5 Killer Apps that Will Challenge Tinder in 2016

Send a message or keep playing? Dating has become a game and the current winner is Tinder. Busy young adults have become more and more detached from the dating scene and have started to rely on hookup apps to meet people. Tinder blazed the trail and others soon followed; each with unique features to set them apart. Most of us have used Tinder at some point since its release in 2013 and know that there’s not a lot that goes into it. People are suggested based on friends or interests and you swipe left or right. Simple. Your common interest could be a Facebook page you liked 3 years ago when you were going through a goth phase. Does it really matter? You’re most likely not on there for love.  

A few apps have launched since the hookup app scene exploded. Some of them focus on quality matches for those looking for something serious, while others have simply changed user interactions to create a more comfortable experience—so you don’t have to randomly send out your most ridiculous pick up lines in hopes of a promising response. These five apps have arrived on the scene, and Tinder’s in danger. (Not really, they’re worth $5 billion because of all those Bud Light ads you swipe right on.) These apps provide quality over quantity and just might have you spending a little less time looking for your Tinderella.    

1. Hinge

Hinge is arguably the next big dating app. It’s perfect for all the Tinder haters out there because it claims to be “anti-Tinder” and is much more selective. Hinge only allows you to match with immediate friends, friends of their friends, or third-degree friends. When you aren’t swiping on people, you’re swiping on interests and experiences. For example, “Have you been to France?” or “Do you have tattoos?” This is perfect for us women since it reduces the number of random creepers you encounter. It allows you the chance to actually have some substance in a match rather than a mutual interest of Buddy the Elf.  

2. Happn

Happn is perfect for those moments you’ve said, “Damnit, I should have gotten their number.” The app uses your location to find people you’ve crossed paths with and in turn allows you to like or pass on them. It works the same as left swiping and right swiping—the other person must like you as well in order to match. Each profile shows the general area, how many times, and when you crossed paths. So next time you see that show-stopper across the street and miss your chance, check Happn. You might be in luck.  

3. Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel has generated about 500 couples per week, more than 200 marriages, and roughly 20,000 relationships. Same as the others, Coffee Meets Bagel puts your profile through an algorithm that sorts through Facebook friends, friends of friends, and similar interests. It then delivers you a match, or “bagel”, at noon everyday. Users have 24 hours to “Like” or “Pass.” If two users match, the app will open a private chat which only lasts for seven days. According to the founders, Coffee Meets Bagel has a majority of female users. One swipe a day narrows your field, but will boast a quality match.  

4. Bumble

Finally, we can scream “Girl power!” loud and proud. Bumble has the same algorithm as Tinder, same swiping capabilities, and the same information. The difference is only women can start the conversation after a match. If the woman doesn’t message within 24 hours, the connection disappears. However, men can extend a match for another 24 hours once per day. Only one extension per match is allowed. May the odds be ever in your favor.  

5. Single Fit

Namaste. Health and fitness are a large part of life, and finding someone with a mutual interest in kale might be a bit of a challenge. SingleFit is a new app that launched at the beginning of 2016. SingleFit connects to your Apple Healthkit and Fitbit devices. The app then displays this information in your profile, allowing potential matches to see how active you are. SingleFit also has an option to search for classes and gyms nearby while looking for matches at that location. So if you’re looking for a new hiking partner or yoga buddy, this might be the app for you.