Most Popular Dating Apps in the USA That Still Work Wonders

Dating has come a long way from blind dates and chance encounters. In today's digital world, dating apps have revolutionized how people meet and form relationships. Whether you're seeking a serious commitment, casual companionship, or just testing the waters, the U.S. dating app market has something for everyone. But with so many options, which platforms have truly stood the test of time?
In this post, we'll walk you through the top dating apps in the USA that have consistently earned the trust—and hearts—of users nationwide.
Best for: Casual dating and meeting new people quickly
Since launching in 2012, Tinder has completely reshaped online dating. Its swipe-based interface made it popular among younger users, but over time, it has expanded its appeal. While primarily known for casual encounters, many users have found long-term relationships here.
Key Features: Simple swipe left/right functionality
Location-based matches
'Tinder Passport' to connect globally
Boosts and Super Likes for visibility
Best for: Empowered, respectful dating experiences
Bumble puts women in control by requiring them to make the first move in heterosexual matches. With over 50 million users in the U.S. alone, it's popular for serious daters and professionals who prefer meaningful interactions.
Key Features: 24-hour match initiation window
Bumble BFF and Bizz for friendships and networking
Profile verification for safety
Feminist-forward values and community
Best for: Intentional, serious relationships
Hinge brands itself as the dating app meant to be deleted—and for good reason. It encourages users to build deeper connections through detailed profiles, prompt-based responses, and thoughtful swiping.
Key Features: Engaging prompts for personality expression
Limited likes to encourage intentional swiping
Rose feature to highlight serious interest
Dating intentions clearly listed on profiles
Best for: Data-driven matches and diverse identities
OkCupid is known for its detailed questionnaires and inclusive approach. It supports a wide spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations, making it one of the most inclusive dating platforms in the U.S.
Key Features: Match percentage based on questions and compatibility
Open messaging (once matched)
Profile tags and orientation filters
Supports nonbinary, pansexual, and other LGBTQ+ identities
Best for: Long-term relationships and marriage-minded users
Founded in 1995, Match.com is one of the original online dating services. It remains a go-to platform for people over 30 seeking serious relationships, with millions of success stories to its name.
Key Features: Advanced search filters
Match events and local meetups
Daily matches curated by algorithm
Paid membership unlocks premium tools
Best for: Variety and straightforward dating
POF is one of the largest free dating sites in North America. It offers both casual and serious dating options and appeals to users who want variety without the paywall of premium apps.
Key Features: In-depth compatibility tests
Livestreaming and video profiles
'Chemistry Predictor' personality test
Messaging available to most users for free
Best for: Marriage-minded singles
eHarmony is focused on building long-lasting, meaningful relationships. Its science-based compatibility matching system has helped countless couples find true love over the years.
Key Features: In-depth compatibility quiz
Guided communication tools
Match preferences tailored to lifestyle and values
Verified success stories and high marriage success rate
The best dating app isn't necessarily the one with the most users—it's the one that aligns with your values, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for something casual or planning your future with a soulmate, these time-tested dating platforms in the USA continue to deliver quality experiences and real connections.
Pro Tip: Try a few apps to see which one feels right, and don't be afraid to refine your profile for the best results. Happy swiping!
