10 Top Dating Apps 2024 – Pros, Cons, & Development Cost

Nothing compares with the finding of true love; because once you do your heart is complete.

We read this beautiful quote somewhere and this has stuck in our heads like gum. See how beautifully this captures the need for a partner in someone’s life. One such popular way to find love these days is dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, or OKCupid. Dating apps are immensely popular among Gen Z as well as Millennials these days. In fact, more than 49 million people were using one or the other top dating apps in the USA alone in 2021. Just to compare, the total US population is about 330 million. That is about 15% population of the whole country.

These numbers also prove the promising future of top dating apps. Apps like Bumble & Tinder reported over $697 million and $1.7 billion in revenue respectively. The demand is so huge that today, there are over 1500 dating globally.

The market has immense potential and considering all the factors, the current time is best to launch a dating app. It is wise to hire top mobile app developers for this rather than looking for ways on how to create a dating app. There are several benefits of outsourcing Indian software developers, including cost-effectiveness, quality, timely delivery, and more. To help you out, we are listing top dating apps 2024 with each of their pros & cons, dating app development cost, and time required. Let’s get started with some important numbers first.

Top Dating App Stats – Financial Numbers

• More than 366 million users reported using Online dating services in 2022
• In total, dating generated $4.94 billion (with a B) in revenue in 2022 alone
• Tinder made more than 1.7 billion US dollars in revenue in 2022 and is estimated to cross $1.95 billion
• More than 13% dating app users got married or engaged after meeting someone on the platform.

10 Top Dating Apps 2024 – The Best Dating Apps List

Tinder

Once the most popular & a top dating app, Tinder has become infamous for being sex oriented now. However, the app still holds a significant share in the market and is the second most popular dating app in the US with approx 33% share.

If you’ve ever tried such apps, chances are you must have tried Tinder too. Notably, the app was the one to bring the dating app culture mainstream. It also first introduced the popular swiping right & left feature for matchmaking. Dating apps like Tinder come with robust functionalities but most of the features are kept for premium users only.

Pros of Tinder

• A Lot of Options – Large user base
• Varied & Better Search Filter Options
• Easy to understand UX/UI
• Free to Use

Cons of Tinder

• A lot of phishing & spam accounts
• Inclined towards Hook-ups than long-term relationships
• A lot of in-app purchases

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Bumble

– Bumble is leading the dating app market with its unique women-first approach. Women make the first move on the app and are a great option for “pinky” shy boys who are afraid to make the first move. It allows 24 hours to initiate the conversation to women and in case they don’t make the first move, the chat relapses.

Apart from this, dating apps like Bumble provide options for friendship and professional networking with its Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz. Note that the dating app development cost for such apps are on the higher side due to its varied functionalities and interactive UI/UX.

Pros of Bumble

• Easy to understand UI/UX
• Wide Range of Filters
• Women Make the First Move

Cons of Bumble

• Chat Disappears if not initiated within 24 hours

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Hinge

Hinge is designed to bypass the conventional mode of dating yet find someone to have a serious conversation with. Dating apps like Hinge also bows to a person’s personal interest. Also, this is a great app if you face troubles starting a conversation. With a wide variety of chat prompters and starters, the app gives its users an easy icebreaker opportunity. Hinge also secured a place in the top dating apps 2024 list with a vast user base and out of the box features.

Note that Hinge allows its users to change their location settings and search for a partner in another location. The app charges $30 subscription fee to its premium users.

Hinge was released in 2012 and understood latest mobile app development trends to dominate the market. The app was successful indeed in this and is under top dating apps 2024 list.

Pros of Hinge

• Voice Note Feature
• Wide Range of Chat Starters & Prompts

Cons of Hinge

• No Desktop Version is Available
• ILimited Features for Free Users

Compatibility: iOS, Android

OkCupid

OkCupid is one of the Top Dating Apps globally. It has over one million users and enjoys huge popularity because of its smooth interface. Users can easily check out various profiles. Based on the preferences filled by the users, the app will suggest potential partners.

Some of the top features of dating apps like OKCupid include the boost feature, super like, simple and easy-to-use interface, the potential for long-term matches, absolutely free-to-use, etc. By using its boost feature, you can boost your profile for thirty minutes and it will become the top profile in your vicinity. Another great feature that you can use to show your interest in someone is super like. If you Super Like someone, they will know that you genuinely want to connect with them and this will increase your chances of connecting with them.

Pros of OkCupid

• Better & Compatible Matches
• Read Receipts Feature in Chats
• Simple User Interface

Cons of OkCupid

• Frequent Ads
• Lengthy On-boarding process
• A lot of Fake Profiles

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Match.com

Match.com is a US-based online dating app. The app is a great place for singles that are looking for quality profiles and more than a hot face. The vibe check feature and compatibility tests make the profiles rich and robust for other people to see. Match.com hosts over 30 million users & among the top dating apps 2024 list globally; the success rate is also huge.

