Let’s be real: Dating can suck! And then you throw in being a single parent? You can barely find time to watch your favorite show, and now you’re supposed to look for love? Dating can be a challenge for anyone, but single dads face unique obstacles when trying to find love. Between work, parenting duties, and personal responsibilities, it can be tough to make time to even see your friends, no less meet up with strangers. But that’s where the magic of dating apps for single dads comes in.
With the right dating app, single dads like you can connect with like-minded individuals who understand your lifestyle and priorities. But where do you start? And which one do you choose? With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s time to celebrate. So let’s explore the top ten best dating apps for single dads.
1. Zoosk
Zoosk is a popular dating app that uses an AI-powered “Behavioral Matchmaking” algorithm to suggest compatible matches. It has over 40 million members in over 80 countries and is available in 25 languages. And it’s great for users who seek compatibility but don’t have the time to find “the one.”
Benefits
- Easy to use: Zoosk’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and find matches.
- Behavioral Matchmaking: Zoosk’s algorithm suggests matches based on a user’s behavior on the app, increasing the likelihood of a compatible match
- Large user base: With over 40 million members, Zoosk offers a large pool of potential partners
- Mobile app: Zoosk’s mobile app allows users to stay connected and receive notifications, perfect for single dads on the go
Features
- Behavioral Matchmaking: Zoosk’s algorithm suggests matches based on a user’s behavior on the app, meaning the more you use it, the more accurate your matches
- Carousel: Users can swipe through potential matches and show interest by clicking “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.”
- SmartPick: Zoosk’s SmartPick feature suggests matches based on a user’s preferences and activity on the app
- Chat: Users can chat with matches and send virtual gifts
- Photo verification: Zoosk offers a photo verification feature to help ensure authenticity and safety
How Zoosk Differs from Other Dating Apps
- Behavioral Matchmaking: Zoosk’s algorithm suggests matches based on a user’s behavior on the app rather than just their profile information
- Large user base: With over 40 million members, Zoosk offers a larger pool of potential matches compared to some other dating apps
- Mobile app: Zoosk’s mobile app allows users to stay connected and receive notifications on the go
Why Zoosk Is Ideal for Single Dads
Zoosk’s algorithm suggests compatible matches, saving single dads time and energy in the dating process. If security is your concern, their photo verification feature helps ensure authenticity and safety, which can be particularly important for single dads who prioritize privacy and security. Their mobile app also allows you to stay connected and search for matches on your own schedule, making it a flexible option for busy parents.
2. eHarmony
eHarmony is a dating app that uses a comprehensive personality test to match users with compatible partners. The app was launched in 2000 and has since become one of the most popular dating apps on the market. With a focus on long-term relationships, eHarmony is perfect for single dads looking for a meaningful connection.
Benefits
- Compatibility Matching System: eHarmony uses a unique personality test to match users with compatible partners based on shared values and interests
- Large User Base: With over 10 million active users, eHarmony offers a large pool of potential matches for single dads to choose from
- Safe and Secure: eHarmony takes user safety and privacy seriously, with features such as anonymous browsing and the ability to block or report suspicious users.
Features
- Personality Test: eHarmony’s personality test is a comprehensive questionnaire that asks about a user’s interests, values, and personality traits, allowing you to be upfront about being a single parent right from the start
- Communication Tools: eHarmony offers a variety of communication tools, including messaging and video dates, to help users get to know their matches
- Mobile App: eHarmony has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices, making it easy for single dads on the move
How eHarmony Differs from Other Dating Apps
- Focus on Compatibility: Unlike other dating apps that prioritize physical attraction or superficial interests, eHarmony strongly emphasizes building a deeper connection between users.
- Long-Term Relationships: eHarmony is designed for those looking for a serious, long-term relationship rather than casual dating or hookups.
- Safety and Privacy: eHarmony is committed to user safety and privacy, with features in place to help users feel secure while using the app.
Why eHarmony Is Ideal for Single Dads
As a single dad, finding time to date can be challenging. eHarmony’s compatibility matching system can save time by connecting single dads with potential partners who are on the same page. eHarmony is designed for those looking for a serious and long-term relationship, which is perfect for single dads looking for a partner to share their parenting journey with.
3. Elite Singles
Elite Singles is a dating app specifically designed for busy professionals looking for a serious relationship. The app uses a comprehensive personality test to match users with compatible partners, which can be particularly beneficial for single dads who prioritize their careers alongside their children and may have limited time to spend dating.
Benefits
- A comprehensive personality test that takes into account factors such as personality traits, lifestyle, and values to match users with compatible partners
- The ability to filter matches based on criteria such as location, age, and education level
- A mobile app that is easy to use and allows for on-the-go dating
- The option to send pre-written icebreakers to potential matches to help start conversations
Features
- Matches are based on compatibility rather than just swiping through profiles, which can increase the likelihood of finding a meaningful connection.
