With a cocktail of fantastic bars, a feast of fabulous restaurants, and a generous sprinkle of natural beauty, Calgary is a singles’ paradise!
But how to navigate this potential date haven when you’re feeling timid or don’t have the energy for a bar hop? We review the best online dating apps in Calgary so you can click and pick in comfort.
Table of Contents
How much do online dating apps in Calgary cost?
The cost of online dating apps in Calgary can vary widely depending on the platform and the type of membership or subscription you choose:
- Free versions: Basic memberships with limited features. Users can create profiles, browse matches, and send a few messages without paying.
- Premium memberships: Unlock advanced features like unlimited messaging, enhanced search filters, and profile visibility. Prices range from a few dollars to over C$30 per month.
How We Picked
1. Bumble
Address: 1105 W 41st St, Austin, TX 78756, United States (Google Maps)
Contact: +15126961409
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Bumble, founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014, helps redefine dating by empowering women to make the first move, challenging outdated gender dynamics. Her vision came from observing women waiting for men to initiate dating, prompting her to flip the script.
Evolving beyond a dating app, Bumble is also a networking platform. It enables individuals of all genders to make meaningful connections in romance, friendships, and professional pursuits.
Today, Bumble’s three pillars include Bumble Date, which shifts dating dynamics; Bumble Bizz, which fosters career connections; and Bumble BFF, which simplifies friendship creation.
Pros
- Woman-initiated dating app
- Also has features for making friends and growing a professional network
- Swipe, match, and message for free
Cons
- Connection disappears permanently if a woman doesn’t respond within 24 hours
Customer Review
As a woman, it’s nice to be able to take the first step to initiate the conversation
“I completely loved this app. I haven’t ever used dating apps and about a year ago I decided to give them a try. I did some research and decided to try Bumble first as I was looking for something serious. The app is really easy to use, I just wished the chat window was a bit more interactive and allowed to delete messages (lol), but again the purpose of this app is just to use it as a first step and continue chatting/texting out of it once you think you have a match. As a woman, it is nice to be able to take the first step to initiate the conversation. I had 3 dates with really nice guys before finding my current boyfriend (we’ll soon be celebrating our first anniversary!), so we are both very happy we found each other with this app.” – Ger R, App Store Review
2. Tinder
Address: 8833 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA (Google Maps)
Contact: 214-853-4309 (app or technical-related support)
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Tinder spans 190 countries for global connections. It aims to be more than a dating app and has evolved into a diverse platform where genuine connections transcend borders.
It emphasizes identity over stereotypes. Tinder does away with filters based on demographics like height or education and believes in giving everyone the chance to make the first move.
With photo verification, profiles with a blue checkmark ensure authenticity, and Face to Face facilitates video chatting for continued online connections.
Pros
- Premium features increase chances of matching threefold
- Can be used both as a mobile app and on a desktop
Cons
- Free features are only for creating a basic profile and swiping
Customer Review
User-friendly interface and innovative matching algorithm
“Tinder has revolutionized the way we find love! This incredible app has made dating exciting and accessible like never before. With its user-friendly interface and innovative matching algorithm, Tinder brings people together effortlessly. I love the variety it offers, allowing me to meet amazing individuals from diverse backgrounds. It’s a delightful experience, filled with countless possibilities and genuine connections. Thanks to Tinder, my social life has blossomed, and I’m grateful for the endless opportunities it presents. Highly recommended!” – Porter J, Sitejabber Review
3. Plenty of Fish
Address: 555 W Hastings St #2525, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N4, Canada (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Established in 2003, Plenty of Fish (POF) redefines online dating by prioritizing conversation over photos, setting it apart from other platforms. It has extra features like POF Live!, which allows users to create a 90-second stream.
The platform urges users to explore personalities before swiping and try the Cue’d Up! game, which asks a funny question with multiple suggested answers.
Sign-up and profile creation are free, with added features available through POF Plus and POF Premium memberships.
POF can be used as an app or via desktop.
