Six great apps to find a date (and maybe love) on your iPhone or iPad

Many of us are flocking to the internet to find ourselves a date. Whether it’s because you don’t like hitting bars, you’ve run out of mutual friends to pursue, or simply because you fancy doing things differently, dating apps are ideal for finding someone to spend your free time with.

Here we take a look at six apps that will hopefully make the process much more fun and successful.

Tinder’s suffered from quite a mixed reputation, but in terms of sheer scale, it’s a handy place to start.

After a simple swipe right to demonstrate your interest in someone, you can get straight to chatting to them (provided they also swipe right) instead of answering a bunch of personality questions.

You might end up being very picky, but it’s worth finding out more.

A dating app that’s particularly ideal for women, Bumble only allows women to make initial contact.

After 24 hours of no contact, the connection disappears forever and the other party will have to accept they’re not interested. It’s convenient for dodging creeps.

It's a shame to think that someone you walk past on your commute could have been ‘The One’.

Never fear though! Happn circumvents that by picking up who you’re walking past and giving you the chance to get to know them.

It's deal for the shy commuter who really wants to say hi to that cute girl / guy opposite them on the train.

One of the biggest sites out there, OKCupid has a great iOS app.

It’s easy to get talking to people and doesn't limit the number of messages you can send. You can also answer a few questions to help you find better connections.

Offering a new way to meet people through their own friends, Hinge has you match up with potential suitors via your mutual friends.

It’s a good way to avoid potential creepy strangers, but it only works in select cities at the moment.

Overwhelmed with options? Coffee Meets Bagel gives you just one choice each 24 hours.

It's based on common interests, with the hope that you’ll be delighted with that one option, and is ideal for those with limited time and a hope for more of a connection.