Singles who consider themselves more reserved might wonder if online dating is the right choice for the dating journey. If you’re curious about introvert-friendly dating apps, you’re in the right place.
Follow along as we cover what makes a great dating app for introverts, the top apps and sites, and features to look for to help make your dating experience comfortable.
For the shyer types, here’s what makes for a great dating app experience.
Introverts have a range of communication preferences: Some might be fine with initiating a first message, while others may prefer using an icebreaker. But apps should go beyond options for initial messages by providing users with various communication mediums, from video to chat room to live virtual events.
Privacy and safety features are crucial no matter your personality type, but for introverts, keeping information private might be even more of a priority. The dating apps and sites that have more user controls, like going incognito or setting parts of their profile to private, will be more of a draw for introverts.
Dating apps that create spaces for meaningful connections are key for introverts—after all, many introverts would rather focus on a few quality potential partners than spend time and energy chatting with several. To fit this approach, some apps might provide only a few potential matches per day or create opportunities for users to get to know each other better.
Here are some of the best dating sites and apps for introverts, with overviews, features, and reviews.
The Hinge dating app takes a non-swiping approach to online dating, recommending matches that users can like or pass on.
According to its website, Hinge aims to “create a less lonely world by inspiring intimate, in-person connections.” Sounds like an introvert’s dream! Key features that help to further this mission include detailed profiles so that users can learn about someone before launching into a conversation; the ability to start a conversation based on a specific part of someone’s profile, like a photo or prompt; and a limited number of likes per day (presumably to encourage fewer, more meaningful connections).
Although Hinge reviews are mixed, many people do say that they have met their partner through the app. The app’s approach to online dating may be beneficial for introverts who like to start slow and may become overwhelmed with too many connections. A paid subscription is necessary to increase the number of likes per day, get “priority” likes, and access more enhanced match recommendations.
Bumble is best known for its women-message-men-first approach and time limits on messaging.
The Bumble dating app does require women to message men first, but that rule doesn’t apply to individuals in the LGBT community. Additionally, the app sets a 24-hour time limit on initial messages after a match and another 24-hour time limit for responses. After that, the match expires.
Other key features of Bumble include detailed profiles with 200 Interest Badges to choose from, match recommendations for more compatible connections (only available with Bumble Premium), video and audio chats, and even Snooze Mode if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to take a break from online dating.
Bumble has a lot of unique features that can provide an enjoyable experience for introverted singles. Namely, the Interest Badges are useful for understanding someone’s interests before liking their profile or chatting, video/audio chats can be used to get more comfortable with someone before meeting in person, and heterosexual female users can add prompts to their profiles that male users can respond to.
But some Bumble reviews complain about fake profiles and that the messaging time limits can be more of a constraint.
Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that focuses on helping singles find serious relationships.
Coffee Meets Bagel is another swipeless dating app that, instead, sends a daily list of potential matches to users, which they can like or pass on. One unique feature of Coffee Meets Bagel is that female users are only presented with profiles of male users who have “liked” them.
Additional features include detailed profiles with prompts, conversation starters to break the ice, and in-app conversations between matches that expire after seven days—encouraging users to set up dates within that time frame.
The limited number of profiles that users receive each day can help to create more meaningful connections and keep users from feeling overwhelmed. (To browse freely on the Discover tab, a premium subscription is required.) Additionally, the icebreakers are a great feature for singles who might not feel super confident with starting a conversation.
While it can be an introvert-friendly dating app, many Coffee Meets Bagel reviews mention that the compatibility of matches could be better, its dating pool seems small, and the app can be glitchy.
OkCupid is an early player in the online dating game, launching a website in 2003 and an app in 2011.
While OkCupid can be used for any relationship preference, it does focus on helping singles find long-lasting connections through its extremely detailed questionnaire. This feature helps the app’s algorithm present more compatible potential matches that align with a user’s answers to each question.
It’s also known as one of the most inclusive dating apps out there, offering 22 gender and 13 orientation options.
As we’ve mentioned, one of the best features of OkCupid is its design around compatibility; in fact, each match is given a compatibility percentage so that users can see which profiles align the most with their preferences. Plus, paid users can see likes before they like someone else’s profile and view all questions that another user answered in their profile.