Pros
- Available to use online and as an app
- Has a feature for a 90-second livestream
- Plenty of free features after creating a profile
Cons
- Prone to fake profiles and spammers
Customer Review
Would recommend to local singles
“Great site with friendly ladies. Found a lot of cool ladies that show love. Would recommend to local singles.” – Andrew, CA, Trustpilot Review
4. Grindr
Address: 750 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States (Google Maps)
Contact: +1 310-776-6680
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Since its 2009 launch, Grindr has evolved into the world’s largest social networking app for the LGBTQ+ community with millions of daily users. Tailored for gay, bi, trans, and queer individuals, Grindr’s geolocation-based platform connects users worldwide.
The app facilitates chats, photo sharing, and even voice and video messages. It prioritizes safety, offering a sanctuary to explore, navigate, and virtually connect with the queer community nearby.
The Grid, Grindr’s home page, displays users based on proximity, allowing a nuanced exploration of nearby connections. With location accuracy within 100 meters, Grindr allows users to toggle distance visibility.
Pros
- Largest social networking app for LGBTQ+ community
- Geolocation-based platform for instant matches
- Has strict community safety rules
Cons
- Mainly for hookups, not long-term relationships
Customer Review
There’s a diverse group of all different kinds of people so there’s definitely a good chance that there’s someone for almost everyone
“I am a transgender gender woman and Grindr has helped me link up with like-minded people more so than any other dating app has. And I’ve tried them all. I also like all of the safeguards in place to help keep me safe from being harassed. There’s a diverse group of all different kinds of people so there’s definitely a good chance that there’s someone for almost everyone. I love the live-video chat feature which is available right there in the app to verify what each other looks like, it’s impossible to get cat-fished that way, I hate being cat-fished! The premium subscription options are affordable and offer great value for the price. With the “Extra” subscription the grid of users is greatly increased beyond the cap of 600 people and you get the option to be incognito. The “unlimited” subscription is pretty much Unlimited in terms of the distance the app will display users. My favourite unlimited feature is the ability to un-send messages and to be able to see if the message u sent has been read by the recipient.
All in all, I love Grindr, I use it every day for chatting, exchanging pics and videos with people I’m interested in meeting and then actually setting up a meet.” – Valley TS Kelley, App Store Review
5. eHarmony
Address: 10900 Wilshire Blvd #17, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States (Google Maps)
Contact: +14242581199
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
eHarmony has been around since 2000. It’s become known as an inclusive dating platform in Canada. With a vast, open-minded dating pool, it caters to diverse preferences—senior, over 50, over 60, Christian, Asian, gay, and lesbian dating.
With its free trial, users access crafted matches, explore potential connections, and engage in limited messaging. It prioritizes safety with its in-house Trust-and-Safety Team.
eHarmony’s compatibility matching system algorithm is fueled by personality, lifestyle, and dating preferences to guide users to well-suited matches.
Pros
- 24/7 customer support
- Uses a compatibility matching system algorithm
- Has a diverse dating pool
Cons
- Not a hit among the early twenties age group
Customer Review
Met my wife on eharmony about 7 years ago
“Met my wife on eharmony about 7 years ago, and we recently had a beautiful baby boy. I don’t have a salesman personality, but I think this website is great. It is a very smart way to get to meet someone. Getting matched up on important commonalities is very important because they have helped us stay solid as a couple through important decision-making of career shifts, moving, and raising our baby.” – Rob, Google Reviews
6. Coffee Meets Bagel
Address: 391 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Coffee Meets Bagel, a dating app crafted by three women, aims to be a platform seeking to level the dating field between genders. Recognizing a gender imbalance with men being 85% more active on dating apps, the creators aimed to address this issue.
It’s geared towards serious daters. The app focuses on quality over quantity, delivering daily batches of curated matches based on upfront preferences.
By providing women with six high-quality matches (bagels) daily at noon, Coffee Meets Bagel ensures a curated and intentional approach to online dating. It primarily caters to individuals ready for something beyond casual swiping and matching.
