So, you want to get back out there? A dating app is exactly what you need. There are tonnes of dating apps for local singles in the UK, focused on gay, straight and bi men and women and every other clan in the LGBTQ+ community. However, finding free dating apps can be a challenge. Yes, they come with subscription upgrades that increase your chances of a match, but you don't have to pay for anything unless you want to.
We've reviewed the most popular apps for iPhone and Android like Hinge, Bumble, and Tinder to find you the best selection whether it's casual dating, a serious relationship, or maybe just a friendship you'd like to spark. We've also made sure to be completely age-inclusive so that you can find love, or maybe a one-time meet up, no matter where you are in your life.
In this section, we will guide you through the important details that you should always have in mind when looking for a dating app, and in particular, a free one. Meeting a new person can be quite the journey, so it's good to be prepared!
With so many people looking for love, it's important that you find people with the same interests. Gay, straight, bisexual, or whatever you'd like to identify as, make sure that your app is orientation inclusive.
Mixed-orientation apps are open to anyone of any preference. On a platform with so many different individuals, you can meet literally anyone. You can meet like-minded people and form romantic or platonic relationships – just see where the wind takes you!
If you're open to trying new things or you're unsure of what you should look for in a partner, you can always try a mixed-orientation app to allow yourself to explore your options more freely.
In addition, you're more likely to meet more people on a mixed-orientation app as the demographic isn't as niche. If you want to meet a lot of new people as opposed to one perfect match, an app with a wider user network such as this one would be highly beneficial to you.
You can find a more specific result in apps that offer a smaller niche. This could be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or any other LGBTQ+ category. With an app like this, you get to talk to people with similar interests who have the same orientation as yourself without any confusion.
For anyone who knows their own interests well and wants to find local like-minded people, this is a great option. There aren't as many people to network with as there would be on a popular mixed site, but you get an honest experience, connecting with the people that will bring the best results.
Of course, it goes without saying that love has no age. However, it's important that you narrow down your selections in order to meet someone who fits in your desired age category. There are lots of dating apps out there and each one has a unique demographic.
In the specification tables of each app, we've clarified the generic age of most users. This can be useful for other reasons too; ages 18 - 25 are more likely to be looking for a casual relationship, while the 30 - 40 age group could be looking for something more serious.
Ask yourself what you're looking for and find out which age group suits you the most. You might prefer the maturity of an older partner, or maybe you'd prefer the company of someone a few years younger.
If your relationship status is beginning to weigh on your mind, you might want to ask yourself what it is that you're looking for out of this new dating app. Are you someone who wants to settle down with the right person, or would you prefer to meet a few new faces first? Either way, a dating app can carve that path for you, even if you're not sure of your destination yet.
While all dating apps are made to connect two potential partners, there are some apps that have slowly integrated into more of a 'casual' system. If you're not looking for anything serious, you can be confident in using a casual dating app to find someone to hang with, no strings attached.
However, you don't want to grow fond of someone who isn't ready to settle yet, so if you'd like a serious relationship, make sure that you're using a suitable app for it.
While our list focuses on apps that are free for everyone to use, there's always a chance you might like to improve your account by applying for a membership. This is a monthly cost to account for additional features that put you ahead in the dating game.
The features can put you at the top of people's list, open new ways to communicate, and allow you to see more about your insights and even see who's interested in you!
If you notice yourself feeling serious about finding a partner after trying out the free version first, you might find it useful to pay for the best features of your app. This will help you to get the most out of the dating system and meet match-worthy people.
On the other hand, if you're downloading a dating app to keep as a backup and you're not in much of a hurry to find someone, you could probably just get by with the basic free version.
Right, let's get into it. These are the top 10 best dating apps that you can find on the App Store and the Play Store. Get ready to find the love of your life, or just for the week, if you like...!
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Orientation | Mixed |
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Average Age | 18 - 25 |
Purpose | Casual |
Subscription Available | Yes, £14.99 |
£0.00
Orientation | Mixed |
---|---|
Average Age | 25 - 44 years |
Purpose | Serious |
Subscription Available | Yes, £22.99 |
£0.00
Orientation | Mixed |
---|---|
Average Age | 33 - 45+ years |
Purpose | Serious |
Subscription Available | Yes, £7.69 |
£0.00
Orientation | Mixed |
---|---|
Average Age | 20 - 33 |
Purpose | Casual |
Subscription Available | Yes, £7.49 |
£0.00
Orientation | Mixed |
---|---|
Average Age | 18 - 25 |
Purpose | Casual |
Subscription Available | Yes, £22.99 |
£0.00
Orientation | Mixed |
---|---|
Average Age | 30 - 40 |
Purpose | Serious |
Subscription Available | Yes, £19.99 |
Gay Chat
£0.00
Orientation | Gay |
---|---|
Average Age | 18 - 27 |
Purpose | Casual |
Subscription Available | Yes, £8.49 |
£0.00
Orientation | LGBTQ+ |
---|---|
Average Age | 18 - 29 |
Purpose | Serious |
Subscription Available | Yes, £9.99 |
£0.00
Orientation | Mixed |
---|---|
Average Age | 20 - 30 years |
Purpose | Serious |
Subscription Available | Yes, £8.99 |
£0.00
Orientation | Mixed |
---|---|
Average Age | 18 - 29 |
Purpose | Casual |
Subscription Available | Yes, £0.79 |
Image | 1 ![]() Tinder Inc. | 2 ![]() Hinge, Inc. | 3 ![]() Social Impact Inc. | 4 ![]() Grindr LLC | 5 ![]() PlentyofFish | 6 ![]() HAPPN SAS | 7 ![]() Bumble Holding Limited | 8 ![]() OkCupid | 9 ![]() eharmony.com | 10 ![]() Hily Corp. |
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Name | Tinder | Hinge | Taimi | Grindr | PlentyofFish | happn | Bumble | OkCupid | eharmony | Hily |
Features | Swipe Your Way to Happiness | The App That's Designed to be Deleted | A Dating App for All Sexualities, No Boundaries | Chat With Local Guys and Find a Connection | It's About Time That You Find Your Fish | Make Things Happen With Your Crush | Great for Users in Their 20's Who Want to Start With Friendship | Slow and Steady Wins the Race | Narrow Down Your Options to Find a Compatible Match | Meet People, Video Chat, and Find Love |
Price | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
Orientation | Mixed | Mixed | LGBTQ+ | Gay | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed |
Average Age | 18 - 29 | 20 - 30 years | 18 - 29 | 18 - 27 | 30 - 40 | 18 - 25 | 20 - 33 | 33 - 45+ years | 25 - 44 years | 18 - 25 |
Purpose | Casual | Serious | Serious | Casual | Serious | Casual | Casual | Serious | Serious | Casual |
Subscription Available | Yes, £0.79 | Yes, £8.99 | Yes, £9.99 | Yes, £8.49 | Yes, £19.99 | Yes, £22.99 | Yes, £7.49 | Yes, £7.69 | Yes, £22.99 | Yes, £14.99 |
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Just like being in a relationship, being single can be thrilling, confusing, lonely and fulfilling – and everything in between! Whether you want to understand yourself better to help you on your journey or you're interested in some other dating apps, check out the links below for more resources on all things love.
Hopefully, now you feel confident and ready to download the key to your next relationship. Whether you decide to subscribe or see how far you can get with a free account, we hope that you can tap, swipe, like, and chat to some like-minded people.
Author: Annie Speight
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