Swipe right on the 9 best online dating apps in Singapore today
From swiping right to emoticon-fueled conversations, love finds its way through fibre-optic threads in this island nation.
So join me as we take a closer look at the modern landscape of Singaporean romance with the best online dating apps in Singapore today!
How I Picked
1. OkCupid
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.okcupid.com/ |
| BEST FOR | Gender-inclusive dating/friendship/social connections |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | App Store |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
Total Scores
If you want to bid goodbye to superficial judgments and hello to authentic connections, try OkCupid. I admit to being a registered member at one point and immediately liked that it offers dating safety tips to all users and other unique features.
It’s been around since 2004, so I’m glad that it reflects the contemporary dating scene in several ways. For instance, users can now import pictures they like from their Facebook or IG accounts!
Plus, there are 60 LGBTQ gender and orientation options which is quite expansive!
I also witnessed how its algorithm digs deep with thought-provoking questions, revealing the user’s true self for the perfect match. So whether you’re Jewish, spiritual, or just wonderfully unique, OkCupid’s got the categories to celebrate your individuality.
OkCupid has gone from a casual hookup dating website to something that thoughtfully matches people with detailed profiles. But you’ll still need to pay a fee if you don’t want your match-searching to be cluttered with ads.
Pros
- Highly detailed profiles
- Free to view other users’ profiles
- Great user interface
Cons
- All pictures uploaded on the site are public
- Having no ads is a fee-based service
Customer reviews
I like the algorithms of this site
“I have used the free version in almost all services. I like the algorithms of this site, as it helped me find a nice person. Although often finds not the best. I hope for algorithm improvements because I really like this service.” – Sherry S
Met my wife on OkCupid
“I met my wife on OkCupid, so it worked for me. I think the trick is to answer their questions truthfully, beware of liars and players, and only meet those you match over 90% (my wife and I were a 99% match!).” – Paul B
2. Bumble
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://bumble.com/ |
| BEST FOR | Meeting new friends, expanding social network, dating |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | https://bumble.com/en/contact-us#download-app |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
Total Scores
My best bud described Bumble as “the online dating platform where women call the shots.” Intrigued, I decided to sign up and see where her raves are coming from.
True enough, if there’s a match, it’s up to the ladies to make the first move within 24 hours! Whoever she matches with also has 24 hours to message back so they can chat with each other, uninterrupted.
I also appreciate how Bumble allows at least one non-binary member to take the initiative on a potential match. It seems to be an app that celebrates the full spectrum of gender identities.
What I find lacking, though, has to do with details on the profiles. There’s enough to see if you want to coast on your preferred looks or first impressions but not enough to gauge compatibility in the long run.
Pros
- Easy registration using Facebook account or phone number
- Free messaging for all members
- Gender-inclusive messaging system
Cons
- No search options on the site
- Profile information are a bit limited
Customer reviews
I’ve had consistent support from the Bumble team
“Bumble is a platform for friendship, networking, and dating. I have had consistent support from Bumble Team, and the site is easy to understand. In my experience, this makes it a safe and enjoyable platform. Glad to have Bumble! Cheers!” – ‘ez’
I met my current BF on this app
“I met my current bf on this app and we’re super happy so far SO, I have to say “Thank you, Bumble”. Of course, in order to meet my bf I had to go through months of empty messaging, creepy dudes, and pointless dates. But the end goal was worth it ahah
I’d suggest not giving up and continuing dating or whatever. It’s like job hunting guys!” – Лера Воротынцева
3. Coffee Meets Bagel
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://coffeemeetsbagel.com/ |
| BEST FOR | Authentic and serious connections |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | App Store |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
Total Scores
If you’re tired of shallow connections via dating apps or sites, Coffee Meets Bagel might just be your cup of…tea. (Ugh, fell for that one too easily.)
Anyway, its mission is to break the mould of online dating by curating a matching pool from your extended social network. This ensures that potential matches are already a bit familiar, adding that extra touch of comfort and meaning to your connections.
But because it uses your friends-of-friends Facebook connection to curate matches, it also means you can’t sign up with Coffee Meets Bagel if you don’t have an FB account. Yep, that’s bad news for non-FB users!
Still, there’s plenty to like with this Internet dating system that dissuades random encounters and encourages more genuine relationships.
It also protects user privacy with profiles that can’t be searched manually and names that are hidden before connections happen.
