Finding that special someone in Australia can feel like a big task, especially with so many ways to connect these days. Whether you’re after a long-term partner, a bit of fun, or just meeting new people, there’s an app for that. We’ve checked out what’s popular and what Aussies are actually using to find love, or whatever else they’re looking for. Here’s a look at some of the best dating sites Australia relies on in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Tinder is the most used dating app in Australia, with 64% of users having tried it.
- Bumble is the second most popular, used by 33% of dating app users.
- Hinge and eHarmony follow, with 21% and 20% of users respectively, and are favoured for serious relationships.
- Apps like Tinder and Grindr are popular for casual hookups, while Hinge and eHarmony attract those seeking long-term commitment.
- While many Aussies use dating apps, some prefer meeting in person or have concerns about safety and privacy.
Tinder
Let’s be honest, you can’t really talk about modern dating without mentioning Tinder. It’s the app most of us have downloaded at some point, even if just out of curiosity. It’s known for being pretty straightforward – swipe right if you’re keen, left if you’re not. This simplicity is a big part of its appeal, especially if you’re after something casual or just want to meet new people without too much fuss.
Tinder has a massive user base, which means you’ve got a lot of people to potentially connect with, whether you’re in a big city or a smaller town. It’s also a great tool if you’re travelling and want to see who’s around. You can even link your Instagram and Spotify to give people a better idea of your vibe.
While it’s free to get started, you might find yourself tempted by the paid options like Tinder Plus, Gold, or Platinum if you want more features. These can offer things like unlimited swipes or the ability to see who’s liked you before you even match.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Because matching is often based on looks and a short bio, connections can feel a bit superficial. Plus, like many popular apps, you might run into fake profiles or experience ‘ghosting’, where conversations just disappear. It’s also worth noting that it’s not really designed for people looking for long-term commitment, so finding that serious relationship might be a bit trickier here compared to other apps. If you’re looking for a quick rundown of how it stacks up against other popular choices, you might want to check out this article that reviews and tests the top online dating apps and websites.
While Tinder is super popular and easy to use for casual encounters, it’s not always the best place if you’re hoping to find a deep, lasting connection. Be prepared for a bit of a mixed bag when you start swiping.
Bumble
Right then, let’s talk about Bumble. This one’s a bit of a game-changer, especially if you’re a woman or non-binary person tired of the usual dating app scene. The big thing here is that women and non-binary users have to make the first move. It’s a pretty neat idea, really. It means you’re not just sitting around waiting for a message, and it tends to cut down on those generic ‘hey’ openers you get everywhere else. Plus, if you’re in a same-sex match, either person can kick things off, which is fair enough.
Bumble isn’t just for romance, either. They’ve got Bumble BFF for finding mates and Bumble Bizz for professional networking. So, it’s quite versatile. You can even link your Instagram or Spotify to give people a better idea of who you are. They also have these profile badges you can use to show what you’re after, like if you want something casual or a serious relationship, or if you have kids. It helps get everyone on the same page from the get-go.
Matches do expire after 24 hours, which can be a bit of a rush, but it also means you can’t just sit on a match forever. It encourages you to actually talk to people. They’ve also added features like video and voice calls right in the app, which is handy. And if you need a break, there’s a ‘snooze mode’ so you can pause your profile without losing your chats or connections. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for more intentional connections, and the free version is pretty decent to get you started. You can find out more about how Bumble works.
They’ve also introduced new ‘Dating Intentions’ badges, so you can be upfront about whether you’re after fun, a relationship, or something more serious. It’s all about making sure you’re matching with people who want the same things.
Hinge
Hinge has really carved out a niche for itself, aiming to be the app that gets you off dating apps altogether. It’s often called the ‘dating app for romantics’ and it’s pretty much designed for people who are tired of the endless swiping and superficial chats you get on other platforms. Think of it as the middle ground – not as intense as some of the more serious commitment apps, but definitely a step up from the purely casual ones. It’s a good spot for folks in their 20s and 30s who are looking for something a bit more genuine.
