Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
Online dating sites and apps have become a common way to find connections. The average young single person spends about 10 hours a week on dating apps, which is almost like having a second job! If you invest that much time in your online dating adventure, the platform should meet your expectations.
Given the plethora of online dating sites, it’s easy to overlook some effective dating platforms. We curated this list to give you a good starting point for finding a romantic partner. Whether you want a fun fling, a long-term relationship, or anything in between, there’s an online dating site that can work for you.
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7 Good Dating Sites for Relationships
You must set the right expectations to get the best results in online dating. If you want a long-term partner, you should focus on relationship-oriented dating apps. We’ve chosen some good dating sites worth trying to help you get to your happily ever after.
1. 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 |
Match has been a leader in the online dating scene since 1995, and serves all types of singles. This dating platform helps people who are ready to settle down and find lasting relationships. One of its many success stories comes from Tracy and Sadao, who said “We only lived one mile from each other, but without Match, this love story would not have been possible.”
To start your love quest, Match offers a free membership that allows you to browse profiles and message anyone in your Top Picks list. The matchmaking system chooses your Top Picks based on age, interests, education, and background and automatically prioritizes the most promising dates. This means the person sending you a message is likely very compatible with your personality.
If you are on the fence, you can sign up for a free trial to experience the platform. For an enhanced dating experience, consider upgrading to a Match premium membership. You can enjoy add-on features such as matchPhone (to communicate without sharing your phone number), private mode, unlimited communication, and email read notifications.
Match also holds singles events in major cities to encourage singles to meet in person. Due to high demand, the events fill up quickly, so you better check on the Match website frequently to grab a spot when it becomes available.
2. eharmony
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
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | Join eharmony FREE |
Back in the 2000s, online dating was still in its early days, and many singles dismissed it as only good for casual hookups. That is, until eharmony launched with a different approach to online dating. The site’s founder Dr. Neil Clark Warren was a clinical psychologist and Christian theologian who wanted to create an online dating site that helped people find serious relationships. He established the science-backed matchmaking system we now know as eharmony.
To find your other half on eharmony, you start with an in-depth personality test. The compatibility quiz results act as a baseline to help you find a compatible partner based on your communication style, relationship goals, and core values. This process makes members feel supported in their search for love. Over 20-plus years, eharmony has helped more than 2 million couples in the US alone.
The biggest drawback of eharmony is that profile pictures are reserved for premium members. The price tag for a one-month subscription is pretty steep, ensuring the eharmony dating pool is full of financially stable singles ready to build a life with a partner.
If you are curious about what real people say about eharmony, check out its success stories. One of those is from Hannah, who was skeptical about online dating but ended up meeting her future husband, Ben, in just a few months. Also, Cara and Kyle could tell they were a genuine match immediately based on their similar values.
3. EliteSingles
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…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Sign Up Free |
Elite Singles is a premium dating site for single professionals who want to find a serious and loving relationship. More than 80% of the site’s members have a college degree, and 90% are at least 30 years old. This means Elite Single is a highly selective dating pool for high-caliber individuals. The platform uses an intelligent online dating algorithm to curate matches with similar interests without you needing to spend hours playing hot-or-not games.
John and Cindy are one of many Elite Singles success stories. After they connected online through the app, their chemistry quickly grew. They moved from dating apps to text messages to phone calls. The fact that they did not live in the same location was no obstacle for them.
If you decide to take the leap, an Elite Singles Premium membership is the way to go. As a premium member, you can view dating profile photos, see personality test results, find out who visited your profile, and exchange unlimited messages. The combination of top-notch members and a willingness to invest to find love gives you a good chance of building a serious relationship that leads to marriage.
Relationships: Dates and Serious Relationships
Match System: Search by gender, age, education, more
Our Experts Say: “If you’d like to try Christian dating for free, ChristianMingle is your site. Its Christian-only user base and excellent search functionality make finding a like-minded match easy…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| Christian Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
3.5 Million* | Free Search, Then $14.99/Mo. |
About one-third of the global population identifies as Christian, and Christian singles frequently seek relationships with those who share their beliefs. This is where Christian Mingle comes into play.
Since its launch in 2001, the platform has accrued over 15 million members worldwide, making it the most popular Christian dating site of all time. According to the Christian Mingle team, the platform has nearly 60,000 signups per month, showing its continued popularity.
