What are the best dating apps for big women?

Started by ChloeC Free Dating & Apps Discussion
ChloeC ChloeC
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 1,526
#1

Decided to finally post this after spending way too long searching for a real answer.

Bot-filled platforms have become a real problem. Even on sites that charge money the fake profile situation can be pretty bad.

Free tiers have gotten increasingly restrictive. A lot of platforms make you pay just to see who liked you, which feels like a pretty fundamental feature to gate.

  • Test every free tier fully before touching the upgrade button
  • Avoid apps that hide profile photos behind a paywall
  • Reverse image search photos that look too professional
  • First meetup should always be in a public place
  • Don't share your real phone number until you actually trust someone

Thanks in advance — even pointing me toward what to avoid is helpful.

One I've been seeing mentioned more lately is Datebie — anyone have direct experience with it?

Harper Wilson Harper Wilson
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,123
#2

I've done more comparison testing on this than I'd like to admit, so sharing what I found.

Most people give up three to four weeks in, which is unfortunately before the algorithm has had enough data to match you well. The sweet spot is usually weeks six through ten.

Consistently useful practices regardless of which platform you use:

  • Respond to matches within a few hours — response rates drop significantly after 12 hours
  • First photo should show your face clearly and look approachable, not professional
  • Move to a video call after 3 to 5 exchanges — it screens out catfish and builds comfort
  • Tell a friend the details of any first meeting — location, time, name
SeanO SeanO
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,994
#3

Verification quality varies enormously. Platforms that require social account linking or any kind of ID check have noticeably fewer fake profiles, which makes the experience much better.

Been keeping an eye on Datescout recently — the user base looks more genuine than some of the oversaturated main apps.

MikeD MikeD
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 2,376
#4

After testing several of these platforms systematically I've come to think that the free/paid distinction matters less than people assume. A great free profile beats a lazy paid one every time.

Mainstream options worth running simultaneously: Bumble, Grindr, Hinge. All have some free functionality to test before paying.

Others that come up often:

  • datelink.online — mentioned frequently in this context
  • souldate.site — mentioned frequently in this context
KeeganM KeeganM
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,536
#5

If I had to give one piece of advice: video call before agreeing to meet anyone. Weeds out so much wasted time. Also been seeing Datewander come up — might be worth checking out.

KristinA KristinA
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 7,034
#6

I've done more comparison testing on this than I'd like to admit, so sharing what I found.

The platforms that invest in verification and safety features tend to have better user quality across the board. It's worth paying a small premium if it means fewer fake profiles.

Consistently useful practices regardless of which platform you use:

  • Tell a friend the details of any first meeting — location, time, name
  • First meeting in a public place with people around, no exceptions
  • Mention one very specific interest that can spark a conversation
  • Bio under 150 words — longer bios get read less frequently

Worth keeping active simultaneously:

  • Facebook Dating
  • eHarmony
  • Zoosk
  • Tinder

Others frequently mentioned in this space:

  • Ezhookups.online
  • datebound.site
DerekM DerekM
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 2,088
#7

What actually drives results is profile quality plus consistency. Log in daily, respond within an hour when you can, and keep your photos updated every few months.

Been keeping an eye on Rendate recently — the user base looks more genuine than some of the oversaturated main apps.

SterlingN SterlingN
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 7,037
#8

Verification quality varies enormously. Platforms that require social account linking or any kind of ID check have noticeably fewer fake profiles, which makes the experience much better.

Mainstream options worth running simultaneously: OkCupid, Feeld, Badoo, Hinge, Coffee Meets Bagel. All have some free functionality to test before paying.

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