Picking the best dating apps in San Francisco is no easy task. It seems like every new app is getting launched here first and most of them are just a big waste of time. Fortunately, we've put in the time to find out what the best dating apps in San Francisco are.
We have tested over 150 dating apps to find the best ones and have compiled this list specifically for you. These are the apps that are really popular, easy to use, but most importantly actually work to meet other singles! This is especially helpful post-pandemic as many people turned to online dating when they couldn’t connect in person. So, this list is curated for those in Sunset, FiDi, Chinatown, the Mission, or anywhere in SF. Keep reading to find out what really works!
#1 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the best dating site in San Francisco for long-term relationships
eHarmony might not be the shiny new option but it's undoubtedly San Francisco's best dating site for real relationships. There are tons of new apps popping up every year but nothing has come along yet that can compete.
What makes eHarmony stand out is how effective it's been and how much it actually does for you. In terms of results, eHarmony has quite a track record. 75% of all marriages that begin online start with eHarmony and nearly 70% of users find their long-term partner within a year. Those are crazy numbers.
We really like that it also does most of the work. Most apps have you scrolling through hundreds of profiles to find one good match. Here, they send you matches every day that fit exactly what you tell them you're looking for. It doesn't get easier than that.
If you want a real partner this is the best game in town.
Why eHarmony is great
- The best dating sites in San Francisco for long-term relationships
- 70% of users find their future spouse within a year
- Makes it pretty easy to form connections
What we don’t like about it
- It definitely takes more time than most to get started
- Not super popular with those 18-22
#2 - AFF is the best hookup app in San Francisco
AFF has got to be the first hookup app in San Francisco you try if you actually want to get some results, especially for men. Tinder is legit competition here but it's become more of a dating app these days. If you want a REAL hookup app AFF is where it's at.
For an app to work, you need a lot of people using it and a clear focus. That's where AFF really delivers. They have a ton of locals using it and over 60 million total users. That's a lot of options!
The biggest reason AFF seems to work so well though is that it's purely focused on being the best hookup site in town. Everyone who uses it is looking for the same thing and there are very few attention seekers that seem to flock to Tinder. People here actually want to meet up. Check out their free trial below and see.
Why you should try AFF
- Probably the most popular hookup app in San Francisco
- 60 million users means that you get a lot of locals AND a lot of tourists on it
- Easy to use
What we don’t like about it
- Many users can only access via web app
- Needs a design update
- Fair amount of ads
#3 - Kippo is the dating app for gamers (Android; iOS)
If you love video games and want to find a partner who does too, Kippo is the app for you. Everyone on the app loves games and can share the games they play on their profile. This helps you find matches you actually have something in common with, improving your chances of finding love or a fun hookup.
Kippo has plenty of great features, like the Kippo Arcade, a game you can play to meet other users virtually. This allows you to meet a variety of people in a low-pressure environment. Online dating can sometimes feel like a drag, but Kippo makes it fun again!
Why Kippo is worth trying
- You’ll automatically have shared interests with your matches
- Users are more active on Kippo compared to other dating apps
- Plenty of fun features, like Kippo Arcade
What we don’t like about it
- Limited free swipes
- Not a lot of users
#4 - Ship is for dating with your friends (Android; iOS)
Ship is a new take on traditional dating apps as your friends will be helping you pick your matches. On Ship, you create your dating profile then invite your matchmaking crew to join as well.
Your team of matchmakers can then swipe through profiles and match with anyone they think you would like. You can also video chat with your matchmakers on Ship, so you can go through potential matches together.
Why Ship is great
- Ship helps you spend time with your friends while also looking for a date
- If you want to use Ship on your own, you can as well
- Has great features like a group video chat
What we don’t like about it
- You have a limited amount of likes every day
- The dating pool is quite small as Ship is still new
#5 - Hinge is perfect for getting the conversation started (Android; iOS)
Hinge seamlessly mixes getting to know someone based on their appearance and their profile. Many dating apps focus too heavily either on pictures or bios, and Hinge has the perfect combination of both. That makes it one of the best San Francisco dating sites.
Users upload six pictures and answer a couple of conversation prompts to set their profile up. To match with someone, you either like or comment on another user’s pictures of conversation prompts. This is a great way of ensuring users actually look at the profiles, and prompts help get the conversation started.
