Dating in Austin has always been a little bit daunting. With so many people roaming the city, how do you know who’s a good match? And now that the pandemic has changed how people engage with each other, meeting singles in person is trickier than ever. Luckily, the best dating apps in Austin let us make connections from the safety and comfort of our own homes (and anywhere else, for that matter). So finding the best one to use is pretty much a necessity these days!
To be single in Austin is often to feel like you’re in a two-seater rowboat all alone. You look out, and everyone else seems to be coupled up, and it can be deeply frustrating. Your friends and family have probably told you to try online dating. But how do you know which are the best dating apps in Austin?
You keep reading, that’s how. With our own research (and that of local experts) we’ve assembled this list of our favorite dating apps and sites. Whether you’re a UT Longhorn or someone entering the second half of life, there will be something here for you. From outstanding live music to some of the best food in Texas, there’s so much to do in Austin. So why go at it alone?
Give some of these a try, and we’re sure your love life will be in tip-top shape very soon.
#1 – Christian Mingle (Android; iOS) is for marriage-minded Christians
Over half of the population in Austin is religious, so it’s no wonder why so many of them use Christian Mingle to find a partner who shares their values. With over 60,000 new users signing up each month, there’s no shortage of singles to mingle with on this faith-based site.
Most people on the site join with marriage in mind. Couples ranging from their late 20s to early 50s have found each other using Christian Mingle, with thousands of happy marriages resulting from successful unions.
We love how easy it is to sign up, all you need is an email address! Of course, you’ll have to answer some questions as you complete your profile, but don’t worry about committing to an answer right away since you can make changes at any time. With such a stress-free, streamlined process, you can sit back and let Christian Mingle go to work finding your soulmate right away!
Why Christian Mingle is worth using:
- For Christians looking for other Christians, this is the best site out there
- Women outnumber men, a rarity in the online dating world
- Easy sign-up process
Why you might not like it:
- If you aren’t a Christian looking for marriage, you may want to look elsewhere
- The website tends to be glitchy
- Features are a bit basic
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the best dating site in Austin for real relationships
eHarmony has solidified itself as the best dating site in Austin for those who want a real relationship. There is a lot of competition out there, but nothing has caught up to the success locals have seen on eHarmony.
A few things make eHarmony such a great option in Austin: tons of users, great success rates, and a process that makes it easy for you. So it isn't surprising that it works so well when you have a combination like that.
With tens of millions of users (a ton of them in Austin), it should be surprising that 75% of all marriages that start online begin with eHarmony. That means they are at least 4 times more successful than any other site out there! That's pretty crazy.
A big reason why we like it so much is that it does most of the work for you. They find out what you're looking for and then match you up with people like that looking for singles like you. It doesn't get any easier.
If you want something real and not just another fling, this is the first option you need to try.
Why eHarmony really works:
- 4x more successful than any other dating app out there right now
- All the users are seeking something real, so there’s no confusion or mixed messages
- Does the hard work for you
- When 75% of all marriages from online dating start here, they must be doing a lot right
Why you might want to give it a pass:
- The 20-minute sign-up process
- Takes a few days to ramp up
#3 - Loosid (Android; iOS) lets you skip the bar scene
Austin is a drinking city, which is a big part of the draw for many people. If you’re sober or not a drinker in general, though, it makes dating a challenge. Almost everyone suggests meeting up at a bar for the first date. This means you either drink Coke at the bar or you have an awkward conversation right off the bat. Loosid is here to help.
The first dating app designed for sober connections, Loosid knows there’s more to do at night than just drink. Whether you’re newly sober or have been so for years, this app helps you connect with like-minded individuals. Additionally, the app has excellent features that can help you with your sobriety. So if you’re living that dry life, this will be one of the best dating apps in Austin.
