Houston is a city with over 2.3 million people, some of 59.9% of whom are single, according to the latest census. If there are so many people to meet in this city, why not just go out there and meet them? It’s not actually that easy. Not everyone has the time or energy to go out and meet new people. So their best option is to use some of the best Houston dating sites and apps.
If you’re wondering what apps actually have plenty of Houston singles looking for love (or something close) online, here’s a quick summary of what has consistently worked for us over the years:
It should be no surprise that online dating is a huge hit in this city, then. Around 30% of Americans have tried dating apps, according to Pew Research, and they’re particularly popular in huge cities.
“Online dating allows you to find people nearby who are compatible with you so you can start a conversation without feeling forced,” explains dating expert Jerry Miller. “Plus, meeting online allows you to get to know your match better before committing to an actual date.”
However, according to a recent Forbes report, there are around 2,500 dating apps for Americans to choose between. That means U.S citizens are clearly having some difficulty finding the best options.
Many of these apps are useless and a significant number of them are fraudulents. In fact, 50% of dating app users said that they found fake profiles to be “very common” in their experience, according to a Pew Research poll.
It’s important, then, to be aware of which dating apps are effective and which ones to avoid, especially in Houston, where so many beautiful women are trying to find a man online.
As an online dating expert with plenty of experience dating in Houston, I’m excited to help you out. I’ve teamed up with the experts at Heart Insider to list the top dating apps you can use to get great results with women in this city.
Methodology: How we review dating apps
At Heart Insider, we have a strict methodology used to review dating apps and compare them to one another.
First off, we make sure to always use the same profile, with the same photos, bio and demographical information.
After testing the free edition of the app, we’ll sign up for the premium edition and send messages to 50 suitable women in our target area. These messages come from our vault of tried-and-tested online dating openers.
Although we test every feature of every app we review, our verdicts are mostly based on the amount of women who respond to our messages and how many we can persuade to swap contact details with us.
Because we conduct every review the same way, we can provide you with a reliable comparison of dating apps and confidently recommended the best ones to use in your city.
#1 - Christian Mingle (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating sites in Houston for Christians
Christian Mingle is the perfect app for people who prioritize religion in their lives. Typically, you don’t know right away what religion someone practices unless you go to the same church and talking about religion can be awkward for some people. Christian Mingle takes away that awkwardness as everyone on the app is Christian and looking for love.
Your profile can be as detailed as you want but the more information you include, the easier it will be for like-minded people to message you. You can search for singles in your area based on what you’re looking for in a partner, read their profile, and message them. Christian Mingle can also do the work for you as they send daily matches of people you may be compatible with and you can choose whether to message them.
Why Christian Mingle is an awesome app:
- There are over 15 million users
- Everyone on the app is Christian, so conversations about religion don’t have to be taboo
- There’s a good balance of male and female users
Why we like it but don’t love it:
- You need to pay for a premium membership, which is a little pricey
- Not a good option for those looking for casual relationships
What Other People Are Saying About Christian Mingle
Joe Bennett - Christian Mingle
“I am now a happily married man thanks to this app. No but really, I met the most incredible young woman on here just over a year ago, and two days ago made her mine forever.”
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is Houston's best dating site for relationships
eHarmony has been around for a while and you've probably seen the commercials everywhere. The thing is, the reason they've been around so long is that their system works! You probably know couples that have met on eHarmony (even if they won't admit it) and it's still the best app in Houston if you want a long-term relationship right now.
It's hard to argue with the results locals have been seeing. Over 75% of all marriages that start online begin on eHarmony and there are a ton of people using it in town. When you have this many people on an app that are actually serious about finding a great partner it's going to be a good experience for most people.
Need more info on how eHarmony works for a regular guy? We’ve created an eHarmony review where you can see how the site works, how you can meet people, and how you might one day find love online!
Check out their trial offer with the links below and see for yourself. There isn't a more in-depth app out there right now that makes it this easy.