Pros
- Detailed profiles
- Uncomplicated setup process
- Discreet and private system
Cons
- You can’t sign up if you don’t have a Facebook account
- A limited number of daily matches
- Payment needed to see if messages are read
Customer reviews
Great interface
“I like your app, great interface and such good friends I found here. Very very satisfied with your app.” – Randolph O
Met the man of my dreams on this site
“I have read a lot of the reviews for Coffee Meets Bagel regarding fake profiles and was sorry to hear people had that experience… On a positive note, my experience was the complete opposite. I met the man of my dreams on this site. We started dating and now we live together and couldn’t be happier! He only lived 30 minutes away, but I doubt our paths would have crossed if it weren’t for Coffee meets Bagel. I’m sure there are a lot more fakes out there than I’m aware of and it’s really unfortunate that they have to be weeded out in order to find real people, but don’t lose faith because the real ones are there! Just as you are a good decent person looking to meet someone nice, there are others who long for the same. I hope this gives you guys a little hope.” – Christine D
4. Tinder
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://tinder.com/ |
| BEST FOR | Casual hookups |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | Google Play |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 214-853-4309 |
Total Scores
If you’re looking for a fling minus the emotional baggage, look no further than Tinder. This dating app in Singapore is the ultimate hotspot for those craving light and breezy connections.
When Tinder burst onto the scene almost a decade ago, it raised more than just a few eyebrows with its reputation for casual hook-ups. Yet it’s still going strong, defying expectations and boasting instant matches with a few swipes.
It thrives on the “looks-first” principle with no promises of everlasting love. But a casual rendezvous can still turn into something more substantial, as love can work in mysterious swipe-y ways!
The downside is that Tinder uses a geo-based matching system, so users can’t immediately see if they share common interests with potential matches. But it’s (mostly) free to use, so there are no real complaints here.
Pros
- Wide membership base
- Location-based algorithm for easier IRL meetups
- Efficient swiping matching system
- Free to use
Cons
- Age-based pricing model means higher fees for older singles
- Geo-based matches mean fewer chances of matching with similar interests
Customer reviews
Thank you Tinder for changing my world for the better
“I was literally online 5 mins and kicked off but before I caught sight of a gentleman and we clicked right away I created a new account we matched again and have been in love ever since. If you tell people what you want upfront and be very clear things work out thank you tinder for changing my smile and life and am closer to god honestly. Thank you tinder this change my whole world for the better.” – Crystal M
Had some dates with the help of Tinder
“Been using it for a while now and have had some hot dates with the help of it. It is probably one of the biggest dating apps nowadays. But I keep my membership on a couple of other hookup sites for when I need an alternative.” – Edward R
5. Meetup
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.meetup.com/ |
| BEST FOR | Users with shared interests |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | App Store |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
Total Scores
I’m on Meetup because all my close friends are on it. We go to a lot of organised activities like bouldering and yoga and therefore regard this platform as an event planning one, not primarily for dating.
All those disclaimers aside, you can think of Meetup as that amazing hangout where you get to chill with a bunch of friends first before singling out that special someone and diving into the dating world.
Introverted foreigners or recent transplants to Singapore have also found Meetup useful for feeling more at home and having new friends to help them navigate the island.
I get that those who are looking specifically for dates and hookups would be disappointed at the lack of straightforwardness with Meetup. But there are plenty of other online dating platforms specifically targeted at those, anyway.
Pros
- Efficient activity-organising platform
- Good way to make new friends
- Features schedules and itineraries for group activities
Cons
- Not a traditional dating platform
- Some complaints about bugs in the app
Customer reviews
It’s a great way to meet people
“When you’re a transplant and often in some states many people are and if you don’t have children it’s difficult to meet people, I’ve been doing it a little over a year and met many people but 3 people that I can call outside of meetup and do things with it’s a great way to meet people often hit or miss but never had a bad experience.” – Paula C
Helped me connect with potential real-world matches based on shared interests
“I have participated in Online Dating and experienced many of the online platforms firsthand. MeetUp.com has been my #1 tool, as a user, helping connect me with potential matches in the real world based on shared topics of interest. Successful dating is partly about the experience you share when together and the emotion you each bring to the table. Participating in real-world, group events allows for less pressure but also more emotion to be had by all. Potentially a more favourable environment for finding longer-term matches. As a group organizer, I can sympathize that it’s not a perfect world but as a user, MeetUp.com is a far better option than the online dating platforms.” – Mark J
6. Mingle2
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://mingle2.com/ |
| BEST FOR | Meeting singles near you |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | App Store |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
Total Scores
Mingle2 isn’t just some small-town dating site; it’s got a global presence. So if you want to expand your horizons and widen your chances, this dating app might be for you.
It’s free to use, both on the web and in their nifty app. You can even fine-tune your search for that special someone, whether it’s for a specific gender, age range, interest, or area.
I found it easy to register, too (I did it via my Facebook account). It took less than a minute before I was able to browse through other member profiles.
The thing is—there were pretty obvious fake profiles as I was browsing, which was disappointing. I was hoping for more honest potential matches even if some of the usernames are ridiculous-sounding.
There’s also a lack of personality-based quizzes that can help categorise users for easier matching. I guess that’s the price you pay for speedy registration and immediate use.
