With so many options out there, how can you find the best dating apps in Columbus? You don’t want to waste time trying every single app but you also don’t want to miss out on finding “the one” if that’s what you’re looking for. We took the guesswork out of it and tried over 150 dating apps for you!
Let’s not forget this positive stat: since the pandemic constricted our planet, we’ve found an absolutely enormous uptick in the amount of users on these dating sites and apps, and not only that but they’re actually ACTIVE. That means more matches and less ghosting - doesn’t that sound nice?
So, if you’re interested in dating online, now is the time. Given the permanent changes in the world of dating (along with the other massive cultural and societal changes) due to Covid, you have an unmatched chance in finding a date quickly and easily. All you have to do is delve into the world of virtual matchmaking.
Our team of experts has narrowed it down to eleven of the best Columbus dating apps and sites. Wherever you are in Columbus, whether you’re Downtown, in the Discovery District or Uptown, we’ve got the perfect app for you.
#1 – Tantan is for those tired of bots (Android; iOS)
Have you matched with an incredibly attractive individual only to be completely let down by them being obviously fake? Well, Tantan knows your pain and they know it well. That’s why they’ve committed to moderating the users joining their platform, effectively weeding out the majority of fake profiles.
Apart from that, they have amassed a large user base of active singles looking to date. If you’re tired of being lonely - tired of a cold bed - then we highly recommend joining Tantan.
Why Tantan is a great dating app:
- They’re committed to keeping the app free from bots
- There is a large, active user base
- It was rated 4/5 stars from more than 1 million reviews
Why it isn’t the best:
- Some of the reviews seem to be not entirely trustworthy
- Some users find it more expensive than other options
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the best Columbus dating app for long-term relationships
eHarmony is the best dating app in Columbus for those looking to find a long-term relationship. Many people think online dating is just a place to find flings but eHarmony is not like that. The site puts each user through a detailed sign-up process and has an amazing track record for actually helping people find long-term relationships. Nearly 70% of people who have been on the app for a year end up finding their future spouse, that’s pretty incredible.
This detailed questionnaire puts off people who are just looking for a fling, so you know your matches will also be looking for something long-term. This also helps eHarmony send you matches that you will actually be compatible with. With over 35 million users on eHarmony (and a ton in Columbus), you are sure to find your match!
Why eHarmony is one of the best dating apps in Columbus:
- By far the best results for real relationships
- Big dating pool, especially in Columbus
- You receive personalized matches from eHarmony daily
What we don’t like about it:
- You have to answer 80 multiple choice questions to set up your profile
- Matching is a little slow at first before ramping up
#3 – Hily is for those wanting a genuine connection (Android; iOS)
Wow, the world has changed a lot in these past few years. People are more engrossed by their phones - and the mindless content on them - than ever before. It’s at the point where we see entire families glued to their screens when out for Thanksgiving dinner… that just screams “wrong” to some people.
If you’re one of those individuals, you’re actually in luck (believe it or not). That’s because Hily was explicitly created for you. It was created for those who value high-quality relationships built on genuine connection, first and foremost.
So, if you’re tired of inauthenticity, fake people and all-round disingenuousness, then you should be on Hily. Find a REAL connection today.
Why Hily is a great dating app:
- On Hily you find people who value genuine conversation and relationships
- Users love the easy to navigate interface
- There is no shortage of users
What we don’t like about it:
- The location filter can be buggy
- Lots of features are behind a paywall
#4 - AFF is the best hookup app in Columbus
AFF is the app you need to try if you're not looking for a relationship but still in the mood for a little fun in the bedroom. There are plenty of apps and sites out there that say they can help with this, but AFF has been the one that delivers the best results in Columbus from what we've seen, especially for guys.
AFF has two very important things going for it. First, it has a ton of singles using it (over 60 million) and a lot of them are local. Second, the users on this app are VERY engaged and actually want to get together. Unlike other hookup apps (like Tinder) which are mostly filled with women who want attention, this app actually delivers.
For those who want something fun and flirty this should be your first option.
Why AFF is one of the best dating sites in Columbus:
- The most popular pure hookup app out there
- Has been the app that guys are getting the best results with in Columbus
- Very simple to use and not 100% focused on profile pics
What we don’t like about it:
- You have to signup through their website
- The design could use an update
#5 - Hinge is great for getting to know someone (Android; iOS)
Hinge is quickly becoming one of the best dating apps in Columbus thanks to its non-swiping approach. Constant swiping left or right solely based on pictures makes people feel detached from dating. Hinge instead encourages users to match with people by “liking” a specific photo, video or blurb on their profile.