- The app is designed for busy professionals, which can be helpful for single dads who have limited time for dating.
- Elite Singles has a large user base, increasing the chances of finding someone who shares similar values and interests.
How Elite Singles Differ from Other Dating Apps
- Elite Singles focuses specifically on matching career-oriented professionals looking for a serious relationship, which sets it apart from other apps that may cater to a broader range of users and intentions.
- The app’s matching algorithm considers a more comprehensive range of factors, including personality traits and values, compared to other apps that rely solely on swiping through profiles.
Why Elite Single Is Ideal for Single Dads
Elite Singles’ comprehensive personality test and matching algorithm can help single dads find partners with similar values and lifestyles, making building meaningful and lasting relationships easier. The app’s focus on busy professionals can be beneficial for single dads juggling working a full-time job and raising a child, increasing the chances of finding someone who is compatible and understanding of the demands of being a single dad.
4. Christian Mingle
Christian Mingle is a faith-based dating app that caters to Christians looking for meaningful relationships. It is a platform where single Christians can connect with like-minded individuals with the same beliefs and values. The app has been around since 2001 and has helped many Christians find their soulmates.
Benefits
- The app is designed specifically for Christians, so users can be confident that they are connecting with people who share their faith and values.
- Christian Mingle offers various communication features, including messaging and video chat, to help users get to know each other better before meeting in person.
- Safety features include the ability to block and report users who misbehave.
Features
- A comprehensive profile setup process that allows users to express their personality, interests, and values.
- Advanced search filters that enable users to search for matches based on criteria such as location, age, and denomination.
- Communication features such as messaging, chat rooms, and video calls.
- A “Daily Match” feature that sends users potential matches based on their preferences and activity on the app.
How Christian Mingle Differs from Other Dating Apps
Christian Mingle is explicitly designed for Christians who are looking for meaningful relationships. The app’s focus on faith-based connections differentiates it from other dating apps that prioritize casual hookups and surface-level connections.
Why Christian Mingle Is Ideal for Single Dads
As a single Christian dad, finding someone who shares your values and beliefs can be challenging. Christian Mingle provides a platform where you can connect with other Christians who understand your faith and family priorities. The app’s comprehensive profile setup process lets you express your interests and preferences clearly, ensuring you connect with people who align with your lifestyle. Christian Mingle provides a secure platform to interact with other users without worrying about inappropriate behavior or scams.
5. SilverSingles
SilverSingles is a dating app that caters to singles over 50, including single dads who may be more experienced in the dating world.
Benefits
- Focused on singles over 50, meaning the app is geared toward more mature and serious relationships
- Offers a personality test to help match users with compatible partners
- Provides a mobile app for convenient on-the-go dating
Features
- Personality test to help match users with compatible partners
- Ability to view suggested matches and like or dislike them
- Ability to see who has viewed your profile
- Advanced search options to find matches based on specific criteria
How SilverSingles Differs from Other Dating Apps
- Focus on singles over 50, which may be ideal for single dads looking for more mature and serious relationships.
- Personality test to help match users with compatible partners
- Verified profiles and the ability to block or report users, which may provide a safer dating environment
Why SilverSingles Is Ideal for Single Dads
SilverSingles offers a mature and serious dating environment that may be ideal for single dads looking for a long-term relationship. This is great for older parents whose kids are already out of the nest or whose children are old enough to have their own life outside of the house.
6. Hinge
Hinge is a dating app focusing on long-term relationships and using prompts to encourage more meaningful conversations. It has a reputation for attracting a more mature and serious user base compared to other dating apps.
Benefits
- More meaningful conversations: Hinge prompts users to answer questions about themselves, encouraging more profound connections.
- Quality over quantity: Unlike other dating apps that prioritize swiping and matching, Hinge emphasizes quality over quantity. It limits the number of matches a user can receive per day, which can help single dads avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Safety features: Hinge has several safety features, such as reporting and blocking users, which can help single dads feel more secure when using the app.
Features
- Prompts: Hinge prompts users to answer questions and share more about themselves, which can help start conversations and find common ground.
- Filters: Users can filter potential matches by location, age, height, and other factors.
- Discover: The “Discover” section of the app shows potential matches that may not have been included in the user’s daily batch of matches.
How Hinge Differs from Other Dating Apps
- Hinge focuses on long-term relationships rather than casual hookups.
- Prompts–and voice recordings–encourage more meaningful conversations
- Limited daily matches mean more time spent focusing on who you do connect with
Why Hinge Is Ideal for Single Dads
Hinge is an app made up of icebreakers. The prompts make it easier for single dads to start conversations and find common ground with potential matches. The bio section allows users to list what they’re looking for and add if they have kids–and if they’re looking for more. Hinge’s focus on long-term relationships can be ideal for single dads looking for a serious partner to potentially share their life with.
