Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
If you’ve spent any time on dating apps or websites in recent years, you’ve no doubt realized that most of them require users to have photos on their profile. Apps like Tinder and Bumble have made profile pictures mandatory as a way of keeping fake and scammy profiles from getting out of hand.
But not everyone wants to post a picture of themselves on a dating site or app. Some people may feel anxious about friends, coworkers, or loved ones coming across their profile. Others might want to browse (lurk) without talking to anyone, in which case a profile picture seems unnecessary.
If any of the above apply to you, good news: We’ve gathered the 12 best dating sites that don’t require photos. Though almost every dating website functions best when users have photos, it’s not a requirement for every signup process.
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Overall Best Dating Sites That Don’t Require Photos
Online dating has become a go-to way to meet new people, but not everyone is willing to put their photos on the line in such a public space. If you’re hoping to avoid uploading a profile picture, you might want to give the following dating sites a try.
Relationships:
Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System:
Search and get match recommendations
Our Experts Say:
“Zoosk is integrated with social media sites, like Facebook and Google+, so it’s very popular with singles on the go…”
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1. Zoosk
★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
28.9 Million*
Start Zoosk for FREE
Zoosk, which first began as a Facebook app, has become another popular option for online daters. It’s free to set up an account, but according to the website, you’ll need to purchase a paid subscription to start having conversations with other users.
You do not need to have a photo on your profile to use Zoosk. That said, the dating service does have a tool to verify the legitimacy of photos, and all verified photos receive a Photo Verified badge that appears on the profile. Having the badge makes it more likely that you’ll match with real people.
Relationships:
Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
Match System:
Personality test suggests matches
Our Experts Say:
“Accounting for 2% of U.S. marriages, eharmony’s compatibility-based system and commitment-minded user base are ideal for those seeking a serious relationship…”
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2. eharmony
★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
4.1 Million*
View Profiles FREE
Since 2000, eharmony has established a reputation as a dating site and app for people seeking serious relationships. In addition to providing the basic information about themselves and what they’re looking for in a partner, users can choose to take eharmony’s comprehensive personality test to find the best possible romantic matches on the dating platform.
As DatingAdvice.com previously reported, only eharmony profiles with photos can be viewed by other members. The site’s FAQ says “All eharmony members must have at least one photo uploaded and approved.” However, it’s possible to adjust your privacy settings so that your dating profile (and picture) are hidden from other users. Additionally, only premium subscription users are able to see photos on other people’s profiles.
Relationships:
Serious Relationships
Match System:
Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say:
“EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment…”
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3. EliteSingles
★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles*
44%*
56%*
2 Million*
Browse Profiles Free
Elite Singles is a dating site designed for educated professionals who are seeking a serious relationship. Four out of five members hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the dating platform skews toward relationship-minded daters thanks to its in-depth 200-question personality test.
Like most mainstream dating sites, Elite Singles encourages users to add photos to their profile. But it’s not required. You can set up a profile without a photo and still access potential matches in the database. One unique feature on Elite Singles is the fact that members can use the “Ask for Photo” feature to encourage you to add a pic to your profile. Of course, if you’d rather not, you can leave your profile photo-free.
Best Senior Dating Sites That Don’t Require Photos
Senior singles may enter the online dating world with several specific privacy concerns. After all, scammers tend to target older people on the web. If you’d like to keep your photographs away from your online dating profile, you can check out the following dating apps and sites that don’t require a photo upon signup.
Relationships:
Dates and Relationships
Match System:
Search by profiles by zip and more
Our Experts Say:
“OurTime is just for men and women who are 50 or older, and it’s one of the most popular dating sites in this niche because of its size…”
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4. OurTime.com
★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
Mature Singles (50+)*
48%*
52%*
8.9 Million*
Over 50? Try It FREE
If you’re over 50 and looking to date, OurTime should be on your radar. The mature dating service caters to people in their golden years. The interface makes it easy to create a new dating profile and start matching with compatible adults in the same age range.
OurTime does not require users to have a photo on their profile to get started. You can browse the site without a profile picture, but some features of the site (including the Match Me feature, which puts your profile in someone’s list of potential matches) require a photo. OurTime’s match system prioritizes profiles with photos over those without photos, so it’s a good idea to add a photo if you want to get more attention and likes online.
Relationships:
Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System:
Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion
Our Experts Say:
“SilverSingles caters to relationship-minded singles over 50 with simple, safe, and effective online dating tools…”
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
Mature Singles (50+)*
41%*
59%*
800,000*
Sign up for FREE
Another dating site for people over 50, Silver Singles is a pioneer in the online dating space. After you sign up, the site prompts you to answer questions about who you are and what qualities you’re looking for in a partner (plus, how important certain characteristics are to you in a partner).
