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Tinder is still the app most people think of first, but it is far from the only choice. If you are fed up with endless swiping, low-effort chats or simply want a different crowd, there are plenty of apps like Tinder that do things in a different way. Some are slower and more serious, some are built around conversation, and some are made for specific groups of people.
We have picked ten of the best options for UK singles and explained, in plain English, what makes each one different. You will also find advice on how to choose, how to switch without starting from scratch, whether you need to pay, and answers to the questions we hear most often. Features and prices change, so always check the current details inside each app before you commit. None of them is perfect, and none can promise you a partner, but each gives you a slightly different way to meet people, which is often all it takes to change your luck.
Why Look for Apps Like Tinder?
People move on from Tinder for all sorts of reasons. Some find that the sheer volume of profiles makes dating feel like a numbers game. Others feel that too many conversations fizzle out after “hey”. Plenty simply want to meet people who are clearer about what they are looking for, whether that is a relationship, friendship or something more casual.
Another common reason is wanting a different style. Not everyone enjoys judging a stranger in a second from one photo. Some prefer to read a few thoughtful answers, take a compatibility quiz or have the app do some of the matching. Others want to find people who share a faith, a background or a stage of life.
If any of that sounds familiar, you are in good company. Here are ten alternatives worth a look, starting with the ones people tend to try first.
1. Hinge
Hinge is often the first stop among apps like Tinder for people who want something more meaningful. Instead of a single bio, your profile is built from photos and written prompts, which gives people something real to talk about. You like or comment on a specific photo or answer, so conversations tend to start with more than a greeting.
It is popular with people in their twenties, thirties and beyond who are looking for relationships, and the app is designed to help you meet people and move on from it. If you go for it, our guide to Hinge prompts shows you how to write answers that get replies. The basic version is free, with a paid tier for extra features, so check the current options.
2. Bumble
Bumble is best known for its approach to the first move. In most opposite-sex matches, the woman traditionally starts the conversation, and there is a time limit to say hello before the match expires. The aim is to encourage more respectful, balanced conversations, and many women like having that control.
The app also offers modes for meeting friends and networking, which can be handy if you are new to an area. Be aware that Bumble has made changes to how first messages work over time, so check how it currently runs. Expect a good-sized crowd across the UK, particularly in towns and cities.
3. Coffee Meets Bagel
This one suits people who find swiping exhausting. Rather than a bottomless stack, it delivers a small number of curated matches each day, and conversations only begin when both people say yes. It has a calm pace and a reputation for attracting people who want something real.
The trade-off is a smaller audience, so results depend on where you live. Our full Coffee Meets Bagel review covers beans, daily matches and costs in detail.
4. Happn
Happn is another of the apps like Tinder, but it is built on a simple and rather fun idea: it shows you people whose paths you have crossed in real life. If you share a commute, a gym or a favourite coffee shop, you may find each other’s profiles in the app, and then it is up to you to decide whether to like them.
This local feel suits people in busy towns and cities, where crossing paths is common. It works less well in quiet areas. As with any app that uses location, check the privacy settings and decide how much you want to share.
5. Match
Match is one of the longest-running names in online dating, and it tends to attract people who are serious about finding a partner. It offers detailed profiles, searchable filters and options for contacting people, and it is often popular with those in their thirties, forties and over.
It is generally a paid service when it comes to messaging, so you need to be happy to pay. Prices and plans change regularly, so look at the current options rather than relying on an old review. Many people like the sense that everyone else has also made an effort.
6. eharmony
eharmony takes a very different approach from swiping. You start by answering a long questionnaire about your personality, values and what you want, and the service then suggests matches who seem compatible. It is aimed firmly at people looking for lasting relationships.
The sign-up takes time, which puts off some people, but it also tends to filter out those who are not serious. Features and fees change, so see the app for current prices. It is a good alternative if you are tired of snap judgements based on photos.
7. OkCupid
OkCupid is one of the friendlier apps like Tinder for thoughtful chats. It lets you answer lots of questions, from lifestyle to values, and it uses those answers to show how well you might get on with someone. That makes conversation easier, because you can see what you have in common straight away. It is also known for being inclusive, with a wide range of gender and relationship options.
