Let's face it -- Tinder revolutionised the online dating scene. The first big global dating app for mobile, whether you love it or think it's superficial, it ain't going away any time soon.
Though, there are other options if you want to get amongst it on your mobile but are sworn off Tinder. Quite a lot of them, actually.
And they say romance is dead.
Bumble. Women make the first move with this app. After two people mutually opt in by swiping right, they're added to each other's 'hive' of connections, though the woman has to say something first within 24 hours or the connection disappears forever. For same sex matches and friendships (it's designed to find buddies, too), either person can make contact.
Twindog. This app is designed to match pooches and their parents. Your pup can make new mates near you, and hey, the humans might just make a connection, too. You can chat, share pics and plan meet ups. This also solves the problem of accidentally hooking up with a cat person.
Happn. Sounding more creepy than it is, Happn helps you find people you've crossed paths with. Everytime you're near someone IRL (who has the app), their profile will pop up. If you're a couch potato you can still check out profiles on the timeline whenever you like. Anecdotally Happn sees slightly older crowd is using it over Tinder.
Sway. The app's release states “Sway is like if Tinder and Snapchat hooked-up and had an awesome little baby...and that baby wore cowboy boots and liked to party....party hard...especially on Tuesday Nights!"...whatever that means. There's no login required and you can message, send pictures and even record video.
Double. As the name suggest, this app allows you to date in pairs. Possibly less awkward and safer, you sign up with a buddy and then find other pairs nearby. Though four opinions are harder to agree on than two, if you make a match and you can group chat. Be aware that someone may need to take the grenade.
Glimpse App. This app is kinda like Instagram. Users 'flirt' with people nearby, or on the other side of the world, by breaking the ice over a photo. You'll be able to see if you've both shared photos from the same place, too. Let's hope this stops all the creepy men commenting on random IG pics.
POF. An acronym for Plenty Of Fish, this dating app offers both free and subscription based services. You can search by last online or newest users (handy if you've already been through the database). Online user reports state that the interactions can be kinds sleazy, but its what you make it, right?
WooPlus. A dating community for 'plus size' people, this newly launched app aims to take away the superficial side of online dating. You can read more about it here.