But some App Store and Google Play Store reviews mention getting repeat profiles that they’ve already passed on, a glitchy app, and that the compatibility algorithm isn’t always accurate.
HER is a dating app designed by and for queer women, nonbinary, and trans individuals hoping to meet their forever person.
Designed to be a safe space for lesbian, queer, and non-gender-conforming singles to meet friends and find love, HER is a top dating app for singles in these communities. In fact, users can join more than 35 different in-app communities to connect with individuals who share their interests, preferences, and more.
Users can set up quite detailed profiles and can choose from a variety of gender and sexuality options and dating preferences, whether a friendship, hookup, serious relationship, or more. Other notable features include the ability to see who has liked you (great for people who might be a bit shy), options to swipe or use the discover page, and the ability to get to know someone before matching.
The community-based design can help users feel more connected, supported, and safe. Plus, users can join chat rooms, participate in live virtual events, use the speed-dating feature, and more. There are plenty of ways for singles, including those who are introverted, to connect.
HER reviews on the App Store and Google Play Store on the positive side, but some people complain that the paid versions are necessary to get the best experience and that the app can be hard to navigate or glitchy.
The League is an exclusive dating app geared toward educated, successful singles.
Similar to other dating apps, The League provides a daily number of potential matches to users, on which they can swipe right or left to note if they’re interested. These profiles are presented to users based on their set preferences and criteria. Matches expire after two weeks, which encourages users to chat and set up dates (whether via video or in person) within that time frame.
Cool features include League Live video dating parties, a separate matchmaking service called Power League, and interest-based community groups and local events for connecting off the app.
The League stands out among the crowd with its waiting list and requirement of connecting LinkedIn accounts to set up profiles. Both of these features help to weed out certain individuals, but it’s unclear what the specific parameters are (sparking some debate as to whether the dating platform is unbiased). It’s worth noting that linking a third-party account like LinkedIn can boost security and give users more peace of mind.
Online reviews of The League mention the high cost of the app (there is a free version, but it has fewer features), getting stuck on the waitlist, the slim number of matches, and its lack of diversity. Others note that they appreciate the focus on career-minded individuals.
There are some key features that make up introvert-friendly dating apps.
Not all introverts are comfortable with those initial chats with romantic interests. That’s why the more timid types should look for dating apps that have built-in icebreakers or profile prompts to help jump-start a conversation.
Dating apps with more detailed profiles and a focus on matching for compatibility are the ones to look out for. Some people who identify as being introverted like to have all the information at their fingertips before making a decision, so detailed profiles are key. Additionally, compatibility matching for these singles is simply a no-brainer, as introverts likely want a future partner to understand their personality needs.
It’s also important for introverted singles to look for apps that encourage thoughtful communication and dating. This could include features like requiring users to scroll through an entire profile before liking or passing, various communication options, or even messaging or match time limits to encourage moving things along.
For introverts, there may be some unique speed bumps in your online dating journey.
Introverts might need an extra push in overcoming initial hesitations with online dating. Perhaps they fear becoming overwhelmed with the number of options out there or worry that they won’t know what to say when messaging a match.
If this sounds like you, don’t worry. There are dating apps that limit the daily or weekly number of potential matches and even provide prompts for conversation starters. Remember that you can set your own boundaries when it comes to setting aside time for online dating. (Read more tips for dating as an introvert.)
With so many modern dating trends and tips swirling around, it might be difficult for introverts to navigate the online dating scene, staying confident in themselves through the process. For example, they might worry that not coming off as chatty and effervescent at first will deter some matches or that they need to speed up or slow things down according to ambiguous timelines.
It’s important for introverts to set aside social expectations and pressures and focus, focus on their relationship wants and needs, and stay true to who they are.
Dating apps can be helpful, but they can also be draining. Introverted singles have a really great dating solution at their fingertips: Tawkify.
Matchmakers at Tawkify focus on helping their clients create meaningful connections and find their forever love. They get to know the real you—your wants, needs, and relationship goals—to find that special person who you can be fully yourself with. Plus, they do the heavy lifting for you, meaning that you can spend less time actively searching for your person and more time connecting with them on a curated first date.
Let us know when you’re ready to find your person.
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