Best Dating Apps for Long-Term Relationships (2025 Guide)

It’s one of the questions I get asked the most — especially by my dating profile photography clients here in the Twin Cities:

“What are the best dating apps for long-term relationships?”

And honestly? It’s a GREAT question — because the online dating world is constantly evolving. What worked five years ago may not be what works today.

New apps come and go, user trends shift, and even well-established platforms can change depending on who’s using them (and what they’re looking for).

That’s why I put together this current, honest guide for 2025 — to help you navigate the online dating scene with more clarity, less frustration, and better results.

If you’re curious, here’s some interesting research:
👉 10 Facts About Dating and Relationships in the U.S. (Pew Research) →

More and more couples are meeting online — but the apps and profiles you choose make ALL the difference in finding something truly meaningful.

What Makes the Best Dating Apps for Long-Term Relationships?

Not all dating apps are created equal — especially if you’re looking for something real and meaningful.

Here are a few key factors I look for when recommending apps to my clients:

• ✔️ User demographics — Is this app attracting people in your age range and life stage?
• ✔️ Profile depth — Apps that encourage more thoughtful profiles tend to attract users who are ready for deeper connections. If the app focuses on more than just swiping through photos, you’re already ahead.
• ✔️ Safety, values, community — Does the app have built-in safety features? Is there a culture of respect and intention? These things matter, especially when looking for a partner.
• ✔️ User intentions — Some apps are notorious for hookups. Others have built a strong reputation for fostering serious relationships. It’s helpful to know which is which.

2025 Dating App Trends for Long-Term Relationships

Between all the profile photo sessions I do each month, I hear a LOT about what’s working (and what’s not!) on the dating apps right now.

Here are a few trends I’m seeing in 2025 when it comes to finding serious relationships online:

• ✔️ More people moving away from endless swiping → Apps like Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel are becoming more popular because they encourage deeper conversations, not just superficial matches.
• ✔️ Golden Hour dating photos are in demand → Clients LOVE the natural, authentic vibe this creates — it feels real and approachable, which serious daters appreciate.
• ✔️ Post-pandemic daters are more intentional → Many people are now looking for true connection — they value depth and honesty over curated perfection.
• ✔️ Men investing in professional photos more than ever → It’s no longer just women booking dating profile sessions — I’m seeing more and more men recognize how big a difference professional images can make!

Bottom line → intentional dating is IN for 2025. The apps (and profiles) that reflect authenticity and confidence are leading to the best connections.

Best Dating Apps for Long-Term Relationships (2025 List)

As someone who works with dating profile clients every week, I get to see which apps are currently working — and for whom.

Here’s what I’m seeing as the top apps for long-term relationships right now (2025 edition):

Bumble

Bumble is consistently one of my top recommendations — especially for women looking for more control over the conversation.

• ✔️ Great for professionals and creatives
• ✔️ Women initiate the first message (which tends to weed out lower-effort matches)
• ✔️ Many users are seeking serious relationships, not just casual flings

Hinge

Their tagline says it all: “Designed to be deleted.”

Hinge is absolutely one of the BEST apps for clients who are looking for something long-term.

• ✔️ Profile prompts encourage thoughtful answers → more personality, less surface-level swiping
• ✔️ Great for 25-45 age range (though all ages use it!)
• ✔️ Known for fostering real conversations and meaningful matches

Match.com

Yes — the OG app still has a place on this list!

• ✔️ Particularly good for those over 35
• ✔️ Users tend to be more intentional about dating
• ✔️ More structured profile process → helps clarify intentions from the start

Coffee Meets Bagel

If you’re tired of endless swiping, this one’s for you.

• ✔️ Slower pace, more curated matches
• ✔️ Appeals to users who want to invest more time in getting to know matches
• ✔️ Smaller pool of users — but higher intentionality

eHarmony (optional but still relevant)

Still a strong choice if you want a very structured, highly compatibility-focused app.

• ✔️ Extensive questionnaire → helps filter for shared values
• ✔️ Appeals to users seeking marriage or very serious relationships
• ✔️ Great for those who appreciate a more guided approach to dating

Apps That Didn’t Make My Best Long-Term Dating Apps List (And Why)

Of course, there are plenty of dating apps out there — but not all are the best fit if you’re looking for a long-term relationship.

