Are you tired of seeing and using the same dating apps over and over again? Even though there are hundreds of platforms out there at your disposal, it feels like everyone uses the industry “standard” apps, like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, just to name a few.
And while there is no doubt that these dating apps are the go-to’s for a reason, if you’ve been there, done that, and are looking for a new dating app to look for love or even simply for a change of pace, we have exciting news for you. Ok, maybe not super exciting, but at least something different—a list of the five best new dating apps.
Every day, a new dating app hits the online market, so how can you tell if the ones constantly emerging are any good or not? That’s where we come in; we’ll review each new dating app and give you the low-down on how it works if it’s safe, and any features that could help you in your dating goals!
All of the new dating apps chosen promise an innovative or unique spin on finding love or casual dating in the online space, offering fresh takes and catering to niche and diverse preferences and lifestyles.
But a quick heads-up: Even though the idea of a new dating app may call out to you like a siren, keep your wits about you and approach them with a healthy dose of hope, curiosity, and a little caution. While they might offer new ways to connect, their relatively new kid on the block status in the online dating market also means they have not yet earned their street cred—they haven’t had time to establish the trust and reliability seen in more established counterparts. You can follow their siren songs, but be wary and don’t end up on the rocks!
When it comes to new dating apps, we picked the five we think our readers will like the most! Each one targets a specific demographic and an innovative approach to connecting its users.
Stir
Snack
JoJo
The Sauce
FROME
Our team has independently researched all products and services that we have listed on this page. If you sign up or purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. See how it works.
While these new dating apps absolutely offer innovative ways to meet people, they are still working on building and solidifying their reps in the uber-competitive world of online dating. Keep any potential risks in mind alongside the thrill of trying something new!
- Best New Dating Apps
- Using Caution with New Dating Apps
- Advantages of Well-Established Apps
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Best New Dating Apps Reviewed
We tested out each of the best new dating apps, and you can see how they fared in the reviews below!
Stir
Stir is a dating app designed specifically for single parents, with the goal of offering a unique platform for singles who balance dating with family responsibilities. Its focus on this niche demographic sets it apart in the crowded online dating space.
Ease of Use
Stir boasts a user-friendly interface, which is crucial for busy single parents. The app’s design is straightforward, allowing users to navigate through profiles, messages, and settings with ease. Its simplicity ensures that even those not tech-savvy can use the app effectively.
Cost
While Stir offers a free version, it is limited in features. The premium subscription provides full access to all functionalities but comes at a relatively high price compared to other dating apps. The cost can be a barrier for some users, although many find the targeted nature of the app justifies the expense.
Features
Key features include tailored matchmaking, flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy parent schedules, and the ability to share parenting experiences and interests. These features add to the process of recommending potential compatible matches to members, making it a standout feature of Stir.
Match Quality
Stir excels in match quality due to its focus on single parents—this shared understanding among users leads to much more meaningful connections and compatible matches! However, the pool of users is smaller than that of mainstream apps, which could limit choices depending on a user’s location—if they aren’t near a major city, matches could be few and far between.
Customer Service
The app provides decent customer service with responsive support via email and an in-app contact form. While there is no live chat or phone support, user reviews say that concerns and issues are resolved in a timely manner.
Safety and Security
Stir places a high emphasis on safety and security. Features like photo verification and strict profile screening help in maintaining a safe space for members. Additionally, the app includes privacy controls and safety tips, reflecting its commitment to user security, particularly important for single parents.
The Stir dating app offers a fun, user-friendly experience tailored for single parents, though its cost and smaller user base might be limiting factors. Its commitment to safety and high-quality matches makes it a noteworthy option in the land of new dating apps.
Snack
Snack is a modern dating app that stands out by combining the concept of traditional dating with a format similar to popular social media platforms, particularly video-centric ones. It targets a younger demographic, primarily Gen Z, and encourages a more dynamic and engaging way of online dating.
Ease of Use
Snack’s interface is super intuitive, especially for users familiar with social media apps. Its video-first approach allows for easy uploading, viewing, and interacting with video profiles. Navigation is smooth, and the app is designed to be engaging and fun, making it highly accessible to its target audience.
Cost
The app is free to download and use, which is always appealing to any consumers, but especially a younger user base. While it does offer in-app purchases, these are not required to get the full experience, and this is a rarity! This free access is a significant draw, especially compared to other dating apps that lock the most beneficial features behind a paywall.
Features
Snack’s far and away best feature is its focus on video profiles, which provides a more authentic and dynamic way for users to express themselves and connect with others. The app also integrates social media-like interactions, such as direct messaging and the ability to “like” and comment on videos, creating a more social and interactive overall dating experience.
Match Quality
As Snack targets a younger, social media-savvy crowd, the match quality tends to be pretty high among that demographic. The video aspect allows for a more genuine showcase of personalities and interests, leading to better and more meaningful connections. FYI: The user base will be limited for those outside of the Gen Z age range (sorry, Millennials and Gen X).
