5 Best LDS Dating Apps in 2024: What Mormons Prefer Now
Looking for the best LDS dating apps? If so, keep reading… You may have heard about Pew Research Center’s newest data on dating apps. Essentially, apps are VERY popular, with roughly 30% of people have used dating apps, with 53% of those under 30 reported using an online dating site to find love. These are promising stats for finding love online, but if you’re a member of The Church of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), is online dating even viable?
In my research, I’ve found that yes, there are options out there for LDS dating apps. However, not all these apps are effective. To give you a preview, here are the best LDS dating apps we’ve come across:
Site
Our Experience
Our Rating
Free Trial Link
Experience Highlights
Try eHarmony
Experience Highlights
Try Mutual
Now here’s the dilemma: A lot of Mormons are keen to date other Mormons, so they can have a partner who fits with their unique lifestyle. In the past, this made it difficult for them to find dates outside of church. However, that’s all changed now with the advent of niche religious dating apps in particular. In fact, developers answered this demand – and now there’s actually a huge range of LDS dating apps to choose from. So many that it can be difficult for Mormons to know which one is the best.
That’s where HeartInsider comes in.
We’ve put the majority of popular online LDS dating sites and apps through their paces in our extensive testing process. Now, in this guide, we are going to crown the best dating apps for LDS singles to use. Read on to discover our verdict for the best Mormon dating site.
Methodology: How We Select the Best LDS Dating Apps
To bring our readers a comprehensive list of the Best LDS Dating Apps, every HeartInsider writer follows strict and verifiable guidelines. Unlike other dating sites and even major publications, our reviews are always up-to-date and sourced by dating experts–not rehashed and biased content you can find elsewhere.
| Methodology Component | Description for LDS Dating Apps | Editorial Criteria |
| Comprehensive App Analysis | Thoroughly reviewing various LDS dating apps, focusing on their features, user base, and compatibility with LDS values and lifestyle, based on extensive testing and use. | Accuracy, Depth of Analysis |
| Community-Specific Insights | Utilizing insights from individuals who are part of the LDS community, including their experiences and expectations with these dating apps. | Authenticity, Cultural Relevance |
| Faith-Based Expertise | Leveraging expertise in the context of LDS beliefs and values, providing advice that aligns with the unique aspects of LDS dating. | Expertise, Faith Alignment |
| Adaptive Strategies | Exploring evolving strategies for successful dating within the LDS community, including the use of these apps in accordance with religious guidelines. | Innovativeness, Adaptability |
| Balancing Faith and Technology | Examining how LDS dating apps balance religious values with modern technological features, assessing their effectiveness in fostering meaningful relationships. | Comprehensiveness, Ethical Consideration |
| Community Engagement | Encouraging feedback and experiences from LDS dating app users to build a platform that reflects the community’s needs and enhances trust. | Engagement, Community Focus |
Author Credentials:
Hi there! I’m Patrick Davis, a Dating Expert specializing in LDS dating apps, and a regular contributor to Heart Insider.
As someone who’s naturally shy and introverted, I’ve spent years developing a unique skill set tailored for the world of LDS dating. My journey has been all about transforming my introversion into a strength in the dating scene. I’m particularly passionate about sharing this knowledge, especially with those who might find themselves a bit reserved or unsure in the realm of dating.
If you’re looking to navigate LDS dating apps with confidence and success, I’m here to offer my insights and guidance every step of the way. Let’s embark on this journey together!
Affiliate Disclaimer:
At HeartInsider, some of our content includes affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This is one of the ways we fund our site, keeping our content free of charge.
To give you the best idea of the best Mormon dating site for you, we wanted to compare our two favorites. You’ll also find short summaries of the websites that didn’t make our top two.
So let’s dive in!
Best LDS Dating Apps: eHarmony vs LDS Singles
After testing all of the top-rated LDS dating apps, we rate EHarmony and LDS Singles as the top two.
It might surprise you to see eHarmony as one of our recommendations, considering it isn’t a Mormon dating website, per se. However, it does include a filter so that you are only recommended other Mormons to match with.
This – added to the fact that eHarmony rightfully has a reputation as one of the most effective online dating websites – persuaded us to include among the best LDS dating apps out there.
