Looking for love (or fun) in 2025? Here are the top 10 dating apps in the UK, their pros, cons, specialties, and tips to make them work for you.
Online dating in the UK has matured rapidly. By 2025, the market is saturated: hundreds (if not thousands) of apps compete for your swipe, match, and conversation. But which ones are worth your time? In this article, we evaluate and rank the top 10 dating apps in the UK for 2025 — each bringing something unique to the table: serious relationships, casual dating, inclusivity, niche communities, or ease of meeting in real life.
We’ll also give you tips on profile optimization, safety best practices, and how to pick apps based on your goals. Whether you’re 22 or 52, newly single or serial swiper — read on.
Before diving into the list, here’s what criteria went into selection:
User base & activity in the UK — enough people using it so matching isn’t dead.
Feature set & usability — good UX, matching algorithm, filters, etc.
Safety & moderation policies — verification, reporting tools, blocking, etc.
Cost / freemium balance — fair free-tier, clear paid upgrades.
Specialty / uniqueness — what makes the app stand out in 2025.
Below is our curated list. The order isn’t strict “best to worst” — it reflects different use cases.
| # | App Name | Best For / USP | Key Pros & Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hinge | All-round / relationship-oriented | Frequently cited as best overall in UK 2025 tests. (The Guardian) Offers good balance of prompts, photo + text, algorithmic matching. Free tier is usable but the paid “boosts / filters” help. |
| 2 | Tinder | Casual dating, wide reach | Still among the most used, especially for younger users. The downside: very competitive, many superficial matches, and fatigue from swiping. (The Guardian) |
| 3 | Bumble | Empowering women-first, serious or casual | In hetero matches, women make the first move. Good structure, less ghosting. But premium features are expensive. (The Guardian) |
| 4 | Feeld | Open relationships, non-monogamy, kink / alternative | Inclusive, supportive of non-traditional relationships. Often praised by reviewers for its flexibility and less judgmental space. (The Guardian) |
| 5 | OkCupid | Deep matching, multiple orientations & preferences | Rich questionnaires help tailor compatibility. Good for people who like to filter heavily. (Glamour UK) |
| 6 | Match.com | More serious daters, longer profiles | More text / context in profiles, better for mature singles. But free version is quite limited. (British GQ) |
| 7 | eHarmony | Long-term commitment, serious relationships | Strong reputation for matching systems and depth. But pricey and slower to see results. (British GQ) |
| 8 | Jigsaw | Conversation first, reduces image bias | UK-based app that hides the face behind a digital jigsaw until conversations progress. Encourages chatting before judging photos. (Wikipedia) |
| 9 | Badoo | Large user base, casual & social features | Very broad reach worldwide and UK. Has live video, social elements. Owned by Bumble Inc. (Wikipedia) |
| 10 | Muzz | Muslim singles & culturally aligned dating | Formerly Muzmatch, built with respect for Islamic values but offering modern dating features. (Wikipedia) |
Why try it? It’s often the “sweet spot” between casual and serious dating. The app gives prompts, structure, and encourages more thoughtful profiles. In The Guardian’s 2025 test, Hinge emerged as “best overall.” The Guardian
Tips:
Use diverse prompts — mix humour, vulnerability & curiosity.
Choose photos that illustrate your life (not just selfies).
Use filtering wisely — don’t over-constrain.
Try boosting / spotlight during peak hours (evening) if you use premium.
Caveats:
Free version limits how many profiles you see / like.
Paid features can feel pricey, and match rates drop if many users don’t upgrade.
Algorithm can stagnate — try resetting some filters occasionally.
Why try it? It remains a user magnet — many people you’d like to date will already be on Tinder. Also good for when you're travelling or want a broad dating pool.
Tips:
Don't just swipe right blindly — be selective, or you get stuck with “low-quality” matches.
Use the “passport” function (if premium) to sample matches in other UK cities.
Write an interesting bio — many skip, so yours can make you stand out.
Caveats:
Many matches are superficial or ghosting is rampant.
It’s very competitive — you need to engage early and show personality.
It’s primarily image-first, so weaker in deeper matching.
Why try it? For its structure: in heterosexual matches, women message first (within 24 hours). This lowers random messaging or harassment. Good for both serious and playful dating.
Tips:
Write an engaging first message (avoid “Hey”).