Customer Service
Snack offers standard customer service with email support. While there might not be as many avenues for assistance as some larger dating apps, user feedback suggests that the app’s team is responsive and helpful in addressing issues and queries.
Safety and Security
Snack takes user safety seriously, especially considering its younger audience. The app includes features like report and block options and regularly updates its community guidelines to foster a safe environment. The emphasis on videos can also help in reducing catfishing and false profiles, adding an extra layer of security, which we always appreciate!
The Snack App is a new and engaging platform that’s perfect for a younger audience comfortable with social media and video interactions. Its free-to-use model, interactive features, and focus on videos make it an enjoyable and safe platform for modern dating.
JoJo
Merging the worlds of social media and dating, JoJo offers a platform that feels familiar yet innovative, appealing to a broad range of users seeking a more integrated experience. JoJo does this by combining elements of social networking and traditional dating services. The app caters to a broad user base to create more engaging and genuine connections.
Ease of Use
The app prides itself on a sleek, modern interface that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate. Users find the onboarding process straightforward, and the app’s layout makes it simple to browse profiles, send messages, and engage with others. This ease of use is particularly appreciated by users new to online dating.
Cost
JoJo offers a free version with basic features, which is great for those wanting to test the waters. However, like many dating apps, the premium version, which unlocks additional features, requires a subscription. The pricing is competitive, but some users might find the cost a little too pricey for what they get.
Features
The app includes standard features like profile browsing, messaging, and match suggestions. Unique to JoJo is its focus on community-building features, like discussion forums and group activities, which encourage more organic interactions beyond just dating—it fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Match Quality
JoJo’s matching algorithm is designed to focus on compatibility, taking into account user preferences and interests. Users generally report satisfactory matches, though, like any dating app, experiences can vary. We will say that the community-focused aspects of the app usually lead to more meaningful connections!
Customer Service
Customer service is accessible and responsive, with multiple channels, including email, in-app support, and a detailed FAQ section. Users have said they appreciate the promptness and helpfulness of the customer support team, which is always good to hear.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are taken seriously on JoJo—the app uses features like photo verification and in-depth profile screening to ensure a user base that’s not littered with fake dating profiles. Privacy settings and safety guidelines are clearly laid out, reassuring users about their safety during their time on the app.
The JoJo dating app makes a strong case as a versatile option in the online dating market, blending conventional online dating with social networking elements thrown in. Its focus on community and relationship-building is a unique aspect that drew us to it and obviously draws in members!
The Sauce
Focusing on personality over aesthetics, The Sauce is another new dating app that uses video content to give users a better sense of who they’re connecting with by prioritizing video content over traditional text-based profiles. Designed to offer a more authentic and expressive platform for users to showcase their personalities, The Sauce’s main goal is to reduce the superficiality often associated with online dating.
Ease of Use
The app’s interface is modern and user-friendly, catering especially to a generation comfortable with video-based social media. Navigating through video profiles is straightforward and engaging, allowing users to get a better sense of someone’s personality and interests before initiating contact.
Cost
The Sauce is free to download and use, which is a big selling point for users who don’t want to pay to use a dating app. While it does offer in-app purchases for additional features, the entire experience of the app is accessible without any cost, making it an appealing choice to a larger audience.
Features
The app’s main feature is its focus on video profiles instead of the same old static pics that typical dating apps are known for. Users upload videos to their profile rather than photos, giving a dynamic and more real peek into their lives. Other features include the standard swiping mechanism, direct messaging, and video-first matching algorithms.
Match Quality
Match quality in The Sauce tends to be higher due to the video-based profiles, which allow for more genuine expressions of personality and interests. This leads to more compatible connections, although the user base will be smaller compared to more established, mainstream dating apps.
Customer Service
The app provides standard customer service options, including email support and a help section within the app. Feedback from users suggests that the support team is responsive and efficient in dealing with concerns and issues.
Safety and Security
Safety is a priority for The Sauce, with measures in place to ensure user security and privacy. The app includes features such as report and block options, and the nature of video content helps in verifying users are who they say they are, greatly reducing the risks of catfishing and fake profiles, which we love!
The Sauce will be particularly appealing to users who prefer a more genuine and expressive way of online dating, and of course, the free-to-use model and focus on video profiles make it a fun new option in the dating app market!
FROME
Ideal for those who value shared experiences and locations, FROME connects users based on common grounds, such as frequented cafes or parks, fostering connections that have a real-world basis. Its name, an acronym for “Friends + Romance,” reflects its commitment to creating both romantic relationships and friendships.
Ease of Use
The app is designed with a clean, intuitive user interface that makes it simple for users to navigate and interact with others. FROME focuses on simplicity and user experience, ensuring that even those new to dating apps can use it with no problems.