Dating apps like Match.com boasts a number of quality features such as video calling, desktop version, responsive interface, and robust search filters. However, note that the app’s profile verification process is time taking. The starting price for Match.com subscription is $44.99 per month, which is more than the average dating app fee.

Pros of Match.com

• Personalized Preferences
• Free-To-Use
• Chat With Select Members
• Messaging Options

Cons of Match.com

• Expensive App
• Limited Features in Free Version
• Time Taking Verification Process

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Grindr

Grindr with a rating of 4.6 is also one of the Top Dating Apps. The most unique feature of dating apps like Grindr is that, unlike traditional apps that focus only on heterosexuals, they provides a platform for transgenders, bisexuals, etc. to find their match. The app is very popular globally and hosts millions of users.

You can also show yourself offline using incognito mode making it best for casual dating. Another advantage is that you can also chat with people who don’t know your language. The translation feature helps you translate your messages into various languages and increases your chances of finding a match globally. Therefore, when top mobile app developers build a dating app, they should ensure that it doesn’t face glitches because it can ruin the whole experience.

Pros of Grindr

• Incognito Mode Available
• Chat Translation Feature
• Convenience
• Completely Free

Cons of Grindr

• Only For Short-Term Connections
• Shows Glitches From Time To Time

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Badoo

Another popular app that features in the top dating apps 2024 is Badoo. It is one of the Top Dating Apps in Russia with a rating of 4.5. The user base usually includes European teens and young adults. Dating apps like Badoo suits all kinds of people, be it love, friendship, or casual relationship.

The top features of this app include a video chat option, search filter, option to check who viewed your profile, proper verification and monitoring of content, messaging premium members, etc. The only cons that dating app developers need to work on include improving the compatibility tests, and including more features to compete with other Top Mobile app Developers in the field of dating.

Pros of Badoo

• Video Chat Option
• Option to Check Who Viewed Your Profile
• Monitoring Of Content
• Completely Free

Cons of Badoo

• Lack of Features
• Compatibility Tests are not effective

Compatibility: iOS, Android

eHarmony

eHarmony, with a user base of over 2 million people, is very popular due to its compatibility tests and personality profiles. The app has an edge over its competitors in terms of personalizing the compatibility test with over 80 questions. The questions will cover all your interests and disinterests and then suggest perfect matches. The top features of dating apps like eHarmony include video dating, a focus on long-term dating, etc. The only con is that the services are not free of cost.

The free trial is for a limited period and the signup process is also very complicated. Dating app development cost for such apps vary a lot because of the complicated features it carries. The app was built was iOS and Android mobile app frameworks simultaneously and was launched for both the operating systems.

Pros of eHarmony

• Personalized Compatibility Questionnaire
• High Success Rate for Long term Daters
• Highly Secure & Safe App Features

Cons of eHarmony

• Limited Period Free Trial
• Complicated Signup Process

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Plenty of Fish (POF)

Plenty of Fish is a Canadian Dating app. The main motto of the app is to make dating convenient by allowing the users to present themselves in the same way they are. The app allows you to choose from a variety of options for dating like spicy dating, gaming options, live-streaming, and much more. It also has a special feature, i.e., Cue’d up to help you know the other person before connecting with them. It comes in nine different languages and also offers premium services like reading deleted messages etc.

But there might be some security concerns with dating apps like Plenty of Fish (POF) because earlier it was charged for leaking users’ data and not complying with Canada’s anti-spam law. Therefore, make sure to hire top mobile app development companies in India to ensure the best quality at better prices.

Pros of Plenty of Fish (POF)

• Available in Multiple Languages
• Live Streaming Available
• Easy On-boarding Process

Cons of Plenty of Fish (POF)

• No Integration to Instagram & Spotify
• Few Messaging Limit in the Free Version

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Happn

Happn allows you match with people that have crossed your path, i.e. the people near you. The app is made different from others in the market and is a location based dating app. The whole concept revolves around matching with the cute person you passed along the way. You can show you interest and if they are interested, they like back. With over 135 million users worldwide, the app has become significantly popular globally.

Happn was first launched in France by Didier Rappaport, Antony Cohen, and Fabien Cohen. An app like Happn needs to have robust functionality and geo-location feature to allow matching with the people.

Pros of Happn

• Users can go invisible mode
• Free Video Calling with Matches
• Strict profile creation policy restricts phishing accounts

Cons of Happn

• Numbers of Users are less as compared to other apps
• Application load time is slow

Compatibility: iOS, Android

Key Features to Consider in a Dating App

Profile Creation: User sign-up and registration process is one of the most common and important features to be added in a dating app. The registration step needs to be fast and easy to understand. Creating an account on a dating app is an impromptu decision and thus the steps such as email, profile, and photo verification can be scheduled after registration.
Make sure to offer several registration methods such as email, phone, and social media login.