Pros
- Offers better matches for women
- Ideal for those seeking something serious
- Boost feature can give up to 5x profile views and 3x matches
Cons
- LGBTQIA+ match pool might be limited locally
Customer Review
I will recommend CMB any day
“The platform itself is solid and easy to use. However, there are still some bad people who somehow find their way there. I was unlucky to have met one of those bad people, who I later discovered ran what is called pig butchering on me. Luckily, I found and reported to Broker Complaint Alert, and they were able to help me get back all that I lost. I will recommend CMB any day, but I will also advise you to do due diligence on anyone you meet there. And if like me, you have also fallen for one of the bad people, you can recover your losses by reaching out to Broker Complaint Alert.” – Harry Kim, Trustpilot Review
7. Wingman
Address: 251 Little Falls Dr, Wilmington, DE 19808, United States (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Wingman redefines the dating game as a digital matchmaker, allowing friends to champion your profile. With a unique approach, the app offers two roles: single or wingman.
Singles can enlist friends to write testimonials and find matches on their behalf. It’s relatively easy to sign up with users choosing to play matchmaker for a friend, crafting their profile and identifying potential matches.
A simple swipe right introduces the match, and when mutual interest occurs, the ice is broken for seamless chatting. It’s a refreshing departure from traditional dating apps, making the quest for love a shared and interactive experience.
Pros
- Your friends handle the matchmaking
- You can be both a matchmaker and a date-seeker
- Unique approach to online dating
Cons
- Wingman-less users can only browse the feed but aren’t allowed self-introductions
Customer Review
So far my matches from Wingman are going great
“I’ve always been that friend who sets up my friends I feel like in my friend groups I have set up so many that they all went from multiple groups to this one huge one we now have, so I love this idea of getting to help friends by setting them up through this app! And…so far my matches from Wingman are going great so I’m just saying I might have a gift! I love the app and so do my friends.” – Layney Wayney, Apple Store Review
8. Raya
Address: 1 N Clematis St Ste 500 West Palm Beach, FL, 33401-5552 (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS
Raya is an exclusive platform tailored for the rich and famous. It invites celebrities, influencers, and those able to afford a monthly membership who value privacy above all else.
Beyond being a mere dating app, Raya aspires to cultivate a secure and trusted community, fostering genuine real-world connections and experiences for its members.
It aims for quality interactions on a platform where the elite seek meaningful connections beyond the ordinary dating app experience. It prioritizes transparency and control, enabling easy toggling of “social mode” to view individuals in your immediate vicinity, and location services.
Pros
- All users are verified to eliminate fake accounts
- Ideal for elite users who like exclusive memberships
- Easy-toggle social mode and location features
Cons
- Requires a large following and mandatory monthly payment
- Exclusive to wealthy individuals for Calgary dating
- Only available on iOS
Customer Review
I feel safe in this space
“Traditional dating apps don’t work for me. I kept running into people who felt either threatened by my success or were aggressively trying to take advantage of it. I feel safe in this space. I also find with my crazy hours/touring schedule, I could really only end up with someone who is equally busy and career-driven. This app filters out the static. To me, it doesn’t matter if they only show people in my city because I and (I’m assuming) most other people on the app travel so often that it doesn’t really matter. It’s fun and I’m having great conversations. It was frustrating being waitlisted for 4-5 days when all my friends were on it but it was worth it in my opinion. I don’t really want it to be accessible because then it doesn’t serve the same purpose.” – Onantiad, App Store Review
9. SilverSingles
Address: 10808 S River Front Parkway Suite 398, South Jordan, Utah 84095 United States (Google Maps)
Contact: 1-833-409-0107
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Established in 2002 as PrimeSingles.net and later rebranded, SilverSingles is an exclusive global platform for mature singles in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Germany, and France. It caters specifically to those over 50.
SilverSingles aims to go beyond proximity in its matchmaking by blending location and compatibility for better match outcomes. It also offers three to seven daily matches for better chances of hitting it off with someone.
The site prioritizes compatibility by ensuring matches align with personality and preferences. It uses a holistic approach by requiring members to take a personality test for more customized matchmaking.