Why Loosid is worth trying:
- Using this app eliminates the need for that uncomfortable icebreaker conversation
- As you meet more people, you’ll learn about more things to do in Austin that don’t involve the bar
- The sobriety features will make sure you stick to your plans
Why you should skip it:
- Obviously, if you’re not sober and don’t intend to become so, it isn’t for you
- This probably won’t be your go-to app for casual flings
#4 - AFF is the best hookup app in Austin
AFF should be the first hookup app in Austin that you try if you actually want to meet up. We've tried out a lot of other options, and nothing else has worked consistently, particularly for single guys. When you're just looking for something casual, nothing compares.
Tinder is the only other Austin hookup app that is worth mentioning but it's morphing into more of a dating app. When you just want something physical AFF has it beat. With 60 million active users that are certainly a lot of options to prove that.
One of the things we've really liked about this app is that they do a really good job of helping you find EXACTLY what you're looking for. Everyone on this site is looking for the same thing so you can save a LOT of time that you would waste on other sites.
Give their free trial a shot below and see how good it is.
Why AFF is Austin's best hookup app:
- Really popular in Austin right now
- Guys can actually do really well using it
- Very few people using it only for attention (unlike Tinder)
What we don’t like about it:
- Many users can only access via web app
- Time for a design update
#5 - Tinder (Android; iOS) is full of beautiful people
‘We have a hard time believing anyone in this city hasn’t tried Tinder. If you are one of those unicorns, though, you are in for a bit of an adventure. There’s no question, in terms of sheer popularity, this is one of the best dating apps in Austin. You’ll seemingly find half the city on Tinder, and they’ll be some of the most gorgeous people you’ve ever seen.
There’s no question that one of the selling points of Tinder is the attractiveness of the users. While you can certainly make an impression with a funny or charming profile, good looks are a big advantage. Tinder is all about first impressions, so make sure your photos make good ones. If they do, you'll have a lot of fun on this app.
What we love about Tinder:
- It’s massively popular, so there’s always someone new waiting behind the next swipe
- Probably the most attractive user base of any dating app we’ve tried
- It remains the best free dating app out there
What we don’t like:
- If you’re a guy and aren’t very attractive, you’ll struggle to find matches
- Finding love is theoretically possible, but if that’s your goal, you’re better off looking elsewhere
#6 - Zoosk (Android; iOS) is for younger Austin singles looking for something real
Zoosk is the go-to app for younger singles in Austin who want a real relationship. It’s the #1 dating app in the Apple App Store for a reason, after all. With 35 million members and its intuitive, app-based interface, it’s the ideal alternative for singles looking to avoid Tinder.
When Zoosk got its start as a Facebook app in 2007, its goal was to integrate social networking and online dating. Now, this lead dating app prides itself on using social media integration to keep young singles connected in a way that feels genuine and familiar.
Dating can be stressful, especially if you’re looking for a long-term relationship in your early 20s. While some dating apps leave you to fend for yourself, Zoosk uses its unique matchmaking engine to take the guesswork out for you!
Why you’ll love Zoosk:
- Most members are young – from 18 to early 20s – so it’s ideal for younger Austin singles who are interested in a real relationship
- Its Behavioral Matchmaking technology takes the guesswork out of finding matches
- The app is super responsive and easy to use
Why you might want to skip it:
- Quite a bit of ads for free users
- Some of the premium features are a little complicated
#7 – Facebook Dating (Android; iOS) is for everyone
If you’re one of the 10 quadrillion people who have a Facebook profile, Facebook Dating could be for you. It’s actually a pretty obvious extension of the social media platform. After all, Facebook was created as a way for college students to find out if other college students were single. Of course, the platform is so much more than that these days, but online dating is still a vital field.
If you already have a Facebook profile, signing up for this app will be simple. Simply use the information you’ve already supplied. And don’t worry, your dating profile won’t be public. None of your Facebook friends will be able to see you’re using the dating app. Facebook has its issues, but their free (completely free) dating app is definitely a success.
