MELHORES APPS
20/03/2026
If 2026 is the year you want to meet someone special, you’re not starting from scratch. Millions of people in the UK are already doing exactly that, one conversation at a time, from the sofa, the commute or the queue for a flat white.
The good news is that the apps have grown up. Profiles are richer, conversations start with something real, and there are more ways than ever to check that the person you’re chatting to is who they say they are.
Picture it: a relaxed chat on Tuesday, a drink at your favourite pub on Friday, and a plan for the Christmas market the weekend after.
The only thing missing is the first step. Here’s how to take it, and how to make a great impression when you do.
A first date doesn’t need a present, but a small, thoughtful touch on a second or third date can say a lot. With Black Friday on 27 November 2026 and Cyber Monday on 30 November, it’s the perfect moment to pick something up without overspending.
You’ll be in good company: in Barclays’ 2025 research, 45% of Black Friday shoppers planned to buy Christmas gifts at a discount. The same study found that most people are sceptical of “too good to be true” deals, so compare prices before you click buy.
Here are five ideas that work well early on, and where UK shoppers usually find them.
1. Small tech that gets used every day. A compact power bank, a smart tracker tag or a pair of budget earbuds is practical and pressure-free. Amazon UK, Argos and Currys usually run tech offers across Black Friday weekend.
It shows you pay attention to someone’s everyday life without making a grand gesture.
2. Beauty and grooming treats. A travel-size fragrance, a nice hand cream or a grooming set from Boots is a classic that rarely misses.
Keep it simple and neutral at this stage; a mini version is often better than a full-size bottle.
3. Something cosy for winter. Think soft socks, a scarf or a festive mug. John Lewis and M&S are reliable for quality basics that look good wrapped.
4. An experience for two. Experience vouchers from Virgin Experience Days, Buyagift or Red Letter Days turn a present into a reason to meet again: afternoon tea, a cookery class or a tasting session.
Always check the expiry date and booking terms before you buy.
5. A personal touch. Etsy UK and Not On The High Street are full of personalised prints, candles and handmade bits from independent makers.
Order early, because personalised items often take longer to make and deliver in December.
Whatever you choose, the gift matters less than the thought behind it. And, of course, you need someone to give it to.
Apps are no longer a last resort. Ofcom’s Online Nation research found that around one in ten UK adults (4.9 million) used an online dating service in May 2024, and most of them used more than one.
According to Similarweb’s Android usage ranking for September 2026, the most used dating apps in the UK are Hinge, Tinder and Bumble, followed by Badoo. Here’s what makes each one worth a look.
Hinge sits at number one in the UK. Profiles mix photos with written prompts, so instead of just swiping you can like a specific answer and start with a real comment.
In Ofcom’s data it was also the only top-ten service where women outnumbered men. Paid tiers (Hinge+ and HingeX) cost roughly £15–£35 a month at the time of writing.
Tinder reached around 1.9 million UK adults in Ofcom’s research, the most of any dating service. It’s quick to set up and ideal if you want lots of choice.
Features such as Double Date let you bring a friend along, which is perfect for a relaxed group plan. Paid plans run from roughly £17 to £35 a month.
On Bumble, either person can now send the first message, and matches have 72 hours to reply. Many users say that makes the whole experience calmer and less rushed.
Premium features such as seeing who has already liked you cost roughly £17–£40 a month, depending on the plan.
eharmony starts with a detailed compatibility questionnaire and suits anyone who prefers fewer, more considered matches.
Plans cost roughly £10–£40 a month depending on length, and longer plans are billed upfront.
Badoo is the fourth most used dating app in the UK and has a generous free version. Plenty of Fish, a long-standing favourite, was among the five most-visited dating services on Valentine’s Day 2024, according to Ofcom.
Both are easy-going options if you’d rather not pay while you work out what you’re looking for.
The apps have spent the last few years focusing on quality over quantity. That means fewer dead-end chats and more tools that help you move from match to meeting.
Once the chat is flowing, suggest something short, public and seasonal. A few ideas that work brilliantly in December:
Keep the first meeting to an hour or two. If it goes well, there’s always the next market, the next pub and the next weekend.
Expect even more focus on safety, real-life meetings and shared interests. Some newer apps, such as Breeze, already skip the chat entirely and book the first date for you.
The best dating apps of 2026 give you everything you need to meet someone who fits your life: a big pool, better profiles and safer ways to connect.
Choose the app that suits what you want, put a little effort into your profile and send that first message this week. Your plus-one for the festive season could be closer than you think.
