15 Best Dating Apps for Serious Relationships When You’re So Over Situationships

If you’re looking for a serious relationship, dating apps can start to feel like a particularly exhausting game of “What the hell are you actually looking for?” Sure, their profile says “long-term relationship,” but does that mean marriage? A committed partner? Someone to split a Costco membership with? Or someone who will text you “wyd” every Thursday night for the next six months?The good news is that people absolutely do use dating apps to find real, long-term relationships. And while certain apps are designed to make finding a serious partner easier, there’s no single app that magically contains all the people ready to commit. “Any dating app or website can be good for long-term relationships if you are honest and intentional about what you want from the beginning,” says Rachel Needle, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes.Still, choosing an app that attracts people looking for the same kind of relationship you are can save you a whole lot of time. Just as important is making your own intentions clear. Clinical sexologist Tatyannah King, MSW, recommends explicitly stating that you’re looking for something long-term in your profile, even if doing so means getting fewer matches. She also suggests including specific details that actually tell people something about your life and personality. Basically, you’re trying to find someone compatible, not collect every available human within a 15-mile radius.Ready to get back out there? Below, we’re breaking down the best dating apps for serious relationships, who they’re best for, what they cost, and what you should know before downloading.1. Bumble​Women who want more control over how conversations start.Why We Picked It:“Bumble is an ideal app for people who are looking for long-term partnerships, especially for women who date men,” King says. “As someone who dates with intention and prefers long-term relationships over short flings, I’ve personally also found it helpful to pay for the premium version. I noticed that men who are paying for the premium version of Bumble’s dating app seem to be more intentional about dating.”She also loves Bumble’s Opening Moves feature, which lets women set prompts that their matches can respond to, giving them another way to get a conversation going beyond sending the first message themselves. Matches expire if no one sends a message within 24 hours, which can help keep things moving instead of letting a promising match sit untouched for three weeks.Who It’s For:Bumble is open to daters of all genders and orientations. In heterosexual matches, women traditionally initiate the conversation, but Opening Moves gives them the option to set a prompt that a match can respond to instead. In same-gender and nonbinary connections, either person can start the conversation.Platform Info:Available on iOS and AndroidPros:Opening Moves gives women more flexibility over how conversations get startedSnooze Mode lets you temporarily hide your profile when you need a dating-app breakPlenty of prompts and profile features to help show off your personalitySuperSwipes let you signal extra interest in a potential matchIncognito Mode lets Premium and Premium+ members only be seen by people they’ve already likedPaid subscriptions offer perks like unlimited likes and advanced filtersTravel Mode lets Premium and Premium+ members change their location before or during a tripCons:The 24-hour window to start a conversation can feel limiting if you don’t check the app regularlySome of the most useful features, including Incognito and Travel Mode, require a paid subscriptionBumble’s conversation rules can take a minute to get used to if you’re coming from apps where anyone can immediately message a matchPrice:Free to download and useBumble Boost starts at around $14.99 per weekBumble Premium starts at around $27.99 per weekBumble Premium+ starts at around $39.99 per weekDownload Here2. Hinge​Best For:Daters who want to know more than someone’s height and favorite vacation spot before matching.Why We Picked It:The self-proclaimed “dating app designed to be deleted,” Hinge is an obvious contender if your ultimate goal is to get off dating apps altogether. “If you're searching for a dating platform that prioritizes depth over quick swipes, Hinge might be just what you're looking for,” says Mariah Freya, sex education expert and founder of Beducated. “It combines the best of Tinder's ease of use with Match's focus on genuine connections.”Profiles include photos and videos, answers to prompts, and details like dating intentions and relationship type, giving you plenty to work with when deciding whether you might actually like someone. You can also like or comment on a specific part of someone’s profile rather than simply swiping on the whole person, and Hinge’s newer Convo Starters feature offers personalized suggestions based on a match’s profile when your brain simply cannot come up with another opening line.Who It’s For:Hinge is open to daters of all genders and orientations, but it’s particularly useful if you want more information about potential matches upfront and are looking for something beyond a hookup.Platform Info:Available on iOS and AndroidPros:Detailed profiles include photos, videos, voice, prompts, dating intentions, and relationship preferencesYou can like or comment on specific parts of someone’s profile, giving you a built-in conversation starterConvo Starters can help when you have absolutely no idea what to saySelfie Verification can help confirm that matches look like the person in their profileHinge’s We Met feature asks about your dates after you exchange phone numbers with a match and uses that feedback to improve future recommendationsHinge+ offers unlimited likes and lets you see everyone who has liked youHingeX adds features like enhanced recommendations and