15 Best NYC Dating Apps To Help You Find Love in the Big Apple

New York City isn’t just another town. It’s one of the most competitive and diverse dating landscapes in the world. Despite being home to over 8 million people, finding “the one” here can be unimaginably hard. That’s why navigating dating sites NYC can often feel overwhelming. The fast-paced lifestyle means everyone’s juggling careers and social lives, and the paradox of choice is real. With endless options, New Yorkers sometimes struggle to commit. 

Add in the safety concerns of big-city dating, and it’s no wonder online dating in New York can be emotionally taxing. But don’t fret. We’ve put together this to help you break that pattern by honing in on the best dating app NYC singles use for different dating goals. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to the best dating sites in NYC for your needs and some practical tips to boost your odds of finding love in a big city.

Top NYC Dating Apps For Different Relationship Goals

Not all online dating in New York is created equal. Some apps are built for finding your future spouse, others for finding a fling or a super-specific community. That’s why we’ve categorized the best dating apps for New Yorkers based on relationship goals. Whether you’re seeking serious relationships vs casual hookups in NYC, or a niche connection in a big city, we’ve got you covered. This way, you can quickly identify the top dating apps NYC offers for your needs without wasting time on endless swiping. Let’s dive in.

Best Dating Sites NYC For Serious Relationships

New York’s dating scene might feel fickle, but plenty of singles here want something serious. If you’re one of them, you need to look for apps that focus on meaningful connections and prioritize curated matches over endless swiping. If you’re tired of ghosting and game-playing, these platforms create space for deeper conversations. They’re popular among professionals and those a bit beyond the college scene. In a town where everyone is hustling, using an app designed for relationships can help you find someone willing to slow down and build a future. Here are the best dating sites in NYC for finding something real:

Finally, think about what you want. Some apps are heavy on casual, swiping-fest dates; others focus on serious relationships. Price can play a role: all the popular apps have free versions, but paid tiers give perks and sometimes better odds. We’ll factor all of these variables to bring you the top dating apps NYC:

1. Hinge—NYC’s prompt-driven matchmaker

Hinge markets itself as the app “designed to be deleted,” and it’s perfect for NYC singles seeking a steady partner. It’s widely considered one of the most popular dating apps in NYC for relationships, thanks to its focus on meaningful interaction. Hinge uses creative prompts to get people to reveal their personality, which leads to fun icebreakers. 

In New York, where standing out is tough, Hinge’s prompts, be it about your “perfect Sunday” or “two truths and a lie”, give you an easy way to showcase your quirks and connect over shared interests. It’s a refreshing change from swipe-happy online dating platforms in New York City, offering more depth, less mindless scrolling.

Related Reading: Top 7 NYC Dating Apps Compared

Features

• Unique profile prompts and voice notes for personality-focused profiles
• “Rose” super-like each week to show interest in a standout match
• We Met feature to give feedback on dates and improve the algorithm
• Transparent likes that allow you to see who liked you, even without matching

Pros

• Encourages quality convo with interesting prompts, fostering more meaningful chats
• Easy to use, intuitive interface that busy New Yorkers appreciate
• Compatibility algorithm learns your preferences and improves matches over time
• Popular in NYC’s creative circles. Many users in their 20s/30s are on this platform

Cons

• The free version limits you to 8 likes per day, which can be frustrating in a target-rich city
• People you like can see that you liked them, which may not be for everyone
• Smaller daily pool can feel slow if you’re used to Tinder’s endless stream
• No built-in video chat. You’ll have to swap numbers or move to FaceTime

Pricing

Basic free version

Premium: “Hinge+” ~$35/month and “HingeX” ~$50/month

Bono Rating: 4.7/5—Excellent for serious daters

Available on: iOS, Android

2. eHarmony—Matchmaking for marriage-minded singles

eHarmony is a veteran of the dating world known for its lengthy compatibility quiz and marriage success stories. It’s one of the best dating sites NYC has for those who are truly ready to settle down. This isn’t a swipe app but more of a deep dive. The sign-up involves a 70-question personality quiz that digs into your values and lifestyle. 

In fast-paced NYC, investing that time upfront might seem like a lot, but it pays off by matching you with people who want the same future. eHarmony’s algorithm uses your quiz answers to serve up highly compatible matches. Its reputation for serious matchmaking draws a more committed crowd. You won’t find many twenty-somethings just “seeing what’s out there.” 