Why eHarmony is one of the best dating apps in Houston:
- It is very effective for serious dating with success rates much higher than anything else
- It has a super even user-base (51% men, 49% women)
- Their matching system gives you super compatible dates
Why Houston residents think eHarmony is “meh”:
- You don’t get to choose your own matches
- It takes a while to get from the first message to the first date
What Other People Are Saying About eHarmony
Lee Mahzle - Google Play
“eHarmony has shown me that not only are they a great app for meeting a highly compatible woman, but that the company itself cares about me as a person, not just my wallet. They have truly great customer service.”
Tatiana Kozak - TrustPilot
I like this website. At my age, it’s impossible to find a partner without such a service. When I find my partner, I’ll give it 5 stars, but for now, it’s 4 stars. It’s very convenient that this website focuses on local partner searches and immediately shows the approximate distance between seekers.
#3 - BLK (Android; iOS) for meeting local black singles
BLK is the perfect place for black men and women in Houston to meet and connect with one another. As BLK is a fairly new app to the online dating scene, the community is fairly small with 40,000 members across the United States. However, this isn’t a bad thing as it creates an exclusive community of like-minded individuals that can feel safe and open themselves up to one another.
The app is free and simple to use, so you can start swiping after setting up your profile, which should only take five minutes. Swipe right to like someone and swipe left if they’re not your type. If you both like each other, you’ll match and can start chatting.
Here’s why BLK is the best place to meet black singles in Houston:
- Black singles can feel safe and welcome in an exclusive community
- There are a lot of members already despite the app being fairly new
- Limited features make the BLK app very easy to use
Here’s why you may not want to use BLK in Houston:
- If you’re not part of the black community, other dating apps may be a better option for you
- As the app is free, there are a lot of fake profiles
What Other People Are Saying About BLK
Kvsandy - Apple Store
“What more can I say, I was able to have interesting conversations with individuals I would likely never have encountered irl. I met the love of my life and ultimately deleted the app.”
#4 - AFF is the best Houston hookup app
AFF has been the best hookup app in Houston for the past few years, especially for guys. Tinder is also really popular but isn't a great experience unless you're pretty good-looking. The top 15% of guys get the attention from the top 70% of women and it ends up being a bit of a mess for everyone.
What really sets AFF apart is that is completely focused on fun in bed. This is all about getting there as fast as possible and both men and women know what's up. This leads to a much better experience and you can avoid all the people on other apps who just want attention instead of actual meetups. No other Houston hookup site comes close.
The is the app we've consistently seen the best results with and they have a free trial so you can check them out yourself. If you just want something physical there isn't a better Hookup app in Houston right now.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
Why you should try AFF:
- They have a massive number of users on their app (over 50 million)
- We’ve seen guys have the best success using it, especially those who aren’t doing well on Tinder
- It’s very straightforward and easy to use
What we don’t like about it:
- Many users can only access via web app
- The app is a little dated and not as polished as some others
- Sometimes people are a little TOO upfront with what they want
What Other People Are Saying About AFF
U/naughtynjvixen - Reddit
“My wife has been seeing her current lover for 3 years and she connected with him on AFF. Also connected with a few others from AFF.”
Mike T. - SiteJabber
I enjoy my membership with AFF as much as I do it with couple other sites I use to have a guaranteed success. But guys, stop complaining that there are so many fake members on the site! Yes, dating industry is suffering from Nigerian scam and cam girls. Keep your mind clear and don't send any money to the members of the site. None of real members would ask money from you. And if hot looking girls inviting your to another site to have a private chat - report them straight away!
#5 - Tinder (Android; iOS) in Houston is the dating app that works for the REALLY good looking
Tinder is by far the most popular dating app in Houston. Data gathered by Kochava suggests there are almost 400,000 people using it throughout the city. The service is addictive, no doubt, but more importantly, it gets you results. Their super advanced algorithm also makes it easier to find people who really fit what you’re looking for.
It’s nowhere near as serious as something like eHarmony, but you can still find something real if that’s what you’re after.
“True story; people actually use Tinder to respectably meet up for drinks after work,” confirmed Houston-based blogger Brooke Viggiano. “And if things are going well, they may even get tacos!”