Adding a photo to your profile on Silver Singles is optional, but encouraged. Free members are unable to see photos on people’s profiles, but premium members can view all photos. The senior dating site also has a feature that allows users to ask matches to add a photo to their profile.
Relationships:
Dates and Serious Relationships
Match System:
Search by gender, age, education, more
Our Experts Say:
“ChristianMingle is a massive and beloved dating site for all kinds of Christian daters, and a good number of members are 50+…”
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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
Christian Mingle is a dating site that caters to Christian people who to share the similar religious beliefs with a partner. Naturally, the dating site and app have a user base that’s predominantly Christian, but people of all faiths and orientations are welcome to join and form interfaith matches.
Previous DatingAdvice.com reporting suggests that you need to have at least one picture if you want to appear in search results on Christian Mingle. However, if you’re just there to browse, it should be possible to create a dating profile without photos. Typically such profiles don’t show up in search results or swiping lists, and you may find users are skeptical of you if you’re browsing without a picture posted.
Best Casual Dating Sites That Don’t Require Photos
Hookup sites are good at keeping things real casual, so it should come as no surprise that many of them don’t require photos – or don’t require photos of your face. These hookup sites have an open-ended registration process that keeps personal details to a minimum.
Relationships:
Hookups Only
Match System:
Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say:
“Make no mistake: this site isn’t about making friends, it’s about finding hookups and casual encounters. No adult site has a larger or more active user base of those seeking discreet fun…”
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles*
65%*
35%*
25.5 Million*
3 Months @ $19.95/Mo
Adult Friend Finder is a hookup dating site that’s popular with people looking for no-strings-attached sex. Here, you’ll find plenty of singles, couples, groups, and other people pursuing fun, casual hookups.
It’s recommended for people to upload photos on Adult Friend Finder, but it is not required. You don’t actually even need to give your real name to the hookup site. Users also have the option to hide or blur private photos. That means AFF members have the freedom to follow their secret desire without worrying about someone they know seeing their naughty pictures.
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…”
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles & Attached*
71%*
29%*
65 Million*
Start Now for FREE
Ashley Madison is best known for being a dating site that allows both single and attached people to meet potential affair partners. The dating site fosters “discreet encounters” and has privacy features designed to support affair seekers and casual daters.
Given the nature of the site, it should come as no surprise that it’s possible to have a profile on Ashley Madison without photos. The affair site has a unique feature that allows you to blur your photos or add a mask to your face in photos to conceal your identity.
Ashley Madison also gives you the option to have a collection of private photos associated with your profile. If you want to share private photos with someone, you can use the “Send Private Key” feature. That will unlock the private gallery and allow the other person to see your private photos. It’s a good workaround to allow two people to build trust, without their photos being publicly available.
Relationships:
Hookups, Chats
Match System:
Search by encounter, location, and more
Our Experts Say:
“BeNaughty is a premier hookup app where you can feel comfortable expressing your desires. Plus, it’s free to join, browse, and flirt…”
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9. BeNaughty
★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
13.3 Million*
Browse Profiles Free
If you’re looking for flirty chats and casual hookups, you should give BeNaughty a chance. The dating platform is all about safe, fun, no-strings-attached sex for people of all orientations. Unlike many other dating sites, you won’t find any lengthy personality quizzes here — just enter some basic information to get started.
You do not need to add photos to your dating profile on BeNaughty. But might help your chances to do so. BeNaughty users can filter the database to view profiles with photos, and such profiles garner a lot more likes and messages. BeNaughty is a casual dating space though, so the interface doesn’t require a photo to use the platform.
Relationships:
Daters & Hookups
Match System:
Search by age, zip code, more
Our Experts Say:
“MenNation is a well-established gay dating and hookup brand, having been founded in 1996. It’s totally free to join, view profiles, receive matches, and flirt…”
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10. MenNation
★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
Singles & Couples*
95%*
5%*
780,000*
Start for Free
As the name implies, MenNation is a dating site for men seeking other men. Both singles and couples can use the hookup site to find new romantic connections.
You don’t need to have a profile photo to use MenNation. All that’s needed to get started is a valid email address. That said, the MenNation website suggests that users add at least one photo if they’re hoping to make a match. According to the team, profiles with photos are likely to see as many as 10 times more clicks as profiles without photos.
