It’s basically Love Is Blind—but on your phone. Although lots of us swipe based on physical appearance, S’More aims to interrupt that tendency by forcing users to learn actual things about their matches before seeing their faces. As you chat, each person’s profile photo unblurs. Right now, the app is only available on iOS devices (sorry Android users). But if you’re up for experiencing someone’s personality before you see their face, this is a solid option.
Best for: LGBTQ+ men looking to meet people right here, right now
Grindr is arguably the most famous dating platform for queer men—and it’s pretty user-friendly for anyone who’s intimidated. As soon as you open the app, you’ll see a grid of nearby singles, making it super easy to meet up with people who are just minutes away, Farahan says. Even on the free version, you can immediately start sending texts, voice messages, and perhaps a few spicy photos, if you’re feeling bold. Of course, Grindr has a reputation for being a hookups-only app but hey—that doesn’t mean lasting connections can’t start here too.
Best for: LGBTQ+ singles seeking an alternative to Grindr
Think of Hornet as a social network, where LGBTQ+ folks can find love (or friendship) and get to know each other through Instagram-esque photo feeds, status updates, and live videos. Its interface is pretty intuitive, letting you browse and match easily, and, as an added bonus, you can send profiles to friends (whether they’re on the app or not), which allows you to discuss potential partners in your group chat before swiping left or right.
Best for: Busy professionals who want an “exclusive” pool of dates
Maybe your “type” is a fellow doctor, or you care deeply about where your future spouse went to college. In these cases, The League’s “members-only lounge vibe” might be right up your alley. “This app is designed for people who want their dating pool to match their career goals and life priorities,” Farahan says. “In fact, many of my clients with intense, demanding jobs gravitate towards this one.” As part of the authentication process, users have to connect their LinkedIn and Facebook accounts in order to join. Another unique selling point? “Flakes” who aren’t communicative or responsive on the app will eventually be kicked out. Be warned that premium memberships can run as high as $300 a month (but there’s a free guest version to try). Oh, and prepare for a potential waitlist period: It even happened to Molly on Insecure.
Best for: People who dream of DM’ing Pete Davidson