You can also have fun while finding casual flings - the app is all-encompassing - it is by far one of the best dating apps in Houston!
What Houston loves about Tinder:
- It’s super simple
- The dating pool is massive
- It’s very nicely designed
What Houston doesn’t love about Tinder:
- You have to be pretty good looking to get any results
- It’s mostly for flings, not relationships
What Other People Are Saying About Tinder
Guillermo Zaandam - Google Play
“Good app, cool matches, the changes that app has made are great.”
#6 - Hinge (Android; iOS) the dating app designed to be deleted
Hinge’s motto is literally “The Dating App Designed to be Deleted” - that says something. Not only is it a fun app to use, but it also lets users choose matches based on both looks and personality. On other apps, you usually just look at a photo and swipe. But on Hinge, you look at photos and some interesting tidbits of info on each potential match's profile and then you hit "like" on whatever catches your attention. It's a great way to open up a conversation and it's fun too!
Why Hinge is loved in Houston:
- It’s great for the mid-range of daters between super serious and sort of serious
- Their team consistently puts out great information to help you date better
- Their system is backed by science
Why Hinge isn’t the best:
- Their filters could be improved
- You need a minimum of 6 photos at all times
What Other People Are Saying About Hinge
Matthew Hale - Google Play
“Incredible app. It doesn't make me feel like an object (tinder). Does make it easy to talk to people (prompts). I have met people IRL from this app and they are sound.”
#7 - Zoosk (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating sites in Houston
Zoosk is a great app if you’re looking for balance in the dating world. With over 3 million messages sent daily, and 40+ million users, there is no shortage of matches. And by matches, we mean matches for both serious relationships and casual flings. Unlike other apps, though, Zoosk sends you your matches so you don’t need to swipe all day.
Zoosk is great - and it’s the 3rd most popular dating app in Houston, according to Kochava!
Why Zoosk is one of the best Houston dating sites:
- Massive dating pool
- Great balance between men and women
- Available for use on desktop as well
Why Zoosk isn’t that amazing in Houston:
- Their algorithms aren’t that great for showing similar matches
- You have to pay to send messages
What Other People Are Saying About Zoosk
Klynx-mysr Christensen - Google Play
“I met my wife through Zoosk many years ago, now we have been happily married for 8 years now and with a new baby in our family.”
#8 - Jdate (Android; iOS) for meeting Jewish singles
Jdate is for anybody who is Jewish and looking for a Jewish partner. The site has been around for 20 years - yes, 20 years. I know that’s crazy, right? Obviously, they’re doing something right.
Group-specific sites can sometimes seem like a bad thing. That really couldn’t be further from the truth, though. JDate may have a smaller userbase, but it acts like a community. This leads to more active users who consistently use the site.
Here’s why Jdate is one of the best dating sites in Houston:
- It’s specific to Jewish people
- It has been around forever
- It has an active user base, making it one of the best Houston dating apps
Here’s why you shouldn’t use Jdate in Houston:
- If you’re not Jewish, skip this one
- It’s best used on a computer, not a phone
What Other People Are Saying About Jdate
Harrison “Tingleynuts” OConnell - Google Play
“It’s absolutely wonderful to interact with ethically sound,articulare,and gorgeous women. a true diamond in a sea of disappointing experiences.”
#9 - Raya (iOS) for the social media famous
Raya is for you if your IG follower count is absolutely astronomical. The minimum amount of followers necessary for access is 5000+, while the optimal amount is 250,000+. So, yeah... It isn’t for everyone.
With that being said, if you happen to have a lot of followers, this could be an incredible app for you. Everyone you are matching with will likely be highly successful and have a similar mindset, so there’s much less messing about matching with people who don’t fit your personality.
Here’s why Raya is for you:
- It is very specific, allowing you to easily find others that fit your interests/personality
- It has a surprisingly large user base despite being so exclusive
- It also offers professional networking
Here’s why Raya isn’t for you:
- You must have a minimum of 5000 IG followers to apply and get in
- You must pay a subscription fee of $50/month
- It’s exclusive to iOS
What Other People Are Saying About Raya
Onantiad - Apple Store
“Traditional dating apps don’t work for me. I kept running into people that felt either threatened by my success or were aggressively trying to take advantage of it. I feel safe in this space.”
