Top 5 Mobile Dating Apps

Whether you're searching for your perfect match or a casual fling, there's an app designed for you. We live in an era where mobile technology allows you to meet anyone, anywhere, simply through your phone. Dating services are increasingly leveraging technology alongside people's craving for instant gratification. In fact, studies show that dating apps are growing faster than any other app category, including games, news, and entertainment [source: Rao]. Whether you're after a serious relationship, a quick hookup, or just a night out with a new friend, there are countless options available to you. Here are five of the most popular dating apps you can easily download in the time it takes to finish reading this sentence.

5: Skout

Say goodbye to spending hours in front of your computer searching for a date. Skout uses your smartphone's GPS to connect you with people nearby while you're on the move.

Here’s how it works: You sign up by providing details about yourself, such as your age, gender, photos, and a description of your hobbies and interests. From there, you can explore potential matches in your area. A grid of nearby profiles will appear, showing their distance from you. You can chat, flirt through games, send private messages, receive alerts when new people are nearby, and see who’s interested in you by checking out your 'HotList.'

One of the first location-based dating apps, Skout has attracted over 5 million users since its debut in 2009 [source: Li]. In May 2010, it became the pioneer in launching the first iPad app of its kind, reshaping the mobile dating experience for the digital era [source: Katims]. Skout is available on iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices.

If tracking people nearby seems a bit unsettling, you're likely in the minority. Skout reports that over a million messages are exchanged daily, with users spending an average of 40 minutes per day on the app [source: Manninen]. The typical Skout user is in their 20s, seeking fun and flirting rather than a long-term relationship [source: Rosenbloom]. In addition to connecting with people, you can also use the app to discover popular spots in your city or while traveling. For safety, Skout never reveals your exact location or phone number, and you can disable location tracking if you prefer [source: Sutter].

The basic version of Skout is free, while the Scout+ version for iPhone costs $3.99. This version removes banner ads and frees up space on your screen. Skout also has a point system that allows you to send virtual gifts to other users. Points can be purchased at varying prices, from $4.99 for 500 points to $41.99 for 7,500 points, and are considered 'in-app' purchases once you start using the app.

4: Grindr

Grindr is a location-based dating app catering exclusively to the gay male community. With over 2.3 million users across 192 countries [source: Li], Grindr operates similarly to Skout. You create a profile, browse a grid of nearby men, view photos, and can click to learn more or send a text or instant message to anyone that catches your interest.

Grindr is available as a free download for iPhone, while Grindr Xtra offers more features for a monthly subscription. Grindr Xtra removes banner ads, allows you to view more users in your search, provides push notifications for new people in your area, enables quick photo sharing, and allows switching between multiple conversations. For Blackberry and Android users, Grindr offers a seven-day free trial of Grindr Xtra before switching to a $4.97 monthly subscription rate [source: Grindr].

3: Match.com

Match.com revolutionized online dating when it was launched in 1995 and remains one of the most prominent names in the industry. Over the years, Match.com has helped millions of people find connections, and it continues to thrive as a leading online dating service. The platform operates one of the top subscription-based dating sites, boasting more than 15 million members across 24 countries [source: Match].

Match.com users typically range from 25 to 60 years old, with many seeking long-term relationships instead of the casual, on-the-fly connections offered by location-based apps [source: Woyke]. The service provides apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, Palm Pre-Pixi, and Blackberry, which can be downloaded for free. However, a paid Match.com membership is required to access the mobile app's full features. A subscription costs about $34.99 per month, with discounts available for three-, six-, or twelve-month plans. After joining, users can explore potential matches within their zip code and according to other personalized criteria.

2: Zoosk

As the largest social networking-based dating platform, Zoosk boasts over 50 million members from 60 countries and offers services in 25 languages [source: Zoosk]. Launched in 2007, the app's rising popularity is evident, having reported a 250 percent increase in profits compared to the previous year, and generating $90 million in revenue by 2010 [source: Rao]. It was also recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the top 50 venture capital-backed companies, due to its innovative combination of social networking and mobile technology [source: Debaise].

Zoosk stands out by integrating your Facebook account with your dating profile. It encourages your friends to leave testimonials (similar to recommendations) on your Zoosk page for potential matches to view [source: Kelley]. Additionally, Zoosk members can interact directly on Facebook, where suitors can send virtual gifts and flirts to your profile.

Zoosk is available for access on both your computer and mobile devices, including iPhone and Android. You can join Zoosk for free on both their website and mobile apps, where you can create a profile, upload photos, and even import your favorite lists from Facebook. However, to start chatting or emailing other users, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid membership. Once you do, you'll gain the ability to contact other members, respond to emails, engage in online chats, view profile visitors, send virtual gifts, and more. Paid memberships range from $29.95 per month to $74.95 for a six-month subscription [source: Zoosk].

1: eHarmony

eHarmony.com has been one of the most established and detailed online dating services for over 10 years. Dr. Neil Clark Warren, a clinical psychologist, author, and eHarmony founder, developed a method for matching users based on what he calls the "29 Dimensions of Compatibility" [source: eHarmony]. When you sign up for eHarmony, expect to fill out a comprehensive questionnaire covering your interests, personality traits, dislikes, passions, and other important aspects of your life.

The eHarmony app is free to download for iPhone, iPad, and Android users, but to access your matches through the app, a subscription to eHarmony.com is required (you can subscribe directly through the app). By 2011, eHarmony’s mobile app downloads surpassed 1 million, and the app is now downloaded over 10,000 times daily. Notably, more than 30% of eHarmony’s user registrations are now occurring exclusively through the mobile app, rather than the website [source: Business Wire].

eHarmony’s success rate is impressive, boasting that a 2009 survey conducted by an independent company revealed that 542 people marry every day after meeting on eHarmony. The site is designed for individuals seeking serious, long-term relationships and has become one of the priciest dating platforms. A subscription to eHarmony costs approximately $59.95 per month, though discounts are available if you commit to a three-, six-, or 12-month plan [source: Little Red Rails].