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Our team rates each site objectively based on many hours of independent research, the features each site offers, and how it compares with other sites. The ratings are the opinion of our editors and their extensive experience. |
6.5 | 9.5 |
| Quality of Women Our opinion of how attractive the typical woman is that uses this site and how easy they are to connect with compared to other sites. |
7 | 9 |
| Popular How many people are using this site to actually meet people compared to other sites. |
5 | 9 |
| Usability How easy is this site to use and how quickly can an average person begin meeting people compared to other sites. |
7 | 10 |
| Privacy & Safety Does this site take proper precautions to safeguard its members, their identity, and their data. |
7 | 10 |
| Effective Our opinion of how easily an average person will be able to achieve their dating goals with this site compared to other sites. |
4 | 9 |
| Value Will the time and money spent using this site pay off for an average person based on the opinions and experience of our editors. |
9 | 10 |
Try eHarmony if you’re looking for true love with another Mormon
eHarmony is solely focused on helping you find true love. There’s barely a soul on this website looking for a meaningless hookup or casual relationship. Perfect for anyone who is part of the LDS church then…
eHarmony will make you take an extensive 30-35 personality test before you’re able to communicate with any of its other members. It will use the results of this test to recommend the members most compatible with your personality.
The intelligence of the eHarmony algorithm has been widely lauded. Indeed, the website has been responsible for countless marriages and long-term relationships since launching in 2000. Supposedly, someone finds love every 14 minutes on the platform. It has also won awards for the quality of its userbase and for being the number one most trusted dating app.
eHarmony recommends you a handful of your most compatible matches each day, and you can only send messages to these people. That might sound like a rough deal, but it’s actually a stroke of genius because it means your most compatible matches are more likely to message you back. After all, they’re not overwhelmed with messages from other less compatible dudes. What’s more, as previously mentioned, members of the LDS church can set a filter so they only communicate with other Mormons.
eHarmony has mastered the art of matching lovers online. It has built a huge user base all over the world. With its marketing centered completely on finding true love, you’re unlikely to find trolls or time-wasters on this app. It costs more than other LDS dating sites, but this extra cost helps to ensure that all members take their pursuit of online love seriously.
If you’re ready to do that, we’d recommend eHarmony over any online dating website, especially if you’re of the Mormon faith. It’s worth mentioning that eHarmony was co-founded by Dr. Neil Clark Warren, a prominent Christian theologian. So, there’s no doubt that strong Christian values played a role when the eHarmony algorithm was created.
What people think of eHarmony
Jovi H – SiteJabber
“It’s a great way to meet people who share your interests, regardless of whether they’re from another country or not. You can either go out on your own or join one of their groups where you meet other singles nearby who share similar interests as well!”
Emory Sims – TrustPilot
“I am very happy that eHarmony has been patient with me because I need time to make some personal adjustments before I decide to date. I am very happy and living the best days of my life. eharmony will help me find the right person. Thank you eharmony.”
Have you tried eHarmony? Comment below and share your experience with the HeartInsider community.
Try Mutual for a quicker, easier dating experience
The biggest problem with traditional LDS dating apps – and niche dating apps in general – is a lack of an active user base. Without enough active members to make a connection with, your online LDS dating experience is going to fall flat, no matter how many bells and whistles the app has.
During our review, Mutual was the Mormon dating app with the closest thing to an active community, and that’s why we’re recommending it as our number two choice for LDS singles.
Mutual has a quick and easy design, very similar to Tinder. In fact, it refers to itself as the baptized version of Tinder in some of its adverts.
There are some key differences. You’ll swipe up for “Yes” and down for ‘No”, instead of left and right. You’re made to add your height and what you’re looking for in your bio. Plus, Mutual supposedly takes a tougher stance on banning members who misbehave on the app. Other than that, you can expect a similar experience to Tinder, albeit swiping on LDS singles only.
Mutual is cheaper than eHarmony. In fact, you might have some luck finding a match on the free version. As with Tinder, you can choose to upgrade to a premium edition to expand your reach.
Mutual claims to be the world’s largest and fastest-growing Mormon dating app. It supposedly has created thousands of matches among its 100,000+ users in over 100 countries. Still, in our experience, there will be little point in paying to expand your reach because there are unlikely to be too many active users in your local area.
There’s nothing to hate about Mutual – and it doesn’t necessarily have to cost you a penny. So. why not set up a Mutual account alongside your eHarmony membership?
