Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
Illinois is home to over 12 million people spread across the state’s many vibrant cities. One of the most exciting things about Illinois is its rich history. Most people have heard of Chicago-style pizza and the 110-story Willis Tower, but they may not know that Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th amendment and abolish slavery.
Since its early days, Illinois has upheld individual freedoms and prosperity. That continues to this day, and it’s one of the things that makes the Land of Lincoln such a wonderful place to live. Of course, if you’re single, you may want to exercise your right to the pursuit of happiness by downloading a local dating app. We’ve put together a list of the best dating sites and apps in Illinois to help singles filter through the dating pool and find their special person.
Relationships:
Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System:
Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say:
“As the largest and most diverse dating site in the world, Match features profiles of millions of local singles and a popular app. If you only try one dating service, make it Match…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
1. Match
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
All Singles*
49%*
51%*
39.7 Million*
Get 3 Days FREE
Match has made it easy for Illinois residents to find their partner. Match is one of the best apps on the dating market now because it helps users personalize their dating pool with its amazing features. When users create an account they specify the gender they’re looking for and then are asked a series of questions based on their life (career, relationship status, children) and interest. That way the app can find matches that align with what a user is looking for in a partner.
Match users in Illinois can cut to the chase without feeling like they’re going down a dead end. Users can send likes to their matches to express interest and make their intentions clear. In this way, single people can simplify their online dating process and make authentic connections.
One member of Match left an amazing review about the website: “I am picky, friends talked me into it and it was the best thing I ever did! I met an amazing man. We have been together 3 years and are getting married this December. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He’s definitely the best thing to ever happen to me. There’s certainly a lot of good/bad to everything but I would recommend this to everyone,” said Stacy, a former member of Match.
Relationships:
Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
Match System:
Personality test suggests matches
Our Experts Say:
“Simply put, eharmony is where you go if you’d like to speed up the marriage process. Complete a free questionnaire, get matched for free, and find your lifelong partner all in one fell swoop…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
2. eharmony
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
4.1 Million*
Join eharmony FREE
Founded in 2000, eharmony is one of the most reliable dating apps on the market today. Most young singles today have probably grown up seeing the commercials on TV. eharmony is verified — sort of like having a blue checkmark on Instagram — as the place for intentional dating. When users create new accounts, they are given a questionnaire to fill out so all potential matches are aligned with their values.
Singles on eharmony can look for local matches and identify compatible date prospects in the dating scene. Users have unlimited browsing and communication options with a free membership, but singles will need a premium membership (starting at $36 per month) to send messages to any and every person they like online. Illinois residents on eharmony can make a love connection thanks to the simple and effective matchmaking tools.
Relationships:
Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs
Match System:
Search by age, location, appearance, and more
Our Experts Say:
“With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles & Attached*
71%*
29%*
65 Million*
Start Now for FREE
Ashley Madison is a married dating website where poly groups and couples can live out their erotic fantasies. Ashley Madison’s motto — “Life is short. Have an affair.” — embodies the belief that sometimes couples need extramarital partners to keep the marriage interesting. Ashley Madison users can create a new relationship that is exciting and responsibility-free. And users can always come back for another taste.
Marriage doesn’t have to be dull with Ashley Madison. Once users create an account, they are given a questionnaire to determine the type of match they’re searching for. Then the website curates the best possibilities for users. The messaging system is free for all female members, and male members have to upgrade to premium (starting at $59) to message their matches which makes the platform safe for female users. Illinois residents can now have more fun with less stress when they use Ashley Madison.
Relationships:
Dates and Relationships
Match System:
Search by profiles by zip and more
Our Experts Say:
“OurTime is our top choice for free senior dating, with a simple interface and tons of mature and senior users. Its site, app, and free trial are for those 50 and older only…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
4. OurTime.com
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
Mature Singles (50+)*
48%*
52%*
8.9 Million*
Over 50? Start FREE
OurTime makes it easy for older Illinois couples to restart their love lives. Sometimes singles allow their age to become an excuse not to date or they may feel like they’re not able to find the right person. Users over 50 can discard those misconceptions thanks to OurTime where they can find someone who can relate to their experiences and maturity level.
