We’ve all heard of Tinder. It’s the app that revolutionized the perception of online dating, from the last refuge of the desperate and lonely, to something as normal as Whatsapp and Instagram. It’s simple swipe left-swipe right format proved to be hugely addictive and has become the go-to route for single Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Xers.
Thing is, now that Tinder has normalized online dating for the general public, why don’t we broaden our digital courtship horizons? Tinder may still rule supreme in the charts, but scroll down in your phone’s app store, and you’ll find some interesting, fun alternatives that could prove to give you a new lease of love-life.
1. Bumble
Bumble is one the most popular Tinder alternatives out there. It’s got two main differences from Tinder. Firstly, women have to make the first move and start the conversations. This will be a relief to girls who find themselves bombarded with over-eager messages on Tinder. The second difference is that once a match is made, ladies have only 24 hours to start a chat, and the guys have 24 hours to respond, or the match will expire. This is a smart way to add a dash of urgency to your connections, rather than having unwanted matches pile up.
2. OkCupid
Tinder may be winning the download war, but OkCupid’s has the edge when it comes to longevity. It’s been around before apps were a thing, and started back in 2004 as a traditional dating site. That’s actually quite evident when you use it, in the way that users are required to enter a lot more information about their interests, and then receive matches with compatibility ratings. Tinder, on the other hand, can feel like human window-shopping and a lot more superficial. So, if you’re looking for a perfect match over a quick fling, OkCupid might well be a smarter choice.
3. DateMyAge
Why should the kids have all the fun? If you’re over 40 and single, you may feel out of place on a dating app crowded with youngsters. DateMyAge will save you time by matching you with other mature adults, as you have to be over 40 to use it. While it works quite like Tinder, it has the added benefit of video-calls and you can even send stickers.
4. Badoo
Badoo has a massive following, with over half a billion users worldwide. Like Tinder, Badoo’s main demographic skews towards millennials, but Badoo has a very intriguing feature. It allows you to upload a picture of whichever celebrity you fancy and match you users who look closest to them. So, if you are wondering if there’s a Chris Hemsworth/Eva Green type knocking around Malta, Badoo could help you out.
5. Grindr
If you’re gay, lesbian or queer, dating is a tricky proposition. You may meet a handsome stud in a bar, but finding out if their gay can be awkward. Thankfully, Grindr will help you cut to chase. It’s a lot hornier than Tinder, and the ability to send pics means that sexting happens a lot, but if that’s your bag, jump right in.
