We’ve all been through it - date, breakup, date another person, break up and so on. It is so damn tiring. Finding that special someone is a pain because really, there’s a lack of filters. There’s no way to tell how someone is or what they’re interested in until you’ve already been through a number of dates. This is easier if you use dating apps, but then finding the best dating apps in San Antonio becomes a challenge.
To make matters worse, the pandemic has made dating even harder. It’s changed the way a lot of us interact and date. But, it’s also led more people to online dating, which we highly recommend.
With dating apps, you can eliminate the filter issue almost completely. You can literally apply filters to only see people who fit the criteria you’re looking for--singles who are into your interests, live in your area and more. We’ve researched this stuff a TON - it’s safe to say we know what doesn’t work, and what does. We’ve gone so deep as to even research what apps and sites work city-to-city.
Here are our picks for the top dating apps in San Antonio, Texas.
#1 - BLK(Android; iOS) is the best San Antonio dating app for black singles
BLK is one of the best apps for black singles in San Antonio to meet one another. It’s a fairly new app with only 40,000 members, but this isn’t a bad thing. It creates an exclusive community where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves.
The app is easy and free to use, so you don’t need to waste time learning how to use any weird features or techniques. Just set up your profile and start swiping. Like Tinder, you swipe right to like someone and left if you don’t vibe with their profile. If you match, you can start chatting and getting to know one another.
Here’s why it’s perfect for black singles:
- The dating pool is exclusive
- Black singles won’t feel fetishized as they might on other apps
- Easy-to-use platform
It’s not the app for everyone because:
- If you’re not black, it’s not the app for you
- As sign-up is easy and free, there are a lot of fake profiles
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is San Antonio's best dating app for real relationships
eHarmony is the best dating app in San Antonio for singles that are tired of all the flakes and are ready for a real relationship with someone they actually have a lot in common with. There just isn't another app in town that is consistently good for this for a couple of reasons.
First, eHarmony is probably the most popular dating site in town. It has a ton of active members and that means you're going to have a lot of options. If you haven't seen their ads or met couples who got together using it we'd be surprised.
Second, their system just plain works. They're responsible for 75% of all marriages that start online and they do a LOT of the work for you. They find out what you want, match you up with people who fit those traits, and then actually help you get to know each other during the first awkward stages. It really helps.
When you're ready to get serious about your dating life this is the only app you need.
eHarmony is one of the best dating sites in San Antonio:
- The highest success rate of any dating app by far
- Actually makes things easier for you
- Very easy to use and less stressful than other apps
It might not be for you because:
- Signup process is longer than most
- Takes a little time to really get going
#3 - LOLO (Android; iOS) is like dating but with games
LOLO is a new app with a very unique idea - date through playing games. The concept makes sense too; you’re immediately given something to talk about (the game you guys are playing). The competitive aspect adds a little tension too, which can always be fun. It’s safe to say that LOLO is one of the best dating apps in San Antonio for gamers (casual or otherwise).
Why we love LOLO:
- You start off with a fun icebreaker
- The tension can fuel attraction
- It’s just fun even if you’re not that serious about dating
What we don’t love:
- It still has a smaller user-base
- There are some bugs since it’s a relatively new app
#4 - AFF is the best hookup app in San Antonio
AFF has been the best San Antonio hookup app for a few years now. Once Tinder started trying to be more of a dating app there just isn't any competition anymore. This is the only app that has a TON of local users and a pure focus on helping people find some fun in bed. If you haven't tried their free trial below and you're not looking for anything serious you need to.
When you combine a ton of local users (and over 60 million total) with this kind of focus, you get a lot of options. Compared to Tinder, which has so many flaky girls just looking for compliments, it's another world. We haven't seen single guys do better anywhere else!
If you're just looking for something casual and fun this is the app for you.
Why AFF is seriously one of the best dating sites in San Antonio:
- Guy will do especially well here compared to other apps
- Really popular around SA with locals (and visitors)
- It’s very straightforward and easy to use
What we don’t like about it:
- Many users can only access via web app
- Annoying ads
#5 - Tinder (Android; iOS) in San Antonio is the app everybody knows
Tinder is by far the most popular dating app out there for a good reason. For starters, the swiping aspect is pretty addictive and you can spend all day just swiping through singles. With so many people on Tinder, you’ll always have someone new to swipe on. As the OG app that’s pretty lighthearted, it’s safe to say that it’s one of the best dating apps in San Antonio today.
Why we love it:
- Massive user base
- Navigating through the process has never been so easy
- Best for casual dating
- The app runs smoothly
- It’s free
What we don’t like:
- It’s very focused on looks
- It’s hard to stand out since some users don’t care about bios, just photos
#6 - Hinge (Android; iOS) is for the young but serious daters
While Tinder can have you swiping through 10 singles every minute, Hinge gets you to slow down and really get to know potential singles nearby. Hinge is great for those who are looking for something serious but also want the process to be simple. The app especially works well on mobile, unlike many serious dating apps such as eHarmony, Match, etc., the age demographic also tends to be younger than the formerly mentioned sites.
Hinge is one of the best San Antonio dating apps because:
- It’s for more serious daters
- The age demographic sits right in the middle – between platforms like Tinder and eHarmony
- The app has a large user-base of over 5 million
Hinge is decent in San Antonio - here’s why:
- It is best when paid for
- The messaging system can be buggy
#7 - Zoosk (Android; iOS) is the dating app for young singles
If you’re looking for an alternative to Tinder, look no further than Zoosk. Zoosk is a great app for young singles (aged 18 to early 20s) who actually want a relationship. If you’re more interested in a casual fling, you can also find this on Zoosk.
