Our team of editors and data analysts dive deep into the online dating platforms available via the iOS and Google Play app stores, combing over a variety of metrics that we determine to be most important to consumers.
To evaluate each dating platform, our team of editors and researchers independently collected data on a variety of metrics, including subscription fees, features available, the size of a platform’s user base, communication methods, user ratings, safety features and more.
The collected data on each online dating service is then assigned a score based on its performance in comparison to its competitors for that specific metric. We weigh metrics based on what we deem to be most important to the consumer, calculate the scores and assign a star rating based on those scores.
We consider the following metrics when determining our rankings for the best dating apps and sites:
Real user feedback. Forbes Health also conducted a survey of 1,600 dating app users and commissioned seven dating platform testers to try our top platforms for two weeks. Additionally, Forbes Health gathered thousands of consumer sentiments across a variety of web platforms to formulate a proprietary Consumer Sentiment Index score. This score is meant to gauge the broad user perception of each app. Survey data and tester feedback were incorporated into our final ranking. Star ratings were then determined solely by the editorial team.
Cost. We consider the weekly, monthly or annual cost of a subscription, additional features included in a paid membership and features available without a subscription.
Safety. Factors we assess to determine how robust a platform’s safety features are include photo verification, blocking abilities, availability of a platform’s help or safety center and whether a platform offers content regarding user safety when dating online.
Preference filters. We analyze whether an online dating platform allows users to filter matches by certain search criteria such as age, distance, height, religion, lifestyle factors and more.
Features. We look at different features online dating platforms offer for both paid and free memberships. Among the features we value are profile boost options, how many matches a user is able to receive per day, social groups or events and the ability to revisit a match you may have skipped.
Communication methods. We award more points to dating platforms that offer communication features beyond direct messaging, like video chat and audio messaging.
User experience. We consider both the average rating and the number of user ratings available on the iOS and Google Play app stores to determine a platform’s user satisfaction.
Once we have our various lists of qualifying dating platforms, specific methodologies tailored to each type of platform are implemented, resulting in the top platforms we recommend to our readers, along with full descriptions explaining their rankings and why we feel confident in recommending them.
To determine the best dating apps and websites for 2025, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data for online dating platforms available via the iOS and Google Play stores, as well as desktop websites, combing over a variety of metrics that we determined to be most important to consumers.
To evaluate each dating platform, our team of editors and researchers independently collected data on a variety of metrics, including subscription fees, features available on the app, communication methods, user ratings, safety features, real user feedback and more.
Specifically, Forbes Health examined the following metrics:
Cost 30%
Consumer survey data (NPS) 25%
General app features, such as intake questionnaire, match filtering, profile boosting options, communication features and defining relationship goals 20%
Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI): 12.5%
Safety features, including photo verification and profile blocking 5%
Whether it allows same sex preferences/matches: 5%
Hands-on tester rating: 2.5%
Forbes Health commissioned seven testers to utilize dating platforms for two weeks and provide feedback, and their experiences were factored into our final ranking.
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