A nationwide poll has revealed which US accents people are most drawn to — and which ones they’re least keen on.
The survey, carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Babbel, questioned 2,000 American adults about the accents they consider the most attractive and the least attractive.
According to Babbel, the results suggest accents play a major role in dating, with more than a quarter of respondents saying an accent they dislike can be an “instant dealbreaker”. Around two thirds also said a person’s accent would affect whether they “swipe right (like) or left (pass)” on dating apps.
The poll also found that just under a quarter of participants felt an appealing accent matters more than physical appearance. Meanwhile, 45 percent said they would go on a second date purely because they liked the way someone sounded.
Esteban Touma, Cultural and Linguistic Expert at Babbel, said: “Accents don’t just shape first impressions—they influence who we swipe on, who we meet again, and even how confident we feel showing up as ourselves.”
Esteban Touma, Cultural and Linguistic Expert at Babbel, commented: “These findings show just how powerful the human voice has become in modern dating. Accents don’t just shape first impressions — they influence who we swipe on, who we meet again, and even how confident we feel showing up as ourselves.
“The findings underline just how layered and personal accents are. They carry history, identity and emotion — and it is precisely this distinctness that gives them meaning. Rather than something to smooth out or hide, our accents deserve to be embraced and celebrated.
“Everyone should feel free to speak in a way that reflects who they are and where they come from, without fear that it makes them less attractive or less worthy of connection.”