events.

Bottom line: Start with two apps that match your goals and bandwidth, then iterate.

Which app fits your goals?

For serious relationships

Try Hinge or eHarmony; Match also works if you like detailed profiles and events.

For casual or flexible dating

Tinder and Bumble offer high activity and quick momentum.

For LGBTQ+ dating

HER for WLW and non-binary communities; OkCupid for inclusive options and orientation filters.

For discovery beyond big cities

Badoo and POF often have broader regional spread.

For time-boxed dating

Thursday creates urgency and encourages real-world meets.

Features that actually help

• Prompts: Hinge and OkCupid prompts spark authentic conversation.
• Voice notes: Add personality and reduce back-and-forth.
• Video dates: Safe screening before meeting IRL.
• Verified profiles: Reduce catfishing; most top apps offer this.

Pricing and value

Most apps have free tiers; upgrades typically add unlimited likes, advanced filters, profile boosts, and read receipts. Tip: Test free first, then trial a 1-month premium to measure ROI on matches and conversations.

Safety and etiquette

• Meet in public, tell a friend your plan, and use in-app calling first.
• Watch for love-bombing, money requests, and off-app pressure.
• Report suspicious profiles; the big platforms act on flags quickly.

Regional and travel notes

Traveling or relocating? Local app popularity can shift. For example, Western Canada trends differ from the UK; compare insights like best dating apps calgary before you go.

Comparing cities and scenes

US cities also have unique dynamics; for broader perspective, see guides such as best dating apps charlotte nc to contrast features and user behavior with the UK.

Pro tips to boost your match rate

• Lead with a clear goal in your bio: “Open to a relationship” or “Here for fun, let’s grab coffee.”
• Use 4–6 photos: one smiling headshot, one candid, one full-length, and one lifestyle hobby shot.
• Send specific openers referencing a prompt or photo to triple reply odds.
• Move to a plan within 5–10 exchanges to keep momentum.

Small changes compound. Refresh your photos and prompts monthly.

FAQ

• Which dating app is most popular in the UK?

  Tinder has the widest reach, while Bumble and Hinge are extremely active in major UK cities; your best pick depends on whether you value volume (Tinder) or quality prompts and conversations (Hinge, Bumble).

• What’s the best app for serious relationships?

  Hinge and eHarmony are top choices for commitment-minded dating; Match also suits 30+ daters who prefer detailed profiles and offline events.

• Are these apps free, and is premium worth it?

  All listed apps offer free tiers; premium helps with visibility (boosts), filters, and unlimited likes. Trial one month and compare your match-to-date ratio before committing long-term.

• Which app works best outside London and Manchester?

  Badoo and POF often maintain strong regional coverage; Bumble and Tinder also perform well across university and commuter towns.

• How can I get more quality matches quickly?

  Use recent, well-lit photos, add two engaging prompts, verify your profile, and send specific, friendly openers. A weekly boost during peak times can jump-start visibility.

• Is it safe to date using these apps?

  Yes-if you stick to public first meetings, use in-app chat and video before meeting, and report suspicious behavior. Most leading apps provide verification and reporting tools.

• What app is best for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people?

  HER focuses on WLW and non-binary communities, while OkCupid offers broad inclusivity with nuanced identity and orientation options.

Ready to try? Start with Hinge or Bumble plus one secondary app, track your results for two weeks, then refine your photos and prompts based on the conversations that flowed.