Pros
- Meant for mature singles over 50
- Daily matches of three to seven users until a potential partner is found
- Thorough personality tests for better matches
Cons
- Limited features with basic membership access
Customer Review
Delighted to be the beneficiary of all the expertise of the Silversingles platform
“I am delighted to be the beneficiary of all the expertise Silversingles platform has to offer!” – Menoraman, App Store Review
10. Hinge
Address: 508 Laguardia Place. New York, NY 10012, USA (Google Maps)
Contact: Help Center
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Hinge, founded to help those in their mid-20s seeking serious connections (as per its motto, “designed to be deleted”), is meant for the young and earnest dater. It’s also for those tired of casual encounters and want something more long-term.
With a commitment to facilitating genuine love, the app employs a Nobel Prize-winning algorithm to ensure meaningful dates. By answering three prompts to activate and periodically updating them, users optimize their profiles for better matches.
There are no anonymous likes here; Hinge shows who’s interested straightaway. The algorithm increases the likelihood of great dates, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Pros
- Ideal for serious daters
- Nobel Prize-winning matching algorithm
- Geared towards mid-twentysomething users
Cons
- Access to ‘best matches’ requires payment
Customer Review
Has led to more genuine conversations and has been an overall amazing experience
“Unlike Tinder and Bumble, Hinge gives you the opportunity to actually bring forth more of your personality as he can comment on a person’s profile. The more information on your profile or another person’s profile increases the chances of you liking something other than just their looks. I found that this has led to much more engaging and relatable matches with others, not only that but leading those comments on their profile has led to easier conversations as it is a total ice breaker. The conversation starts with the comment that you made after you match and you can build off of what you sent. I found this has led to more genuine conversations and has been an overall amazing experience.” – Lanham Man, App Store Review
11. Adult Friend Finder
Address: 910 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA 95008, USA (Google Map)
Contact: (669) 208-0363 (24-hour customer support line)
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
In the late 1990s, Adult Friend Finder (AFF) reshaped online encounters by embracing casual connections, a departure from the era’s focus on long-term relationships.
Software engineer Andrew Conru created AFF to welcome the free-spirited seeking non-committal connections. Today, it’s a platform offering a secure space for straight, gay, trans, and non-binary individuals for uninhibited encounters.
In Calgary, it’s popular with millions of active users, encouraging a more open approach to meetings. It’s ideal for short-term dating and commitment-free hookups.
Pros
- Millions of users include a large Calgary user base
- Straightforward hookup app
- 24-hour customer support
Cons
- Not ideal for those looking for serious relationships
- The app looks and feels outdated
Customer Review
Overall I like this site a lot
“I’d say that AFF is probably above average, there’s definitely worse out there and it has the most important thing – a bunch of women. I say it’s not got as many as hookuphangout.com (in my area certainly) but it still has enough to keep you busy. There are occasional time wasters but overall I like this site a lot and will be taking a longer subscription when my month’s trial runs out. Happy days.” – Nick M, Sitejabber Review
12. Happn
Address: 8 Rue Du Sentier, Paris, Ile-de-France, 75002, France (Google Maps)
Contact: +33 170752801
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Happn, a free mobile dating app available for iPhone and Android, presents a unique approach to love. It gives a second chance to serendipitous encounters with a map featuring the main locations where you’ve crossed paths with others in the last 7 days.
Profiles appear based on proximity and preferences, with the option to expand the radius up to 90 kilometres. The Happn map details the time and place of your last encounters.
Co-founded by Didier Rappaport, Fabien Cohen, and Antony Cohen, it initially launched in France but swiftly gained global popularity. In fact, Happn is the third most popular dating site in Canada!