Cost
FROME offers both a freemium version and a premium subscription. The free version covers basic functionalities, but access to advanced features requires upgrading to a subscription. The pricing is competitive, but some may find the cost a bit steep, especially if they are used to free dating apps.
Features
Key features include detailed profiles, advanced matching algorithms, and an emphasis on conversation starters and icebreakers to facilitate better interactions. FROME also provides tools for finding friends in addition to romantic partners, a feature that can be helpful to those who don’t want to date but are looking for platonic relationships.
Match Quality
The app’s focus on deeper connections rather than superficial ones def equals higher-quality matches. Users are encouraged to explore common interests and values, whether it’s for friendship or romance.
Customer Service
FROME provides reliable customer service with various support channels, including email, in-app contact forms, and a comprehensive FAQ section. User feedback says that the customer service team is attentive and helpful in resolving issues.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are taken seriously on FROME, with features like photo verification and strict moderation to make it a safe and respectful environment. The app places a high emphasis on user privacy and data security, giving users peace of mind while they search for connections.
FROME’s focus on emotional connections and meaningful interactions will call out to those tired of the superficial nature of online dating. While the cost and smaller user base might be considerations, its commitment to safety, quality matches, and good customer service all make a persuasive argument for checking out the new dating app!
Using Caution with New Dating Apps
Yes, new dating apps can be inviting, but they often come with their own set of challenges, including a lack of proven track records in security and user satisfaction that users get with well-established dating platforms that have been around forever.
It’s super important to use a lot of caution, such as protecting your personal info, and staying vigilant when it comes to potential scams. For more details on dating apps to be wary of or even completely stay away from, you can check out our Blacklist/Shady Apps page!
The Advantages of Well-Established Dating Apps
While new apps can be alluring, well-established dating platforms like eHarmony, Zoosk, and Elite Singles have earned their solidified statuses as go-tos for good reasons. These platforms have a proven track record for safety protocols, big user bases, and advanced matching algorithms, which all add up to a more secure and ups the chances for a successful dating experience.
eHarmony
Zoosk
Elite Singles
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you think of the new dating apps we picked? Let us know via our contact page if you’re considering trying one out or if you think there should be others added to the list!
We hope we covered everything you need to know about the best new dating apps, and we always wrap up with a selection of frequently asked questions that our readers send us and quick references to the most important things we covered. You can see them below!
Are the Best New Dating Apps You Recommend Safe?
We think so; otherwise, we wouldn’t suggest them to our readers! But real talk: safety can vary from dating app to app. It depends on the safety and security measures each platform has in place—and even if the protocols are strict, there is always a chance that some ne’er do wells will be there looking to take advantage of people. It’s the nature of the business and nothing is 100% safe in life, and that includes dating apps.
Can I Find Serious Relationships on These Apps?
Of course, you can! We wouldn’t promote them if they didn’t have solid matchmaking methods to connect compatible singles. With the exception of FROME, which also caters to people looking for platonic friends, all of the best new dating apps were designed to help members find serious, committed romantic relationships. You can also find this on FROME, but keep in mind some users may be looking for casual things as well.
Why Should I Try a New Dating App Over a Well-Established Platform?
Some people feel that “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” but a lot of singles can suffer from dating fatigue or boredom if they’ve been using the same platform and not getting anywhere when it comes to finding someone special.
New dating apps often bring innovative features along with a new pool of members that aren’t on well-established platforms. Most offer more modern user interfaces, unique matching algorithms, and target niche interests or demographics. Trying a new dating app will offer a different experience and potentially connect you with people who are also looking to get out of a rut with a new platform.
What Features Should I Look for in a New Dating App?
Look for features that will level up your dating experience, such as sophisticated matching algorithms, user-friendly interfaces, and strong security measures. Also, consider apps that cater to your specific interests or lifestyle, offer great interaction tools, and have a strict policy against harassment and inappropriate behavior.
What Makes Apps Different from Traditional Ones?
New dating apps usually incorporate the latest technology, like AI, for better match-making, focus on specific niches (like hobbies, professions, or lifestyles), and provide more engaging user experiences with interactive elements, like video profiles. They often come on the market in order to address any gaps or things missing from the most popular dating apps.
How Do These Services Facilitate Better Matches?
Most of the new dating apps use advanced algorithms and AI to analyze your profile and preferences, meaning you’ll get better matches compatibility-wise.
Are New Dating Apps Free to Use?
All of the new dating apps offer free versions with basic functionalities, but two of them, Snack and The Sauce have amazing freemium plans so users can accomplish dating goals without spending a dime.
The others require a premium subscription or offer in-app purchases for features that are kind of necessary for meaningful engagement, like messaging, advanced search filters, unlimited likes, or seeing who likes you. Always find out a specific app’s payment structure and pricing before committing to a paid upgrade, and check to see if the membership automatically renews.