Features

• In-depth compatibility quiz on sign-up. Grab a coffee, it takes a while
• Detailed compatibility scores on profiles
• Guided communication options with pre-written questions to break the ice
• Ability to favorite and save profiles you like, plus a free profile review for new members
  

Pros

• Arguably the best dating app for New Yorkers seeking marriage that draws commitment-minded users
• Matches feel curated thanks to the exhaustive quiz and algorithm
• High success rate for long-term relationships. eHarmony has been highly trusted for over 20 years
• Offers an anonymized browsing mode and ample privacy settings while you vet matches
  

Cons

• Pricey subscription plans and most features, like seeing photos, require paying
• The initial questionnaire is time-consuming. But hey, serious love is a serious process
• Interface is a bit dated compared to modern apps

Pricing

No free messaging

Premium membership is around $65/month, typically sold in 6- or 12-month packages

Bono Rating: 4.8/5—Outstanding for marriage-minded singles

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

3. Match—Massive pool and time-tested results

Founded in 1995, Match is the OG dating site that’s still extremely relevant in NYC’s dating scene. With 96 million+ users worldwide, it boasts a huge pool. And in a city the size of New York, that matters. What makes Match great for serious daters is its detailed profiles and search filters. You can actually filter by things like religion, kids, education, even by zipcode or neighbourhood, which comes in very handy in NYC, where dating someone from another borough can feel long-distance. 

The vibe on Match skews a bit older, and it’s widely used by professional singles and single parents. The platform encourages you to fill out a robust profile, so people actually get a sense of you beyond photos. For New Yorkers dating online, that extra context can be a breath of fresh air. Match also organizes events in cities and has features like Match “Stir” events and coaching webinars, so it’s a dating platform, and it helps people meet outside the app, too.

Related Reading: How To Meet Singles In NYC Without Dating Apps

Features

• Advanced search filters by age, location, interests, and really get granular in your search
• Long-form profiles. You can write essays and answer prompts, far beyond swipe apps
• See who viewed your profile or liked you
• Match Events for members in NYC
• Read receipts for messages and even one-on-one dating coaching for premium members

Pros

• An enormous user base means lots of potential matches. You won’t run out of profiles in NYC
• Great for professional singles dating in NYC. Many members are career-focused, educated, and 30+
• Profiles give context, helping you gauge compatibility before swiping right
• You can send messages and like profiles on the free version, unlike many apps
• Decades in business mean they’ve refined safety and have customer service if issues arise

Cons

• Paid subscription needed to unlock most features. Free users can’t actually read or send messages freely to non-matches
• The interface/app can feel a bit cluttered or old-school compared to sleek, newer apps
• Because it’s not “cool and new,” some younger NYC singles may ignore Match. The user base tends to skew older
• With so many users, you might wade through some incompatible folks before finding gems
• Pricing is on the higher side

Pricing

Free to create a profile and browse. Messaging requires a subscription. Plans range roughly from $20 to $42/month, depending on length. Often ~$28/month on a standard plan. They frequently offer deals for longer commitments.

Bono Rating: 4.5/5—Still a top dating app NYC professionals trust, slightly dated UX

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

4. EliteSingles—For educated professionals

EliteSingles is exactly what it sounds like, an app for elite singles looking for serious relationships. About 85% of members have an above-average education, most with college or graduate degrees. In NYC’s competitive dating market, that stat is a selling point if you value education and ambition in a partner. The app uses a detailed personality assessment and then feeds you daily curated matches. EliteSingles also manually verifies profiles and even screens photos for authenticity, which offers an added layer of safety and seriousness. If you’re a busy New Yorker with a big job and big goals, this app tries to save you time by finding like-minded, commitment-ready people.

Features

• An extensive personality questionnaire on signup to fuel the matchmaking algorithm
• You get a limited set of matches each day based on compatibility
• Ability to filter matches by education level, income, location, etc.
• Profile verification to remove fakes and scam profiles
• “Have you met?” feature, which shows you additional profiles outside your match suggestions, in case you want to browse more

Pros

• Highly educated user base, which is great if you want a partner with a similar educational background
• Almost everyone here is looking for a long-term relationship
• Manual profile screening adds a layer of safety and quality control
• Detailed profiles and guided communication can facilitate substantive conversations and a deeper connection
• Plenty of NYC professionals use it, and you can filter by proximity

Cons

• A premium subscription is required to do almost anything
• Can feel quiet compared to swipe apps. Limited daily matches means it’s not time-consuming, but also not “buzzing” with new chats constantly
• If you’re under 30, you might find fewer options
• Cost is on the high side, and the “elite” branding comes with high expectations
• No video chat feature in-app. You’ll have to move to another platform to have a virtual date

Pricing

Premium only. Roughly $30–$60 per month, depending on plan length. The free tier offers no real usability aside from taking the personality test

Bono Rating: 4.6/5—Great for professionals, marked down only for cost

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

The Best New York Dating Apps For Casual Dating and Hookups

Not looking for “forever” right now? Welcome to the casual lane. These casual dating and hookup apps are the ones everyone’s heard of. Yes, including the one that rhymes with cinder. They excel at quantity and speed: lots of profiles, lots of swiping, and matches can lead to meetups as fast as you can say “drinks at 8?” New York’s density makes these popular dating apps in NYC light up. 