Why Facebook Dating is among the best dating apps in Austin:
- Almost everyone in the city is on Facebook, so the dating pool is massive
- The “Second Look” feature allows you to go back if you accidentally passed on someone interesting
- Profiles tend to be more informative than other dating apps
What we don’t like about it:
- If you prefer your online dating via your computer, you’re out of luck; this is exclusive to the app
- We can’t say we’re the biggest fans of Facebook having even more of our information
#8 – East Meet East Hive (Android, iOS) is great for Asian singles and women in particular
The Asian population in Texas has been steadily growing for the last decade. That probably explains why Hive East Meet East Hive has grown in popularity steadily over these last few years. An app built for Asian Americans and people of Asian heritage, EME fills a needed niche. It’s certainly not as well-populated as many of the other dating sites, but that’s not the point.
One interesting aspect of the app is that women can use the entire app for free. Men will have to pay to get full functionality, but female users of EME can enjoy the benefits without putting down a penny. We still think it’s worth it for Asian guys committed to meeting a woman who shares their cultural background.
Why East Meets East Hive is a great app:
- For Asian women, this is one of the best dating sites in Austin
- If having a culture in common is important to you, this is a great tool
- Lots of beautiful Asian women and good-looking Asian men
What we would change about EME Hive:
- We do think it’s questionable that men have to pay and women don’t
- The app is a bit glitchy, so that can be frustrating
#9 - Hinge (Android; iOS) helps you find what you’re looking for
Of all the best dating apps in Austin, few get guys as well as Hinge does. Plenty of guys are sincerely looking for romance but don’t have Hollywood screenwriters to make them sound like Hugh Grant. Hinge understands that sometimes you need a little help. That’s why their icebreaker feature is so important. By giving you prompts, it helps you think of fun and witty opening lines.
Hinge goes even further, though, by being truly invested in your dating life. With its algorithms, it helps determine your type, so matches fit what you like. They even follow up after you’ve had a date to find out how it went. That’s dedication. If you’re a guy who’s been wary of joining an online dating app, Hinge is for you.
Why Hinge is worth your time:
- The app encourages actual conversation with prompts and personality questions
- The creators genuinely appear to be invested in helping you find love
- In our experience, this is one of the most rewarding dating apps for men (and women)
What we didn’t like:
- You will need to sign up for a paid subscription if you want any success
- While there are a lot of users on the app, it appears many of them aren’t very active
#10 – Silver Singles (Android, iOS) has become one of the best dating sites in Austin for anyone 50+
Online dating is not just for kids. Silver Singles is making sure of that by creating one of the best dating sites for the over-50 crowd. If you’ve used other dating apps and sites, you know most are geared toward 20- and 30-somethings. This app is designed for people who’ve matured like fine wine and are looking for meaningful companionship.
The sign-up process involves a personality test that helps provide you better matches. Once your profile is completed, you’ll receive matches based on your career, interests, lifestyle, and other factors. If you’re over 50 and looking to get back on the scene, you want to give Silver Singles a shot. You might be surprised just how rewarding online dating can be.
Why Silver Singles is worth using:
- It’s one of the best dating sites in Austin for people over 50
- The matches are based on more than just looks
- You’ll encounter people who are seeking a substantial relationship, not just flings
Why you might not like it:
- If you’re under 50, you can’t even sign up, so don’t waste your time
- The free version gives you a taste, but you’ll need a subscription for the full experience
#11 - Raya (iOS) is a great way to network in Austin
For the well-heeled of Austin, Raya will not only be your favorite dating app; it’ll be your go-to networking tool. Famously, Raya is the dating app that celebrities have been known to use. That’s because it’s a membership-based app that requires being approved by Raya’s committee. To be permitted on Raya is to be bestowed serious cred.
As a dating app, Raya’s most redeeming feature is its exclusivity. This is one of those quality over quantity apps, and its members are all the happier for it. That said, don’t be surprised if not everyone you meet on the app is looking for something serious. Raya is even more popular for building up personal networks, so a connection may be more business than romance.
