Fact Checked by: Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC
Tired of all the games? Tired of dating apps and sites that are filled with flaky people just looking for hookups? Yea, we don’t blame you. Unfortunately, that’s what you can expect when you use the wrong types of sites. But there is hope! There are dating apps built for serious relationships.
These dating apps are designed to attract singles looking for something more meaningful. They help you to cut through the noise, get real results, and find other singles looking for lasting love.
The leader for serious relationships is still eharmony.
Serious Relationship App Testing Score: 9.01/10
eharmony is the crown jewel when it comes to the best dating apps for relationships. The site prides itself on attracting singles that are looking for something special—which is a fancy way of saying commitment. You’ll find very few, if any, people just trying to find something casual. What’s funny is that in other lists of the best dating apps, we say that one of the biggest drawbacks of eharmony is that it’s no good for casual dating. So, you can imagine how for this list, it makes it even more of a perfect fit.
Additionally, the app has an in-depth matching questionnaire that all new members have to take when signing up. While this takes a few minutes to complete, it becomes pretty clear fast that eharmony cares about relationships and matching people for success.
If you’re looking for a serious relationship, eharmony is what you’re looking for.
- 2 million+ people have found relationships on the app
- iOS Store Rating – 4.0/5.0
- 5 million+ Google Play Installs
Less than 2 years old, Higher Bond has surged for serious relationships.
Serious Relationship App Testing Score: 8.38/10
Higher Bond is a top-notch option for Christian singles looking for a serious relationship. The concept is built around “Real Christian Dating”, which is a fancy way of saying that it’s designed for Christians who not only take their faith seriously, but take their relationships serious too. In a niche that is often underserved, Higher Bond is looking to not only be Christian in name, but in practice as well.
The way the app achieves this is through a whole host of features. These include manual account approvals, an in-depth faith-focused matching questionnaire, limits on how many matches you can see and message daily, and an overall approach built around the principles of faith. It’s one of the reasons that Higher Bond also tops our list of the best Christian singles dating apps.
- In-depth matching questionnaire
- Focused on more serious Christian singles
- Free 3-month membership if you sign up now
High performers looking for love should consider The League
Serious Relationship App Testing Score: 7.95/10
The League is another serious dating app that falls into the interesting category. Why? Exclusivity. Compared with all of the other serious options on this list, it’s by and far the most exclusive option. This, of course, comes with some big pros and cons to be aware of.
First, here’s what we mean when we say exclusivity. The app requires you to get on a waiting list to join, requires you to be approved and voted in through a strict process, and not every one gets in. In fact, data we’ve found shows its about 1 in 5 who actually make it in.
While this sounds annoying, what it does it preserves quality across the app. If you’re looking for a serious relationship and the quality of your partner is number one on your list (and you’re okay with that being a bit pretentious), The League is certainly worth checking out. But, if you don’t like the idea of some people not being allowed in, it might not be the right option for you.
- A better option in major cities in the US
- High quality singles because of exclusivity features
- High tech algorithm and user interface
Long-lasting relationships for Catholics may be found at CM
Serious Relationship App Testing Score: 8.16/10
While smaller than some of the other options on this list, Catholic Match is designed to serve a distinct niche—building serious Catholic relationships. And as one of the leading Catholic dating app options, the app does quite well at this. Here’s a few reasons why.
First, user-friendliness is high. It’s easy to sign up, can be used from multiple platforms (desktop, iOS, Android), and is easy to figure out how to match and message. Second, Catholic Match has a lot of partnerships with Catholic leaders and organizations, which shows its commitment to the more serious aspects of Catholic Dating. Third, the app allows you to share where you stand on different Catholic doctrine issues, so you can find someone that better fits with your belief system. This is paramount to a serious faith based relationship.
Again, Catholic Match is smaller than the other apps on this list of serious dating apps, but it hits a homerun when it comes to serious Catholic dating.
