Are you looking for love? In these modern times, dating apps are the way to meet potential partners. In London especially, a city not particularly known for being… helpful to single people. But, you do not have to suffer through the same apps that encourage you to only look at someone’s appearance and nothing else. There are plenty of alternatives out there. So if you’re wondering what the best dating apps in London are – here’s our pick of ones to try next.
5 of the best dating apps in London
From niche apps tailored to specific interests and hobbies, to apps made for particular communities, our list of dating apps in London give you more than just Tinder and Bumble. Some also combine with in-person events so you if you like the idea of trying both types of dating you’re onto a winner. Take a look below and then start creating your profile!
1. POM – Meet Through Music
This one is for the music lovers. POM (Power Of Music) matches you up with people based on your Spotify or Apple Music history. Users create profiles linked to their music libraries, and the app analyses their favourite songs and artists to suggest potential matches. Shared interests are one of the foundational parts of a relationship. You’re getting their true taste in music (guilty pleasures included), they’re getting yours (guilty pleasures included). There’s truly nowhere to hide. But, if you happen to have a similar taste in music than you’ll publicly admit (as well as what you don’t) then they’ve gotta be the one. Right? You’ll also have a great conversation starter so you don’t have to worry about awkward ice-breakers and small talk. Lead with music.
2. Hinge
It’s a classic, but it’s a good one. Hinge encourages you to comment on potential matches’ prompts (‘Your Turn’ prompt), rather than just looking at their appearances. That way, you can learn more about a potential match than just what they look like. It’s also supposed to reduce ghosting. Generally, profiles on Hinge are a bit more detailed, so you can find out more information about people. The app also suggests potential matches based on your interactions and preferences, making the matchmaking process more personalised and effective. Overall, it’s a good option if you’re looking for something a little more serious than something like Tinder. As the creators of Hinge argue – it’s an app designed to be deleted, implying you’ll meet you forever one.
3. Thursday
Thursday, as the name might suggest, only works on Thursdays. So, if you find someone you like, you gotta act quickly. It makes the dating scene a little more high-stakes, you know? This limitation is designed to reduce the often overwhelming nature of constant swiping and messaging, encouraging users to meet in real life. On Thursdays, users have 24 hours to match and chat, which creates a sense of urgency and excitement. This app is perfect if you have a tendency to get hooked on dating apps or have a busy life and want to dedicate a specific time to it. It’s also one of the best dating apps in London as they host a number of singles events across the city (details in the app) if in-person events are more your thing. As you would expect, they run exclusively on Thursdays as well. It brings a little bit of action and spice to the middle of your week.
Start playing Alicia Keys’ ‘You Don’t Know My Name’ now… with lyrics like
“I see us on our first dateYou’re doing everything that makes me smileAnd when we had our first kissIt happened on a ThursdayOoh, it set my soul on fire”
4. Fitafy
For those of you who enjoy working out in London, Fitafy is a dating app that pairs people up based on their workout habits. Whether you’re looking for love or a new workout buddy, the app pairs people based on their favourite activities like yoga, running, bodybuilding, or any other physical activity, dietary preferences and fitness levels. You can even connect your Apple watch/Fitbit/Strava/good health data to your profile. Like with POM, there’s nowhere to hide on Fitafy. It’s an ideal app for those who prioritise fitness in their lives and are looking for a partner who understands and shares this commitment.
5. HER
This is a great option for members of the LGBTQIA community. HER is catered for non-cis and non-heterosexual individuals to meet and find other members of the community. It’s a great option no matter if you’re just looking for new friends in the community or if you’re looking for a potential partner. HER places a strong emphasis on safety and inclusivity, offering a space where users can be themselves without judgment. The app features a minimalist design and easy-to-use interface, with options to view profiles, send messages, and participate in community events. The core features of the app are free, but you’ll have to pay a subscription for £13.99 in order to access premium features like unlimited swipes or intel on who’s liked your profile. But, as they always say, dating apps are meant to be deleted, right?
How to create a good profile on dating app
1. Be genuine
Your profile is your chance to make a great first impression. Be authentic and true to yourself. Share your interests, hobbies, and a bit of your personality. Remember, you’re not just trying to attract any match – you’re looking for someone who resonates with your true self.
2. Find a good photo
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in the world of online dating. Choose clear, high-quality photos that showcase your personality. Include a mix of headshots, full-body pictures, and photos of you enjoying your hobbies. Avoid overly edited or filtered images – natural and genuine photos are more appealing.
3. Be engaging
Your bio should be a blend of humour, sincerity, and a hint of mystery. Don’t be the person that puts it all out there detailing your routine, all your hobbies, your pet peeves etc. Keep it concise but engaging. Share something unique about yourself or pose a fun question to prompt a conversation. Avoid clichés and be specific about your interests – “avid hiker and art lover” is more intriguing than “loves travel and music.” But if you love a specific type of art or music for example, then state that.
4. Talk about what you’re studying
Being a university student in London is an exciting chapter of your life, so don’t hesitate to mention it in your profile. Whether it’s your course of study, your involvement in university clubs, or your favourite spots around campus, these details can be great conversation starters and help you find someone with similar interests.
5. Be clear about what you want (well not toooo clear if it’s just a hook-up)
Lastly, be clear about what you’re looking for. Whether it’s casual dating, a serious relationship, or just meeting new people, being upfront saves time and helps attract matches with similar intentions. Remember, honesty is the foundation of any meaningful connection. However, don’t just be like I’m (name), DTF. Well maybe that would work but it’s perhaps not quite as charming.
So now you know what the best dating apps in London are and how to create a profile, it’s time to choose and get yourself online. The dating scene can be difficult, especially in London, but there are plenty of options for you to try out.
Of course, in-person dating is far from dead, with plenty of speed dating events across the capital. Check out this article to find out where to go speed dating in London.
A student from University of Nottingham.