You can line up a date for tonight without crossing a bridge if you want. Just know that the focus here is more on looks and immediate attraction than deep compatibility questions. If you’re looking for a fling, a friend, or something in between, these are the best dating app NYC options: 

5. Tinder—The ubiquitous hookup app 

Ah, Tinder, the app that popularized the swipe. It’s by far one of the most popular dating apps in NYC by pure numbers. Everyone and their doorman is on Tinder, which means you have an overwhelming variety of singles at your fingertips. It’s known as a hookup app. If you’re looking for New York hookup apps, this is the big one. And yes, in NYC, you can absolutely use it for that. There are always people looking for something tonight, and with the right approach, you can optimize Tinder matches. 

But Tinder’s sheer size also means you’ll find folks seeking all sorts of connections, from casual fun to long-term. A big perk of using it in NYC is that Tinder’s location radius helps you meet people nearby, which is crucial when a few miles could mean an hour on the train. Just watch out for the paradox of choice. Endless swiping in a city this large can lead to burnout. 

Related Reading: 19 Luxury Dates in NYC: Wine Tastings, Rooftop Bars And More

Features

• Quick left and right swiping through profiles. Simple and addictive
• A Passport feature that allows you to change your location to anywhere
• Super Likes to show someone you really like them
• Shows distance. Most matches are within a few miles unless you use Passport
• Tinder Plus/Gold/Platinum with perks like unlimited likes, seeing who liked you, and “rewind” to undo swipes

Pros

• A huge user base. You’ll see every type of person, which is exciting
• Super fast to set up and use. Perfect for busy New Yorkers who want to dip in and out
• Great for casual dating and  hookups
• You can occasionally find anything, from relationships to activity partners, because everyone’s on it

Cons

• Can be superficial. Heavily photo-based, so some profiles have minimal info 
• Swipe fatigue is real. Endless options can lead to people treating each other as disposable. It’s easy to ghost or be ghosted amidst the noise
• Lots of ads and nudges to upgrade to paid versions. The free version is usable, but you’re limited in daily likes
• Scammers or fake profiles do pop up

Pricing

Free for basic swiping/matching. 

Tinder Plus ~$25/month, Gold ~$40/month, Platinum ~$50/month for added features. Frequent discounts for under-30 users or longer subscription

Bono Rating: 4.5/5—Ubiquitous and fun, but not the best for depth or safety

Available on: iOS, Android

6. Bumble—Casual connections with a ladies-first twist

Bumble took the swipe model and added a feminist spin: in heterosexual matches, women message first. In NYC’s bustling dating scene, Bumble has become one of the top dating apps NYC singles use for a slightly more chill vibe than Tinder. The community tends to be friendly, and the app has a bit more of a “classy” reputation. 

It’s great for casual dating. Many Bumble users are open to short-term or just seeing where things go, but it also has its fair share of people looking for relationships. Notably, Bumble is versatile: it has Bumble BFF for finding friends and Bumble Bizz for networking. So in NYC, you can use it to meet a date or a new friend in your neighborhood. 

Features

• Women send first for opposite-sex matches. In same-sex matches, either can initiate
• 24-hour timer on matches. If no first message is sent, the match expires
• Features like Bumble compliments and conversation starters make it easier to get things going
• Bumble BFF & Bizz modes. You can toggle to find friends or professional contacts
• Backtrack feature that lets you undo an accidental swipe. Shake the phone or tap back to undo
• Photo verification badges to prove you’re real, and integration with Instagram/Spotify to share more of yourself

Pros

• Puts ladies in control, cutting down on the cheesy pickup lines and unwanted messages women often face on other apps
• Generally respectful community. Bumble has a zero tolerance for lewd behavior
• You can make friends or network, which is a nice bonus in NYC
• Good balance of casual and serious. Many users are open-minded about seeing where a connection might lead.
• Has had Bumble IRL events in major cities, including NYC. These social gatherings are a fun way to meet people offline

Cons

• That 24-hour rule can be stressful. If you’re not checking often, you’ll lose matches
• If you’re a guy who likes to initiate, Bumble might feel passive. You have to wait and hope she writes
• Some users treat it just like Tinder, so you might still encounter flaky behavior
• The cost of premium features is relatively high
• The pool can also feel a bit smaller than Tinder’s

Pricing

Free core usage. 

Bumble Boost ~$30/month, Premium ~$50/month, for features like unlimited extends, seeing the queue of who liked you, and more Spotlight boosts. They also have weekly subscriptions if you just want to try for a short stint.

Bono Rating: 4.6/5—Great social features and tone, minor pressure points with the 24h rule

Available on: iOS, Android

7. Happn—Serendipity in the subway

Happn takes a unique approach: it matches you with people you’ve literally crossed paths with. In a city of daily subway rides and street encounters, this concept shines. Happn is all about that “We just passed each other, was it meant to be?” vibe. Every time you physically pass within about 250 meters of another Happn user, their profile might show up in your feed. 

