Tired of swiping? 7 dating app alternatives single Americans are using in 2026.
Tired of swiping? 7 dating app alternatives single Americans are using in 2026.
Dating app fatigue is real. A July 2025 survey by Forbes Health revealed that nearly 4 in 5 users report feeling burned out from dating apps “sometimes, often, or always.” Reasons cited include failure to connect, disappointment, and rejection.
As easy as it is to communicate with others online, it’s never been more difficult to make romantic connections. Facing this realization, many Americans have decided to take a step back from generic dating apps and use alternative means to combat their loneliness. PeopleWin took a deep dive into seven ways people seek love in the modern era, including in-person methods like coworking spaces and online methods like meetup apps.
1. Speed friending is the new speed dating
It’s harder than ever to find meaningful connections. The Pew Research Center found in 2023 that 8% of American adults reported having no friends at all. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services found in 2023 that, over the past two decades, time spent in person with friends has reduced dramatically. The young adult age group, in particular, reported a 70% reduction.
To meet new people, many have turned to speed friending. These in-person events are very similar to speed dating but are designed for platonic connections. However, many people are relying on them as “feelers.” While they’re not explicitly looking to find a date, they remain open to the idea of meeting a potential suitor.
2. Coworking spaces are hot spots for remote singles
The workplace has always been a common place for finding a partner. In fact, Forbes Advisor reported in 2024 that just over 2 in 5survey respondents had married someone they worked with. In the age of remote work, it’s more difficult to find a mate at a job.
Nowadays, many remote workers are utilizing coworking spaces. As of 2022, 1.08 million people used coworking spaces in the U.S., according to Zippia. That’s a lot of opportunities for meeting new people.
3. There are fewer fish in the sea with niche dating apps
Online dating and dating apps are not completely dead. They’re just getting more specialized. Selectivity is important in dating. Niche apps are helping “weed out” people based on compatibility. These platforms allow individuals to get specialized dating inquiries with other like-minded people. Examples include MillionaireMatch, a website for high-net-worth individuals, and FarmersOnly, a site dedicated to farmers and people in rural communities.
Personality similarities can be very important in a relationship. In 2023, Nature Human Behavior analyzed the frequency of shared personality traits among opposite-sex couples. The study found that, on average, 82%-89% of personality traits were shared. This research provides compelling insight into why people might pursue relationships on more niche dating apps.
4. Finding mutual interests with meetup apps
Many people have decided to join group meetup apps to find a partner, as they bring people with similar interests together. These apps help people bond over a common activity, such as hiking or board games, which can lead to relationship opportunities.
Some apps like Meetup have expanded into singles groups, designed to bring single people together over activities like going out for drinks.
5. Volunteer opportunities in the community
Volunteering is another way people are finding dates away from dating apps. Additionally, as AARP notes, it’s good for “staving off loneliness.” Volunteer organizations and events are a great way to meet other like-minded people who care about community involvement.
6. At the gym and outdoors
As Glamour reported in March 2023, “workout wooing” was the latest trend in dating. They reported on a study conducted by Bumble and Gymshark that found 22% of Gen Zers and millennials would prefer a date at the gym to one at the pub.
Active first dates are 25% more likely to lead to a second date, according to a 2025 New York Post report citing data from matchmaking company Tawkify. People who enjoy activities like hiking may have more luck securing a long-term relationship if they stay off dating apps and coordinate dates in the real world.
7. Finding love at cultural events
For people who enjoy intellectual pursuits and cultural events, destinations like museums can be a great way to meet people offline. Museums are full of exhibits that are great conversation starters. For instance, remarking on a painting to someone else who is enjoying the gallery can help break the ice.
The world is full of dating opportunities
It’s easy to think that in today’s world, dating only takes place online. But people are increasingly burned out from the constant swiping and screen time required by dating apps.
More people are taking to the streets to find alternative ways of finding a partner. Whether that’s at the gym, at a museum, or at coworking spaces, plenty of offline opportunities exist for singles. Online apps may make it easier to have an initial connection, but it takes real-world effort to find a relationship that will last.
This story was produced by PeopleWin and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