What people think of Mutual
Karisa B – Google Play
“I’ve used this app a lot over the years. I’ve had to go through catfishing/fake profile claims several times, it often crashes, and has buggy features like you can’t edit your about me etc. Filters don’t work all the time, and if you’re paying to see who liked you, if 95% are people outside your filters, what use is there for them? They need to crack down on people who aren’t active on the app. I have a really strong profile and I never match with anyone swiping. Not sure what’s going on.”
Have you tried Mutual? Comment below and share your experience with the HeartInsider community.
Users and Experts Weigh in on Mutual for LDS Dating
Navigating the world of LDS dating apps, particularly Mutual, presents a spectrum of experiences and challenges, as reflected in the perspectives of various users and the app’s management.
Amanda Taysom, a Mutual user, shared her experience transitioning from Tinder to Mutual, noticing a significant difference in the type of relationships sought by users. She remarked, “It’s night and day, the difference of the people and what they’re looking for. I’m looking to get married and in most cases, there’s already that almost clear expectation.” This comment underscores the distinct nature of Mutual, where users often have more serious, long-term relationship goals.
Safety concerns on dating apps are a significant issue, as noted by Boo Sampson, another former user of Mutual. Sampson pointed out the potential mismatch of values, particularly for LDS women using the app. “Especially with Mutual being mainly for LDS people, there are guys who will get on there who don’t really have the same values that most LDS women will have,” she explained. This highlights a challenge where the app’s religious alignment may not always guarantee alignment in personal values and intentions.
Addressing the issue of safety and user complaints, Tiah Westover, Mutual’s director of marketing, emphasized the app’s commitment to its community’s security. Westover stated, “One case of sexual assault is too much. We’re very strict on that, and we’re very quick to ban. We will always sacrifice revenue for the safety of our community.” This response from Mutual’s management demonstrates their awareness and proactive stance on maintaining a safe environment for their users.
A disturbing incident reported in East Idaho News involved Samuel Whitney Faber, who was charged with sexually assaulting a woman he met through Mutual. The victim’s ordeal was harrowing, as she recounted, “The victim disclosed that she continually told the defendant no throughout the night, but he would not take no for an answer.” This case raises serious concerns about the safety and vetting processes on dating apps, including those targeting specific religious communities.
These insights and experiences offer a glimpse into the complex and nuanced landscape of LDS dating apps, where the quest for meaningful relationships intersects with the imperative of ensuring user safety and upholding shared values.
The Other LDS Dating Sites Worth Considering
Here are some alternatives to EHarmony and Mutual that didn’t make it into our top two dating apps for LDS singles.
LDS Singles
This app used to be called “LDS Mingle”, and it’s owned by the same company that runs Christian Mingle. This company has experience creating successful religious niche dating apps.
However, unlike Christian Mingle, we found LDS Singles a bit of a slog to use, mostly due to a lack of active users in the areas we tested. LDS Singles is more of an old-fashioned-looking app than eHarmony and Mutual. But, it’s the lack of action on the app that’ll leave Mormon men feeling frustrated.
What people think of LDS Singles
Patricia McCleery – Google Play
“I haven’t meet anyone on this dating site yet,and I have been off and on it for four years! Just scammers looking for money!”
LDS Planet
LDS Planet is one of the older websites for Mormons to connect and arrange to meet. By the looks of its design, it hasn’t been updated in many years. Despite being one of the most well-known free LDS dating sites, our experience testing it suggests there aren’t many people using this service in the modern day.
There is no smartphone app associated with this website, and it’s very clunky to use on a smartphone. Even though it’s free, we wouldn’t recommend wasting your time with this service.
What people think of LDSPlanet
“LDSplanet is not a reliable site at all. I suspect they have plenty of fake and outdated accounts. At first you are being contacted by bots to make their pool of people seem larger. Things like this never happen on serious legit sites like J4Date.club When you buy LDSplanet paid membership the women who presumably contacted you are nowhere to be found anymore. The other suggested matches are ridiculously inappropriate and they dont fit your search criteria at all. So the site is a complete rip off. Stay away from it!”
Match.com
Match.com is another mainstream website – arguably one of the famous to ever exist. It’s not specifically for members of the LDS church. However, you are encouraged to list your religion on your bio and in its Discover tab. This makes it easy enough to search for other Mormons in your local area. We prefer eHarmony. But considering the size of the Match.com user base across the globe, we feel confident you’ll find someone suitable to date here too.