OurTime introduces modern dating for older users and makes it easy for them to use the site with ease. Creating an account is free for all, and users can scroll through all their matches and make new connections. But users do have to upgrade to a premium membership to message (starting at $17.99). OurTime has a 4.5 out of 5 rating among dating websites, so it is guaranteed to help seasoned singles find their perfect partner
Relationships:
Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System:
Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion
Our Experts Say:
“SilverSingles is a fast-growing, easy-to-use niche dating site exclusively for active daters over the age of 50…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
Mature Singles (50+)*
41%*
59%*
800,000*
Sign up for FREE
Silver Singles aims to be the new Tinder for users over 50. Silver Singles was created back in 2002 and has service in multiple countries, including the United States, Germany, and Canada, among others. Silver SIngles may be the cure that older users are looking for to add some spice to their life.
Silver Singles provides users with an easy transition to the online dating world. One of the things that make Silver Singles fun is how easy it is for the older generation. Instead of flooding users with profiles, the website provides them with seven matches a day so they’re not overwhelmed. Users can create a free account and receive matches without having to upgrade or pay extra fees. Silver Singles helps daters over 50 revive their love lives.
Relationships:
Dates and Serious Relationships
Match System:
Search by gender, age, education, more
Our Experts Say:
“ChristianMingle is strictly for Christian singles, and it has a large user base that you can browse through by your individual preferences…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
Christian Singles*
44%*
56%*
3.5 Million*
Try Now for $19.99/Month
Christian Mingle is a Christian dating site that caters to singles who place religion as a priority in their lives. We all have our personal beliefs and faith, and sometimes we need the right site to find love. Christian Mingle helps you find that person to fall in love with and with whom you can share your faith as well.
Christian Mingle makes it easy for Christians to build genuine relationships with someone with your values. Creating an account is free, and users can send out limited messages to matches without having to pay any fees. Faith comes in many forms, and Christian Mingle can be that answered prayer to help users connect with their future spouse today.
Relationships:
Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System:
Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say:
“BlackPeopleMeet is known as the premier site for black dating, boasting 1.4 million users monthly and an app with a chat room feel. The top choice for biracial dating as well…”
Full Review »
Browse Free:
View Photos Now
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
Black Singles*
47%*
53%*
5.7 Million*
FREE Trial for New Users
BlackPeopleMeet is the answer to the diversity gap that dating sites are missing. It can be hard for biracial and Black singles to find a space where they can feel safe and see other faces like theirs.
Over 55% of Black Americans responding to a survey said that being Black is central to their identity and how they see themselves. With BlackPeopleMeet, Black singles can have a community with each other.
BlackPeopleMeet is a safe space for the Black population. Here is a review by Kimberly from Utah about BlackPeopleMeet: “My favorite dating app for my fellow African Americans! It’s been such a success meeting people of my same race! so grateful for black people to meet!”
FAQs: Is There a Chicago Dating App?
No, Chicago has its own pizza, but it doesn’t have its own dating app (yet!). Local Chicagoans will have to join a mainstream dating app to meet new people in their area. Fortunately, most dating apps have location filters that can have you swiping only with locals in no time. Bumble is a useful dating app that makes it easy to find people in Chicago. Bumble has a strong local presence and organizes events around town.
Is Tinder a Good Dating App for Illinois Singles?
Tinder has been downloaded over 530 million times since 2012, so it’s certainly got a lot of swipe options available. That said, Tinder has its drawbacks. Users have complained that it is too big, leads to swiping fatigue, and promotes superficial profiles. The fast-paced, looks-driven environment can deter singles who want a genuine connection and lasting relationship.
Tinder is a good dating app to explore for casual chats and meeting a lot of new people, but it’s not the best if you’re hoping for a deep conversation that leads to a real commitment. Still, research has shown that online dating can work and is worth a try.
Illinois Dating Sites Connect Rural and Urban Singles
Illinois is a state of wonders and definitely a wonderful place to meet that special person and fall in love. You just need the right dating site or app to get started.
Our article has listed some of our tried-and-true favorites, but of course there are plenty more available for all sorts of daters. Whether you’re looking for the most popular dating apps around or a dating site with niche interests, you can meet your match by looking online.
Use these dating sites to enhance your experience in the Prairie State and explore its wonders with a new partner in your area. Good luck!
Advertiser Disclosure
DatingAdvice.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation from many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across the site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). DatingAdvice.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
Our Editorial Review Policy
Our site is committed to publishing independent, accurate content guided by strict editorial guidelines. Before articles and reviews are published on our site, they undergo a thorough review process performed by a team of independent editors and subject-matter experts to ensure the content’s accuracy, timeliness, and impartiality. Our editorial team is separate and independent of our site’s advertisers, and the opinions they express on our site are their own. To read more about our team members and their editorial backgrounds, please visit our site’s About page.
Discuss This!