7. Bumble
Bumble is a dating app that puts women in control. It requires women to make the first move, which can be helpful for single dads who may be hesitant to make the first move. Bumble offers options for dating, friendships, and business networking.
Benefits
- Women make the first move, which can help men avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Bumble offers options for dating, friendships, and business networking, providing more opportunities to meet new people.
- Bumble’s focus on safety and security can provide peace of mind.
Features
- Bumble offers a swipe-based matching system, where users swipe left or right on potential matches.
- Once two users match, the woman has 24 hours to send the first message. If she doesn’t, the match expires.
- Bumble offers features such as Bumble Boost, which allows users to see who has liked their profile and rematch with expired matches.
How Bumble Differs from Other Dating Apps
- Bumble puts women in control and requires them to make the first move.
- Bumble offers options for dating, friendships, and business networking, which is unique among dating apps.
- Bumble’s focus on safety and security, such as photo verification and the ability to block and report users, sets it apart from other dating apps.
Why Bumble Is Ideal for Single Dads
Since you have the option to include your status as a single dad in your profile, you can rest assured that when a woman makes the first move, she doesn’t mind that you’re a father.
8. Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that curates matches based on a user’s preferences. It aims to create meaningful connections by giving users only a limited number of daily matches. This helps users avoid being overwhelmed by swiping through endless profiles.
Benefits
- Matches are curated, which can save time and effort
- A limited number of matches per day can help users avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Offers options for single parents, including the ability to filter matches by “has kids” and “wants kids.”
Features
- Photo Lab: Allows users to vote on which of two photos they prefer, which helps improve the quality of matches over time
- In-app currency: Users earn “beans” for actions like logging in and inviting friends, which can be used to access premium features
How Coffee Meets Bagel Differs from Other Dating Apps
- Curated matches
- In-app currency.
Why Coffee Meets Bagel Is Ideal for Single Dads
By curating matches based on preferences and limiting the number of matches per day, Coffee Meets Bagel encourages more meaningful connections, which could be ideal for single dads looking for a serious relationship. The app is ‘single parent’ friendly, including the ability to filter matches by “has kids” and “wants kids.”
9. OurTime
OurTime is a dating app designed for singles over 50, including single dads who may be more experienced in the dating world. The app is easy to use and has a simple interface, making it accessible for anyone, regardless of their tech-savviness.
Benefits
- Tailored to singles over 50, which means users are likely to find others in a similar stage of life
- It has a large user base, giving users more options to choose from
- Offers safety features, such as the ability to block or report suspicious profiles
Features
- Ability to search for matches based on location, interests, and other criteria
- Option to send virtual gifts to other users to show interest
- The ability to send and receive messages, as well as chat via video or voice call
How OurTime Differs from Other Dating Apps
- OurTime is specifically designed for singles over 50, which sets it apart from other dating apps that cater to a younger demographic.
- The app is geared towards serious relationships, which may be more appealing to single dads looking for a long-term commitment.
Why Why OurTime Is Ideal for Single Dads
As a single dad, it can be intimidating to date again, but OurTime is geared toward older users, which increases the chances that users are divorced or have children of their own. OurTime aims to connect individuals looking for serious relationships.
10. SingleParentsMeet
SingleParentMeet is a dating app specifically designed for single parents, including single dads. It was created with the understanding that single parents have unique challenges when it comes to dating, meaning all its users understand the demands of parenting and the importance of putting children first.
Benefits
- The app is specifically designed for single parents, which means you can be confident that you’ll connect with other single parents who understand the demands of parenting.
- The app offers features such as messaging, photo sharing, and the ability to send flirts or likes to show interest.
- Easy to use and navigate, making it an excellent option for those who are new to online dating
Features
- Advanced search options that allow you to search for matches based on criteria such as location, interests, and age range
- The ability to see who has viewed your profile or added you to their favorites list
- The option to send virtual gifts to other members to show your interest
How SingleParentsMeet Differs from Other Dating Apps
- SingleParentsMeet is specifically designed for single parents, so you can be sure that you’re connecting with other like-minded individuals
- The app has a community feel, with a focus on supporting and connecting single parents
Why SingleParentsMeet Is Ideal for Single Dads
Single dads can feel confident that they’re connecting with other single parents who understand the demands of parenting and the importance of putting children first. The app offers advanced search options that allow you to narrow down your matches based on specific criteria, which can help you find someone who shares your interests and values. The community feel of the app can be especially helpful for single dads looking for a support system as they navigate the challenges of parenting on their own.
Conclusion
See, that wasn’t that bad! By taking into consideration your priorities and what you’re looking for, you’ll be a dating app pro in no time. And with a little effort, maybe next year, you’ll spend this holiday with your new partner. Happy Father’s Day!