Hinge tries to make starting conversations easier with its prompts. You answer a question, and people can comment on your answer, which is a much better way to break the ice than just a simple ‘hey’. They also have features like ‘Your Turn’ to remind you to reply to messages, which is handy if you’re a bit forgetful. Plus, they’ve got ‘Roses’ you can send to show someone you’re really interested, kind of like a virtual rose on The Bachelor.
Hinge’s whole vibe is about making connections that last, so much so that their goal is for you to delete the app once you’ve found someone. It’s a refreshing change from apps that seem to want you to stay subscribed forever.
While the free version is pretty decent, you can upgrade for more features. Here’s a rough idea of what you might be looking at:
- Hinge+: Offers more likes per day and lets you see who’s liked your profile. Pricing can vary, but you might see options like $32.99 for one month, or around $64.99 for three months.
- HingeX: This is their premium tier, giving you even more perks like advanced filters and seeing who’s liked you before you even have to like them. Expect to pay more here, perhaps $49.99 for a month or $149.99 for six months.
It’s worth noting that some users have expressed frustration with the subscription costs and the overall experience, so it’s always a good idea to check out recent reviews before committing to a paid plan. Finding the right fit can take time, but Hinge seems to be a popular choice for those looking for something more substantial than a quick fling. You can check out more details on Hinge’s features.
eHarmony
eHarmony is often the go-to for Aussies who are really serious about finding a long-term partner, maybe even someone to settle down with. It’s not really a place for casual flings; the whole setup is geared towards compatibility. When you first sign up, you’ll be met with a pretty extensive questionnaire. Don’t let it scare you off – this is eHarmony’s way of getting to know you on a deeper level. They reckon this detailed approach helps weed out mismatches and connect you with people who genuinely align with your values and life goals.
It’s a bit of a commitment to get started, but for those looking for something substantial, it often pays off. You can expect a good chunk of users here to be in a similar boat, looking for that exclusive relationship or even a life partner.
- Extensive Compatibility Matching: Uses a detailed questionnaire to find highly compatible matches.
- Focus on Long-Term Relationships: Designed for users seeking serious commitment and marriage.
- Guided Communication Tools: Offers features to help break the ice and build connection.
- User Base: Attracts a significant portion of users looking for serious dating, with a good percentage aiming for marriage.
While the initial time investment might seem a bit much, eHarmony’s method is all about quality over quantity. It’s for people who are tired of endless swiping and want a more intentional approach to finding love.
OkCupid
OkCupid, or OKC as it’s often called, is a bit of a different beast compared to the swipe-heavy apps. It really leans into getting to know you, which is pretty refreshing, honestly. Instead of just judging a book by its cover, you actually answer a bunch of questions about yourself, your interests, and what you’re looking for. This can feel a bit like homework at first, but it means the matches you get are usually more aligned with what you’re after. It’s a solid choice if you’re tired of superficial connections and want to find someone with similar values.
It’s also known for being pretty inclusive, which is a big plus. They’ve got options for all sorts of gender identities and sexual orientations, so you’re more likely to find people who truly get you. Plus, you can be upfront about whether you’re looking for something casual, a long-term relationship, or even something non-monogamous, and the app will try to match you accordingly.
While the free version is quite usable, you might find yourself tempted by the premium features if you want to see who’s liked you without having to match first. It’s not the cheapest out there, but the detailed profiles and focus on compatibility do make it stand out.
Here’s a rough idea of what you might expect with their paid plans:
| Plan | Price (per month, approx.) |
|---|---|
| Premium | $22.50 – $45.00 |
| Premium Plus | $30.00 |
| Premium | $45.00 |
Building a detailed profile takes time, but it’s worth it for better matches. Don’t skip the questions if you want the algorithm to work its magic.
Happn
Ever feel like you’re just missing that spark because you’re never in the right place at the right time? That’s where Happn comes in. It’s a bit of a different approach to dating apps, focusing on people you’ve actually crossed paths with in real life. Think of it as a digital nod to those chance encounters you might have had at the coffee shop, on the train, or even just walking down the street.
The core idea is simple: if you’ve crossed paths with someone, they’ll appear on your Happn feed. It’s a neat concept for sparking conversations based on shared physical spaces, and it seems to work for a fair few people looking for something a bit more casual or just to meet new people. In fact, over half of Happn users are looking to meet new friends, which is a pretty decent chunk.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Happn tick:
- Location-based matching: Your profile shows up for other Happn users you’ve physically crossed paths with.
