Raya is an exclusive dating app that requires a membership and also costs $7.99 a month. You cannot just JOIN Raya, you must know someone already using the app and be invited. RELATED: Best Dating Apps for Hooking Up As far as determining whether or not your matches are here for the real thing, Murzello says a picture's worth a thousand words. 'Look at the photos. Not that I’ve seen. In fact as an educated, successful outgoing (attractive, confident but picky on partners I don’t ‘do’ flings) woman that’s all they really are - entertainment value, nothing to be taken seriously - so you can imagine what sor.

By now, you've probably read about which dating app is best for this, that and the other thing ad infinitum. Important question, though: Of them all, which dating app is most effective? Perhaps you've read about which dating app is best for relationships, or which you should try if you live in New York or San Francisco, or which are the highest-rated dating apps. And while that's all well and good, and fun to read about, what most people really want out of a dating app is effectiveness, amirite? You don't want to waste your time gadding about, flitting from app to app like a crazed bumblebee without getting any results.

The results you crave likely vary, depending on who you are. One person's idea of an effective dating app might be landing tons of fun dates. Another person's dating holy grail might be an actual relationship, and they might be unwilling to yield or give up until they find that special someone. And, of course, there are some who just want to have fun, and don't even really want to date, per se — hooking up is their modus operandi. All are valid, but just which app is best to download? Never fear. There's a dating app for that, and that, and that. Here are the 10 most effective dating apps.

1. OkCupid

OkCupid's genius lies in the fact that it has so many users, and many (not all) of them want to date or get into relationships. If that's what you're after, you likely want to try this. Bonus points for lots of inviting profile pics and a robust, filled-out profile around here.

2. Coffee Meets Bagel

For the purposes of this piece, I'm sticking close to apps that I know are effective, either from personal experience, second-hand experience or high ratings in general. I know one couple — in fact, I was just with them last night at a Julia Holter concert — that met on Coffee Meets Bagel. Its premise is super straightforward: Each day at noon, you get one — count them, one — match. Not three, not five, not a swipe-all-day-erry-day situation. One. If you like them, yay. If you don't, you can dial in your preferences and help the app send you a better match the following day.

3. Tinder

Tinder, like it or hate it, isn't going anywhere any time soon. The ubiquitous app that everyone loves to hate or hates to love — or just, like, loves — is effective in part simply thanks to its saturation: Some 50 million people have Tinder, according to Wikipedia. Though the app is known for its nefarious hookup culture, people totally meet and fall in love here too. It just depends on what you're looking for. If it's love, be upfront about it in your self-summary. If your match is just looking for a lil' somethin'-somethin', they'll know to not come knocking on your door.

4. Hinge

Any app that matches people based on friends of friends is a friend of mine. Isn't that how the expression goes? No? Anyway, Hinge is all about introducing you to people who are connected to your real life Facebook friends, or to your Facebook friends' Facebook friends, so you'll never have more than one degree of separation when you meet. ('So, how do you know Jacob?' is always a good starting line.)

5. Match

Match calls themselves 'number one in dates, relationships and marriages,' and they have the data to back this one up. It's pricey, but if you don't find The One in six months, they'll give you another six months gratis. Not a money-back guarantee, exactly, but an incentive to roll up your sleeves and join if marriage or an LTR is what you're after.

6. Bumble

Bumble has really taken the dating game by storm of late. Founded by an ex–Tinder employee, who experienced sexual harassment at her old job and sued the company, the app puts the power where it belongs: In the woman's hands. (As far as online dating goes, at least.) If you see someone you like, you reach out within 24 hours before the connection disappears. If you don't, you don't. End of story. For LGBT matches, either person can reach out before the connection is gone.

7. Her

OK, the claim that 'Her connects you to every lesbian worldwide' is a bit of a stretch, as every lesbian worldwide definitely does not have this app. So it's a little hyperbolic. But Her certainly is the most popular app for women ISO women, and the interface is clean, easy to use and handsome. Whether you're down for dating or looking for love, Her is certainly worth a download.