Your bio can be up to 1500 characters long, so you have plenty of space to talk about yourself and what you’re looking for in a partner to set clear expectations. Then, find potential matches yourself by swiping or you can opt for a daily match called SmartPick where Zoosk finds a compatible match for your every day based on your answers to questions about your preferences.
Here’s why Zoosk is awesome:
- Large dating pool of over 35 million members
- Download the app or access Zoosk via desktop
- Use the SmartPick feature to receive tailored match recommendations
It’s not our first choice because:
- You need a paid membership to send messages to matches
- People on the app may have different intentions than you
#8 - DOWN (Android; iOS) is for those looking for a fling
Down is perfect for you if you just want to have some fun. Everybody on DOWN is basically there for that; they have a dating option, but it is used much less frequently. It’s one of the best San Antonio dating apps for those who like to keep things casual. So if you’re looking for something physical, try DOWN.
DOWN is great in San Antonio - here’s why:
- It’s mainly for casual flings
- It has a rating of 4.4 stars
- There are over 7 million users
DOWN is so-so because:
- We saw a few fake users
- The best features aren’t free
- Exclusive to iOS
#9 - InnerCircle (Android; iOS) has a pool of affluent singles
We came across Inner Circle when we were searching for dating apps in a particular niche. What we found was an app that caters mostly to high-profile and affluent singles who want to date within their proverbial circle. Inner Circle helps you find singles who share your interests. And in case you’re not that good at chatting online, Inner Circle helps you with first message prompts. It’s easily one of the best apps out there if you’re searching for someone who’s in the same circles as you.
Why Inner Circle is one of the best dating apps in San Antonio:
- It’s for more serious dating
- The developers are very active, consistently updating the app and removing scammers
- The message prompts are helpful
InnerCircle is decent in San Antonio - here’s why:
- Not really worth it if you don’t pay
- The approval process can take a while
- It’s not easy to get approved
#10 - Digdates (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating apps in San Antonio for dog people
Dig Dates is like online dating with your pooch front and center. You post photos with your dog and you even give your dog a bio. Your entire account is basically 50/50 between you and your pup. The group it focuses on is specific, yes, but if you need your S.O. to be 100% for your pup, this would be the app to be on.
Here’s why it’s great:
- It’s specifically for dog lovers
- There is much more of a “light” atmosphere to it
- You immediately have something to talk about – your dogs
It’s not the absolute best because:
- The filters aren’t great
- The user-base isn’t that large, but it is growing quickly
The Best Dating Sites in San Antonio for Long-Term Relationships
If you know what you’re looking for on dating apps, finding an app that meets your needs is important. We’ve already discussed 10 of the best dating apps in San Antonio, but let’s narrow it down to a few specific recommendations. Here are two of the best dating sites in San Antonio for those looking for love:
eHarmony can help you find your perfect match
Although we talked about eHarmony in detail above, it’s worth mentioning twice. Don’t let the long sign-up process scare you, it’ll be worth it in the end. Answering eHarmony’s in-depth questionnaire is the best way to find a partner online. It helps eHarmony match you with users you’re compatible with so you don’t need to spend ages swiping for matches.
As we mentioned earlier, eHarmony is responsible for 75% of all marriages that start online. You can’t beat those odds. So if you’re ready to settle down, eHarmony may be the place to find someone to settle down with.
Christian Mingle is a great option for Christian singles who want something serious
If you struggle with finding a devout partner, Christian Mingle can help. It’s the best dating site for Christians to meet like-minded singles. No more awkward conversations about your religious beliefs as everyone on the site is a practicing Christian. As it’s a religious dating site, most users are looking for something serious so it’s the perfect place to find a long-term partner.
The Best Hookup Sites in San Antonio
If you’re looking for something a little less serious, there are plenty of dating apps for that as well. Here are some of the best San Antonio hookup sites.
The best free hookup site in San Antonio is AFF
Another dating site that needs a second mention is AFF. Adult Friend Finder is the largest hookup website out there with over 60 million users so you can find plenty of San Antonio locals on it. Everyone on the site is looking for something casual, so you don’t need to worry about having a discussion about different intentions.
Although Tinder is becoming more well-known as a hookup app as well, AFF did it first. And unlike Tinder, it encourages in-person meetings so you don’t just have stagnant matches sitting in your inbox. If you’re looking for the best hookup site in San Antonio, look no further.
Tinder is one of the best casual dating sites in San Antonio
As we just mentioned, Tinder is another great app for finding casual relationships. It’s not advertised as a hookup app as AFF is, but most Tinder users are on the app for the same reason. It’s so easy to use that finding matches almost feels like a game. Get to swiping to find a hookup in San Antonio now.
The Best Free Dating Sites in San Antonio
While we all love free things, like free samples or upgrades, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. This saying applies to dating apps and sites as well. Free dating apps are fun, but you don’t get the same results on them that you might get with a paid membership.
Paid memberships give you access to many features, like super liking other users to show your interest, filtering users that meet specific criteria, and seeing who liked you so you can determine whether to like them back. We’ve had much more success on paid sites compared to free sites, so we think the investment is worth it.
That being said, using a free site can be a good introduction to the online dating world. It allows you to test the waters and determine whether you want to dive in with a paid membership. So, here are some of the best free dating sites in San Antonio:
- Bumble
- Hinge
- OkCupid
These are three of the best free dating apps available in San Antonio. They even offer paid features you can test out to see if purchasing a membership is worth it for you.