Use the 24-hour reminder — don’t let matches expire.
Use extended match feature (if you have premium) when busy.
Caveats:
If many matches don’t message, some might expire.
The first-move rule can be limiting for some people.
Premium tiers are pricey; free usage is limited.
Why try it? For nontraditional relationships (poly, kink, queer, open). It’s a brave space with fewer norms to force you into. The Guardian review calls it “best for inclusivity.” The Guardian
Tips:
Be honest about what you want (desires, boundaries).
Use filters (kink, interests) to find relevant matches.
Respect safety — only disclose sensitive preferences once rapport is built.
Caveats:
Smaller user base (than mainstream apps).
For straight monogamous users, many people may not match your preferences.
Open relationships demand more communication — be ready for that.
Why try it? It’s broad, inclusive, and allows highly customizable preferences (relationship types, gender identities, orientation). Good for people who like answering many matching questions. Glamour UK+1
Tips:
Fill out as many personal, “match questions” as possible — it helps you see % compatibility.
Use unique answers rather than generic ones.
Use “boost” and “see who likes you” features if you upgrade.
Caveats:
Free matches/message options are limited.
Many users might still be casual — don’t expect everyone to be serious.
Because many questions, the initial setup is time-consuming.
Why try it? A more mature, long-term dating base. People using Match often have more serious intentions than “just swiping.” In GQ’s 2025 picks, Match was highlighted for usability and experience. British GQ
Tips:
Use the longer “about me” section to tell a story.
Attend Match’s local events (if available) — often there are city meetups.
Use “see who viewed you” features to initiate contact.
Caveats:
Free version is quite restrictive (you can’t message freely).
Some profiles are outdated or inactive (clean up your lists periodically).
Premium subscriptions are needed for real utility.
Why try it? One of the classic “marriage-minded” apps. eHarmony invests in compatibility algorithms and tends to attract people with serious relationship goals. British GQ+2Glamour+2
Tips:
Be honest on their matching questionnaire; the more data, the better match suggestions.
Pay for a plan with messaging — otherwise, utility is low.
Check your matches daily — new ones often show.
Caveats:
It’s relatively expensive.
Because it’s serious, the pace can feel slow.
If you're uncertain about commitment, others may ghost or flake.
Why try it? UK-developed, and built around conversation over photos. Your face is initially “puzzled” — gradually revealed piece by piece as you message. This reduces superficial bias. Wikipedia
Tips:
Embrace the “slow reveal” and make messages meaningful.
Once the reveal is full, share real photos that represent you well.
Use the app’s prompts and conversation starters to keep flow.
Caveats:
Some users opt out early if they can't see a face immediately.
The user base is smaller compared to Tinder or Hinge.
Because of the format, conversation skills are crucial.
Why try it? Huge global and UK reach. It has social features, live video, discovery tools beyond just matching. Owned by Bumble Inc. Wikipedia
Tips:
Use “live video” or “people nearby” features to break ice.
Keep your profile active — new features often push active users first.
Use the verification tools (ID/photo verification) to boost trust.
Caveats:
Because it’s large, many matches may not be serious.
Free users may see a lot of ads / prompts to upgrade.
Filtering is sometimes weak — many irrelevant matches.
Why try it? Tailored for Muslim singles who want a blend of tradition and modern dating. It offers privacy, respect, and a shared cultural context. Wikipedia
Tips:
State your values clearly (e.g. halal dating, intentions).
Use privacy settings to control what is visible and when.
Engage in conversations respectfully and patiently.
Caveats:
Smaller user base (relative to mainstream apps).
Cultural expectations may make immediacy slower.
Some features require subscription for full utility.
Comparison & Recommendations by Use Case
| Your Goal | Apps to Try First | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Serious, long-term relationship | Hinge, eHarmony, Match | Use filtering, invest time in profiles, avoid apps only for flings |
| Casual dating / exploring | Tinder, Badoo | Be bold, selective, don’t expect long chat before meeting |
| Open / non-traditional relationships | Feeld | Be upfront, respectful, use niche filters |
| Get past superficiality | Jigsaw | Let conversation drive the reveal, avoid judging too early |
| Faith-based / cultural alignment | Muzz | Prioritize apps that share your value system |
| LGBTQ+ / inclusive preferences | OkCupid, Feeld, others | Use orientation and gender filters; check safety and community moderation |
