MELHORES APPS
28/03/2026
Think you know dating apps? Swipe, match, “hey”, repeat? In 2026, some of the most interesting relationship apps in the UK work in ways you might not expect.
One skips chatting entirely and books your first date for you. Another matches you partly on personality type. And some of the big names have quietly added features that make meeting someone feel far more natural.
If you’ve felt a bit tired of the usual routine, this is your sign to look again.
Here are the relationship apps that might genuinely surprise you this year.
Speaking of surprises: the festive season is the perfect time for a small, thoughtful one. Black Friday lands on 27 November 2026, and Barclays forecast that UK shoppers would spend around £3.6 billion in the 2025 Boxing Day sales alone.
In other words, there are plenty of chances to find a bargain. Here are five surprise ideas that work early on.
1. A mystery experience. A voucher from Virgin Experience Days or Red Letter Days for something you’ll do together, revealed on the day.
2. A tiny tech upgrade. A smart tag, a mini speaker or a charging stand from Currys or Argos.
3. A local treat. Their favourite coffee, a box of good chocolates or a bakery treat from somewhere near them. Personal beats pricey.
4. Something handmade. A personalised print or candle from Etsy UK or Not On The High Street.
5. A cosy classic. A soft scarf or a festive mug from John Lewis or M&S, wrapped with a handwritten note.
The best surprise early on isn’t expensive. It’s the one that shows you were listening.
Ofcom found that most UK online daters use more than one service. People are clearly shopping around for an experience that suits them better.
Breeze is now the fifth most used dating app in the UK, according to Similarweb’s September 2026 ranking. Every day it sends you a handful of profiles; if you both like each other, you skip the chat and Breeze books a first date at one of its partner bars.
There’s no subscription: you pay per date with a “date token”, which Breeze says usually costs the local equivalent of €10–€15 and includes a deal on your first drink. In London, it even runs Group Dates for 6 to 10 singles.
Boo matches people partly by personality type, which gives you an instant conversation starter. It ranks among the top dating apps in the UK, Ireland and South Africa.
Hinge is the UK’s most used dating app, but many people still don’t make the most of it. Commenting on a specific prompt or sending a voice note makes a far stronger first impression than a simple like.
Paid tiers cost roughly £15–£35 a month at the time of writing.
Tinder’s Double Date feature lets you team up with a friend and match with another pair. It’s a relaxed way to meet, especially for a festive night out. Paid plans run from roughly £17 to £35 a month.
Bumble lets either person send the first message, gives matches 72 hours to reply, and offers in-app voice and video calls to check the spark before you meet. Premium costs roughly £17–£40 a month.
eharmony’s detailed compatibility questionnaire might feel old-fashioned, but for people who want something long-term, fewer and better matches can be a pleasant surprise. Plans cost roughly £10–£40 a month depending on length.
| App | The surprise | Best for | How you pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeze | No chat, the date is booked for you | People who hate endless texting | Per date (date token) |
| Boo | Personality-type matching | Shared-interest connections | Free, optional upgrades |
| Hinge | Comments and voice notes | Meaningful conversations | Free or roughly £15–£35 a month |
| Tinder | Double Date with a friend | Relaxed group plans | Free or roughly £17–£35 a month |
| Bumble | Voice and video calls | Checking the spark first | Free or roughly £17–£40 a month |
| eharmony | In-depth compatibility test | Long-term relationships | Roughly £10–£40 a month |
Prices are approximate at the time of writing and vary by age, location and plan length.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market runs from 5 November to 24 December 2026, and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland opens on 19 November. A mulled wine, a stroll and a bit of people-watching make for an easy first meeting.
Look for verified profiles, meet somewhere public, tell a friend your plans and never send money to someone you haven’t met.
How does Breeze work? You get a few suggested profiles each day. If you both like each other, Breeze skips the chat and books a first date at a partner bar. You pay per date, not a subscription.
Is Breeze available outside London? Yes. Breeze says it’s available in many UK cities. Group Dates are currently London-only.
What is Tinder Double Date? A feature that lets you pair up with a friend and match with another pair, for a more relaxed group meet-up.
Do I need to pay for these apps? Most can be used for free. Breeze charges per date instead of a subscription.
If the usual swipe-and-chat routine has left you cold, there’s never been a better time to try something different. Breeze, Boo and the new features on Hinge, Tinder and Bumble make meeting someone feel fresh again.
Pick one that fits your style, say yes to a date and see where it takes you. The best surprise of the festive season might be the person you meet.
