Recommended for you
Alright, folks, it's that magical time of year again: cuffing season. The leaves are changing, pumpkin spice everything is aggressively back, and suddenly, the idea of sharing a blanket (and maybe a significant other) seems a whole lot cozier than facing the impending chill alone. That leaves you wondering one thing: which digital dating playground is best for finding your cold-weather cuddle buddy. You're in the right place. Here's my no-holds-barred ranking of dating apps, from the surprisingly effective to the utterly soul-crushing.
Scroll to see our definitive ranking of dating apps, from best to worst!
1. Hinge
Why it's the best: Hinge boldly proclaims itself "designed to be deleted," and honestly, it's the closest any app comes to achieving that noble goal. It focuses on prompts and detailed profiles, encouraging genuine connection over endless swiping. You can like specific parts of someone's profile, sparking conversations that go beyond "hey." The user base generally seems more interested in serious relationships, which is a big plus for cuffing season goals.
Bumble
2. Bumble
Why it's pretty good: Bumble's unique selling point is that women make the first move, which can be refreshing and empowering. It filters out some of the unsolicited messages and promotes a more respectful environment. While it's great for getting conversations started, be prepared for some matches to fizzle out if the initial spark isn't maintained quickly.
Tinder
3. Tinder
Why it's... fine: Ah, Tinder. The OG swiping app. It remains incredibly popular and boasts a massive user base, offering more options. However, it's notorious for being the OG go-to app for straight people's hookup culture, making it harder to find someone looking for something serious. If you're clear about your intentions and patient enough to sift through profiles, you might find what you're looking for, but it's a grind.
OkCupid
4. OkCupid
Why it's a mixed bag: OkCupid uses an extensive questionnaire to match you with compatible people, which sounds great in theory. In practice, the interface can feel clunky, and while the questions provide deeper insights, the sheer volume of profiles can be overwhelming. It's a good option if you value compatibility over quick connections, but prepare for some scrolling. Better for finding the match of a lifetime than the match of the season; at least, that's how it feels with putting in so many, many hours!
Coffee Meets Bagel
5. Coffee Meets Bagel
Why it's probably not your best bet: This app offers a limited number of "bagels" (matches) each day, aiming for quality over quantity. While the intention is good, the slow pace can be frustrating, especially if you're eager to find someone. It often feels like waiting for a snail to cross the finish line. A snail that looks like a bagel, if I'm bringing my metaphors full circle.
Plenty of Fish
6. Plenty of Fish (POF)
Why you should skip it: POF feels like a relic from the early 2000s. The interface is outdated, and the user experience isn't great. While it boasts a large number of users, the quality of profiles and interactions can be highly inconsistent. It's a vast ocean, but finding your catch might be more trouble than it's worth.
Looking for more relationship & lifestyle advice? Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!