It’s definitely geared toward more casual connections, think meet-cutes and spontaneous dates. If you’re the type who always locks eyes with cuties on the L train but never says hi, Happn gives you a second chance. And don’t worry, it never shows your exact location, just a general idea of where or when you crossed paths. 

Related Reading: Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting an Irresistible Dating Profile for NYC Singles

Features

• Crossed Paths timeline: See profiles of people who were nearby recently, with time and neighborhood noted, like “2 hours ago near Union Square”
• Heart or Charm: You can heart someone or send a “Charm”, which is like a super-like to get their attention
• Voice and video calls in-app once you’re matched
• Spotify integration to show your music taste, and an “I’m up for…” status to suggest if you want to grab coffee, drink, etc.
• CrushTime mini-game: A little game to guess who liked you among four profiles

Pros

• Incredibly local. Great for meeting people who live or work near you
• Feels romantic and fateful. Ideal if you like the idea of chance encounters. It’s an online dating platform in New York City that mirrors real-life proximity
• Doesn’t reveal your exact address or route, just a general crossing point, and only shows others if you’ve been within ~250m. You remain relatively anonymous until you match

Cons

• Limited to people who physically come near you. So if you live in a less busy neighborhood or have a very fixed routine, you might keep seeing the same profiles
• The user base, while active in NYC, is still smaller than the big apps
• It’s based on real-time attraction. It’s mostly photos and a few lines, not extensive profiles or compatibility questions
• If you’re not out much, say, working from home or driving everywhere, Happn won’t be very useful
• Some people report “ghost” notifications of crossings or fewer matches if usage is low

Pricing

Free to use with limits. Premium ~$10–$25/month removes ads, gives you more “Charms” and the ability to see who liked you

Bono Rating: 4.⅗—Charming concept, works great in NYC hubs

Available on: iOS, Android

8. OkCupid—Quirky and question-based casual dating

OkCupid straddles the line between casual and serious, but we’ll include it here because it’s long been a favorite of NYC singles, especially those a bit alternative or tired of swipe culture. Unlike swipe-based apps, OkCupid (OKC) uses hundreds of questions to create a detailed profile and generate a compatibility percentage with potential matches. The app/website allows you to browse profiles freely. It’s free to message anyone if you both like each other, and you can like people directly from their profile or even search by specific criteria.

Features

• The match percentage shown on profiles is based on how many questions you both answered similarly
• You can message someone before matching, but it won’t go to their inbox unless they like you back
• Multiple prompts, like Hinge, and self-summary sections, plus all those questions, which you can make public or private
• You can mark certain match criteria as “must have” 
• You can use the incognito mode to browse profiles without appearing in their visitors’ lists
• Regularly updated quirky prompts and even an OkCupid blog sharing fun stats about users’ answers

Pros

• Very inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly dating app. Great non-binary, trans, queer folks, and generally a progressive user base
• Compatibility scores help you quickly gauge if someone might vibe with you. It’s not perfect, but it’s a useful filter
• Lots of free features. You can do quite a bit on OkCupid without paying, including messaging mutual likes and browsing profiles with basic filters
• Great for connecting with people over niche interests. OKC’s questions and prompts let your freak flag fly, helping you meet like-minded souls
• You can search and filter by keywords or questions. It’s more hands-on than swipe apps, giving you control to find your kind of people

Cons

• The user base, while still large, isn’t as massive as Tinder or Bumble
• Some profiles can feel like novels and be time-consuming to read. If you’re in a swipe-and-go mood, OKC can feel like work
• The app’s algorithmic matchmaking is only as good as you make it. If you don’t make the effort to answer many questions, you lose out
• The free version has ads and frequently nudges you to get Premium
• No built-in video chat or stories 
• Some features, like seeing who liked you or going fully incognito, are behind a paywall

Pricing

Free to use with ads. Premium “A-List” ~ $35/month. Works out cheaper if you buy 3 or 6 months.  There’s also a “Premium Plus” tier (~$45) with some boost perks. Many users stay free and do fine

Bono Rating: 4.5/5—Smart and inclusive

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

Free & Budget-Friendly Apps

You don’t have to drop serious cash to dive into online dating in New York. The following apps are known for being free or having very robust free versions, which is great if you’re on a budget or just not ready to invest in a subscription. Let’s explore the free dating apps NYC singles turn to when they want maximum ROI (romance on investment):

9. Plenty of Fish (PoF)—Huge and free sea of options

Plenty of Fish is one of the oldest free dating services and still one of the most popular dating apps in nyc in terms of sheer numbers. It’s completely free to message and browse, which means lots of people use it as an alternative to paying for Match or Tinder Gold. PoF has a bit of a “wild west” reputation because it’s free, the quality control isn’t as tight, and you might encounter more spam or low-effort profiles. It’s great for casual chatting and seeing what’s out there without committing to an app that limits you. Just practice those safety smarts and use the block button liberally if needed.

