The best dating apps: Find your match for Valentine's Day

Compatibility: Android, iOS

Hinge boasts some pretty impressive statistics, sharing that its connections lead to a second date three out of four times. It is not only available in the US but also in the UK, Canada, and Australia for greater global power. 

It is a great choice for those who are searching for love quickly and without the drawn-out, complicated processes of other dating apps. You will not be given matches for anyone other than those who are a match based on recorded responses about things like religion, height, and politics. You can start a conversation based on a particular portion of someone's profile, making it super easy to find relatable and interesting things to converse about. 

Hinge does not just match and disappear like a bad date; instead, it sticks around to check in with you every so often to see how you are liking your matches. You can also 

Hinge does offer a free membership option as well as two tiers of paid membership: Hinge+ and HingeX. Both paid tiers give you the ability to see exactly who is visiting and liking your profile as well as to fine-tune your preferences and settings to narrow your search for the perfect partner. Where HingeX differs is that this membership level basically lets you pay to be noticed: your "likes" on other profiles are given priority, so it's more likely you'll be seen and messaged, giving you a better chance of finding a date or long-term partner. 

And if you want to get more eyes on your profile without committing to a long-term membership fee, you can purchase a Boost, which is similar to a promoted Tweet. For about $10, you can promote your profile for one hour, which might be a great way to get a new profile noticed or get fresh matches if your inbox is a bit empty. And for $20, you can purchase a Super Boost, which promotes your profile for a full 24 hours. You can also purchase a 3-pack of Roses for $10, which are enhanced Likes, to send to potential matches in order to stand out from the crowd. But if you don't want to pay for special Likes, all Hinge users get one free Rose every Sunday.

Hinge+ memberships start at $35 per month, but you can get small discounts if you pay for 3 or 6 months at a time. HingeX memberships start around $50 per month.

Compatibility: Android, iOS

Bumble boasts female empowerment by letting the women take the lead. Women have the power to initiate and maintain conversations, while men only have the chance to respond. It helps to rule out the Internet's creepy crawlers that are vastly inappropriate. 

It works, too, with Bumble used by millions of people to find love and even friendship. It works for professional contacts, too, although that is often not what users seek. You will have to pay to access advanced features, but there is a free plan available to get you started. Matches work on a 24-hour cycle, so you have one day to start a chat or respond to a conversation. 

Choose from Date, BFF, or Bizz to get started with unlimited swipes and chats to help you find that perfect match. You can also link your social media and Spotify accounts to help friends you already have or make new ones based on your interests.

Price: Bumble offers five plans, including one free and four paid plans, with a 14-day free trial.

Compatibility: Android, iOS

eharmony is one of the mainstays in the dating world, helping over 2 million members find their match on the platform. It helps to take the guesswork out of dating by using a proprietary Compatibility Matching System to pair couples based on unique preferences and characteristics. 

Your responses reveal your own Personality Profile, which includes a complimentary report about your unique character, relationship preferences, and communication styles. Armed with this perspective, it could be much easier for you to find love when you are more acutely aware of what you need. Once you find a match, you can use an Icebreaker test to get the conversation going, or you can simply send a smile. Either way, dating is made secure with the help of secure, in-app Video Dates. 

All in all, this is a dating app that is best for more serious users, people that are actively looking for a serious relationship.

Price: eharmony offers four plans, including one free and three paid plans.

Compatibility: Android, iOS

Match has been around for 25 years, making it one of the longest-running dating apps in the world. I myself am partial to Match, having found my husband on the app. After a decade together, I have to admit that the app is doing something right because I am far from the only successful Match to have found love on the platform. 

Match is a free service that offers daily matches. Once you find someone that sparks your interest, you can jump on a video chat, available in-app, or opt for a milder approach with Match's helpful conversation starters that help arm you with topics should the conversational well run dry during your date. It is your choice of how you want to mingle, whether it is via virtual or in-person events or simply messaging on the platform before an in-person date. If you need help, Match has dating experts available to boost confidence and equip you with all the tools you need to enjoy your next date.

Price: Match offers two paid plans, Standard and Premium, with a three-day free trial. 

Compatibility: Android, iOS

You may find forever love on the platform, but Tinder is an app best designed for more casual connections. The newer Millennial dating app offers casual daters to find like-minded matches, although that does not mean there are no opportunities for serious relationships. As the app says, "You can be here for a long time, and a good time, too." 

There have been 30 billion matches to date worldwide, further attesting to its convenient use and short-term compatibility. Free to use, you can designate your sexual orientation to narrow the dating pool and then wait for viewers, which you can easily track under the Likes You feature. 

Matches are secured by Tinder's Photo Verification, a much-needed additional security measure. Plus, if you are a bit nervous about meeting your match, opt for Noonlight, which allows you to bring someone along with all your dates. Swipe right or left, but either way, Tinder can help you find a whole variety of matches, no matter what type of relationship you may be seeking.

Price: Tinder previously offered age-based pricing with two models for those over 30 and under 30. However, the company is now phasing out this practice and replacing it with a flat-fee model.