What people think of Match.com
Mary.Inc – App Store
“this is the most reliable dating site in the world . i love everything about it and i hope to pick the best”
The Most Important Considerations when Choosing a Good LDS Dating App
Still unsure about the best Mormon dating site to use? Here are five factors to consider when deciding upon the best LDS dating app for your needs.
How big is the user base?
The user base size really is the make-or-break statistic for niche online dating services. If you want to date a Mormon, your dating pool is already extremely limited. So, you don’t want to make it tougher on yourself by committing to a dating app that no Mormons are using.
We recommended eHarmony, partly because it has millions upon millions of users across the world. There are no official figures regarding how many LDS members the website has. But, based on the results of our tests, we’re confident you’ll find more matches on this website than most apps created specifically for Mormons.
How easy is it to separate Mormons from non-Mormons?
If you’re dead-set on dating a Mormon, you’ll want to use an app that makes it as easy as possible to distinguish them from the rest of the online dating crowd. Otherwise, you’re going to end up wasting a lot of time and being too frustrated to continue your search.
There are two ways to solve this potential problem. You can use a dating app created specifically for Mormons or a mainstream app that allows you to filter your search for Mormons only.
eHarmony goes one step further, allowing you to only be paired with Mormons. That’s a key reason why we recommend it above other LDS-specific dating websites.
How much will it cost?
Unless you’re made of money, the cost of an online dating website should always be a consideration.
eHarmony doesn’t let you send messages to other users with its free account. This account only really exists to show you how the platform works. Its premium accounts are more expensive than most other LDS dating apps. Still, we found that the added cost helps inspire its user base to take their pursuit for love more seriously. For that reason, we’d say that eHarmony still provides the best value for money.
Mutual allows you to match and message other Mormons for free. So, you have nothing to lose by setting up an account. It’s one of the best free LDS dating sites, for sure. You can also choose to buy a premium account to expand your reach, although our tests suggest that this doesn’t tend to be worth the money.
Who is allowed to message you?
Some LDS dating apps let you send a message to anyone you want. Others only allow you to send messages to people you “match” with. Mutual does the latter, meaning you won’t be bombarded with messages by women you’re not interested in.
eHarmony has a different strategy altogether. It’ll recommend you a handful of compatible users and you’ll only be able to message them. The algorithm essentially selects your matches for you. This is great because it means even the most attractive users won’t be overwhelmed with messages. So, they’re more likely to answer yours.
What features does it have?
Most dating apps include various features to stand out from the competition.
The jewel in eHarmony’s crown is its algorithm based on its extensive personality test. This has been heralded for matching users to their most compatible partners. Mutual doesn’t have many unique features, other than being a reasonably popular app for Mormons only. Other than that, it’s essentially a direct rip-off of Tinder with a few design changes.
Safety Tips for Using Dating Apps
If you’re navigating the world of dating apps and are unfamiliar with LDS rules or general safety guidelines, here are some useful tips from the KSL.com article “5 tech tips for staying safe while using dating apps“:
- Limit Distance and Age Range: Be cautious about expanding your dating pool too far outside of your city or age group. Keeping your search local and within a reasonable age range can mitigate risks and help you meet people you’re more likely to connect with in a meaningful way.
- Enlist Apps to Weed Out Catfish: Use tools like Tin Eye to verify the identity of people you meet on dating apps. Uploading a dating prospect’s image to see where else it appears online can help you detect if someone is misrepresenting themselves (catfishing).
- Look for Red Flags Online: Before going out with someone, check their social media profiles for potential red flags. Look for inconsistencies or suspicious behavior, like spam-filled profiles or inappropriate interactions with others. If you’re still skeptical, consider using public record resources for further research.
- Check for Mutual Friends on Social Media: Review any mutual friends on social platforms. This can give you a better understanding of who the person is. Reaching out to mutual friends for more information can also be helpful.
- Share Your Location with a Trusted Person: Before heading out on a date, share your location with a friend or family member. This step adds an extra layer of safety in case of emergencies. Instructions for sharing your location can be found for both iPhone and Android devices.