Related Reading: How To Pick the Best Dating App NYC As Per Your Lifestyle

Features

• Free messaging for all users. Anyone can send you a message, no match required
• An advanced search that lets you filter by almost anything, from interests to intention, body type, etc
• Chemistry test and relationship needs assessment analyze your personality and what you need in a partner
• You can livestream video and watch others, turning the app into a bit of a social hangout. It’s also great for virtual speed dates
• Meet Me swipe-like feature offers a quick yes/no rating on nearby profiles if you want a Tinder-style experience within PoF

Pros

• One of the best free dating sites in NYC. You can truly use it without paying and still meet people
• Enormous user base across all boroughs, all ages. You’ll find everyone from college students to seniors
• Option to create detailed profiles is possible
• You can see a user’s intent. For example, looking for long-term, dating, or hookups helps avoid mismatches
• PoF’s search lets you specify distance, which in NYC can mean narrowing to within a few miles
• Tons of features and ways to interact, from messages to streams, and quizzes

Cons

• Quality control is lower. Be prepared for some strange messages or obvious copy-paste pickup lines, since anyone can message anyone
• Scammers occasionally try their luck here. Keep your guard up and don’t share personal info quickly
• The interface isn’t the slickest. It works, but it can feel a bit cluttered or old-school in design
• With so many profiles and the ability to search endlessly. It can get overwhelming
• Ads in the free version. PoF has ads and pop-ups encouraging you to upgrade to see if someone read your message
• A less “curated” pool means it can take some filtering to find someone on your wavelength

Pricing

Free for all core features. There is an upgraded membership at ~$20/mo that lets you see if your messages were read, appear first in searches, and so on, but it’s truly optional

Bono Rating: 4.0/5—Points for being free and huge, but some for inconsistency in quality

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

10. Facebook dating—The newcomer with built-in authenticity

Facebook Dating is integrated into the Facebook app and leverages your existing Facebook profile. Don’t worry, it’s discreet and your FB friends won’t see your dating profile. In NYC, Facebook Dating is growing, especially among those in their late 20s to 40s who still have Facebook. It’s completely free to use, which is a huge plus. 

It also has a unique feature called Secret Crush: you can select up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’re interested in. If they also select you, you both get notified. They even built in a safety feature to share your date details with a friend via Messenger, including live location. Overall, Facebook Dating is great for budget-conscious daters and those who like the idea of meeting people with mutual social circles or interests.

Features

• Completely free. No upgrades to buy, everyone’s on an even playing field
• Secret Crush feature matches you with existing Facebook/Instagram connections secretly if feelings are mutual
• Shared Groups and Events to help people who have similar interests or have attended the same events as you
• The Second Look feature lets you revisit profiles you passed on
• With date details sharing, you can send your date plan and live location to a friend for safety from within the app
• It offers icebreaker questions. Using these optional prompts, you can add flavor to your profile

Pros

• Harnesses the power of Facebook’s data. Better chance to find matches with common interests, friends, or backgrounds
• Zero cost, no ads specific to dating
• Fake profiles are less likely since it’s linked to Facebook, which typically represents real people
• The dating profile is separate from your main FB profile, but setup is a breeze. You can pull photos and info from FB, and be up and running in no time
• Unique features like Secret Crush can actually turn a long-time social media connection into a romance, something other apps can’t do
• The event/group matching works wonderfully in NYC, where events are huge. Meet someone who also loves that jazz club or yoga meetup

Cons

• Obviously, if you’re not on Facebook or rarely use it, this might not appeal. It skews a bit older by default
• You might find fewer profiles in some age ranges or less frequent matches
• Because it’s free and integrated, some users treat it casually
• No desktop version. It’s only on the mobile Facebook app
• Lacks some of the bells and whistles of stand-alone apps. It’s straightforward and maybe less entertaining

Pricing

 $0. There are no paid upgrades in Facebook Dating

Bono Rating: 4.1/5—Promising and free

Available on: iOS, Android 

11. Coffee Meets Bagel—Quality over quantity

Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) took a unique approach to solve the burnout from endless swiping: it sends you a limited number of curated matches, called “bagels”, each day at noon. It’s like your daily coffee break dating digest. In NYC, a city of too many choices, CMB’s philosophy of slowing down is appreciated by many. 

The average user base is 20s-30s, a lot of young professionals. It’s free to use, though they have a premium tier and an in-app currency, called “beans”, to unlock extra features like seeing more people or engaging in the Discover section, where you can browse some additional profiles beyond your daily picks. CMB is great for those who don’t want dating apps to feel like a second job. Check your matches at lunch, and get on with your day. A very New York dating app approach for busy schedules.