Priority LikesCons:Free users have a limited number of likesSome of the features that make Hinge significantly easier to use are behind paid subscriptionsDetailed profiles are great if you want depth, less great if filling out dating-app prompts is your personal hellPrice:Free to download and useHinge+ starts at around $29.99 per monthHingeX starts at around $49.99 per monthDownload Here3. Tinder​Best For:Having a ton of options.Why We Picked It:Tinder is basically the reason swiping became synonymous with dating apps in the first place, and its sheer size is still one of its biggest selling points. The app is available in more than 190 countries and has racked up more than 55 billion matches, so if your biggest dating problem is simply finding enough people to date, Tinder certainly gives you options. And while it has a reputation as a hookup app, you can specify what you’re looking for with Relationship Goals, including a long-term partner.Who It’s For:Tinder is open to daters of all genders and orientations and is a particularly good option if you want a large dating pool. Because people use Tinder for everything from casual hookups to serious relationships, though, pay attention to Relationship Goals and be upfront about what you’re looking for if long-term love is the goal.Platform Info:Available on iOS and AndroidAvailable on desktop via Tinder for WebPros:Huge dating pool with users around the worldEasy to set up and start swipingRelationship Goals help you communicate what you’re looking forPhoto Verification lets users verify that they look like their profile photosRewind lets subscribers undo their last Like or NopePassport Mode lets you change your location and match with people elsewhereTinder Platinum includes Priority Likes, which helps your Likes and Super Likes get seen fasterCons:A huge dating pool also means more profiles to wade throughPeople use Tinder for all kinds of connections, so not everyone you encounter will be looking for a serious relationshipFree users don’t get unlimited LikesFeatures like Rewind and Passport require a subscription or separate purchasePrice:Free to download and useTinder Plus starts at around $9.99 per monthTinder Gold starts at around $13.99 per monthDownload Here4. Hily​Best For:Gen Z daters looking for a more intentional, inclusive dating experience.Why We Picked It:With a large Gen Z user base, Hily is clearly geared toward younger daters. The app has more than 43 million downloads and puts a big emphasis on authenticity, compatibility, and helping users find people who are actually looking for the same things they are.One feature that especially stands out is Consent Guard, which is designed to help prevent unsolicited explicit messages and images. If the technology detects potentially sexual content, it prompts the sender to ask for consent before sending it, giving the recipient the option to accept or decline. Because nothing kills the possibility of a meaningful connection quite like an unsolicited nude from someone you exchanged three messages with.Who It’s For:Hily is especially suited to Gen Z daters who want to meet people based on more than a few carefully curated photos. It may also appeal to anyone who appreciates extra control over the kinds of sexual messages or images they receive while dating online.Platform Info:Available on iOS and AndroidPros:Particularly geared toward Gen Z and younger datersConsent Guard helps prevent unsolicited explicit messages and photos from reaching you without your consentDiscover offers another way to find potential matches based on your interests and dating intentionsProfile verification and other safety features help screen potential matchesCompatibility features offer another way to evaluate potential matches beyond their photosYou can add music to your profile, because music compatibility is very much a thingCons:Some features require a paid subscriptionMay appeal less to older daters looking for a more traditional dating-app experiencePrice:Free to download and useHily Premium starts at around $14.99 per weekHily Premium+ starts at around $24.99 per weekAdditional in-app purchases, including profile boosts, are availableDownload Here5. eharmony​Best For:Daters who are serious about finding a long-term partner.Why We Picked It: eharmony has been around since 2000, which is approximately 400 years in dating-app time, but its focus on long-term compatibility is also what keeps it relevant for people who are serious about finding a relationship. Instead of immediately throwing you into an endless stack of profiles, the app has you complete a detailed Compatibility Quiz and uses your answers to generate matches and compatibility information.“If you're ready to say ‘I do,’ then eharmony is there to guide you along the way,” Freya says. “Renowned for its emphasis on long-term commitment, it's like the Charlotte York of dating apps—traditional and mostly geared towards heterosexual relationships.” While you certainly don’t need to be ready for marriage tomorrow to use it, the more involved setup process and detailed profiles may appeal to daters who are willing to put a little more time into finding a compatible partner.Who It’s For: People looking for a serious, long-term relationship who don’t mind spending more time setting up their profile and answering compatibility questions upfront. It may also appeal to daters who prefer a more structured matching process over simply swiping through profiles.