Profile Verification: You need to reduce the number of fake profiles using varied methods. With the increase in cybercrime daily, profile verification can help in boosting the authenticity and credibility of users. Profile verification can be done through photo, social media integrations, and email verification.

Swiping: This is not a must-have feature but carries a robust user interface in the minds of users. The feature was first introduced by Tinder and was an instant hit due to its effortless and fun interface. The feature adds a sense of gaming in the minds of users and allows them to stay on the platform for longer.

Communication Methods: A great dating app has a number of communication options including, voice calls, video calls, and text messaging. The motive behind developing a dating app should be to spark a connection between the users and offer them the easiest way to connect. You can also include a link to the profile on the chat box only along with the report button.

Payment Integration: Integrating the payment system in the app will allow the users to buy premium subscriptions and other important services. A good payment-integrating partner is fast and easy to use.

Notifications: Users should be notified of updates, activities, and other important alerts when they are not using the app. This can include a new match, a message from a match, likes, updates, etc. This can be used to return the customer back to using the app. However, make sure to allow them to customize the push notifications such that they have the option to turn it completely off, receive only message alerts, or set it as per their needs.

Advance Features in a Dating App

AI Matching: Apart from the swiping feature for users, the app’s algorithm should be powered by AI to recommend the right profiles to the users. The algorithm can be trained to show recommendations based on sex, age, hobbies, traits, and behavioral patterns. The better the algorithm works, the hit your app will be.

Avatar Adding: You can also add a feature to allow users to make their virtual avatars and make dating fun. The concept of virtual dating is new to the market and can be a big hit for the app. It will attract users who are living in different cities but want to experience a date.

First Date Suggestion: People are hesitant to make the first move and by helping them with suggestions & tips, you will enhance the retention rate of the app. The feature is useful for introverts who find it difficult to initiate conversations. You can suggest them questions to ask, GIFs to send to them, and pickup lines to make the chat conversation.

How long does it take to build a Dating App?

The time taken to build a dating app will depend on how many features you add and which technology is used. Top Mobile App Developers for dating apps ensure that the app doesn’t lack basic features like secure signup, profile and personalization, messaging and video chatting, location and niche-based search filters, compatibility tests, and in-app purchases.
Although the exact development time can’t be determined, here is a rough estimation:

Work	Android	iOS	Both iOS & Android Versions
Web Version Development	600 Hours	600 Hours	600 Hours (One-Time Development)
Mobile App Development	550 Hours	550 Hours	1100 Hours
Demo Version	20 Hours	20 Hours	40 hours
App Design	100 Hours	100 Hours	200 Hours
Total Time Required	1270 Hours	1270 Hours	1940 hours

What is the cost to build a dating app? – Dating App Development Cost

Dating app Development Cost depends on various factors like the technology used, the features, search algorithms, etc. The budget should be planned carefully and the focus should be on app performance. Since a lot of costs are involved in making these dating apps, Top Mobile App Development Companies in India ensure that the app is engaging, devoid of any technical glitches, and secure for the user. They also invest in improving the user interface and hiring reliable developers.
Based on the charges of dating app developers, the costs can be divided as follows:

Type	Rate
Freelancer	$10/hour
In-house app development team	$150/hour
Outsourced app development team	$40/hour
Outsourced design team	$75/hour

Therefore it’s wise to outsource the work to Top Mobile app Developers because an in-house team will cost you double. You can refer to several mobile app development terms guide on the internet if you ever face a dicey situation in between hiring your technical partner.
Based on the complexity of the dating app, the approximate development cost is as follows:

Complexity Level/strong>	App Development Cost
Basic Dating App	$55,000
Single-Platform App	$70,000
Cross-Platform Or Hybrid App	$100,000

Over to You

So this was all about top dating apps and their development. Although dating apps are on the rise these days, the market is filled with competitors. Moreover, new players are entering the market frequently seeing the returns & trends. Thus, make sure to have pre-planned app functionality in your hand and don’t go for how to create dating app guides and try it yourself. You need to offer the user something new to stand out in the market The disclaimer was not to scare but to make you aware of the real situation. In the end, just remember that – It is always better to try than regretting.

Dating App Development – Top FAQs

How much would it cost to make an app like Tinder?

Although no final cost can be determined without understanding the requirement, an app like tinder costs between $80,000 and $120,000.

How do dating apps make money?

Dating apps earn through several ways, including subscriptions, in-app purchases, advertisement, and more.

What is the number 1 dating app?

As of 2023-24, Bumble has surpassed Tinder to become the number 1 dating app globally. However, Tinder is still leading the Free Dating apps chart.

How long does it take to build a dating app?

An exact time can be determined by understanding the requirements. However, it can take anywhere between 6 months to 1.5 years to build a dating app.