- ‘Like’ or ‘Pass’: You can discreetly like someone’s profile. If they like you back, it’s a match!
- ‘Crush’: You can send a ‘Crush’ to someone you’re really interested in, which lets them know you’ve liked them before they’ve even liked you back.
- Timeline: You see people you’ve crossed paths with recently, with the most recent encounters appearing first.
While it’s all about those real-world connections, it’s worth remembering that your location is always active in the background. It’s a trade-off for that unique matching system, so just be aware of that.
It’s a bit of a novel idea, and for those who feel like fate plays a part in meeting people, Happn might just be the app that brings a little bit of that magic into your dating life.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel is a bit of a different beast compared to the swipe-heavy apps. It’s designed to be more intentional, which is great if you’re tired of endless scrolling and want something a bit more curated. The idea is that you get a limited number of matches, called ‘Bagels’, each day at noon. This really makes you think about who you’re interested in, rather than just mindlessly swiping.
It’s often seen as a good option for people looking for something more serious, though some reports suggest a good chunk of users are actually there to meet new friends. So, it can go either way, really.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Daily curated matches: You get a set number of potential matches each day.
- Focus on quality over quantity: The app encourages you to look at profiles more closely.
- Profile prompts: These help you show off your personality beyond just photos.
- Limited daily activity: This can be a good thing to stop you from getting burnt out.
The app aims to reduce the overwhelming nature of online dating by offering a more focused experience. Some users have found it to be a refreshing change, while others have expressed frustration with the limited number of matches or the app’s overall effectiveness. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re after a more thoughtful approach to finding someone, but be aware that experiences can vary. You might find it’s the perfect fit for you, or you might find it’s not quite what you’re looking for, and that’s okay. It’s a good idea to explore different platforms to see which one clicks with your dating style. You can find out more about the app’s features and user experiences on various review sites.
HER
Alright, let’s talk about HER. If you’re a queer woman, a lesbian, bi, trans, or non-binary person looking for connection down under, this app is pretty much tailor-made for you. It was actually created by queer women, for queer women, which is a big deal. You know you’re not going to find yourself dealing with blokes pretending to be women or getting weird requests, which is a relief, honestly.
HER isn’t just about swiping left or right, though. It’s got this cool social media vibe where you can join communities, check out virtual events, and even chat in group chats. It feels more like a community hub than just a dating app, which is pretty neat if you’re looking to make friends or just stay in the loop with what’s happening in the LGBTQIA+ scene. Plus, they’ve got some safety features to try and stop fake profiles, which is always a good thing.
It’s a space designed to be inclusive and safe, moving beyond just hookups to allow for friendships, community involvement, and genuine connections.
Now, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Because it’s specifically for the queer community, the user base isn’t as massive as, say, Tinder. So, if you’re in a smaller town, you might not have as many options. Also, the free version does have ads and limits what you can do, like with the search filters.
Here’s a quick look at the paid options:
| Subscription | Cost (per month) |
|---|---|
| HER Gold (12 mo) | $15 |
| HER Platinum (6 mo) | $25 |
| HER Platinum (12 mo) | $20 |
It’s a solid choice if you’re tired of the mainstream apps and want a space that truly gets you. HER is a game-changer for queer women seeking authentic connections and community.
AdultFriendFinder
Alright, let’s talk about AdultFriendFinder. If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, or just want to explore your options without the pressure of finding ‘the one’, this site might be up your alley. It’s been around for ages, and it’s pretty well-known for being a place where people are upfront about what they’re after. You won’t find a lot of beating around the bush here, which can be refreshing if that’s what you’re after.
When you first sign up, you’ll notice it’s pretty different from the more relationship-focused apps. The profiles tend to be more direct, and people are generally clear about their intentions. It’s not really about crafting the perfect witty bio; it’s more about getting straight to the point. This directness is probably its biggest selling point.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- User Base: It’s massive. Seriously, millions of members worldwide, so there’s a good chance you’ll find someone, no matter your preferences.
- Features: Beyond basic profiles, there are live cams, blogs, and forums. It’s more of a community vibe than just a swipe-and-match situation.