Related Reading: Season-By-Season Date Planner for NYC

Features

• Daily curated matches: At noon, you get new “bagels” chosen by the algorithm to fit your preferences
• Discover section: Browse additional profiles outside your daily picks, using beans (in-app points) to like them if you really want
• Detailed profiles with prompts: CMB profiles have sections like “I’m looking for…”, “I like…”, and fun prompts, plus basics like height, religion, etc
• Activity Reports: See if a match tends to be chatty, responds quickly, or has been sending stale “hey” messages
• Rematch option: If you missed a connection or they didn’t respond, you can spend beans to attempt a rematch

Pros

• Focus on meaningful connections. Limited matches mean users aren’t swamped, so they’re more likely to actually engage with you thoughtfully
• You save time and sanity because you don’t get pulled into the rabbit hole of infinite swiping
• Since matches are fewer and somewhat tailored, conversations on CMB often start with more than “hey”
• The app has a friendly, substantive vibe. It’s not geared for hookups as much. Yet it’s not as intense as eHarmony. It’s a happy medium
• Strong filtering options even on the free version. You can set your match preferences for things like age, distance, ethnicity, religion, height, etc
• CMB also accommodates dealbreakers and must-haves in suggesting matches

Cons

• If you’re impatient or want to binge swipe, the slow pace might frustrate you
• Smaller pool than the giants. CMB is popular, but not nearly Tinder-scale.
• Many features, like liking more people in Discover or seeing who liked you, require beans or a premium membership
• Chat has a 7-day countdown. While this encourages quick meetups, sometimes life gets busy. If you forget to reply, that promising chat can close
• It can take time for CMB to learn your type and for new users to join

Pricing

Free for core use. Premium ~$35/month gives you activity reports, see mutual friends, and 8 Discover likes a month without using beans. Beans can be bought à la carte, for example, 100 beans for $2, to like more people or use special features

Bono Rating: 4.⅗—Efficient and thoughtful, just not for the swipe-addict

Available on: iOS, Android 

LGBTQ+ And Niche Apps

One size doesn’t fit all, especially in a place as diverse as New York. Some of the best dating apps for New Yorkers are the niche ones, designed for certain communities or interests. Whether you’re looking for LGBTQ+ dating apps or you’re seeking someone who shares your cultural or religious background, niche apps can be a godsend. These may not have the million-member reach, but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in community and connection.

12. HER—Dating and social app for LGBTQ+ women

HER is the go-to app for lesbian, bisexual, queer, and transgender women. Non-binary folks are welcome too. In NYC, which boasts a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, HER is quite popular for those seeking everything from love to friendship. It’s more than a dating app. It doubles as a social platform with community events, group chats, and news updates relevant to queer women. It’s free with the option to upgrade, but you can do a lot without paying.

Features

• Swipe and Browse: You can swipe through profiles or just browse a feed of nearby users
• Communities and Events: Join in-app community chats and see a feed of local events or news for queer women
• Verified profiles: You can and should verify your profile with a selfie to build trust. HER community values authenticity and safety
• Feed posting: Uniquely, HER allows you to post updates/photos to a feed that others in your area see, kind of like a mini-Instagram within the app for building connections or sparking conversations
• Pronoun display and detailed orientation options: Everyone’s profile clearly shows pronouns, and you can choose from a spectrum of sexual identities

Pros

• No cisgender men allowed. This drastically reduces harassment and creepy messages, creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ women
• Moderators and community guidelines are strict about respectful behavior
• HER feels like a community. You might make friends, find event buddies, not just date
• HER has one of the largest queer women’s dating pools you’ll find
• Trans and non-binary inclusive. HER truly is built by and for queer folks, so you won’t feel like an afterthought
• You can view profiles, send messages to mutual matches, join group discussions, and RSVP to events, all without paying

Cons

• The design of the user interface can be a bit buggy at times. Some users report glitches, like messages not loading immediately or occasional crashes
• If you’re outside the core of the city or on the older end, the pool might thin out. HER skews under 40, though there are definitely users beyond
• Like any community-focused app, sometimes drama or cliques from the local scene can spill over
• Limited filtering options. You can set age and distance, but it lacks advanced features

Pricing

Free for main use. HER Premium ~$15/month unlocks additional features like the ability to see who’s online now, filter by more criteria, browse incognito, and see who liked you, etc

Bono Rating: 4.7/5—Fantastic community and features, minor tech bumps

Available on: iOS, Android 

13. Grindr—The ubiquitous gay dating app

Grindr is synonymous with gay dating and hookup culture. It’s a location-based app geared primarily toward gay and bi men. In NYC, Grindr is everywhere. Open the app in Hell’s Kitchen or Williamsburg and you’ll see dozens of profiles within a few hundred feet. It shows a grid of users sorted by who’s closest, making it incredibly easy to find someone for right now or later tonight. While Grindr is often used for quick, no-nonsense meetups, plenty of guys have also met long-term partners or good friends on it. It’s what you make of it. In NYC, it’s almost a utility for gay/bi men. Even if you’re on other apps, you likely have Grindr running to see who’s nearby at the bar or in the neighborhood.

