Meeting people online is no longer a new and revolutionary thing.

With the hectic schedules of modern life, mobile dating apps help you discover people and opportunities around you without the crowds of the bar or awkward blind dates from friends.

If you're someone who's had trouble finding that potential date the old fashioned way, why not give one of these mobile dating apps a try?

Each of these apps is free, but may require a credit card and premium membership to send or receive messages.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for 2022

#1 - Tinder

Tinder offers a simple-to-use interface and free messaging--a rarity among dating apps. Just swipe right or left to decide who to chat with. If they agree, you can chat and figure out what to do next! To keep things secure and ensure that profiles are accurate, the app pulls relevant information from Facebook to create your profile. Getting started takes less than a minute!

Upgrading to the paid tier at $9.99/mo allows you to use the service anywhere in the world, adds additional super likes for really getting someone's attention and going back through your lists if you change your mind about someone.

Get it from:

#2 - Badoo

With a community of over 150 million people worldwide, Badoo is another very popular option in mobile dating apps. Navigation is fast and easy and is a great option for dating, chatting, making friends, sharing interests, whatever!

Free members can contact up to 10 people a day, while premium members ($2.99) can use “Superpower” features including Spotlight, where you can rise to the top of search listings.

Get it from:

#3 - Bumble

Bumble features an interface similar to Tinder. Swipe to make a match or dismiss an option. But from there, things change up a bit. The site aims to address issues with spam that many dating services face. Each match you make only stays on your account for 24 hours, matches are limited per day and the person initiating the match must be the first to leave a message.

While some reviews note that this means less options for meeting people, it does make users think a bit more about who they choose to contact and how. The 24-hour window also encourages people to share information and connect elsewhere before the match disappears.

The app is one of the few with a code of conduct. This means that harassment and other concerns are covered. It also links with your Facebook account to ensure that profiles are legitimate and you don’t have to worry about fake information or spam accounts filling up your inbox. All of this is available at no charge, making it one of the more affordable options out there.

Get it from:

#4 - OkCupid

By now you've probably heard of OkCupid, the widely popular online dating site. OkCupid now has a mobile app so you can take your experience on-the-go and meet people in your area in a fun, in-depth new way.

Just like the site, you can meet and chat with new people, rate profiles and broadcast your date suggestions. OkCupid is fast and easy to navigate and lets you share more about yourself for better matches. The app is lighthearted and fun to use, you never know who you might find!

Get it from:

#5 - MeetMe

With more than 90 million users, MeetMe gives you the opportunity to meet new friends, get together with existing friends nearby, chat and maybe find a love connection in the process.

As one of the leading location-based apps out now, MeetMe offers several free features that let you see who's nearby and start chatting fast (must have the Kik app installed), and search for potential mates. The Premium membership also lets you purchase credits to spotlight yourself for more possibilities.

Get it from:

Verdict

There are many dating apps out there, but these have to be some of the best. In a world where mobility is the go-to for communication, there’s no better time to give one of these apps a shot.

You never know who you might find!

P.S. Looking for the best LGBTIQA+ dating apps? Our research turned up a few options. Men might find who they’re looking for on Grindr or Scruff. Women can head to Scissr (iTunes | Google Play) or Her.