Why Hinge is one of our favorite apps
- The free version of Hinge is easy to use and you can add additional paid features
- Short conversation prompts are a great, quick way of getting to know someone
- Hinge sends a most compatible recommendation every day
What we don’t like about it
- You are limited to ten likes a day with the free version
- The free version only lets you see one person that liked you at a time
#6 - Match is one of the oldest, most reliable dating sites in San Francisco (Android; iOS)
Match.com is the oldest online dating site as it has been around since 1993. Despite their age, Match has not become outdated as they are constantly improving. The best feature Match offers is its outstanding matching algorithm.
Match.com lets users fill in a quiz about their personality, education and expectations when they sign up. Your answers will then be used to find you the perfect matches. You can also search for matches on your own. Match.com is also unique as it hosts events for users to help them meet each other in a safe and less intimidating environment
Why we recommend Match
- Local events like parties are available to members
- Match.com has been around for decades, so they are reliable
- Detailed matching algorithm to help you find compatible partners
Why Match might not be the best dating site in San Francisco
- You must have a paid membership to send and reply to messages
- Membership can be expensive
#7 – Zoosk is one of our favorite dating apps in San Francisco(Android; iOS)
Zoosk is the perfect dating app for young singles that are ready for a relationship. It’s a great alternative to hookup apps like Tinder as users care more about what people have to say than what they look like. This helps you find genuine connections if that’s what you’re after.
There are over 35 million users on the app, so chances are high that you’ll find your ideal match. The main focus of people’s profiles on Zoosk is their bios as they can be 1500 characters long compared to Tinder’s 500 character limit. This helps you get to know someone better so you can easily get a conversation started.
Why Zoosk is worth trying
- Easy to access Zoosk via their website or mobile app
- Large dating pool of over 35 million members
- Good balance between men and women on the app
What we don’t like about it
- Limited free features as you need to pay to send messages
- No compatibility quiz or features for match recommendations
#8 - Tinder is great for young, hot singles (Android; iOS)
Tinder continues to be one of the best dating apps in San Francisco for young people. This is thanks to its reputation for being an app for casual flings. Many young people are not ready for long-term relationships, so Tinder helps them find like-minded matches.
Once you set up a profile by adding your best pictures and a short bio, you can start swiping on users. All you need to do is swipe right to like them or left if you don’t. If you both like each other, you will match and can start talking. As Tinder is so easy to use, it’s a great place to find casual flings, but we wouldnd't say it's the best dating app in San Francisco for finding a committed relationship.
Why Tinder is great
- Tinder has over 50 million active users
- Signing up to Tinder and using it are super easy
- Tinder is extremely popular among people in their 20s and 30s
What we don’t like about it
- Tinder is very appearance-based so matches can be shallow
- People are less likely to meet matches from Tinder compared to other dating apps
#9 - Pure is for casual flings (Android; iOS)
Pure may have a confusing name as the app’s intentions are anything but “pure.” Users use Pure to find quick and easy flings. Many people are not looking for relationships but still want to fuel their sex drive, and Pure can help.
Pure values anonymity and privacy, so profiles only display a selfie to attract matches. Similarly, once you match with someone, you need to make plans right away because the conversation and your profile will self-destruct. This is a quick and easy way to make plans without a constant back and forth. As everyone on Pure knows what it’s used for, you won’t need to have any awkward conversations about expectations.
Why Pure is one of the best San Francisco dating apps for casual flings
- It’s one of the best dating apps in San Francisco for casual flings, so everyone on the app wants the same thing
- Setting up a profile is easy as you only need to upload one photo
- Women get free access to Pure
What we don’t like about it
- The one-hour time limit may be too limiting for some users
- Pure is location-based, so if there aren’t many users in your area, you’re out of luck
#10 - MeetMe is one of the best San Francisco dating apps if you like social media (Android; iOS)
MeetMe is less of a dating app and more of a place to meet new people. MeetMe is a social media platform, unlike any other, as you are meeting new friends rather than keeping in touch with old or current ones. You can, however, also use MeetMe for dating.
MeetMe is a great way to date, as there is less pressure compared to traditional dating apps. You can message members and become friends or go on a date if both parties agree to it. It’s easy to get to know someone on MeetMe as profiles have a live feed, relationship status and sections for about you, basic stuff, what you’re up to and “a little something more.” Users can then send friend requests to interact with each other.
