Best Dating Sites
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The Match dating platform is the OG of online dating. Match.com launched in 1995, before many of its current users were born, and pioneered industry-leading online dating tools. Today, Match has gained fame by using its smart algorithm to help relationship seekers meet one another.
Match is one-of-a-kind, but if you’re looking for dating sites like Match (in terms of user base, features, or success), here are a few you should consider trying!
Best Mainstream Dating Sites Like Match.com
Match is a popular dating app that’s been around since the beginning of online dating. But it’s not the only dating service for singles with serious dating intentions. We’ve reviewed two mainstream dating sites that are similar to Match in all the ways that count.
1. eharmony
Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
Match System: Personality test suggests matches
Our Experts Say: “eharmony has a large, commitment-minded user base in your area, and its unique matching system is ideal for those seeking a serious relationship…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | View Profiles FREE |
Like Match, eharmony strives to connect singles who are looking for serious relationships. eharmony has one of the highest quality dating pools in the industry. With the motto, “Get who gets you,” eharmony focuses on connecting like-minded singles
eharmony offers niche groups, including Black dating and gay dating, to help narrow the search for members. As the number one trusted dating app, the team strives to uphold its sterling reputation and find new ways to help members find real love.
“I’m definitely convinced eharmony’s algorithm works!” said an anonymous eharmony user in a review in the App Store. “I have several happily married friends who met through eharmony so I’m very glad I listened to them and paid the extra investment to meet someone of character and quality that checks all the boxes of who I’ve been searching for. Its format is so very easy to use, has some great questions that elicit personality and interests, and makes for a very user-friendly experience.”
2. EliteSingles
Relationships: Serious Relationships
Match System: Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say: “EliteSingles is the premier dating site for educated professionals. Most members are upper-income with college degrees, and its impressive Fraud Detection system ensures no-nonsense dating…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Elite Singles is a dating platform that prioritizes matching American professional singles with those who share their passion and values. Elite Singles proudly offers an intelligent matchmaking algorithm, and the team can match members based on compatibility first –– making it easier for members to find someone they desire. Members receive up to seven daily matches based on their relationship preferences, education, and location, among other filters.
Most Elite Singles members are between the ages of 30 and 55. These singles are typically looking for someone they can connect with on a deeper level, not just one good date. If you’re a busy single who wants to date someone who is also career-driven, Elite Singles is your best bet. You’ll find matches who match your hustle or who may motivate you to be even better.
Best Niche Dating Sites Like Match.com
Match.com is the flagship property of a larger dating service portfolio maintained by Match Group. Its sister sites take a similar approach to online dating but cater to specific niches.
3. OurTime.com
Relationships: Dates and Relationships
Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
Our Experts Say: “OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Mature Singles (50+)* |
48%*
52%*
|
8.9 Million* | Over 50? Try It FREE |
The senior dating app OurTime has many useful features tailored to singles over the age of 50. OurTime is easy to use, and its free matchmaking tools make it even easier for older singles to find each other. OurTime can provide helpful match recommendations whether you’re looking for a life partner, a new friend, or a casual connection.
The OurTime mission is to help singles in their 50s, 60s, and beyond spark meaningful connections. The dating platform is part of the same network as Match.com, so its search filters and interface are almost identical — just with more silver hair in the dating profile pictures.
Mature singles can join the online dating site or app without submitting any credit card information. But if they want access to communication features, they need to upgrade to a premium membership.
Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System: Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
BlackPeopleMeet is a Black dating network for African-American singles. It’s where #BlackLove can blossom and flourish. Since launching in the early 2000s, BlackPeopleMeet has been a premier Black online dating site.
The niche platform is popular because it offers a secure space with free features and friendly community vibes. BPM offers a great opportunity to find a suitable match. Communication tools, such as winking and flirting, make it so that members have no trouble connecting with others.
“Online dating is always risky. Heck, even I’ll admit I got lucky. How was I supposed to know that one day the perfect woman for me would fall into my lap and show me I actually do have a love life to look forward to?” said an anonymous BlackPeopleMeet user in a review. “I just had to get the point across that BlackPeopleMeet actually helped me find my soulmate. And I really couldn’t be any happier.”
Relationships: Dates and Serious Relationships
Match System: Search by gender, age, education, more
Our Experts Say: “ChristianMingle is the largest dating site exclusively for devout Christian singles. Offers excellent search functionality and safety features for just $19.99 a month…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Christian Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
3.5 Million* | Try Now for $19.99/Month |
Religion is an important consideration for Christian singles, and the dating site Christian Mingle meets that need for faith-driven daters. The Christian community is one of the largest of its kind, and Christian Mingle gives singles a chance to meet outside of church. Christian Mingle is a dating site that aims to create more God-centered relationships.
The dating site and app offer an initial free membership, and users can add a paid subscription to access more interesting and interactive features. Christian Mingle is affordable, and its premium free trial is excellent for members on the fence about upgrading their membership.