- Backed by Catholic leaders
- #1 in Catholic dating
- Decades of experience in the industry
Details on How We Test Serious Relationship Apps
For context, here is how our team of experts tests hundreds of dating apps to determine which are best for serious relationships. As a reminder, a high score in our testing does not guarantee success, but it does indicate a dating app more likely to produce a serious relationship.
Below, you’ll find our specific testing criteria and the individual results for the apps on our list.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Match Quality & Compatibility | 25% | Evaluates the depth and accuracy of matching systems, questionnaires, and alignment with users’ serious goals. |
| User Base Size & Serious Intent | 20% | Measures how many active users are genuinely looking for long-term relationships. |
| Safety & Authenticity | 15% | Assesses the platform’s track record for real profiles and safe interactions. |
| Tech & App Experience | 15% | Reviews usability, modern design, and stability—important for stress-free dating. |
| Affordability & Value | 10% | Examines if pricing reflects real value and results. |
| Niche Relevance | 10% | Looks at how well the app serves specific serious dating needs, like faith-based relationships. |
| Success Track Record | 5% | Considers documented relationship success stories and reputation for long-term outcomes. |
Testing Results for eharmony
| Factor | Score (0-10) | Weight | Weighted Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Quality & Compatibility | 9.8 | 25% | 2.45 | One of the strongest matching algorithms in the industry, built on deep psychological assessments and decades of data, perfect for users serious about compatibility. |
| User Base Size & Serious Intent | 9.5 | 20% | 1.90 | Massive user base, with the majority seeking committed relationships, making it an excellent option for serious daters nationwide. |
| Safety & Authenticity | 9.2 | 15% | 1.38 | Highly regarded for real profiles and rigorous safety measures, helping serious users avoid scams or time-wasting matches. |
| Tech & App Experience | 8.5 | 15% | 1.28 | Smooth and well-designed app, though the initial questionnaire can be lengthy for users eager to jump in quickly. |
| Affordability & Value | 7.2 | 10% | 0.72 | More expensive than many apps, but generally seen as worth it by users seeking genuine connections. |
| Niche Relevance | 7.8 | 10% | 0.78 | Works well for serious dating broadly, though not specialized for specific communities like faith-based dating. |
| Success Track Record | 10.0 | 5% | 0.50 | Over two million couples matched through the app, with strong brand recognition for long-term relationships. |
| Total | 9.01 |
Testing Results for Higher Bond
| Factor | Score (0-10) | Weight | Weighted Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Quality & Compatibility | 9.5 | 25% | 2.38 | Strong faith-based matching system with guided prompts and carefully structured profiles ensures deep alignment for Christian singles. |
| User Base Size & Serious Intent | 5.8 | 20% | 1.16 | Still small due to being under two years old, though almost all users are serious about faith and relationships. |
| Safety & Authenticity | 9.2 | 15% | 1.38 | Manual approval process and guided messaging protect users from fake profiles and ensure safe interactions, critical for serious Christian daters. |
| Tech & App Experience | 8.2 | 15% | 1.23 | Modern, clean design that’s user-friendly, though simpler than larger competitors. |
| Affordability & Value | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 | Very reasonable pricing for the niche, making it accessible to Christian singles. |
| Niche Relevance | 10.0 | 10% | 1.00 | Perfectly tailored for Christians who want serious relationships, a key Texas demographic. |
| Success Track Record | 6.5 | 5% | 0.33 | Too new to have significant long-term success stories, but growing steadily. |
| Total | 8.38 |
Testing Results for The League
| Factor | Score (0-10) | Weight | Weighted Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Quality & Compatibility | 8.5 | 25% | 2.13 | Sophisticated vetting and algorithm ensure high-quality matches, especially among professionals, though the pool is smaller than larger platforms. |
| User Base Size & Serious Intent | 7.0 | 20% | 1.40 | Active in major cities but smaller overall; users often serious but can include some using it for networking rather than relationships. |
| Safety & Authenticity | 8.8 | 15% | 1.32 | Strong verification and screening processes add safety and exclusivity, highly valued by serious users. |
| Tech & App Experience | 9.2 | 15% | 1.38 | Slick, polished app offers a luxury feel, fitting for users who want a premium dating experience. |