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Apps will never replace real-world connections, conversation starters, or moments of spontaneity, Dunn told me. "I think it's really important that people learn how to meet in real life, especially when they want to so badly," she continued. "They just feel like they've been trained to swipe, not speak." One of the daters I spoke to at the masterclass said they came for any tips and tricks of meeting people in-person, or any tangible thing they can be doing — and affirmation that they're not alone. "Just general encouragements of, 'It's not you. You're not alone. You're not the only one struggling with dating and just meeting other people.'" She certainly wasn't: 75 people signed up for the class, and the room filled out by the time it began. At the start of the masterclass, Dunn said she knew it can feel bleak out there, and reiterated that people are swiping, not speaking. 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Anne Burrell reflected on settling down with her husband after ‘living the rock star chef life' before her death

Anne Burrell shared insight into her life months before her tragic death on Tuesday. The celebrity chef was found unresponsive in the shower at her home in Brooklyn, New York before being pronounced dead at the scene at age 55, police said. Just three months prior, Burrell went on Tori Spelling's 'misSPELLING' podcast, where she dove into marrying her husband Stuart Claxton in 2021. The couple had met on the dating app Bumble in 2018. 8 Anne Burrell in 2017. Phil & Anne's Good Time Lounge / Facebook The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star asked the 'Worst Cooks in America' host if she purposely waited to settle down. 'From when I was a kid, I don't know why, but I always was like, I am not getting married until I feel like I have something in life to share,' Burrell explained, 'until I have accomplished stuff.' 'I was living my best life!' she added about her 20s and 30s. 'I was like, living the rock star chef life. I was working a lot, and I had a great social life.' 8 Anne Burrell on Food Network. Instagram/@chefbeaumac Then, one day, Burrell's perspective shifted. 'I just started to feel like, all right, you're getting a little old to keep on doing this,' she recalled. Along with a husband, Burrell also gained a stepson Javier. 'Kids were never on my radar, really,' the cook confessed. 'I love being an aunt. I have nieces and nephews. So I'm like, [being a stepmom] is the perfect amount of parenting for me.' 8 Rachael Ray and Anne Burrell. rachaelray/Instagram Over the years, Burrell has opened up about her relationship, recently telling the Daily Mail in April, 'October will be four years. It seems like it's been four minutes. I don't know if it's a honeymoon [phase] but I feel like it's settled into married life days which I really enjoy.' In honor of Valentine's Day in 2022, the step-mom gushed over her other half, penning, 'You make me the happiest girl in the world!!! I love you to the moon and back my sweet!!!' As for meeting Mr. Right, Burrell once admitted Claxton also felt the instant spark between them. 8 Anne Burrell in 2017 at the Good Time Lounge. Anne Burrell 'I don't know if we had both thought of marriage, but we both were like, 'Oh, yeah, this is something,'' Burrell told People in 2020. ''This is really going to be real and this is going to turn into something.'' 'Once you get to be a woman of 50 years old, you don't really think that marriage is going to be on the plate for you,' she detailed. 'I was always really focused on my career and marriage was never a huge thing in my life that I was looking for. Then when I met Stuart, my opinion about all that changed.' Giving followers glimpses into their lives over the years, Burrell posted a month after their wedding, in a 2021 Thanksgiving post, 'A new home, a wedding, a stepson, great family, great friends, good health, great fans and just so much more!!! Lots of love to all!!!' 8 Anne Burrell at the Austin Food and Wine Festival. Scott Moore/Shutterstock Two years after their nuptials, the couple was still as in love as ever. 'I have to say, I love being married,' Burrell told People in 2023. 'We're together all the time because Stuart works from home. It's the being together all the time, but it's also the adventure together.' 'It's been wonderful, to say the least,' echoed Claxton. 'Anne and I hadn't lived together before we moved in and got married, so it's been a whole adventure, but very lovely at the same time.' The businessman has yet to address Burrell's death, however, her family confirmed the news in a statement to People on Tuesday. 8 Anne Burrell in 2015. Larry Marano/Shutterstock 'Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend — her smile lit up every room she entered,' they shared. 'Anne's light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.' A cause of death has yet to be revealed. That same day, police officers shared that EMS 'responded and pronounced her deceased on scene,' sharing that the 911 call was originally for a reported cardiac arrest. 8 Anne Burrell at Grand Tasting Village in Miami, Florida. Gcaballero/Southbeachphoto/Shutterstock On Thursday, sources told The Post Burell's body was found next to dozens of pills. The author's death is still an ongoing investigation. Burrell is best known for hosting 'Worst Cooks in America' on Food Network for 27 seasons, from 2010 to 2024. After her passing, a representative from Food Network shared with The Post: 'Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring. Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss.' 8 Anne Burrell and her husband Stuart Claxton. chefanneburrell/Instagam During her time at the Food Network, Burrell became close pals with Rachael Ray — who judged 'Worst Cooks' from 2015 to 2017 — and fellow chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Both ladies paid tribute to Burrell, with Ray, 56, writing in part, 'I'll miss her friendship deeply. Everyone whose life she touched will miss her. Sending love to Stuart and everyone who knew and loved Anne. We've lost someone truly special.' Guarnaschelli, 55, noted in her own post, 'Make this moment about her. She'd want you to go out, raise a glass, sing karaoke (including this Sia song–one of her favorite 'Worst Cooks' warm up songs) and be able to say, like she does, #ilovewhatido –so do it for her. In her honor.'