3 reasons to use Raya:
- The opportunity to meet a celebrity – especially during SXSW – is a fun perk
- If you’re establishing your personal brand, Raya can help you expand
- The women on the app tend to be exceptionally beautiful
What we don’t like about it:
- Those exceptionally beautiful women are very selective because they can be
- There is no free version of this app, so be prepared to pay up
The Best Dating Sites in Austin for Long-Term Relationships
Now that we’ve covered our list of the very best dating sites, we want to share a few specific recommendations. For those of you looking for a long-term relationship, these are the top apps for you:
eHarmony has a proven track record of successful relationships
We covered eHarmony in detail above, but it truly is the best dating site in Austin for real relationships. Not only does eHarmony boast tons of users, but it’s also four times more successful than any other dating app out there.
Their sign-up process is lengthy for a reason: with all that in-depth information, they can find out what you’re really looking for and eliminate the people who just aren’t going to give you what you need. What more could you ask for from a dating site?
If you’re looking for something long-term, eHarmony should be the first site you try.
Zoosk is ideal for younger singles who want more than a fling
Not every younger single in Austin is looking for a hookup. But, with 35 million members and a user-friendly interface, Zoosk is the perfect app for anyone between 18 and their early 20s looking for a long-term relationship.
By integrating your existing social media accounts, using Zoosk is as intuitive as scrolling through your feeds. And with its unique Behavior Matchmaking technology, it does so much of the work for you! For younger singles, Zoosk is the way to go.
The Best Hookup Sites in Austin
If you’re more interested in some short-term action, we’ve got you covered too! While some hookup sites can feel like you’re wasting your time, these are the best casual dating sites in Austin for real results:
AFF is the best hookup site in Austin
We talked about AFF and everything that makes it great above, but we really can’t stress enough how perfect this site is for hookups. It’s super popular in Austin right now, and 100% focused on casual dating, so there’s no chance of confusion.
We’ve also found that regular dudes get better results on AFF than other hookup sites. Women spend more time looking at a guy’s profile instead of swiping, so there’s more opportunity to really catch a match’s attention.
For normal guys looking for something casual, AFF is for you. Don’t believe us? Check out their free trial to see for yourself!
Tinder is great if you look like a model
Tinder is one of the best Austin hookup sites since it’s insanely popular and has a huge userbase. But there’s a major downside: this app is all about looks. Lots of research has been done on Tinder over the past few years, and it turns out that the top 10% of men on the app get more than 80% of the responses from women. What about the rest of the guys?
Unless you’re male model hot, you’re probably not going to get much action on Tinder. Save yourself the disappointment and try AFF first.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Austin
You might be wondering why you should use a paid site when there are plenty of free options out there, and you wouldn’t be alone in thinking that. But believe us, after trying out over 100 different dating sites, you really do get what you pay for.
In our experience, singles get better results, whether they’re pursuing a long-term relationship or a hookup, from paid sites. This is because people on paid sites tend to be more upfront about what they’re looking for without playing games, which means more legitimate opportunities to match. Unless you’re really attractive, like model-status attractive, most real people just don’t tend to get real results from the free sites.
If you absolutely can’t afford a paid site, these are the best free dating sites in Austin to try:
- Tinder (if you’re a great-looking guy, of course)
- Facebook Dating
- Hinge
Free sites can be great if you’re trying online dating for the first time. Just keep in mind that when it comes to free dating sites, you get what you pay for (or don’t pay for, in this case). So if you want more bang for your buck, opt for a paid site instead.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dating Sites in Austin
What dating apps do people use in Austin?
The most commonly used dating apps in Austin are Tinder and Bumble. But that should be no surprise, right? They are the most popular in the country. However, if you're looking for something more effective for both dating and hookups, then AFF and eHarmony are great alternatives.
Is Bumble popular in Austin?
According to Bumble itself, it had more than 12 million users in 2020, during the peak of the pandemic. It is sure to have increased now that places are open and people can go out on dates much easier.
Is Austin a good city for singles?
Definitely! Austin is a cheaper place to live in Texas compared to other cities, so it attracts a lot more young workers, many of them single and looking to settle down or maybe just have a hookup.