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidAvailable on desktopPros:Detailed profiles and an in-depth Compatibility QuizCompatibility information can help you evaluate potential matchesMatching process is designed around long-term compatibilityParticularly geared toward relationship-minded datersFree Basic membership lets you create a profile and browse matchesCons:More time-consuming to set up than swipe-first appsUnlimited messaging and several other features require PremiumPremium subscriptions require a longer commitment than many competing appsMay feel a little traditional compared with newer dating appsPrice:Free Basic membership availablePremium Light, typically a six-month commitment, runs roughly $59 to $69 per monthPremium Plus, typically a 12-month commitment, runs roughly $38 to $50 per monthPremium Extra, typically a 24-month commitment, runs roughly $29 to $33 per monthDownload Here6. Match​Best For: Serious daters who want a large, established dating pool.Why We Picked It: Match has been around since 1995, making it one of the OG online dating platforms—and there’s something to be said for an app that has survived approximately every era of internet dating. Unlike platforms that lean heavily into casual swiping, Match has long positioned itself toward people looking for relationships.“Match is my top choice for its ability to cater to individuals in their 30s and 40s seeking meaningful connections,” Freya says. “Its large user base offers a wide range of like-minded adults looking for genuine relationships.” Profiles also give you plenty of space to spell out who you are and what you’re looking for, which can be especially useful when the goal is finding someone you might actually want to date long-term.Who It’s For: Relationship-minded daters who want a more traditional online dating experience and plenty of information about potential matches before deciding whether to connect.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidAvailable on desktopPros:Large, established dating poolDetailed profiles let you learn more about potential matches upfrontGeared toward people looking for relationshipsSearch and filtering options can help narrow down potential matchesCons:Many features require a paid subscriptionCan feel more traditional than newer dating appsPaid memberships can get priceyLonger subscriptions are generally billed upfront rather than month-to-monthPrice:Free to join and use with limited featuresStandard plans run roughly $34.45 per month for three months, $24.48 per month for six months, or $21.84 per month for 12 monthsPremium plans run roughly $40.41 per month for three months, $26.51 per month for six months, or $23.11 per month for 12 monthsMulti-month plans are generally charged in full at the beginning of the subscriptionDownload Here7. OkCupid​Best For:Daters who want to get specific about compatibility.Why We Picked It: OkCupid has been around since 2004, but it’s managed to evolve beyond its early-internet-dating roots. One of its biggest draws is the sheer number of questions you can answer about everything from relationships and lifestyle to politics, sex, and approximately whatever else you might want to know about someone before agreeing to spend two hours across a table from them.Your answers help determine your compatibility with potential matches, and you can also specify what kind of relationship you’re looking for. That makes OkCupid especially useful if you have particular values, preferences, or dealbreakers you’d rather get out of the way sooner rather than later.Who It’s For: Daters who want a more inclusive app and like having plenty of information about potential matches upfront. It’s also a good option if you’d rather use compatibility questions to narrow down your dating pool than rely primarily on photos and a few prompts.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidAvailable on desktopPros:Lots of compatibility questions to help you find people with similar values and preferencesInclusive gender and sexual-orientation optionsYou can specify the type of relationship you’re looking forFree version offers plenty of functionalityAvailable on desktop as well as mobileCons:Answering enough questions to get the most out of the compatibility features takes some timeSome features and filters require a paid subscriptionThe amount of information can feel like a lot if you prefer a simpler swipe-and-go experiencePrice: Free to download and useOkCupid Premium starts at around $19.99 per monthAdditional paid features and Boosts are availableDownload Here8. Flure​Best For:Sex-positive daters looking for less traditional dating-app rules.Why We Picked It: A serious relationship doesn’t necessarily have to follow the traditional dating-app playbook, which is where Flure comes in. The app takes a more open-ended approach to dating, encouraging users to meet people and see where the connection goes rather than requiring them to define exactly what they’re looking for upfront. It also puts a particular emphasis on sex positivity, inclusivity, and creating a space where users can be open about what they want.Flure also puts an emphasis on safety and communication. Its in-app features include Safe Mode, which helps protect users from unsolicited explicit content, and Flure Sparks, a game designed to help matches get to know each other and talk about everything from everyday interests to sex and relationships.Who It’s For:Sex-positive and open-minded daters who prefer a less rigid approach to defining what they’re looking for and want an app that leaves room for different kinds of connections.Platform Info:Available on iOSPros:Open-ended approach lets connections develop without requiring a relationship label upfrontFlure Sparks offers built-in prompts to help matches get to know each otherSafe Mode adds another layer of protection against unsolicited explicit contentWelcoming to people looking for connections outside the traditional dating-app moldCons:Smaller dating pool than more established appsIts intentionally label-free approach may not appeal to daters who want to filter specifically for a long-term relationship from the startPrice:Free to download and usePremium costs around $29.99 per monthThree-month subscriptions cost around $44.99Annual subscriptions cost around $107.99Download Here9. BLK​Best For:Black singles looking for meaningful connections.Why We Picked It: BLK is a dating and lifestyle app created specifically with the Black community in mind, giving Black singles a space to meet people without having to rely solely on the filters and preferences offered by more general dating apps. And if you’re looking for a serious relationship, being able to start with a dating pool centered around a shared cultural experience can make finding compatible matches a little easier.The app also goes beyond one-on-one matching with BLK Community, which includes chat rooms organized around different interests and topics, giving users another way to connect beyond simply swiping through profiles.Who It’s For: Black singles looking to date, build relationships, and connect with other members of the Black community.