| Affordability & Value | 6.2 | 10% | 0.62 | Pricey, especially given smaller user base, which may limit perceived value. |
| Niche Relevance | 7.5 | 10% | 0.75 | Excellent fit for career-focused individuals looking for serious connections in urban areas. |
| Success Track Record | 7.0 | 5% | 0.35 | Positive stories exist but not as widespread as with older platforms like eharmony. |
| Total | 7.95 |
Testing Results for Catholic Match
| Factor | Score (0-10) | Weight | Weighted Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Quality & Compatibility | 8.8 | 25% | 2.20 | Provides tools for finding partners who align on faith and doctrine, ensuring meaningful connections for serious Catholic daters. |
| User Base Size & Serious Intent | 6.5 | 20% | 1.30 | Smaller than mainstream apps, though users are almost universally serious about faith and relationships. |
| Safety & Authenticity | 8.5 | 15% | 1.28 | Safe and respectful environment, bolstered by partnerships with Catholic organizations and transparent faith-based community standards. |
| Tech & App Experience | 7.5 | 15% | 1.13 | Functional and easy to use, though design is less modern than larger apps. |
| Affordability & Value | 8.2 | 10% | 0.82 | Fair pricing relative to the niche and quality of user base. |
| Niche Relevance | 10.0 | 10% | 1.00 | Perfectly tailored for Catholic singles who want serious, faith-centered relationships. |
| Success Track Record | 8.5 | 5% | 0.43 | Many long-term success stories, known as a top platform for Catholic marriages. |
| Total | 8.16 |
What Makes a Dating App Great for Serious Relationships?
When making our list of the top dating apps for serious relationships we noticed a few trends that successful apps seem to share. If you’re looking for a dating app to lead to something lasting here are five things you’ll want to make sure they have:
Marketing Designed to Attract Relationship-Minded Singles
The best dating apps for serious relationships don’t accidentally become higher-quality options. Generally, it’s a result of highly-targeted marketing campaigns aimed at finding singles looking for something a little more serious. Trust us; there is a reason that people looking for a hookup stay far away from eharmony. It’s because their outreach team focuses on finding commitment-minded singles.
Search Filters Based on What You’re Looking For
Inevitably, there are going to be people on every dating app who are looking for different things. This is okay. However, we require that a dating app offer ways to sort people based on wants and needs in order to earn a spot on our recommended list. So, that way, you can remove anyone that is just looking for something casual and only leave the people looking for relationships.
Affordable Pricing
Price is certainly a factor to consider when assessing options for more serious relationships. For us, it’s two-fold. First, we’re not fans of completely free apps. We love free trials, but we think completely free apps just don’t have enough people serious about finding love.
Second, we look at costs based on value. Again, we’re not always looking for the least expensive app. What we want to find is a dating app that offers great value for what you pay.
Great Customer Service
Ideally, you’ll be able to use your serious dating apps without any hiccups whatsoever. However, if you ever need help with something, it’s important that there is great customer service ready and willing to help. All of the dating apps for more serious relationships recommended here have top-quality customer service teams ready to go to work for you.
Mobile Compatibility
What good is a mobile app if it doesn’t work on all of the major operating systems? It’s no good! The top dating apps for serious relationships work with Google devices, Androids, and iPhone (iOS) systems. So, no matter what type of phone you have, you should have no problems getting it loaded up on your phone or tablet.
Apps NOT for Serious Relationships
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with casual dating if that’s what you were looking for you probably wouldn’t be on this page. Here are some dating apps you should avoid if you’re looking for a serious relationship online:
Tinder
Flirt.com
FriendFinder
These apps have far less logic behind matchmaking and instead focus strictly on initial attraction. Despite what you make have heard anywhere else, if you’re looking for a serious dating app none of these options will meet your needs!
Singles using these are primarily looking for flings, hookups, and casual dating.
Disclosure: We may earn a small commission from some links on this page. This never affects our rankings or recommendations. You may check out our full Monetization Transparency Policy here.