- Focus: It caters to a wide range of interests and kinks, so it’s pretty inclusive.
It’s definitely a site that caters to adults looking for adult fun, and it’s good to know that the profiles generally offer detailed and relevant information, which really helps when you’re trying to find connections AdultFriendFinder.
Just remember, like any online platform, it’s wise to be cautious. Keep your personal details private until you feel comfortable, and always meet in public places first if you decide to meet up with someone.
So, if you’re curious and want to see what’s out there, AdultFriendFinder is certainly one of the big players in the casual dating scene.
Grindr
Look, if you’re a gay bloke in Australia and you’re after something casual, chances are you’ve already heard of, or even used, Grindr. It’s been around since 2009 and it’s pretty much the biggest name in the game for gay, bi, trans, and queer guys. Forget endless swiping; Grindr throws you a grid of guys nearby, and it’s all about who catches your eye. It’s fast, it’s direct, and most people are pretty upfront about what they’re looking for – usually, it’s not a long-term commitment.
Grindr is definitely the go-to for quick hookups and casual encounters. While relationships can and do happen, that’s not really its main gig. It’s also worth noting that Grindr can be pretty NSFW. Messages can get spicy fast, and yeah, you’ll probably get unsolicited pics. So maybe don’t have it open when you’re queuing for your flat white.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
- Location-based: See guys who are physically close to you.
- Direct: Less small talk, more getting to the point.
- Large User Base: Millions of guys use it daily, so there’s always someone online.
- NSFW Content: Be prepared for explicit messages and photos.
If you’re looking for something more serious, you might want to check out other apps. But for a no-strings-attached connection, Grindr is pretty much the undisputed champion.
Pricing Tiers:
| Subscription | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Grindr XTRA (1m) | $19.99 |
| Grindr XTRA (3m) | $49.99 ($16.66/m) |
| Grindr XTRA (12m) | $149.99 ($12.49/m) |
| Grindr Unlimited | $39.99 (1m) |
So, Where to Find Your Aussie Sweetheart?
Look, finding someone special in Australia, just like anywhere else, can be a bit of a journey. We’ve seen that apps like Tinder are super popular for all sorts of connections, whether you’re after something casual or hoping to meet your person. Bumble and Hinge are also big players, with Hinge seeming to attract more folks looking for the long haul. It’s interesting to know that while many Aussies are on these apps, some still prefer meeting people the old-fashioned way, and that’s totally fine too. Safety and privacy are real concerns for some, which is understandable. But if you’re keen to give it a go, there are plenty of options out there to explore. Whether you’re in Victoria or WA, or just looking for a laugh or a lifelong partner, there’s probably an app that fits what you’re after. Give it a whirl, stay safe, and good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do many Aussies actually use dating apps?
Yeah, heaps of Aussies use dating apps! About three in ten people here have given one a go. Millennials are the biggest users, with more than half of them trying them out. Victoria seems to be the hotspot, with almost two in five Victorians using dating apps.
Which dating apps are the most popular in Australia?
Tinder is the most popular by a long shot, with about two-thirds of dating app users in Australia having tried it. Bumble is next, with about a third using it. Hinge and eHarmony are also pretty popular, with around a fifth of people using them.
What kind of relationships do people look for on different dating apps?
It really depends on the app! Hinge and eHarmony are popular if you’re looking for something serious, like a long-term partner or even marriage. Tinder and Grindr, on the other hand, are more for casual hookups or flings. Some apps, like Coffee Meets Bagel and OkCupid, are a mix of both.
Why do some Aussies avoid dating apps?
A lot of Aussies who haven’t tried dating apps yet prefer meeting people in person, which makes sense! Others worry about safety, like fake profiles or sharing too much personal info. Some also think dating apps won’t help them find a serious relationship or aren’t keen to pay for them.
Why is Tinder so popular in Australia?
Well, Tinder is super easy to use and connects you with loads of people straight away. It’s great if you want a quick connection or a casual fling, and it has a really good free version. Plus, they’ve added features like ID verification to try and make it safer.
What’s the best dating app for queer women in Australia?
HER is a top pick for queer women looking for love. It’s designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, making it a safe and welcoming space to connect with others who share similar experiences and interests.