Hinge thus tries to help people make more of an effort in matching as you have to slow down and check out the whole profile first. For this reason, Hinge tends to be millennials’ choice in dating apps for long term relationships.
Why Hinge is one of the best Columbus dating apps:
- The app is user friendly, and your profile is easy to set up despite how personalized you can make it
- Hinge suggests a “most compatible” person to you every day
- The free version has plenty of great features
What we don’t like about it:
- No one has to message first as you can select an option to ask your match to start the conversation or vice versa
- You only get 10 “likes” a day with the free version
#6 – Bumble is one of the best dating apps in Columbus for women (Android; iOS)
Bumble is an app made for women. Many women on dating apps are flooded with messages that can sometimes be crude and offensive, if not just plain overwhelming. On Bumble, women have more control as they must be the ones to message a man first. This empowers women to make their own choices about who can and cannot message them. Now if that doesn’t qualify Bumble as one of the best dating apps in Columbus, we don’t know what does!
The main catch is that you have to work quickly. Once you match, you only have 24 hours to reach out before the match disappears.
Why you should try Bumble:
- Bumble is one of the most popular apps among millennials now
- Women have total control over their dating lives
- The app is super user friendly
What we don’t like about it:
- Bumble’s premise of women messaging men first is irrelevant for same-sex couples
- Women may not be used to making the first move but have no choice on Bumble
#7 – Down App is the #2 option for casual flings (Android; iOS)
Down is the best app for people who are just looking for flings. People aren’t always so forthcoming about what they’re looking for on dating apps but with the Down app, the expectations are clear.
Down is a discreet way to meet sexy singles nearby who are also looking to get into bed quickly. But it can also be used to find dates. If you swipe up, you tell the person you are looking for something serious and swiping down shows that you want to “get down”.
Why Down is worth a shot:
- Your intentions and your match’s intentions will always be clear
- Down will suggest daily picks
- Although the app is predominantly used for short-term, it’s still possible to find a relationship
What we don’t like about it:
- You need to sign up using a Facebook account
- An attractiveness rating is created based on your views and matches
#8 – Christian Mingle is the one of the best dating sites for Christian singles (Android; iOS)
Christian Mingle is the perfect dating platform for Christian singles in Columbus. As being religious is becoming less common, especially among young people, finding someone who shares the same values as you can be tough.
Thankfully, Christian Mingle exists to help Christians find their perfect matches. With over 1 million members, finding a match in Columbus is easy and to make it even easier, Christian Mingle will recommend compatible matches to you daily.
Why Christian Mingle is great:
- Matches are recommended to you daily
- The paid version is affordable
- You can also search for matches on your own
What we don’t like about it:
- The free version does not allow users to send or receive messages to other users
- Christian Mingle’s features are lacking
#9 – Loosid is a great app for sober people (Android; iOS)
Loosid knows how tough choosing sobriety can be, especially if your partner doesn’t understand your struggle. They created this app to help those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse find like-minded matches. No doubt it's one of the best dating sites in Columbus if you want to steer clear of alcohol.
They encourage sobriety by offering booze-less dating guides as well as treatment center guides. So you no longer need to worry about explaining to new dates why you aren’t up for getting a drink on your first date. If you ask us, Loosid is one of the best dating apps in Columbus if you’re in recovery.
Why Loosid is the best app for those looking to stay sober:
- Loosid is great for dating as well as meeting a community of sober people
- You can join groups or events on Loosid
- Recovery support and tools are readily available
What we don’t like about it:
- Loosid is still quite new, so the dating pool isn’t big
- Profiles don’t need to be fully formed to start using the app
#10 – Raya (iOS) is one of the best dating apps in Columbus for "elites"
Raya is the best place to meet local celebrities or other so-called "elites", if you’re also one. Celebrities can include people like movie stars, singers and the like. But it can also be top-level executives or high-profile singles. Raya bases your celebrity status on your Instagram following. You need a minimum of 5,000 followers, the more you have, the better.
As Raya is meant for celebrities, there is a detailed application process and you usually need a referral. If you do get approved, you can reap all the rewards Raya has to offer.