Related Reading: Tips To Date In New York City – Dating Culture In NYC

Features

• Location-based grid: See other users sorted by distance. Profiles show “XX feet ( or miles) away”, unless a user hides the distance
• Taps: You can send a quick Tap on someone’s profile to show interest without a full message.
• Filters: You can filter by age, tribe, relationship status, looking for (chat, dates, NSFW, and so on), and more
• Favorites and Blocks: Mark profiles as favorites to find them later or block those you don’t want popping up
• Explore mode: Allows you to check out other cities’ grids. It can come in handy if you’re traveling or curious what the scene is like elsewhere
• Group chats and communities: Not as emphasized, but you can join some group chats or create them for events

Pros

• Huge user base in NYC. Simply put, if you’re a gay/bi man in New York, Grindr has the largest pool
• Facilitates instant meet-ups by showing who’s nearby and online at any given moment
• While known for hookups, there are all sorts of people on Grindr – couples looking for a third, travelers new in town, people seeking friends or gym buddies
• Helpful to identify or seek certain subcultures, such as Bears, Discreet, Geek, which in a city with as many scenes as NYC is useful
• Over the years, Grindr has added more wellness and safety info and community outreach. It’s trying to be more than just a hookup app

Cons

• It’s not particularly oriented toward long conversations or courtship. People often cut to the chase, sometimes very explicitly
• The free version has ads, often annoying full-screen ones
• Spam profiles or bots pop up now and then. Grindr works to ban them, but free nature makes it a target
• Can be appearance-focused to the point of harshness
• The location feature can be misused. A user could triangulate your exact location
• Limited profile info. You may not have a lot of getting-to-know-you information to go on

Pricing

Free to use with ads and limited blocks/favorites. Grindr XTRA at ~$20/month removes ads, gives unlimited blocks/faves, more filters, and other perks. Grindr Unlimited at ~$40/month adds seeing who viewed you, incognito mode, and the ability to unsend messages, etc

Bono Rating: 4.0/5—Iconic and unparalleled for gay socializing, but not without flaws

Available on: iOS, Android 

14. The League—Exclusive, members-only dating for professionals

The League is like the VIP lounge of dating apps. It’s aimed at ambitious, career-oriented singles and is exclusive/member-only. You might have to sit on a waitlist, especially in NYC, where it’s popular. They look at LinkedIn, education, job title, etc., to admit members, attempting to maintain a certain “caliber” of user pool. 

The League in NYC is filled with young professionals, finance folks, entrepreneurs, and creatives with impressive CVs. If you’re a professional single in NYC tired of swiping through incompatible matches, The League can feel like a curated pool. One that is smaller, but with people who likely have similar lifestyles. 

Features

• Application process: Connect your LinkedIn and Facebook, fill details. Then wait for approval. Once in, your profile shows your education and career prominently
• Daily prospects: You get a few matches each day at 5 pm, chosen based on your preferences and profile
• League Live: A video speed-dating feature on certain nights where you have 2-minute video chats with a handful of people
• Groups and events: There are interest-based groups you can join and chat in. The app also promotes exclusive events like cocktail hours or networking mixers for members
• Power Moves: Let’s you boost yourself or send a message alongside a like to stand out

Pros

• Curated membership means you’re more likely to meet people who have their act together career-wise and are similarly ambitious
• Because everyone is sort of vetted, there’s a bit more accountability and generally respectful behavior. And perhaps, less ghosting
• Great for networking too. Some use it to make professional connections or friendships, thanks to the groups and events for members
• The League’s focus on professional singles dating NYC means it understands busy schedules. You can set a status like “Instant Meet” if you happen to be free one night and want a date spontaneously
• You won’t see or be seen by coworkers
• Fewer fake profiles.The LinkedIn verification weeds those out

Cons

• The wait can run into weeks or months, unless you pay for priority or have referrals. The exclusive vibe can also come off as snobby
• The dating pool is much smaller. A fraction of the size of Bumble/Tinder. You might see the same faces or run out of prospects
• While you can use it for free, they push the premium hard, which is quite expensive, ~ $199 for a year or so
• If you’re not in a traditional, prestigious career, The League might undervalue that since it’s geared toward conventional markers of success like degrees and titles

Pricing

The free tier gives you a few matches a day. The paid membership of around $30-$35/month removes waitlist, gives more prospects, more preferences, and read receipts. There’s also an even higher tier (Owner) for roughly $80+/month that unlocks the full range of features

Bono Rating: 4.3/5 (Exclusive and efficient, but smaller pool and high barrier to entry)

Available on: iOS, Android 

15. Christian Mingle—Faith-focused dating for Christians

For those who want to “date in the faith,” Christian Mingle has been a staple for years. In NYC, while not as ubiquitous as in some other regions, there is still a robust community of Christian singles using it. Christian Mingle is pretty straightforward: it’s a dating app/website specifically for Christian singles looking for serious relationships and is geared more toward heterosexual matching. If faith is non-negotiable for you in a partner, Christian Mingle can save you time by connecting you with similarly minded people.