Why we enjoy MeetMe
- Interactive features like games and live video streams are great ways to get to know someone
- Any member, free or paid, can send or receive messages to other members
- MeetMe is available via their website or mobile apps
What we don’t like about it
- Most features are only available for paid memberships
- The search features are limited
#11 - Raya (iOS) is one of the best dating apps in San Francisco for the "elites"
Raya is one of the best apps for high-profile singles to meet one another. Celebrities and top-level executives may have a hard time using regular dating apps, so Raya is a great alternative.
Raya is an exclusive dating and networking app where approval is tight. You typically need over 5,000 Instagram followers to be approved, but that doesn’t guarantee you a spot on Raya. If you do pass the rigorous application stages, you will be able to interact with other high-profile singles in San Francisco.
Why Raya is one of the best dating apps in San Francisco
- Acceptance is tough so only other elite members will be on the app
- Raya can be used for networking or dating
- Being catfished is near impossible thanks to extensive screening
What we don’t like about it
- Raya is not available for Android
- No one knows what exact standards you need to meet to get approved as 5,000 Instagram followers is not always enough
The Best Dating Sites in San Francisco for Long-Term Relationships
Since there are so many dating apps and sites on the market, some better than others, choosing the right one can be hard. If you know what you’re looking for, narrowing down your choices is easier. Here are two of our favorite dating apps for people looking for long-term relationships:
eHarmony is the best San Francisco dating site to find a relationship
eHarmony is one of the most well-known dating sites on the market because it has been around since 2000. It’s a popular dating site amongst people who want to find love. In fact, 3 out of 4 marriages that start online started on eHarmony.
Its success is partly due to the in-depth questionnaire that all users complete when they sign up. It asks you questions about your interests, lifestyle, and preferences in a partner to match you with someone you may actually be compatible with. This is a great time saver and an amazing way to find a potential partner.
Coffee Meets Bagel is a great place to find serious connections
Coffee Meets Bagel is a unique dating app as it eliminates the need for constant swiping. Instead, users receive a daily match recommendation at noon. This allows you to focus on talking to one person at a time so you can really get to know them and start planning a date. Coffee Meets Bagel remains a pretty popular dating app choice, especially for those who want to take things a step at a time.
The Best Hookup Sites in San Francisco
Not everyone is after a long-term relationship when they sign up for dating apps and websites, but finding a hookup or casual relationship can be tough if you’re not looking in the right places. Here are two of of the best San Francisco hookup sites:
AFF is one of the best casual dating sites in San Francisco
Another dating site that has been on the market forever is Adult Friend Finder or AFF. But instead of helping people find love, it helps them find hookups. The site is clearly advertised as such, so there’s no confusion about what anyone’s intentions are.
It’s a paid dating site, which can put some people off, but we think it’s a great investment. Membership gives you access to plenty of fun features and it allows you to find higher-quality matches. When you’re ready, you can match with people based on distance, so you shouldn’t struggle to find a hottie near you.
OkCupid is turning into a popular hookup app
Although OkCupid started as a dating app to help people find long-term relationships, it’s now used mostly as a hookup app. In fact, we think it’s the best free hookup site in San Francisco as people still care about compatibility, so you’re bound to find a hookup you can actually connect with. The free features are limited, but it’s enough to find local hookups.
The Best Free Dating Sites in San Francisco
If you know what you’re looking for on these dating apps, deciding between free and paid ones is your next big decision. Free dating apps can be tempting, but it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for.
We know plenty of singles, ourselves included, who have had way more success on paid dating apps. This is because they offer better features and people who pay for memberships tend to be more serious about the experience.
If you’re hesitant to pay for a membership right off the bat, take advantage of a free trial or use a free dating app first. This allows you to test the waters so you can get to know the online dating world before investing in a membership.
Here are three of the best free dating sites in San Francisco:
- Hinge
- Bumble
- Tinder
All three are free to download and use with the option to pay for additional features when you’re ready so you get the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dating Apps in San Francisco
What is the most popular dating app in San Francisco?
- eHarmony
- AFF
- Kippo
- Ship
- Hinge
What is the most used dating app in California?
eHarmony is one of the most reliable dating apps in California for relationships.
How do I meet singles in San Francisco?
The best way to meet singles in San Francisco is by using reliable dating apps like eHarmony and AFF.
How do you find love in San Francisco?
eHarmony consistently helps singles in San Francisco find long-term relationships.
Is San Francisco good for singles?
Yes! With a thriving social scene and lots of singles, San Francisco is one of the best cities for singles looking for love or some casual fun.