Christian Mingle provides effective communication tools that help members connect with new people. Countless Christian relationships and marriages have sprung from this app in more than two decades of operation. One of them is Michaela and Joshua, who lived in different cities but still managed to exchange virtual smiles, chat online, and meet in person. Finally, Josh proposed to Michaela on her birthday.
5. Zoosk
Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System: Search and get match recommendations
Our Experts Say: “Geared toward young singles, Zoosk boasts a lengthy free trial and an huge user base (including straight, gay, and lesbian singles). Its app’s chat room-like feel makes it one of our favorites…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
28.9 Million* | Start Zoosk for FREE |
The dating site Zoosk is ideal for jumping into casual conversations with new people. Zoosk uses a Behavioral Matchmaking System to personalize your app experience. The more people you like, flirt with, and message, the better the algorithm gets at understanding your dating preferences.
This dating platform is available in 80 countries and 25 languages. The team boasts that Zoosk users send over 3 million messages every week. Olivia and David messaged each other on Zoosk and set up a coffee date for their first meeting in person. The couple got married in November 2019. Here is Olivia’s story:
“Dave messaged me on Zoosk, but I did not see his message for a few days. I didn’t think I would meet someone right away. We chatted within 10 days of me signing up, and him for three months. Our first meeting was an afternoon coffee date. Dave says it was love at first sight. I instantly felt a connection. He was more handsome in person. Next, we met a week later, walked the river trail for our first date, and saw a movie. Eight months later, we were married.”
6. JDate
Relationships: Casual Dates and Long-Term Relationships
Match System: Search and receive matches
Our Experts Say: “JDate is a go-to dating site for single Jewish men and women, and the site doesn’t charge for browsing and flirting…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| Jewish Singles* |
46%*
54%*
|
2 Million* | Start JDate FREE |
JDate launched in 1997 and has been the most popular Jewish dating site ever since. Orthodox Jews, cultural Jews, or anyone who seeks to date a Jew or who is open to converting to Judaism are welcome on the platform. With more than 2 million monthly visitors, JDate continues to have a bright future. A 2011 survey of married Americans found that about 52% of Jewish marriages that began online were started through JDate.
One of those marriages was between Lauren and Sanford, who met on JDate. It started with first-date sushi, continued with a weekend gateway to Asheville, North Carolina, and ended with Sanford getting down on his knee. Lauren said, “I was nervous about meeting someone online, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.”
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 |
If you’re Black, biracial, or interested in having an interracial relationship, BlackPeopleMeet is the right dating pool for you. It has been around since 2002 and has connected millions of singles so far.
You can access the platform through its website or by downloading the BPM app. Creating a free dating profile takes only a few minutes, and then you can browse millions of other profiles. However, BMP employs a pay-to-chat system to deter fake profiles and scammers from using the platform.
Another popular premium feature on BPM is ConnectMe. It’s a phone number you can use for calls or texts without needing to share your personal phone number. This gives BlackPeopleMeet members a safe space to talk without feeling exposed. After 20 years in operation, BlackPeopleMeet has collected many success stories and sparked love affairs that may never have happened otherwise.
4 Good Dating Sites for Senior Singles
When singles get older, it’s natural to feel lonely and desire companionship with people of the same generation. Online dating can help, but using swiping apps to compete against 20-somethings may sound like a nightmare. That’s why senior singles should use apps designed specifically for their age bracket.
8. OurTime.com
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
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| Mature Singles (50+)* |
48%*
52%*
|
8.9 Million* | Over 50? Start FREE |
Older singles looking for another chance at love can benefit from the dating app OurTime. The senior dating platform has paved the way for senior singles to meet new people in their age bracket and connect online. Most users are verified to be 50 years or older and come from various lifestyles, appearances, education levels, religions, and interests.
Once your dating profile is ready, you can send likes, virtual gifts, and private messages to show interest to others. Premium members can message anyone, but free members can’t initiate conversations, they can only reply to messages in their inbox.
OurTime has helped write many success stories over the years that show it has been a game changer for the senior crowd. One of those stories is from Deborah Brandt, who gave the app five stars and shared her review on Google Play.
“I have met and am exclusive with an absolutely wonderful man I met on this site. We’ve been together for almost a year and are planning a great future together. This is a great app, but I am in agreement that you have to join at the membership level. Just get your feet wet with a month to start and get comfortable using the app. Hope this helps.”
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 |
SilverSingles is another online dating site and app for mature singles over the age of 50. At this golden age, getting started with online dating may seem overwhelming. That’s why the app provides step-by-step instructions for creating a profile and daily matches based on your preferences. Senior singles don’t have to play swiping games or browse never-ending lists of profiles to connect with a new person.