Related Reading: 13 Best Christian Dating Sites Updated For 2022

Features

• Denomination filter: Specify if you’re Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, etc., and search within those communities
• Faith and values questions: Profiles include prompts about your faith journey, how important religion is in your life, and so on
• LookBook: A Tinder-like feature to browse profiles one at a time and secretly like (heart) or pass. If you both like each other, you get a “Matched” notification
• Messaging and Messaging+: Paid users can message anyone; free users can only respond if a paid member initiates
• Privacy: You can hide your profile or control who sees you, for example, only people of your denomination, or within X age range

Pros

• Everyone here shares a core value: Christianity. That baseline can make conversations and connections easier for those whose dating life is deeply entwined with faith
• Many on Christian Mingle are looking for marriage or long-term relationships. If you’re tired of casual dating and want someone who’s on that same page spiritually and commitment-wise, this is promising
• It’s been around a long time, so it’s a trusted name in the Christian community
• The interface is clean, and profiles encourage people to talk about themselves in more than just a photo/blurb way
• They actively promote safety and provide tips for dating app safety tips NYC style, but also with a faith-based lens of respect and intentions

Cons

• Smaller pool, especially in a highly secular city like New York. You may need patience to see new faces or widen distance settings beyond the city
• The gender ratio can appear to be skewed, with more women than men
• Must pay to fully interact. This is a bummer, but common on these niche sites. You’ll likely end up subscribing at least for a few months to actually set up dates
• Fewer fancy features or daily matches. It’s more old-school browsing. Some might find it less engaging or modern compared to swipe apps

Pricing

Free to sign up and view. Premium ~$30/month is needed to access full functionality, including the ability to send messages

Bono Rating: 4.3/5 (Exclusive and efficient, but smaller pool and high barrier to entry)

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

Best NYC Dating Apps: Quick Comparison 

Here’s a side-by-side look at the most popular dating apps in NYC from our guide, so you can compare their highlights at a glance:

Safety & Privacy Tips for NYC Singles

Dating in New York can be thrilling, but safety has to come first. From crowded coffee shops to app features, a few smart habits keep the experience both fun and secure. Here are some tips for a safer NYC dating experience that you must follow at all times: 

• Meet in public: Choose busy cafés, parks like Bryant Park, or popular restaurants for first dates
• Stay on the app: Keep chats within the platform until you feel comfortable; use block/report features if needed
• Look for verification: Prioritize matches with verified profiles like Tinder or Bumble’s blue check
• Loop in a friend: Share your plans and location through texts or features like Facebook Dating’s live location
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, end the date early. Always have an exit strategy ready
• Use app tools: Explore safety centers, block unwanted contacts, and set boundaries
• Protect your privacy: Use a secondary number and avoid oversharing personal details like your exact address

Pro Tips to Stand Out on NYC Dating Apps

In a city as competitive as New York, standing out online takes more than just swiping. A polished profile with personality and local flavour can set you apart. These simple tips will help you shine on NYC dating apps: 

• Photos matter: Choose the right photos for your dating profile. Use a clear headshot, a full-body photo, and a candid photo of you doing something you enjoy. Add NYC backdrops like Central Park or street art
• Skip clichés: Avoid generic lines like “I love to travel.” Instead, share specific quirks like your favorite dumpling spot in Flushing or hidden bookstore finds
• Mix humor and sincerity: Use prompts to balance wit, for example, express train skipped my stop again, with meaningful values or goals
• Log in at peak times: Be active evenings after work and on weekends when most NYC singles are swiping
• Make the first move: Go beyond “hey” with comments that show you’ve read their profile. Thoughtful openers stand out
• Stay positive: Replace “no drama” vibes with upbeat framing—highlight what you want, not what you’re avoiding

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Dating in NYC can feel like a part-time job, but it’s also part of the city’s adventure. The key is knowing your intent and choosing apps that align with it, whether you’re looking for lasting love, a casual fling, or a niche community. Apps are tools, not guarantees; your personality, values, and judgment matter most. The good news is, thousands of New Yorkers find love, friendships, and even creative partnerships through these platforms every day. Stay safe, be authentic, and keep it fun. With clarity, confidence, and patience, your next swipe could lead to something truly special in the city that never sleeps.

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