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidPros:Created specifically with Black singles in mindBLK Community offers chat rooms based on shared interestsSuper Likes let you signal extra interest in someoneRewind lets paid members go back if they accidentally pass on someonePaid tiers offer perks like unlimited likes, Boosts, and the ability to see who likes youCons:Smaller dating pool than major mainstream appsSome of the most useful features require a paid membershipPrice:Free to download and usePremium starts at around $9.99 per weekElite starts at around $21.99 per weekPlatinum starts at around $29.99 per week or $49.99 per monthDownload Here10. Plenty of Fish​Best For:Daters who actually want to talk before meeting up.Why We Picked It: Plenty of Fish has been around since 2003, so it’s another dating app that predates swiping as we know it. But if you’re looking for something serious, its emphasis on conversation can be a plus. Rather than making every interaction feel like a split-second decision based on a few photos, POF gives users plenty of ways to actually talk and get to know potential matches.The app also has an “Are You Sure?” feature designed to detect potentially inappropriate language and give you a chance to reconsider a message before sending it. Because sometimes the difference between a promising match and an immediate unmatch is simply taking two seconds to reread what you typed.Who It’s For:Daters who prefer getting to know someone through conversation and want an app that feels a little less focused on endlessly swiping through profiles.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidAvailable on desktopPros:Conversation-focused features make it easier to get to know matches“Are You Sure?” encourages users to reconsider potentially inappropriate messages before sendingSearch features let you get more specific about what you’re looking forLarge, established dating platformFree version lets you access many of the app’s core featuresCons:Interface may feel a little dated compared with newer dating appsSome features require a paid membershipPrice:Free to download and usePOF Premium starts at around $29.99 per monthOne-week subscriptions are available for around $19.99Additional Tokens and other in-app purchases are availableDownload Here11. Happn​Best For:Meeting someone you might actually cross paths with IRL.Why We Picked It: If you’d ideally like to date someone who lives in your general vicinity, Happn puts a digital spin on the old-school meet-cute. The location-based app helps you discover people you’ve crossed paths with IRL, whether that’s someone who frequents the same coffee shop, lives in your neighborhood, or apparently has the exact same Target schedule you do.For daters looking for something serious, there’s an obvious practical upside: Your matches are already spending time in the same places you are. And while Happn can’t guarantee you’ll end up in a rom-com-worthy meet-cute, it can make meeting someone nearby a little easier than waiting to dramatically bump into a hot stranger on the sidewalk.Who It’s For: Daters who want to meet people nearby and like the idea of connecting with someone they may already cross paths with in their everyday life.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidAvailable on desktop via the Happn web appPros:Location-based matching helps you find people you’ve crossed paths withParticularly useful if dating someone nearby is important to youYou can use Happn on desktop via its web appBoost can increase your profile’s visibilityOffers a more IRL-inspired approach to discovering potential matchesCons:Smaller dating pool than some of the biggest dating appsLess useful in areas where there aren’t many active usersLocation-based matching means you may encounter some of the same profiles repeatedlyNot ideal if you’re primarily interested in meeting people outside your areaPrice:Free to download and useHappn Premium subscriptions are availableBoosts and other in-app purchases are also availableDownload Here12. HER​Best For:Queer women, lesbians, and nonbinary daters.Why We Picked It: HER bills itself as “the sapphic dating app,” and unlike mainstream dating apps that simply offer LGBTQ+ identity and preference settings, the platform was built specifically around queer dating and community. That can make a pretty major difference when you’re looking for a serious relationship and would rather not spend half your time figuring out whether someone is actually available to date you.“HER isn't your average dating app—it's a vibrant community and dating platform designed specifically for queer women and non-binary individuals,” Freya says. “If you've ever felt out of place or uncomfortable on mainstream apps, HER offers a safe haven. It's a welcoming space where you can truly be yourself and connect with like-minded queer folks who understand your experiences.”Who It’s For: Lesbian, bisexual, queer, and other sapphic women, as well as nonbinary and trans daters who identify with the community HER serves.