Whether you’re looking for a serious relationship or just want to try something new, there are tons of dating sites to choose from. But which ones are actually going to give you a better chance of finding a real match?

Despite all the benefits of online dating, some users have raised alarm bells about its darker side. And while many apps are trying to combat that, there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure dating is safer and more respectful for all.

1. Bumble

If you’re looking for a safe, user-friendly, and reliable dating site, then Bumble is the one for you. The company is dedicated to making sure its users are treated with respect. In addition, it has a blog called the BeeHive where members can find tips on how to make their profiles appealing and engaging. It also features event announcements and offers support articles on privacy and security.

The site is free to download, but it offers a variety of premium services if you decide to upgrade. Among them, members can purchase SuperSwipe, which lets them rescind a swipe if the other person does not like it. The feature is only available after purchasing coins, but it’s a great way to show someone that you’re genuinely interested in them.

Bumble also offers a Virtual Dating badge to encourage more in-depth communication with matches. This feature allows members to chat via video or voice call. It’s a great way to make a connection and start building a relationship.

While Bumble isn’t the most popular dating app, it’s a good option for those who want a more serious, long-term connection. It’s also a popular choice for same-sex couples, gender nonconforming people, and those who want to avoid the toxic male-dominated dating scene.

The main difference between Bumble and other dating apps is that it’s a woman-friendly site. It attracts women who are more serious about finding quality matches and who don’t mind taking time to communicate with a potential partner.

Bumble’s members can use their profiles to showcase their professional backgrounds and interests, which can help them in the dating process. Profiles are limited to six pictures, job title and place of employment, education, and a short tagline. Creating a profile is easier than on some other dating sites.

2. Tinder

Tinder is an online dating app that matches people based on their locations and the photos they have uploaded. It’s easy to use, and it’s a good way to meet new people.

It’s not exactly the sexiest or most aesthetically pleasing app, but it’s popular and has an impressive number of users. The service is free to use, and you can sign up using your Facebook account.

The site has an easy-to-use swiping system that allows members to swipe right on someone they like or left on those they don’t. Once you’ve matched with someone, you can start talking to them.

You can also search for matches by location, which helps to narrow down your potential matches and ensures you’re not wasting time looking at profiles that aren’t relevant to you. To help you find your match, Tinder also has a feature called “Top Picks” that shows you who it thinks you’ll like based on your previous swiping history and the things you have in common.

Moreover, the company has added some fun features, like Music Mode that allows users to link their Spotify accounts and select an Anthem song that defines them inside and out. It also has Smart Photos, which automatically assesses how well your profile photos have been received by other members and places them in order.

But if your goal is to find a casual fling, you’re better off with another dating app. The best thing about Tinder, though, is that it’s a popular and effective way to find a date, whether you’re looking for a casual hookup or a relationship.

3. Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel is an alternative to popular swipe-style dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. Instead of endless choices, CMB narrows the pool by showing you only quality matches that are in your area based on an algorithmic matchmaking process.

The app is free, but users can purchase a premium membership for additional features, including twice the number of quality matches and more in-depth search preferences. It also lets you see who has liked your profile and who’s been active in the last 72 hours.

Users have reported a variety of issues with CMB, such as being disappointed with their matches and having profiles disappear without notice. One Redditor met her fiance on the site, but others have had trouble finding quality people on it.

While Coffee Meets Bagel’s matching algorithm isn’t as sophisticated as other popular dating apps, it does help you to weed out the weirdos from the good ones. It offers five filters that can be used to screen out profiles who don’t suit your specific criteria, and it also includes a Discover section where you can browse other singles in your area who might be a close match.

Depending on your location, you’ll be presented with up to 6 matches per day. These matches are based on your profile and the algorithms’ recommendations.

In addition to offering a wide range of filtering options, the app also has an in-app currency known as Coffee Beans that you can earn by logging into the app regularly, leaving reviews, and referring friends. You can then spend them on things like likeing more bagels in the Discover section, extending or reopening an older chat, and more.

4. OkCupid

OkCupid is a dating site that has taken what young people don’t like about basic swiping apps and corny dating sites, and rebranded into a hip middle ground. With non-traditional questions, multi-faceted matchmaking, and a spotlight on social justice, OkCupid pushes for lasting connections while making you feel like a cool person.

The website also has a large database of questions that can be used to analyze profiles and help you find matches, giving it the edge over competitors. It also allows users to set their priorities, giving it a way to sort matches by what matters most to you.

This is especially helpful if you’re looking for someone who is a political liberal or a cat lover. The new “recommended for you” layout will group matches together that have answered these questions, so you can make sure to choose the right person.

Another unique feature of the app is its patented organizing system, called Stacks. It lets you organize your matches based on whether they’re nearby, online or recommended.

A big part of the OkCupid experience is listening to its members. They take feedback and use it to improve their platform.

As a result, the website has been making headlines recently. Reddit users are complaining about some of its limitations, including a lack of dealbreakers and the fact that you can’t message a user without liking them.

But the company is also taking steps to protect its members’ privacy. For example, it tries to combat fake profiles by having users connect an Instagram account.

This is a smart move, because it shows that the company cares about their users and wants to ensure they have a safe online dating experience. But it’s important to be aware of the risks of dating apps before signing up.

5. Match

Match is one of the oldest dating sites out there, with millions of users worldwide. Its subscription fee helps weed out singles who aren’t serious about meeting someone, and it offers a safe environment for meeting potential partners.

Founded in 1995, match has more than two decades of experience in the dating industry, which gives it a lot of credibility and authenticity. Its services are available in more than twenty-four countries and fifteen languages, and it has a global user base of over 38 million monthly active users.

Its success rate for 25 years is impressive, and its commitment to safety is a big part of the reason why. Its website features a full section on safe dating practices, including tips on messaging, connecting and meeting in person. It also promotes the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s Stop Think Connect standards, which help people stay safe online.

In addition to its safety tips, Match also has an app that lets you meet with other members in your area without revealing your phone number. It also has a feature called Missed Connections, which sends you notifications when someone matches your preferences and is nearby.

If you’re interested in meeting someone on Match, be sure to fill out your profile carefully. You’ll need to answer questions about your age, location, religion and other basic information. You’ll also be asked about your personality and your relationship goals.

The site is easy to use and has a clean design, making it a great choice for millennials or more mature people looking for long-term relationships. Its matching algorithm is pretty good, and it’s constantly adding new features to keep up with the times.