Suppose you are a Black professional looking for love. In that case, you have likely contemplated the options: dive into dating apps with a strategic plan or enlist a matchmaker for a more curated experience. Each route has its merits, and the best choice depends on your personality, goals, and circumstances. To make that decision clearer, here is a handy checklist. Use it to evaluate what’s right for you at this stage of your dating journey. Self Assessment: What Am I Looking For?Clarity of Goals: Am I seeking something very specific (e.g., marriage within a year, a partner of a particular faith or cultural background)? If yes, a matchmaker might laser focus on that, whereas apps might involve more sifting. If you are open-ended or exploring, apps provide a wider sample.Timeline: Do I feel a sense of urgency (not desperation, just readiness) to find a serious partner soon? Matchmakers can sometimes expedite meeting compatible people by prefiltering for readiness and alignment. If you are more in a “let’s see where things go” phase, apps allow a leisurely pace.Experience So Far: Have I had many dates via apps with no success? If app fatigue is real and you have genuinely given it effort (tweaking profiles, being active), maybe try a matchmaker. Conversely, if I have not tried online dating much, I might dip a toe there first it is often the easiest entry.Time and Effort: What Can I Commit?Time Availability: Are my work and life schedules so packed that spending hours swiping or chatting is a strain? If yes, a matchmaker (who does the heavy lifting) could be worth the money for the time saved. If I have some downtime daily and enjoy the process when it is going well, apps can fit in.Social Comfort: How do I feel about screening and messaging multiple people? Some find it fun, others draining. A matchmaker reduces the need to juggle multiple conversations; you focus on one match at a time. But if you enjoy the social interaction and meeting many folks, apps give that variety.Budget: Real talk, can I comfortably afford a matchmaker fee right now? Quality matchmakers for professionals are not cheap. There is no shame if it is out of reach; apps can be very effective at little to no cost. If money is available to invest in your love life, ask if the potential ROI (discussed in Article 14) feels worth it. Personal Preferences: What Environment Suits Me?Desire for Privacy: Am I a very private person or prominent in my field/community such that I worry about being on dating apps? If I prefer discretion, a matchmaker offers confidentiality. On apps, you might encounter colleagues or clients. Some apps like Raya or EliteSingles have more privacy, but matchmakers are inherently discreet (no profile for the world to see).Need for Cultural Understanding: Do I strongly prefer a partner who shares my cultural background or has certain cultural competency? Both apps and matchmakers can cater to this, but a Black matchmaker might have a network rich with culturally aligned singles and a keen eye for compatibility here. Apps might require more filtering (though apps like BLK exist).Control vs Guidance: Do I like to be in full control of the process (choosing who, when, how) or would I appreciate guidance? Apps where you control the selection fully. Matchmaker, you give input, but you will need to trust their selections to a degree. If letting go is hard, apps might feel better. If analysis paralysis hits you on apps (“so many choices!”) or you find yourself drawn to the wrong types repeatedly, a matchmaker’s guidance can break patterns.Checklist Quiz: Quick QuestionsAnswer “App” or “Matchmaker” or “Either”:I am extremely busy and find dating logistics overwhelming. If that is a big yes, lean Matchmaker.I enjoy meeting new people and seeing each date as a story/experience. Sounds like an AppI have tried the apps consistently for 6+ months with no quality connections. Perhaps time to try Matchmaker.I get discouraged easily by rejection or lack of responses. A Matchmaker can provide moral support and reduce those micro rejections.I am on a tight budget. Likely the App route for now (you can always revisit matchmaking later).I live in a city with a decent pool of Black professionals. The app could work well since the pool is there; in a smaller city with few options, a Matchmaker might have a broader reach.I value a structured approach and expert opinion. Matchmaker.I prefer to personally vibe check someone via messages before meeting. App.Dating feels like another job; I wish someone would handle it for me. Matchmaker, if feasible.I want to sharpen my dating skills and learn along the way. App can provide practice, though some matchmakers also coach, which is a plus in their column, so it could be Either.Count your leanings, but remember, it is not a strict scorecard; it is about what resonates most with you. Action Plan: Making the DecisionIf leaning into Dating Apps: Great, commit to it. Which app(s) will you use? Refresh your profile (our earlier tips have you covered). Maybe set a schedule like “I will spend 30 minutes every evening engaging on the app.” Consistency yields results. Perhaps join one new app that caters to your niche (like a Black professionals FB group that does matchmaking threads, or an app like BLK) to widen reach.If leaning, Matchmaker: Research and choose wisely. Look for testimonials, success rates, and ideally a matchmaker who understands Black professional experiences. Schedule a few intro calls (they often do free consultations) to feel out the rapport. Compatibility with your matchmaker matters because you need to trust them. Once you choose, be ready to commit for a few months and follow their process.If Unsure or Both: You can do both! There is no rule that you cannot be on apps while a matchmaker searches; just be transparent if you start seeing someone more seriously from either side. Some people find their person on an app while being in a matchmaking program that is still a win (though read contracts, as some matchmaking services offer refunds or hold your account if you find love elsewhere). Doing both can maximise your exposure, just ensure it doesn’t overwhelm you. If it does, prioritise the route that feels most promising.Ultimately, whether you swipe or get set up, the goal is the same: meeting someone who complements your life and makes you happy. Black professionals have more avenues than ever to find love. It is about picking the one that fits your lifestyle and spirit right now.Call to Action: Still on the fence? Take our comprehensive Dating Path Quiz, a short questionnaire that gives you a personalised recommendation (with % breakdown) for apps vs matchmaker vs hybrid. Plus, you will get resource links for whichever path you choose. Empower yourself with a clear plan, get the quiz, and start your journey to love with confidence!