Pros
- Both web and app-accessible
- Easy registration
- Free to use
Cons
- Too many ads
- Some obviously fake profiles showing up
Customer reviews
I’ve met some beautiful women for platonic relationships
“I recently transitioned to a new city after being heartbroken and devastated. I’ve met some beautiful women who I’ve developed great platonic relationships with.” – Michael M
Mingle2 gives you a fair chance if you’re looking for love
“Been using dating sites for years & like to think I have it down to a fine art. Some sites give you dates, some give you time wasters & some give you nothing but a pain in the arse. Personally, I like Mingle2.com and find it rotates well with wejustfit.com (a newer site). If you’re looking for love then you could do far worse than those too, at least they give u a fair chance!” – Gary G
7. SingaporeLoveLinks
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.singaporelovelinks.com/ |
| BEST FOR | Local and Asia-wide matches |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | Google Play |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
Total Scores
Now for something homegrown by way of dating apps, we have SingaporeLoveLinks. If you want to narrow down the search for that elusive, fairy tale romance, I reckon this is a good place to start.
It’s not just limited to locals, as singles craving a taste of Singaporean spice can swipe their way into the arms of a local hottie. At least, that’s what happened to a foreign friend of mine who was on this app.
As for the app experience itself, it’s currently only available to download via Google Play on the site (so, sorry iPhone users!). And I noticed that it lacks the entertaining and sometimes silly features that make other dating platforms such a joy to use.
Still, if it’s straightforward and serious relationships you’re looking for, SingaporeLoveLinks fills the bill quite nicely. And it’s free to join, too!
Pros
- Free to join
- Open to foreigners wanting to date Singaporean locals
- Match suggestions immediately offered upon registration
Cons
- Lacks entertaining features and extras
- Available only on Google Play
Customer reviews
We met through SingaporeLoveLink and hope our relationship grows
“Hi! Marcel (IT consultant) & I (Zaryati – Sports Therapist) met through SingaporeLoveLink in July. We chat via e-mail & decided to meet after a few weeks. Love starts on August 1st (I think) when he introduces me to his friends during Swiss Independence Day. We are very honest about our goals in life (that includes having a family with two kids). So..we are still working on it. Hope our relationship grows as time pass. Cheers! to the great team.” – Yati
The site is easy to navigate
“Met the girl of my dreams when we both joined I found her through SingaporeLoveLinks at the same time. Began with 3 weeks of chatting via Text, until I Visited Singapore from Australia, to meet the love of my life. Amazing, Love at first sight… The site is easy to navigate. Thankyou SingaporeLoveLinks.” – Anonymous user
8. Hinge
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://hinge.co/ |
| BEST FOR | Singles looking for serious dates or relationships |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | https://hinge-app.com/ |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Help centre |
Total Scores
Hinge is the cool kid in the dating app block that wants its members to do the ultimate disappearing act: delete the app once they’ve found a connection that sets their heart aflutter!
It wants to do away with superficial swiping where looks reign supreme. So if you crave deeper connections and meaningful conversations, Hinge offers its service for free—including sending messages to other users.
— From mslaris
But before going on your last first date, you’ll need to download the app first. There’s no desktop version, so you have no excuse to keep slouching on your computer chair while waiting for a match.
I do have an issue with potential matches that I skipped over showing up on my feed once more. I mean, does Hinge want me to give them another chance? That’s not what I’m all about.
Pros
- Stringent verification process
- Easily navigable app
- Free matchmaking and messaging feature
Cons
- No desktop dating platform
- Not ideal for casual hookups
Customer reviews
Hinge’s prompts really made the difference
“Hinge’s prompts really made the difference—I felt like I got a good sense of a guy’s vibe from his answers, and it was easy to jump right into a real conversation.” – Diana V.
My girlfriend and I clicked right away on Hinge
“Other dating apps were like shooting fish in a barrel. But my girlfriend and I clicked right away on Hinge, and the conversation was effortless. We’ve been together for over a year.” – Jake C.
9. Paktor
| Title | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://gopaktor.com |
| BEST FOR | Local friendships/relationships |
| APP DOWNLOAD/LINK | App Store |
| CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] |
Total Scores
Paktor is about as local as it can get when it comes online dating here since it gets its name from Singapore slang. Fair warning, though: it’s purely an app-based service, so you can literally be on your feet while finding a match.
At Paktor, you can browse through other people’s visual résumés too, all free of charge. It’s like window shopping for potential love interests, except without the guilt or the price tag.
A foreign acquaintance admitted to having fun with Paktor while he was here but admitted it was “practically useless” when he went back home. I mean, duh, it uses location-based matching, what did he expect?
The app measures distance in kilometres, leaving you to play the distance guessing game. Will it be a pleasant surprise or a crushing disappointment? Only time (and tastes) will tell.
Pros
- Account creation is free
- Location-based matching
- Detailed profiles
Cons
- App-based service only
- Not ideal for overseas singles looking to date locals
Customer reviews
Awesome to talk for free with no conditions
“Awesome to actually talk for free with no conditions. As well it is great having a time limit when you match with someone.” – Austin Sykes
The UI looks good
“Paktor offers in-app currency for users to rate them 5 stars. The UI looks good, but there are some bugs such as the listview not populating messages correctly. I describe it like this cos I happen to be a software engineer too.” – Daniel Toh