Navigating the world of dating can be complex, and for those practicing polyamory, finding the right platform is crucial. Conventional dating apps often fall short, leaving ethically non-monogamous individuals searching for more inclusive spaces. Fortunately, a growing number of apps are designed to accommodate diverse relationship structures, making it easier for people to connect with like-minded partners and communities.
Key Takeaways
- Polyamory-friendly dating apps offer specific filters and features to accommodate non-monogamous lifestyles.
- Mainstream apps are increasingly incorporating features for polyamorous users, though dedicated apps offer more tailored experiences.
- Challenges include "unicorn hunting" and a lack of clarity on mainstream platforms.
- Success on any app requires honesty, communication, and open-mindedness.
What Makes a Dating App Polyamory-Friendly?
A dating app is considered polyamory-friendly if it provides filters that allow users to clearly communicate their relationship preferences and status. This includes options to specify being polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous, solo poly, or in an open relationship. Ideally, these apps allow users to list or link existing partners, facilitating clear communication about relationship dynamics. Features like customizable search criteria, non-monogamy filters, and group or couple matching are also highly beneficial.
Top Polyamorous Dating Apps
Several platforms cater specifically to or are inclusive of the polyamorous community:
- Feeld: Celebrated for its open-minded approach, Feeld is designed as a safe space for ethically non-monogamous, queer, and kink communities. It’s praised for its user-friendly interface and filtering options.
- Grindr: While historically known for gay men, Grindr has expanded its inclusivity to bisexual, queer, and trans individuals. It allows users to indicate their partnered status and emphasizes safe sex information.
- Hinge: This popular mainstream app was an early adopter of non-monogamy filters. While it allows users to specify relationship types, it lacks the ability to filter exclusively for non-monogamous matches.
- HER: Specifically for queer and gender-diverse women, HER features a "dating goals" section and a "relationship style" option that includes polyamory and relationship anarchy.
- OkCupid: An established platform, OkCupid has supported polyamorous users since 2014, allowing users to indicate open relationships and link partner profiles.
- #Open: This niche app uses hashtags for connection and allows users to review previously swiped profiles, though its user base is smaller than mainstream apps.
- Tinder: While not exclusively for polyamory, Tinder’s large user base offers more potential matches. Recent updates include more gender options and relationship type classifications.
- Taimi: An inclusive app for the LGBTQIA+ community, Taimi offers robust security features and allows users to specify their polyamorous status and preferences for partners.
Challenges of Using Dating Apps for Polyamory
One common issue on these platforms is "unicorn hunting," where couples seek a third person to join their relationship, sometimes without fully considering the third’s desires. Another challenge is the lack of dedicated features on mainstream apps, forcing polyamorous individuals to sift through many profiles of people seeking different relationship structures or who misunderstand ethical non-monogamy.
Navigating Polyamory-Friendly Apps
Choosing the right app depends on individual needs, community affiliation, and desired outcomes, whether it’s expanding a polycule or finding a primary partner. Success in polyamorous dating, regardless of the platform, hinges on honesty, clear communication, and maintaining an open mind while navigating potential mismatches.