Pros
- Instant proximity alerts
- Designed to match with people you’ve encountered/nearly missed
- Profiles stay on your map for 30 days
Cons
- Limited free video chat
- Upgrades required to get more info on matches
Customer Review
Without Happn we might not have ever met
“I met my best friend and love of my life on Happn a little over 2 years ago. We crossed paths 60+ times and I thought dang, this guy must be my neighbor but it turns out he lived a few miles from where I did and worked. Once we connected and started talking he even saw me crossing the street with my boss one afternoon near my work before we even met. That’s fate and we found out later that we crossed paths our entire lives including during childhood, across states, and concerts, mutual interest events, and more but we kept missing each other. Without Happn we might not have ever met. No app is perfect for finding love, there is a bit of magic to it all but I loved the initial appeal that it was a more natural way of meeting the person you are supposed to be with. You could have crossed paths with the one seconds before or after them a hundred times and would have never known. This just gave us the visibility we needed, a nudge. Thank you! Forever grateful for whoever came up with this. I’d like to think my story is what you were trying to create with this app. Well done!” – dallaswomen, App Store Review
13. Hily
Address: 3172 N Rainbow Blvd 1132, Las Vegas, Nevada 89108, US (Google Maps)
Contact: (702) 707-7542
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Hily caters to those who prefer video chatting. It aims to streamline online dating for mature women, single individuals of various ages, and those seeking international or interracial connections.
The app focuses on enhancing user conversations through icebreakers, compatibility checks, messaging, and convenient in-app video calls to foster a more personal connection.
To avoid catfishing scenarios, Hily has multiple verification tools, granting access only to real and verified users. Legit users are marked by a “Verified” badge on their profiles.
Pros
- Video prompts keep the conversation flowing
- Multiple verification tools for profiles
- Live support
Cons
- Many features require payment
- Not ideal for the video-shy dater
Customer Review
Am actually communicating with beautiful people
“At first I wasn’t sure of the whole app and was definitely skeptical from the start! However as it is I’m enjoying myself, and am actually communicating with beautiful people. Honestly didn’t realize attractive people used dating sites. I have been out of the game for a while. Well, thanks I’m still on the fence as far as 14 $ a week plus tax goes. But the potential for a meaningful relationship that could potentially last forever is priceless. I’ll give more feedback if I choose to go premium.” – piperjosh, App Store Review
14. Lavalife
Address: 530 Kipling Ave, Toronto, ON M8Z 5E3, CA (Google Maps)
Contact: +1 877-893-0777
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
Lavalife is a Toronto-based online dating service with over 25 years of matchmaking expertise. While it’s available in Australia and most of North America, it primarily aims to match local Canadian singles.
The Lavalife app for Android and iOS extends the dating experience with exclusive app bonuses like LavaLounge. It offers a quick under-10-minute sign-up process, user-friendly search, messaging, and notifications to enhance accessibility.
The app matches interests and offers ice-breaking tips for an interesting online experience. Its “In Common” feature highlights that sparks connections and can even suggest city-wide activities.
Pros
- Canadian-created dating site
- Offers city-specific activity suggestions based on shared interests
- Focuses on connecting local singles with other local singles
Cons
- Free trial period is only for a week
Customer Review
Lavalife is for the hottie
“Lavalife for the hottie, match.com for the ugly people – If you are good looking, then you’ll find plenty of young people to hook up with on Lavalife. If you wear glasses and are bald, stick with match or eharmony.” – Jonny P, Sitejabber Review
15. OkCupid
Address: 809 Washington St, New York, NY 10014, USA (Google Maps)
Contact: [email protected]
Website
Instagram
App download: iOS, Android
OkCupid, born from the minds of four Harvard friends, revolutionized online dating in 2012 by launching the first major dating app. Its mission is connectivity regardless of location.
It uses a proprietary data analysis system that has resulted in 50,000 dates arranged weekly. Beyond matchmaking, OkCupid shares engaging stories, illustrations, videos, and podcasts.
OkCupid presents an inclusive approach by introducing 22 gender and 13 orientation options. The app offers to facilitate meaningful connections based on shared values and interests.
Pros
- Has dozens of gender and orientation options
- “Mutual Likes” access and messaging are free
- Incognito mode keeps your profile hidden (unless you message or like someone)
Cons
- Upgrade option exclusively for active subscribers
Customer Review
It’s a fun and safe environment
“Thank goodness for Okcupid! It is zany and cute. You will want to spend hours setting up your profile. It’s a fun and safe environment and you won’t be disappointed with your experience like you do with all other dating sites. Highly recommend! 100 million stars!” – Nicole Ekar, Trustpilot Review