#10 - heybaby (iOS) is one of the best dating apps in Houston for single parents
Heybaby was designed for parents - no joke. You’re thinking one of two things right now probably - either “YES” or “okay…”; and there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it makes everyone’s lives easier. Instead of matching with a person, connecting with them, and then finding out they don’t want kids (which you don’t want to deal with), you can prevent wasting your own time and theirs.
Heybaby is a phenomenal dating app for Houston parents and those who want kids--our data shows the app is very popular here. So, if you’re looking for a person with kids, or you want someone mature enough to handle your own, hop on Heybaby today!
Why heybaby is great:
- There’s a good amount of users
- It’s very group-specific – cutting past a lot of wasted time
- It’s a well-designed app
Why we like it but don’t love it:
- It is very specific
- The age of users tends to be older
What Other People Are Saying About Heybaby
Kazakhstan Cowboy - Apple Store
“Great app! Finally a dating app for like minded adults who are looking to meet quality people, in a simplistic, non-bloated interface.”
The Best Dating Sites in Houston for Long-Term Relationships
Now that we’ve discussed a few general dating sites, let’s look at some specific recommendations. Here are some of the best dating apps for those looking for a long-term commitment:
eHarmony is one of the top apps for finding relationships
Although we discussed eHarmony in detail above, we had to mention it again because of how great it is for finding real connections. The sign-up process is long as you need to fill out a detailed questionnaire about your passions, interests, and preferences in a partner. This helps you find matches that you’re actually compatible with so you don’t have to spend ages swiping left or right.
With over 37 million members and 15 million matches made a day on eHarmony, it’s one of the best sites for people looking for long-term relationships
Niche apps are also great for long-term relationships
Sticking to popular dating apps like Tinder or Bumble can be tempting but with so many users, finding serious relationships can be tough. Instead, try niche apps that are made for specific users. We talked about a few great niche apps already like Heybaby for parents or BLK for black singles. Many users are looking for something serious, so it’s a great site for long-term relationships and you won’t need to worry about big cultural differences between you and your future partner.
The Best Hookup Sites in Houston
Long-term relationships aren’t for everyone, especially young people who aren’t interested in commitment yet. But thankfully, there are plenty of great Houston hookup sites and apps. Here are some of the best casual dating sites in Houston:
Adult Friend Finder is one of the best sites to find casual hookups
Adult Friend Finder is one of the most popular hookup sites, hence why we’re talking about it again. Everyone that’s on it is looking for the same thing, so you don’t need to have any awkward conversations about your intentions. On top of that, you can also filter based on your preferences, from age to kinks to location to hair color!
You can try the site for free to see if it interests you and if you decide to get a paid membership it’s quite affordable.
Passion is another top-notch hookup app to try
AFF may be an amazing hookup site, but if you're more of an app person, Passion is a good option. With over 30,000,000 users in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, it remains one of the more popular apps for hooking up. Tinder and Bumble might work for you if you're hot and young. But if you're not exactly Matt Bomer-levels of hot, Passion is a lot more forgiving.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Houston
You know the saying, “You get what you pay for”? It’s usually true, even for dating apps. Although there are plenty of great free dating apps and sites, they often have limited features.
Although Pew Research reveals that only a third of dating app users have paid for premium subscriptions, this can typically get you better results and more valuable matches. So if you’re looking for a serious relationship and you’re fed up with free apps, purchasing a membership may be a good option for you.
Many dating apps and sites offer free trials so you can test them out and decide whether they’re worth paying for. Just don’t forget you’re not experiencing all the same features as paid members, so don’t judge the site or app too harshly.
If you’re still not convinced that paying for a membership is the way to go, here are some of the best free dating sites in Houston:
- Tinder
- Hinge
- Bumble
These are three of the most popular free dating apps in Houston. They even have additional features you can pay for if you decide you want to get more bang for your buck.