Relationships:
Hookups Only
Match System:
Search by location, interest, more
Our Experts Say:
“LesbianPersonals provides a fun, quick, and easy experience for gay and bisexual women looking for sex online. Join for free, and you’ll be able to search and communicate immediately…”
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★★★★★
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Today’s Deal
Singles & Couples*
10%*
90%*
500,000*
View Profiles Free
LesbianPersonals is a casual dating site where LGBTQ+ women can meet other women and couples. The hookup website is certainly oriented toward lesbian and bisexual women, but it also allows for straight couples and groups to create profiles, identify as polyamorous, and match with like-minded people.
LesbianPersonals doesn’t require users to have a profile photo to get started. The only necessary component is a valid email address. However, as you’ll find in any online dating experience, profiles with photos tend to earn more likes and messages than profiles without photos. The photos provide greater legitimacy, and if you don’t have even a blurry pic up, many people may assume the profile is fake.
Relationships:
Casual Dating, Sexting, Hookups, Friends with Benefits
Match System:
Search filters, Suggested matches
Our Experts Say:
“Pure is a straightforward hookup app designed to make immediate connections. Profiles are only live as long as the person is actively on the app looking for dates. So, basically, everyone you see is available…”
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12. Pure.app
User Base
Gender Ratio
Popularity (Visits/Mo.)
Free Trial
All Singles*
65%*
35%*
500,000*
Download FREE
Pure is a fast-paced hookup app that’s been connecting horny singles since 2013. Due to the nature of its user activity, privacy is of the utmost importance here. Most users join with a nickname rather than their real names, and there aren’t a whole lot of personal details in the bios — but there sure is a lot of skin showing!
You can join Pure without any photos or with photos where your face is blurred or hidden. Heck, you can post a body shot where your head is cropped out completely. Pure isn’t about to judge. The sex-positive platform has a paywall to ensure fake profiles don’t make the grade. And all dating ads and chats are deleted after 24 hours, so your anonymity is secure.
FAQs: Can I Use an Online Dating App Without Photos?
A dating app without any photos is harder to find than a dating site without photos. Dating apps thrive on swiping on photos (you have Tinder to thank for that), and forgoing photos isn’t exactly a recipe for legitimacy in the online dating scene.
Blindlee is one new dating app that is trying not to emphasize photos quite so much in online dating. The app actually blurs all photos on a person’s dating profile in an effort to simulate blind dating.
Blindlee members can set up a video call to speak to one another personally, but the videos will also be blurred. The woman on the call with a man has the power to unblur the video if she wishes. And in a same-sex video call, the person who initiated the match has the power to unblur the video.
While Blindlee is a unique idea, it’s hardly achieved widespread use by singles. The dating pool on this app is going to be much much smaller than that of Tinder and Bumble, both of which require verified photos.
Does Facebook Dating Require Users to Upload Photos?
Facebook Dating does require photos to complete its registration process, but Facebook users don’t have to worry about searching through their personal galleries. Facebook Dating selects some suggested photos from your Facebook uploads, and new members can browse their other photos in their Facebook albums to pick the best of the best.
It’s also worth noting that the Facebook Dating service can only be accessed through the Facebook app, so you’ll need a Facebook profile and mobile device to take part in the social media’s new swiping game.
What Types of Photos Are Best to Add to a Dating Profile?
The best photos for a dating profile offer a genuine look at who you are and what you’re interested in. The photo should clearly show your face, and you should be the only person in the frame, if possible. Believe me, you don’t want a potential match swooning over your friend standing beside you in the picture.
Singles can spark interesting conversations by uploading unique photos that show an eye-catching place or fun activity. You may want to include a pet in the photo, but it’s best to leave children out of any photos on a dating app.
For all you straight single guys out there, please keep your shirts on, and don’t have any weapons visible in the photo. The Bumble app has actually banned all photos of weapons, and they often get flagged on other apps).
Online Dating Relies on Photos for Verification
All in all, it’s much easier to date online if you’re willing to upload photos to your profile. Many dating sites and apps rely on photos to verify identities, and a profile without a photo can seem suspicious, making people wonder if you’re a real person or a bot. That isn’t what you want your potential romantic partner to be thinking!
Using dating sites without a photo may also limit some of the features available to you on a dating platform. Some sites won’t let you message your matches, view photo galleries, or use other key features without a photo.
Lastly, having a profile without any photos is unlikely to grab anyone’s interest. The algorithms on these sites will always rank profiles with photos higher than profiles without photos. In other words, choosing to forego a photo means your profile is at the bottom of the pile and will be seen by fewer potential matches. For all of these reasons, it’s a good idea to have a photo on your profile, even if it’s not required.
That said, I can think of plenty of reasons why a person might prefer to build a dating profile sans photos. If that’s the case for you, we’d recommend trying the sites on this list.
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