8. Align

Best Free Dating Apps That Actually Work

Since we're talking about effectiveness, I have to include Align. Why? Well, Align matches you based on your horoscope. Aries? You need a Libra, of course. Cancer? Grab a Scorpio (but not by the tail!). Since all of this matching we're doing online is pretty willy-nilly, mostly based on looks or the fact that two people happen to both love the writing of Andre Dubus or the singing of Jeff Buckley or the dancing of Isadora Duncan or whatever — aka it's so far from an exact science as to be downright laughable most of the time — why not rely on the stars to matchmake? Also, it's fun.

9. Jaumo

I had never heard of this one until today, so don't panic if you're like, Huh? But Jaumo is, in fact, the highest-rated dating app, according to Applause, an app-quality company. The popular app allows you to 'share your moments,' which will appeal to those who are Snapchat-obsessed, and promises to simplify 'flirting and looking for a partner,' which can be one and the same on this app.

10. Mesh

Mesh is another one you may not be familiar with, but even Vogue recommends it, which is reason enough to be intrigued. In terms of effectiveness, Mesh employs a built-in spam filter, which means that you never have to subjected to endless 'sup' messages again. (At least if you stay off Tinder, that is.) Mesh offers you a chance to 'de-clutter your dating experience,' thanks to their 'patent-pending Mismatch,' which 'automatically filters sub-par messages to a Mismatch folder.' Sounds like a dream.

Images: Fotolia; iTunes (9); WiffleGif

Dating app doesn’t just mean Tinder. While some have found success through swiping right, others aren’t as lucky on the well-known platform. In an age where people are rushing here and there and the one thing on them at all times is their phone, it’s no wonder that dating apps have become so popular. It’s hard to know which ones work and which are filled with scammers though. To make your love life a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best dating apps all depending on what you’re looking for. Happy swiping!

Hinge

An app specified for long term relationships. It’s trendy in the US because of its high authenticity and its focus on a smaller section of people. This app is not intended for hookups or short term relationships, as it’s helping users meet “the one.” It’s kind of like Instagram but for dating. Users can go through people’s pictures, likes and dislikes and decide the compatibility. Another bonus of the app is that it asks for users’ opinions regarding the dates. This helps the app suggest better matches for the user in the future.

Flingster

Meetup

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This app focuses on finding people with the same interests as you. Authenticity is also a key factor in the app. It divides the audience into local groups which makes it easier to find someone in your area. What’s different about this app is that it doesn’t have to necessarily be used for dating. You can meet up with strangers in your area that share the same interests. It also has a group feature where you can meet up with groups with similar interests.

Tinder

The well-known icon of online dating. The app lets users upload pictures and write a bio for potential matches to see. It also allows connection to Instagram and Spotify so people have more access to who you are, whether it’s through more pictures or through your favorite songs. The app is best known for it’s swiping feature which makes it easier for people to match or reject matches.

Bumble

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The app that’s woman-friendly. It follows the same swiping concept as Tinder. The bonus for women is that the app follows a “ladies first” idea. When a match has been made, women can see the icon of the match on their screen. Men though can only see it once the woman reaches out to him. Also like Tinder, it allows you to upload photos and create a biography to get more swipes right.

TopFace

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See how many people visit your profile. A free app that lets you like or dislike someone’s profile, similar to the other dating apps. What makes this app different though is that you can see the number of people who have visited your profile without paying any fee. The reason the app has gained so much popularity is that it’s cheaper than most other apps and allows for more features through a free membership.

Best Dating Apps That Actually Work Without

Coffee Meets Bagel

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Quality over quantity. This app has a unique aspect of “passing bagels.” Meaning: men will receive bagels and must decide whether to take or pass the bagel. The app targets mostly young professionals or young adults due to the lively and modern concept. Photos can be automatically uploaded for Facebook or Instagram, so there’s no need to go through your camera roll and click all your best selfies.

Best Dating Apps That Actually Work For Men

Happn

Do Any Dating Apps Actually Work

A location-based dating app. The app’s geo-targeted software matches you with people you have physically passed by earlier in the day. The concept of the app is that the more you run into people, the bigger the pool of choices you’ll have to match with. Matches can only message each other if they’ve mutually liked each other.

Best Dating Apps That Actually Work 2020

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