A good amount of the app is free, which makes it a low-risk way to try something different. If you enjoy filling in quizzes and reading in-depth profiles, it is well worth a go.
8. Plenty of Fish
Plenty of Fish has been around for a long time and has a big, varied user base. It is free to use for basic features, which is a major reason for its popularity, and it offers chat, searching and personality-based matching.
Because it is so large and free to join, quality can vary, so you may need to sift a bit more. Take your time, read profiles carefully and be sensible about who you reply to. For many people, the sheer choice outweighs the effort.
9. Muzz
Muzz is designed for Muslim singles who want to meet someone who shares their faith and values. It includes features that let users involve a family member or guardian in conversations if they wish, and it focuses on serious intentions.
If you are searching for a partner within that community, a dedicated app can feel far more comfortable than a general one. As ever, check the current features and costs before you sign up.
10. Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating is built into the main Facebook app, so there is nothing new to download and no new password to remember. It matches people using shared interests, events and groups, and it is free to use. Your dating profile is kept separate from your normal one, and you can choose how people see you.
It is a simple, no-cost option, particularly good if you want to meet people with similar interests. Because it draws on things like events and groups, it can feel more natural than a cold introduction, and it is a low-risk way to test whether app dating suits you at all. Some people feel uncomfortable linking dating to their existing social account, so read the privacy settings carefully.
How to Choose Between These Tinder Alternatives
With so many options to try, it helps to narrow things down. Ask yourself a few honest questions:
- What do I want? A serious relationship points to eharmony, Match or Hinge. Something lighter and more social might suit Bumble or Happn.
- How much time do I have? If you are short on time, a curated app is a good fit. If you enjoy browsing, a larger and freer one works.
- Where do I live? Big cities have lots of choice, while smaller towns benefit from larger apps with more members.
- Do I want a specific community? Faith-based or interest-based apps help you find the right people quicker.
- What is my budget? Several of these apps are free to start, and you can upgrade later if it helps.
If you are still unsure, our round-up of the best dating apps compares more options side by side.
Tips for Switching Apps
Moving from one app to another does not have to mean starting over. A few small habits will help you hit the ground running:
- Refresh your photos. Choose recent, clear pictures that show your face and your personality.
- Rewrite your bio for the new app, rather than copying and pasting. Each one has its own style.
- Try one or two apps at a time, so you can give each a proper go.
- Be clear about your intentions, as it saves time for everyone.
- Give it a couple of weeks before deciding, as it takes a little time to build momentum.
- Do not delete your old account until you are happy with the new one.
Free or Paid: What Should You Expect?
Nearly every one of these apps like Tinder lets you join for free, but the experience differs once you start. Facebook Dating and Plenty of Fish are largely free. Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid and Coffee Meets Bagel have free versions with paid upgrades. Match and eharmony are more subscription-led.
There is no rule that you must pay, and plenty of people find partners using only free tools. If you do pay, read the renewal terms carefully, avoid long contracts at the start and set a reminder to cancel if it is not working. Never pay anyone who contacts you privately asking for money or gift cards, as this is a classic scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Tinder? It depends on what you want. Hinge is popular for relationships, Bumble for balanced conversations, and eharmony for people who want a more serious, compatibility-based approach.
Are there any free tinder alternatives? Yes. Facebook Dating and Plenty of Fish are free for the basics, and Hinge, Bumble and OkCupid all offer free versions with optional paid features.
Which app is best for serious relationships? Hinge, eharmony, Match and Coffee Meets Bagel all attract people who want something longer term, though no app can promise a result.
Is it worth using more than one app? Using two can widen your options, but more than that can feel overwhelming. Pick one or two, and give them a fair run.
Are these apps safe? They can be, if you stay careful. Meet in public, tell a friend, never send money and trust your instincts. Use the report and block tools if someone makes you uncomfortable.
The Bottom Line
There is no single best choice among the apps like Tinder, but there is almost certainly a better fit for you than the one you are tired of. Think about what you want, try a couple of options with an open mind, and give each a fair go before making up your mind.
Dating should be enjoyable, not a chore. If you would like help or have a question, please get in touch, and browse more guides at Singles Warehouse.