“Christian Mingle is a great site. I have met some nice people through it. I enjoy the religious aspect of the site as well as the dating aspect. On most other dating websites it is hard to find people who share religious interests, but not on Christian Mingle,” said Brad, a Christian Mingle user in a review.
Best Casual Dating Sites Like Match.com
Match is a dating platform for serious daters, and it’s not recommended to look for casual hookups there. If you’re hoping for a date with no strings attached, you’ll be better off on the following casual dating sites.
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 |
Thanks to the first extramarital dating app Ashley Madison, married people can explore their desires and have discreet affairs. Ashley Madison was created to produce more fun and enticing connections, no matter what someone’s relationship status. Some people use Ashley Madison for their sexual needs while others use it for social connection. Online daters of all types find the site rewarding to use.
“I cheated on my husband to find companionship and to feel happy and alive again,” said an anonymous Ashley Madison user in a testimonial on the homepage.
Ashley Madison is available both on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Even though the app is broadly known, every member’s experience is discreet. Members don’t have to worry about having their business put out into the spotlight. It’s the best app if you’re looking to cheat or mess around with others without getting caught.
7. Zoosk
Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System: Search and get match recommendations
Our Experts Say: “Zoosk’s integration with social networks and smartphones makes it one of the fastest-growing dating sites, and a popular choice for your area singles…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
28.9 Million* | Start Zoosk for FREE |
If you’re looking for a more personalized dating experience, you should definitely consider Zoosk. Since its launch in the early 2000s, Zoosk has focused on helping singles find new relationships and strong connections.
Online dating can certainly seem intimidating, especially when you wade into a large dating pool. But Zoosk members don’t have to worry about feeling lost or left out. The dating website provides an array of dating expert tips and resources for members to consult if needed.
Not everyone is looking to settle down, and that’s OK! Zoosk fosters a casual dating space where singles can meet like-minded people without strings.
When members sign up for Zoosk, they can specify what gender they’re interested in dating, and they can change that answer at any time. Zoosk is bi-friendly and allows members to indicate that they would like to receive profile matches from both women and men. Zoosk provides search filters and a matchmaking carousel for exploring and making new connections. It’s much like Match, but without the expectation that everyone on the app wants a serious relationship.
8. Flirt.com
Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats
Match System: Search by age, location, gender, orientation, and other factors
Our Experts Say: “Flirt.com frees singles to chat with attractive locals and pick up dates on the spot. This hookup site is always open to horny and sexy people seeking one-night stands, casual dating, threesomes, and other sexual encounters…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
1 million* | Browse Profiles Free |
A lot of great relationships start with a little flirting –– I know mine certainly did. Flirt.com is a fun dating website where singles can flirt and let loose. The platform has a similar design structure to Instagram and allows members to easily navigate through profiles and scope out the dating pool before sliding into someone’s DMs. The Flirt.com team believes that singles shouldn’t have to worry about wasting their money on looking for dates; Instead, they should be saving it for their first date. That is why Flirt.com is free to join and has plenty of free features for casual flirting.
“I used this dating site to find my current boyfriend. At the time, we were both seeking some fun dating, but we couldn’t help but fall for one another after a couple of dates,” said an anonymous user in a testimonial on the platform’s website.
Member profiles are a key component of Flirt.com’s matchmaking. Members can include their location, interests, and pictures that showcase their personality. Local search tools are another great attribute of Flirt.com. This is not a space for long-distance relationships. Every Flirt.com profile includes a location, and users can clearly see how far they are from one another. That is an important feature, especially if long-distance dating is a dealbreaker.
Best Free Dating Apps Like Match.com
While Match offers a free membership with some worthwhile perks, it’s not a completely free dating service, and that can give some singles pause. If you’re looking for more free communication features in the online dating world, then we suggest trying these free dating apps.
9. Plenty of Fish
The dating app Plenty of Fish strives to make online dating more fun and less awkward. The dating network is unique in its promotion of online games, quizzes, and icebreakers. Singles can have an enjoyable dating experience and use the platform’s features to explore personality quirks and relationship styles. Members can engage in dating games, live streaming, and free chat messaging.
“We know online dating isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we’re letting you choose your adventure and connect with other singles in a way that feels right for you,” said the Plenty of Fish team.
Plenty of Fish has launched a new game called Cue’d Up that helps members get to know each other better before swiping on the dating profile. Cue’d Up is super easy to play, and it’s the best way to show off your personality to others. The best part is that it’s free, and you don’t have to upgrade your free membership to participate in the games.
10. OkCupid
The dating app OkCupid is free, fun, and open-ended — and it has been making smart matches since 2004. According to OkCupid’s stats, the app sparks more than 91 million connections each year and leads to 50,000 first dates every week.
The OkCupid team makes those numbers possible by using exhaustive data to match people on what matters to them. The app’s unique matchmaking algorithm calculates compatibility based on a person’s dating profile and responses to a lengthy questionnaire. OkCupid members can answer multiple-choice questions regarding their views on religion, relationships, politics, and fast food, among many other categories.
