Being a woman on the internet can be tough, but trying to find a genuine connection on a dating app can feel even harder. Between the emboldened creeps, endless swiping, and surprisingly convincing AI profiles, it's enough to make you wonder if applying for Love Island is a more sane alternative. (Spoiler alert: it's not.)
The reality is, dating as a woman in 2025 comes with a unique set of challenges. There's the constant barrage of low-effort "hey" messages, the unsolicited dick pics, the men who are definitely married, and the underlying fear for our own safety that men just don't have to think about. It’s enough to make you want to swear off dating for good and just get another cat (which wouldn't exactly be the worst thing).
But despite the challenges, dating apps do work — millions of women have found a partner online. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that one in 10 partnered adults met their significant other through online dating. The same survey found that young people and the LGBTQ community are even more likely to meet their partner on "the apps." The key isn't giving up and hoping for an old-fashioned meet-cute; it's finding the best dating apps for women that create a safer, more respectful experience and filter out the nonsense.
That's where I come in. Over the past several years, I put the top dating platforms to the test — I faced the good, the bad, and the unsolicited DMs — to find the best dating app for women. From classics like eharmony to exciting newcomers like Pure, I tried them all. I swiped, I matched, I blocked. So, whether you're looking for a serious long-term relationship, a fun hookup, or just an app where you're in control of the conversation, we've found an option that's actually worth your time.