Here’s my take on a couple that didn’t make my top list this year:

• 👉 Tinder → Still great for casual dating and hookups, but in most markets it’s not the best place to find people seeking long-term relationships. Some clients have had success here — but it tends to take a lot more filtering.
• 👉 OkCupid → Has potential, especially with its values-based questions — but I’m seeing less activity from serious daters in my market lately. Still worth exploring if it resonates with you, but it’s no longer a top recommendation.

At the end of the day, there’s no one “perfect” app — but choosing platforms that attract more intentional daters will give you a much better experience (and save you time and frustration!).

Tips for Getting Better Matches on the Best Dating Apps

Here’s where your profile can truly make or break your experience — no matter which app you’re using.

These tips come straight from what I see working for my dating profile clients:

• ✔️ Use professional dating profile photos → builds trust, authenticity, and makes you stand out in a crowded app
• ✔️ Write a thoughtful bio → skip the “I love tacos and Netflix” clichés → share something real about YOU
• ✔️ Be clear about what you’re looking for → serious dating? Long-term relationship? Say it. The right matches will appreciate your honesty.
• ✔️ Keep your profile current → no old photos! No photos that no longer feel like you. Authenticity attracts the right matches.

👉 Related: Should I Hire a Photographer for My Dating Profile? →

Why Great Photos Matter on Long-Term Dating Apps

Here’s the truth I share with all my clients:

On apps like Hinge and Bumble — your photos are the FIRST impression.

• ✔️ Apps prioritize visuals in their design
• ✔️ Your photo is the “hook” that gets someone to read your profile
• ✔️ Better photos → better quality matches → less swipe fatigue → more aligned connections

More authentic, high-quality photos absolutely attract better matches.

I’ve seen it again and again in my clients’ success stories. After updating their profile with professional photos that reflect who they really are, their experience on these apps dramatically improves — often within DAYS.

👉 Related: Professional Dating Profile Photos: Should You Hire a Photographer? →

Real Results — Client Success with Long-Term Dating Apps

I’ve seen it again and again — when clients invest in professional, authentic photos that reflect who they truly are, their experience on dating apps transforms.

One of my recent clients updated her Hinge profile after a Golden Hour dating session.

Within two weeks, she was connecting with people who matched her values — and going on dates that felt fun, aligned, and hopeful again.

✨ The right photos help you attract the right matches.
It’s not about “perfect” — it’s about showing up as your best, most authentic self.

Real Life: How I Met My Husband on Bumble ❤️

Yes — I absolutely believe in the power of these apps.

In fact… I met my husband on Bumble!

When you combine the right app with an authentic, intentional profile (and yes — great photos!), amazing things can happen.

Here’s a little peek into our story:

FAQ: Best Dating Apps for Long-Term Relationships

What is the best dating app for finding a serious relationship?
It depends on your age, location, and dating goals — but apps like Hinge, Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel, and Match.com consistently rank among the top choices for those seeking long-term relationships.

Are dating apps actually good for finding a long-term partner?
Yes — many of my dating profile photography clients have found lasting relationships through apps! The key is using the right apps and presenting an authentic, intentional profile.

Is Hinge really designed for long-term relationships?
Yes — Hinge’s entire mission is about creating meaningful connections and encouraging users to eventually delete the app (because they’ve found someone!). Many serious daters are currently on Hinge.

Does professional photography really help on dating apps?
Absolutely. Professional dating profile photos help you stand out, build trust, and attract more aligned matches. First impressions matter, especially on serious dating apps where people are seeking real connections.

👉 Related: Professional Dating Profile Photos: Should You Hire a Photographer? →

How do I make my dating profile more attractive to serious matches?

• ✔️ Use professional photos
• ✔️ Write a thoughtful bio
• ✔️ Be clear about what you’re looking for
• ✔️ Show your personality and values authentically

👉 Related: Winning Dating Profile: Top 5 Tips to Stand Out →

Ready to Uplevel Your Dating Profile for Real, Meaningful Connections?

You deserve to show up confidently and authentically on your dating apps — and to attract the kind of matches that align with what you truly want.

The right apps help — but the right profile photos make ALL the difference.

👉 Explore my Dating Profile Photography Packages →
👉 Contact Me to Book Your Session →

Because your story deserves to be seen — and your next chapter is waiting. 💛