OkCupid is a dating app where a positive dating experience is the top priority. Singles on the dating app can engage with each other by sending likes and first messages, but the only way they can engage in a conversation is if they like each other’s dating profiles first.
OkCupid’s goal is to help members show who they are beyond a simple profile photo. “No matter who you are, no matter what you’re looking for, OkCupid helps you find meaningful connections,” said the OkCupid team.
11. Hinge
The dating app Hinge was designed to be deleted. The team’s stated mission is to help singles go on their last first date. Similar to Match, Hinge helps singles find real relationships, so they don’t swipe forever. The app’s features focus on building strong relationships and friendships by highlighting personal interests and goals.
The Hinge team also holds true to its core values of authenticity, courage, and empathy. With these three values at the heart of the company, Hinge has seen a lot of success in inspiring great dates.
Hinge differs from other dating apps because it promotes detailed profiles and offers great conversation starters. The app dispenses with anonymous likes. Members see who likes their profiles, and they can also read incoming messages at no charge. Another rarity is Hinge’s Smart Match feature, through which the team follows up with members about their dates and uses that information to inform future introductions. Based on these in-app surveys, Hinge boasts that 75% of its first dates lead to second dates.
12. Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating is one of the few online dating apps that’s completely free to use. Yes, even unlimited chatting is free on this dating network. Its members can access all features and never have to worry about paying anything. Facebook Dating also offers groups and events as a way for people to connect with other like-minded individuals. People can join groups that fit their interests and attend local events they may not have known about.
Even though Facebook Dating is a work in progress, singles have found the platform quite resourceful. Users are protected at every step, and once they find a match, they can even create a profile as a couple –– now that’s something worth exploring!
FAQs: What Is Badoo? Is It Owned by Match Group?
No. Badoo is an international dating app owned by the same group as Bumble. Badoo gives singles more than just a dating experience, it’s all about making social connections. Badoo was founded by Russian entrepreneur Andrey Andreev in 2006 and is known for helping younger singles find friendships, relationships, and casual dates. Singles can discover more about themselves on the app and experience a new version of online dating.
Is Match a Hookup App?
Match is not considered a hookup app. But that doesn’t mean casual daters don’t lurk here sometimes, because users can create whatever experience they want on Match.
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
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Get 3 Days FREE |
Some singles may try to use it for casual hookups, but the majority of members seek long-term connections. Match was initially created to help singles identify compatible matches and start online conversations that lead to something more.
Bottom line: Single adults can use Match as a jumping-off point for all sorts of romantic relationships, even short-term hookups.
Which Dating Website or App Works Best for Video Chat?
It depends on what you desire. The League dating app is best for relationship seekers, as it offers high-quality online dating services that include video chatting. With its League Live feature, members get to go on three dates in just nine minutes. This speed dating method expedites the process and helps make users feel more secure seeing who they’re dating on their screens.
“The video chat feature is great for me and privacy. I have become very guarded about sharing my info, and now I do not have to. I just use the app for my calls and The League facilitates it all and keeps me safe,” said an anonymous League user in a review.
If you’re looking for something more casual and a little spicy, then the Adult Friend Finder dating website should be a go-to. The site is great for hookups and live nude cam chats.
Is Online Dating Safe? How Do You Spot Fake Profiles?
Online dating is generally safe but, similar to in-person meetings, you should take precautions and not trust strangers easily. Whether you’re new to the online dating scene or need a refresher on how to navigate through the web, you can find tools to help you stay safe. A lot of online dating sites and apps offer online dating safety tips for members to view whenever they need them.
Unfortunately, catfishers are still swimming around the web –– hoping to fool their next victim. One way to stay safe as an online dater is to know how to spot scammers and fake profiles. Fake profiles often have generic information, no photo, or a stock image. Certain red flags may be obvious to you — a person asking for money on a dating site is always a bad sign — but others may be more difficult to identify. Sometimes scammers pretend to work in the military to explain why they can’t video chat and often message at odd hours.
Modern Daters Have Lots of Options Online
Online dating is one of the most popular ways for singles to mix and mingle these days. We can list plenty of good reasons you should give it a try. If you’re tired of spending your Friday nights alone, download a dating app to spice things up.
Modern daters have plenty of online options at their disposal. From niche dating websites to free dating apps, any single adult can join the online dating scene and find the right match.
Since its launch in 1995, Match.com has remained a top online dating platform. But it’s not the only online dating app that works. Singles can do some research to select the dating platform that fits their intentions and needs. If you ever feel one dating site isn’t up your alley, you should definitely try out another.
Every online dating experience is different. Some singles prefer to use niche dating apps where they know they have something in common with members. Others may focus on the most popular apps with the coolest features. Whichever route you go, just make sure that it floats your love boat!
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