Mobile Matchmakers: Apps to Find Love in a Modern World

Ah, February. The month that makes us look at love. Matchmaking, a time–tried practice that spans continents and centuries, has evolved into a proactive approach to meeting potential partners and working on one’s self, but it often comes with a high cost. While real matchmakers are still a great resource, the ways in which we find each other have grown, specifically thanks to the internet and our cell phones.

As is the case with most new trends, these avenues were first looked down upon, emerging through risqué avenues like AOL chat in the ‘90s. Since then, the world of online dating has gained not only acceptance, but expectance. People no longer choose online dating as a last resort, but use the myriad of apps and sites to avoid the dirtied waters of bars and watering holes. But even the most avid swiping and poking will get you nowhere unless you’re on the right site! Here’s a quick guide to the most popular sites and apps. 

Websites:

Millionairematch

There are plenty of sugar–daddy type websites out there, but what about those of us who are looking for a higher level of quality and equality? Striving for great wealth, education and success is something society glamorizes, but the loneliness of its realities tend to be hidden; Millionairematch alleviates that loneliness. Founded in 2001, Millionairematch is the top online resource for this elite community. With just under 2.5 million users, the pool is small compared to other sites, but it does contain a higher percentage of the 1% and is also monitored a little more closely than other sites. It also provides tools to verify income and identity information, which gives a bit more protection from the unavoidable scammers and others misrepresenting themselves. If opting for a paid membership, the cost tends to be on the higher side, around $70 a month, providing one more safety net for those looking for a real commitment.

eHarmony

For those looking looking for a larger pool to chose from—or if you’re not pulling in millions—we recommend eHarmony. Started in Pasadena in 2000 by a psychologist who was specializing in marriage, this site uses an in–depth compatibility matching system based on your many responses. It might require a bit of extra work up front, but the science behind the questionnaires is what makes eHarmony work so well. It does most of your matching for you, so you can’t search the system to the extent you can in other sites, but those you do see will have a much higher likelihood of compatibility. The cost is comparable to Millionairematch which, along with the large amount of work up front, helps maintain a trusted environment for those who are looking for a true relationship. 

POF (Plenty of Fish)

If you’d prefer an even larger pool with less commitment and more diversity, POF (Plenty of Fish) has over 90 million registered users, is available in over 5 languages and costs less than $10 a month. It also has a compatibility matching system based on a personality assessment completed at registration, but it’s nowhere near as in–depth as eHarmony. Unlike some of the more expensive or detailed sites, you’re likely to have to do a lot more of the work and deal with people and situations you’d rather not on Plenty of Fish; like everything in life, you get what you pay for. But if you’re looking for something less serious—something short– term or just for fun—Plenty of Fish is the perfect site for you.

Dating Apps:

Tinder

Tinder may have a bad rep for its hook–ups and hangouts, but it’s also addictingly fun.This simple app, centered around the actions of swiping right for yes or left for no based on one–line descriptions and headshots, has evolved into the entertainment and dating star of the decade. More than 50 million people in over 196 countries use Tinder, and a lot of them are actually looking for a relationship. What’s more, this is one place singles can go that is still moderately gender balanced. Dating websites can feel like a chore and a lot of work that takes time, but Tinder often feels more like a game. If you’re looking to dip a toe into the online dating pool, Tinder is a great place to start. 

Bumble

Bumble was created by one of the founders of Tinder to be more female–friendly and is focused on those looking for a real connection. This app is similar to Tinder in that you swipe on those you like, but matches disappear after 24 hours if the woman doesn’t email her beau once matched. Bumble, like Tinder, has launched internationally and is still free.

The Catch

The Catch dating game app is an intentional spinoff of the ‘60s TV show The Dating Game. On the app, the ladies invite a group of men to play based on her set preferences; the guys then answer her questions and she eliminates them until a winner emerges, all according to how they answer. These men have never seen her pictures and the game doesn’t start until four have accepted. Without knowing which suitor answered what, the contestants are scored and the one with the highest score schedules the date suggested as his final question. The Catch is still in it’s beta phase; sign up and get started as soon as it hits your area at The Catch. 

Classic Matchmaking:

Ideal Match

If you are ready for real work and commitment, Ideal Match is an example of the kind of matchmaking service that can get you in front of the right people and help you grow. Your matchmakers serve as your friend, therapist, coach and assistant in finding love, so it’s important you have a good connection and clear communication.

With singles events, makeovers and personal matchmaking, Ideal Match offers a variety of services to help you find love. Unlike other modern dating avenues, Ideal Match offers the unique perspective of a real person—not just an algorithm or survey. They are successful enough to provide such a service and serious enough to do something about it, putting your chances of finding "the one" high above the rest.