Unfamiliar with LDS (Mormon) Dating Rules: Here’s what you need to know
Navigating dating in the context of LDS (Mormon) culture can be different from what you might be used to. Here’s a quick reference guide about what the leaders of LDS think of dating as a whole:
- Purpose of Dating: “Dating can help you develop lasting friendships and eventually find an eternal companion” (For the Strength of Youth, 2001, 24). This highlights the idea of dating leading to meaningful, long-term relationships.
- Appropriate Age to Start Dating: “When you are old enough [age 16], you ought to start dating. It is good for young men and young women to learn to know and to appreciate one another,” according to President Boyd K. Packer.
- Group Dating: Group dating is recommended when you start dating. “When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. … Plan dating activities that are positive and inexpensive and that will help you get to know each other” (For the Strength of Youth, 25).
- Respect and Courtesy: The Church emphasizes the importance of treating your date with respect. “In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you,” according to President Thomas S. Monson.
- Physical Boundaries: “Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing.”
- Avoid Steady Dating Too Soon: “Avoid going on frequent dates with the same person.” This is to prevent the formation of exclusive relationships that can lead to physical intimacy.
- Dress and Encourage Modesty: “Young men, let … young women know that you will not seek an eternal companion from those that are overcome by worldly trends,” according to Elder Richard G. Scott.
- Parental Advice and Guidance: LDS culture values the role of parents and church leaders in guiding youth. Seeking their counsel is often encouraged.
- Maintain Standards: “Choose friends who share your values so you can strengthen and encourage each other in living high standards.”
- Be Open About Your Standards: Honesty about your beliefs and standards is crucial, especially if they differ from traditional LDS views.
Frequently Asked Questions About LDS Dating Apps
Here are some key facts you’ll need to know about dating apps for Mormons.
What are LDS dating apps?
LDS dating apps are designed specifically for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. These are also known as Mormons.
How do LDS dating websites work?
They don’t work any differently to mainstream dating apps, other than the fact they’re marketed towards Mormons only. You won’t even have to verify your membership of the LDS church in most cases either.
Are LDS dating sites legit?
Yes, all the apps mentioned in this review are legit. The problem with most LDS dating sites is that the user base is too small for you to have a great chance of finding your perfect match. Check out our expert reviews before signing up for any niche online dating website.
Are LDS dating sites safe?
With any dating app, there’s a possibility of falling for a scam. Most dating apps are introducing measures to protect their members from these, but it’s still ultimately down to you to have your wits about you.
What are the best LDS dating site alternatives?
For a list of the best alternatives to LDS dating apps for Mormons, see our list of the best mainstream dating apps.
What are the key features to look for in LDS dating apps?
Key features in LDS dating apps include user base size, ease of filtering for LDS members, cost, messaging capabilities, and unique features like personality tests or match suggestions. The app should cater specifically to the LDS community or provide robust filters for LDS singles.
How does eHarmony compare to LDS-specific dating apps?
eHarmony, while not LDS-specific, includes filters for Latter-day Saints and is known for its effective matchmaking based on personality assessments. It tends to have a larger user base compared to LDS-specific apps, increasing the chances of finding a compatible partner.
What safety precautions should be taken when using LDS dating apps?
When using LDS dating apps, protect personal information, communicate within the app before sharing contact details, meet in public places, and inform someone about your meet-up plans. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious profiles.
How can users ensure a positive and safe experience on LDS dating apps?
Choose reputable apps with user verification processes, read reviews, and use built-in messaging features. Be cautious with personal information and look for apps that prioritize user safety and privacy.
Are LDS dating apps effective for finding serious relationships?
Yes, LDS dating apps can be effective for finding serious relationships, especially those that focus on deeper compatibility, such as eHarmony, which uses personality assessments to match users.
What should users know before joining an LDS dating app?
Users should research the app’s focus (casual vs. serious relationships), user base size, the success rate in the LDS community, and any associated costs. It’s also helpful to read reviews and testimonials from other LDS singles.
References:
Carpented, K. (2023) Online dating apps are on the rise. How does Mutual compare? KSL.
Jarrett, C. (2016) 5 tech tips for staying safe while using dating apps. KSL.
Reavy, P. (2022) Utah man charged with sexually assaulting woman he met on Mutual dating app. East Idaho News.
Senkus, T. (2024) 2024 eHarmony review. Heart Insider.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (2010) Dating FAQs.
Vogels, E. & McClain, C. (2023) Key findings about online dating in the U.S. Pew Research Center.
Contributing Authors:
Tom Senkus
For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.
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