How To Stay Safe On Dating Apps In Houston
More than 1,300 Texans lost money to romance scams in 2022, according to a study by Social Catfish. The estimated losses came to $60.3 million. This made Texas the second most dangerous state when it comes to such scams, the study suggested.
“Scammers have become highly sophisticated and are going to extreme lengths to trick their victims and gain their trust to obtain money,’’ says cybercrime expert Chris Goldsmid. “The social media and dating profiles they create can look very legitimate and they invest significant amounts of time, sometimes years, grooming their victims.”
Follow these tips to ensure you don’t fall victim to this scam.
- Look out for verified profiles. If your chosen dating app allows you to go through a verification process to prove you’re the person in your photos, that’s a good sign. It means you look out for verification badges in the profiles of your matches, or ask them to verify their profile if they don’t have one.
- Research your matches further. It can help to add your matches on social media to see if they were representing themselves accurately on the dating app. Also, do a ‘reverse image search’ on their profile pictures to check they haven’t stolen it from another online profile.
- Arrange a video call before your date. This is the most reliable way to see if your online beau looks like the person in their photos.
- Watch out for love-bombing. Online scammers will often try to overwhelm their victims with compliments in an attempt to build a deep bond. In most cases, they’ll have a convenient reason why they can’t meet for a date right away.
- Don’t send money to online strangers. Once they’ve built a strong bond with you, they’ll fabricate reasons why they need to borrow money. "It starts with a familiarity, sort of like a budding internet relationship,” explains Detective Patrick Altiere, frmo the Washington Country Sheriff Office. “You start to have feelings for this person, and then it’s like, Hey, I need 20 bucks for this, 30 bucks for that, can you send me some money, can you send me a gift card?" These demands build up over time. The best way to avoid this scam is to make a hard rule to NEVER send money to online strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dating Apps In Houston
Is Houston good for singles?
Houston recently ranked a measly 44th out of 50 major cities in an investigation to find the best place for single adults to live. The study by real estate research company Clever mostly scored Houston poorly on date venues, rather than the availabilty of eligible singles. But even that seems unfair.
“A good friend of mine lives in Houston with her husband, and she’s always talking about how awesome of a city it is, especially for going out and dating,” said datingadvice.com editor Hayley Matthews. “And, from the facts I found, I’d say she’s definitely right.”
Matthews mentioned the numerous parks and the Theater District as highlights of the city. If you’re looking for more great places to date and meet women in Houston, see our guide.
What’s the best way to meet women in Houston?
Although there are plenty of happening spot to meet single women in Houston, we’ve experienced the most success online, using apps like Tinder, Zoosk or Adult Friend Finder.
Houston-based matchmaker Caryn Davis says that whatever avenue you choose, it’s important to date intentionally.
“Houston has a lot to offer. Don’t isolate yourself,” she said. “Singles need to have a dating action plan. If you want to have a long-term relationship or eventually get married, why do you have to just ‘go with the flow?’”
Is it expensive to date in Houston?
A study by The Black Tux blog recently ranked Houston as 25th most expensive out of 50 major U.S cities for the expense of dating. This study measured the average cost of a date including two ride-share journeys, a dinner for two with two cocktails and two cinema tickets. Based on this poll, you can expect to pay $109.62 for such a date in Houston.
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Contributing Authors:
Joe Elvin
Joe Elvin is an internationally known confidence and dating coach with nearly a decade of experience. He is the successful author of several dating and confidence books that have helped thousands of men find success. While traveling the world Joe consistently finds new and valuable ways to meet and attract women. Joe has a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and he has been featured in many large publications including AskMen, TSB Magazine and The Good Men Project.
As one of the most prolific writers on Heart Insider, Joe has reviewed over a hundred dating apps. He is the site’s foremost authority when it comes to selecting what dating app works for whom. From an app’s mechanics to its algorithm to telltale signs that a dating app is a scam, Joe’s is able to expertly discern between dating apps that provide value and those that don’t.
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