Why Raya is a great option for stars:
- All sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome
- Only verified people will be on the app
- Raya is also great for networking with other high-profile users
What we don’t like about it:
- The application process is long and, more often than not, results in rejection
- You need a large Instagram following to get approved
#11 – Dig is for dog lovers (iOS)
Dig Dates is the app that dog lovers didn’t know they were missing. People always say, “Dogs are man’s best friend” and anyone who has a dog can attest to that. Dig Dates thus helps connect dog lovers who can easily relate to each other.
Using dig dates ensures that you never have to worry about meeting up with someone who won’t love your pet as much as you do.
Why you should download Dig Dates immediately:
- Dig Dates gives you dog-friendly date ideas in Columbus
- You will receive five curated matches every day
- Dig Dates is part of the Pledge 1% movement, which supports nonprofit organizations
What we don’t like about it:
- Many of the app’s features are only available on iOS right now
- The dating pool is limited as Dig Dates is still fairly new
The Best Dating Sites in Columbus for Long-Term Relationships
Have you decided that it’s time to settle down? Are you at the place in life where you want to find that special person who has the ability to make each and every one of your days better? Do you want a familiar, comforting face to wake up to in the mornings? Do you need a sturdy shoulder to lean on in difficult times?
Then what you need is to find the love of your life. And it’s completely possible with the apps below. Find your forever today.
eHarmony is the top Columbus dating site for serious relationships
You’ve probably heard the name “eHarmony” before; maybe it was from a friend who found their love on it or maybe it was because of an ad you once saw when you were younger. Either way, we bet you expected this dating site to be here - and that’s a good thing. You see, eHarmony has led the pack in long-term dating since its original conception. What that means is their system works and it works well.
eHarmony helps you find the love of your life in less time so you can start living your dream life TODAY, instead of the seemingly never-ending future. eHarmony brings you and your forever together so you can finally experience that blissful peace in life that you’ve been searching for.
Zoosk helps you meet young singles looking for love
Zoosk is a great option if you’re in your 20s-30s and are on the prowl for a serious partner. It is certainly less intense than eHarmony since it's made for younger users. But it's no less effective. In fact, it's one of the go-to dating apps for younger singles these days who are sick of all the people looking for hookups on Tinder. So if you're looking for the real deal but you want a fun experience out of it, Zoosk is the app for you.
The Best Hookup Sites in Columbus
Time to get frisky. Alright, you’re looking at this section for one reason, and one reason only: you want to “ruffle” your sheets TONIGHT and will stop at almost nothing to make sure that happens. You want a no-strings-attached, kinky and attractive partner to share the bed with, just for the night. Here are the best Columbus hookup sites.
For sure hookups, try AFF
AFF was designed for one reason: to help singles find hookups. That has been their purpose since they started (almost 26 years ago), and since then, thousands upon thousands of people have succeeded in finding a fling. We’ve honestly found that AFF is the best free hookup site in Columbus.
Now, just ask yourself: do you want someone to make your night one to remember? Then what are you still doing here? Make tonight one that goes down in the books, find your hookup on AFF already.
Tinder is still a reliable hookup app
This probably won’t surprise you, but if you haven’t noticed, Tinder isn’t exactly a dating app designed for people who want to find their soulmate… instead, it’s more of a “casual” atmosphere. That means that you might find an actual date or you might find someone to sleep with for tonight and tonight only and that’s why it’s one of the best casual dating sites in Columbus. Honestly, it just matters what you’re looking for.
The great thing about Tinder? You probably will find what you’re looking for, as long as you stay at it.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Columbus
Let’s make this clear: a free dating site is nowhere near as effective as a paid option… don’t forget that you get what you pay for (and what you don’t). Now, don’t let that deter you completely; free dating sites are still an effective way (albeit less effective than paying) to find dates and/or hookups. Just beware, you might get frustrated with the sheer number of bots, limited features and other aspects of using these services for free.
- Happn
- OkCupid
- Plenty of Fish
Using Tinder in Columbus
Tinder is probably the most well-known dating app on planet Earth at this point, at least in the younger crowds. Speaking of which, it’s important to mention that the majority of users on Tinder are anywhere from 18-30, so keep that in mind if you happen to lie outside that demographic. Don’t get confused on what Tinder can and can’t do for you, either: Tinder’s purpose is to assist in casual dating. Yes, you may find a long-term partner or a hookup but don’t bank on either of those.
