15 Dating Apps You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Try)

Let’s be real: the dating app world is crowded. You’ve heard of Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and maybe even Coffee Meets Bagel. But what if we told you there’s a world of niche dating apps you’ve probably never heard of—yet they might be a much better fit for what (or who) you’re looking for?

Whether you’re looking for something more meaningful, more fun, or more specific, here are 15 underrated dating apps worth trying in 2025.

1. Hily

Short for: “Hey, I Like You”
What Makes It Different: Uses AI to improve match quality over time. The more you engage, the better your recommendations.
Best For: Singles tired of swiping based on looks alone.

2. S’more

Why It’s Unique: You don’t see your match’s photos right away. The more you chat, the more their photos unlock.
Best For: Deep connections based on personality, not first impressions.

3. Kippo

Target Audience: Gamers and geeks
Cool Features: Beautiful UI, profile cards that feel like collectible game stats, and the ability to list your favorite games.
Best For: Anyone who speaks fluent gaming.

4. LOVOO

What Stands Out: Live video speed dating and a radar-style “People Nearby” feature.
Best For: Real-time interactions and spontaneous connections.

5. XO

Hook: Matches you based on mini-games like quizzes and drawing prompts.
Why It Works: Low-pressure and fun way to break the ice.
Best For: People who hate small talk but love games.

6. Feeld

Audience: Open-minded couples and singles
Key Feature: Inclusive and poly-friendly, great for exploring ethical non-monogamy or alternative relationship models.
Best For: Explorers and the curious.

7. Thursday

Wild Concept: The app only works one day a week—on Thursdays.
Why It’s Cool: Creates urgency and encourages people to actually meet.
Best For: People sick of endless chatting that leads nowhere.

8. Happn

How It Works: Matches you with people you’ve crossed paths with in real life.
Tech Bonus: Uses real-time location (safely) to make connections feel serendipitous.
Best For: Romantic realists who believe in fate—with a side of tech.

9. Zoe

Audience: LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary folks
Why It Matters: Inclusive design, identity-focused matching, and community-first vibe.
Best For: Queer women tired of apps that weren’t built for them.

10. Once

Their Pitch: One curated match per day.
Why It Works: Forces quality over quantity and focuses on more thoughtful dating.
Best For: Singles who are done with swiping fatigue.

11. Ship

Funny Twist: Your friends help you pick your matches.
Built For: Group chat culture—let your friends swipe for you.
Best For: People who trust their BFFs’ taste more than their own.

12. Taimi

Audience: LGBTQ+ community
Unique Features: Combines social networking with dating and includes live streams, stories, and events.
Best For: Queer users looking for more than just hookups.

13. Jigsaw

Interesting Hook: Profile pictures are literally a puzzle you unlock by chatting.
Purpose: Less judgment, more intrigue.
Best For: People who want to slow things down and build anticipation.

14. Bristlr

Tagline: “Connecting those with beards to those who love them.”
Yes, really.
Best For: Beard lovers. Enough said.

15. Tastebuds

How It Works: Connect with people based on your music taste.
Bonus: Great conversation starter—favorite artists, concerts, playlists.
Best For: Music nerds, Spotify junkies, and audiophiles.

🎯 Final Thoughts

If you’ve had enough of the same faces and ghosting games on the big-name apps, these underrated gems might offer the fresh start you’re looking for. Whether it’s a new vibe, new crowd, or new algorithm, trying something different can change everything.