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidPros:Built specifically for sapphic and queer datingOffers community features in addition to one-on-one matchingHelps users discover queer events and gatheringsGives users plenty of gender identity and sexuality optionsFree version includes core matching, messaging, events, and community featuresCons:Not designed for straight daters or cisgender menSome filters and additional features require a paid subscriptionUnlimited swiping requires a paid membershipPrice:Free to download and useHER Premium starts at around $14.99 per monthDownload Here13. EliteSingles​Best For:Career-minded daters looking for something serious.Why We Picked It: If career, education, and ambition are high on your list of things you’d like to have in common with a partner, EliteSingles is built around helping you find people with similar priorities. The app is geared specifically toward relationship-minded singles and uses a personality questionnaire and your dating preferences to recommend compatible matches.“If you're a go-getter in both your career and personal life and find the usual dating apps a bit uninspiring, EliteSingles might be just what you need,” Freya says. “It's like the exclusive club of dating apps—perfect for ambitious, successful individuals seeking genuine connections. While the membership fee may be higher, it serves as a barrier, ensuring you meet people who are as serious about finding a partner as you are.”Who It’s For: Daters who are looking for a long-term relationship and particularly interested in meeting other career- and education-minded singles.Platform Info: Available on iOS and AndroidAvailable on desktopPros:Geared specifically toward people looking for serious relationshipsPersonality questionnaire helps inform your match recommendationsParticularly focused on career- and education-minded singlesDetailed profiles give you more information about potential matches upfrontCons: Free membership is fairly limitedSmaller dating pool than major mainstream appsPremium membership can be expensiveNot ideal if you prefer browsing a huge pool of matches on your ownPrice:Free Basic membership available with limited featuresPremium costs around $64.99 for one monthThree-month Premium membership costs around $34.99 per monthSix-month Premium membership costs around $28.33 per monthMulti-month subscriptions are charged upfrontDownload Here14. Beyond​Best For:Polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous daters.Why We Picked It: Looking for a serious relationship doesn’t necessarily mean looking for a monogamous one. Beyond is an inclusive, members-only dating app that lets users specify and filter by relationship style as well as sexual orientation, making it particularly useful for polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous daters who want to be upfront about what they’re looking for.“I’d suggest Beyond because it has more of a social element that most apps are missing,” King says. “Beyond’s core mission is to ‘curate a community for honest and intentional dating.’ Because of its mission, the founders host consistent in-person meetups for users in various cities in the U.S., which creates a more organic dating experience that naturally leads to creating a solid connection.”Who It’s For: Sex-positive and community-minded daters, particularly those who are polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, or looking for other nontraditional relationship structures.Platform Info: Available on iOSPros:Lets you filter by dating preference, including monogamous, monogamish, open, polyamorous, exploring, and looking for friendsLets you filter by sexuality, gender, and relationship statusHosts IRL events and meetups in select citiesMembers go through an application process before joiningCommunity-focused approach offers ways to connect beyond traditional swipingCons:Currently only available on iOSIRL events aren’t available everywhereMembership approval can take some timeSmaller dating pool than mainstream appsMay not be the best fit if you’re specifically looking for a traditional monogamous relationshipPrice: Free to downloadWeekly memberships start at around $14.99Monthly memberships start at around $19.99Three-month memberships cost around $74.99Additional purchases, including Direct Requests and Skip the Wait, are availableDownload Here15. The League​Best For:Career-focused daters looking for an equally ambitious partner.Why We Picked It: If your career is a major part of your life and you’d like to date someone who gets that, The League is built specifically around connecting ambitious, career-minded singles. Unlike apps where you can download and immediately start swiping, The League has an application process and may place prospective members on a waitlist before they’re admitted.That extra barrier to entry won’t be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a serious relationship with someone who has similar professional priorities, the more curated dating pool may be part of the appeal.Who It’s For: Career-focused singles who want to meet other ambitious daters and don’t mind a more selective application process.Platform Info: Available on iOSPros: Geared toward ambitious, career-focused datersApplication process creates a more curated dating poolOffers a curated daily batch of potential matches rather than an endless stream of profilesParticularly useful if career compatibility matters to you in a long-term partnerCons:Application and waitlist mean you may not be able to start matching immediatelySmaller dating pool than mainstream appsMemberships can be significantly more expensive than other dating appsThe selective, career-focused approach may not appeal to everyonePrice: Free membership availablePaid memberships start at around $59.99 per week or $99.99 per monthAdditional purchases, including extra prospects, League Tickets, and profile Boosts, are availableDownload Here