Enrolling in SilverSingles is free and takes about two minutes. Once you’re in, you complete a personality quiz, provide your information and dating preferences, and upload photos. Note that messaging is reserved for premium members. This means anyone who pops up in your inbox is someone who has invested to find love.
SilverSingles has amassed more than 100,000 downloads via the Google Play Store, resulting in thousands of reviews. One of those is from Amanda Sharpe, who gave five stars and shared her story.
“Easy to set up a profile, and I like the fact it focuses on getting you to think about what sort of person you are and what you want out of life with a new partner. Emphasis is not on hooking up for one-night stands. So far so good.”
10. SeniorMatch
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted by the University of Michigan, one in three adults aged 50 to 80 reported feeling isolated from others in 2023. Living alone and not regularly socializing can take a toll on the mental and physical health of senior citizens. SeniorMatch is another online dating site that can help senior singles find new friendships and relationships without leaving the comfort of their homes.
SeniorMatch launched in 2003 with a clear message for senior singles: You don’t have to be alone. Today, the platform has more than 1 million members across the US, Canada, and the UK, among other countries.
In addition, SeniorMatch hosts real-world events, including a senior summer camp via Rail Canada. The journey encourages seniors to find companions and romance on the railway. As the SeniorMatch team said, “Travel is a fantastic and fun way to connect with people who might share the same interests.”
11. Stitch
Mature singles seeking companionship can also try Stitch. The social networking site launched in 2014 as a place for people above 50 to make friends and perhaps even find romance. You will have the chance to travel together, watch movies, dine out, and enjoy pleasant conversations with people in the same age group.
Once you verify your Stitch account, you can create events and groups that inspire local seniors to join and hang out. The Stitch team encourages people to meet in person and enjoy social outings.
“It’s all driven by shared interests as ways to meet people, but none of that high-pressure environment of going on a date,” said Andrew Dowling, the Founder of Stitch.
4 Good Dating Sites for Casual Hookups
Not everyone wants a lifetime commitment in a relationship. Sometimes, you just want the right partner to get a little naughty with now and then. Here are four good dating sites to try if you’re looking for a casual hookup.
12. Ashley Madison
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.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles & Attached* |
71%*
29%*
|
65 Million* | Browse FREE |
Ashley Madison is a dating site for aspiring cheaters. People who join this platform are searching for the thrill of having an affair while keeping their current relationship. Ashley Madison has more than 75 million members worldwide, so members won’t run out of options. However, 70% of users are men, so there’s competition for the attention of women. That can make the game more exciting.
Those who use Ashley Madison include PTA moms, journalists, married women, and people from all walks of life. Women have nothing to lose in using Ashley Madison because this platform provides them with free memberships to battle gender imbalance. While all men need to pay for credits to play the game, many think it’s worth the price. Let’s take a look at Mr. Dawson’s review from the Google Play Store.
“It is well worth the premium packages if you are looking for anything. There’s something on this site for you, and it’s way better than Tinder and every other site. On here, the ladies and the men are very direct with what they want and what they need.”
Ashley Madison has decades of experience and offers tools to keep users safe. You can blur or mask your faces in photos, the name “Ashley Madison” will not appear on your bank statement, and you need to enter a passcode into an innocuous black box icon to access the platform — so no one can snoop on your account while you’re away from your phone. Additionally, you can only share pictures with someone you already trust through a private showcase feature.
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…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
65%*
35%*
|
25.5 Million* | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
Adult Friend Finder lives up to its name. It’s a place to connect with adults looking for fun. AFF is the world’s largest dating and social networking platform for adults and has hosted more than 105 million users since its launch in 1997. The platform is a safe space on the internet for people to satisfy their sexual needs, connect online, and arrange casual, no-strings-attached hookups.
AFF offers local search tools, kinky interest groups, video chat rooms, and members-only forums to encourage users to connect. You can express your sexual desire as the platform is full of users looking for one-night stands, sexting, or even threesomes. There are no rules against naughty photos or sexting, so you can indulge your fantasies without restraint.
14. BeNaughty
Relationships: Hookups, Chats
Match System: Search by encounter, location, and more
Our Experts Say: “Absolutely free to sign up and browse profiles, BeNaughty is the top pick of millions for local “adult dating.” If you are looking for sex only — straight, swinger, gay, lesbian — this is your site…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
13.3 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Singles who want to tap into their wilder side and enjoy naughty encounters on the down low are suited for BeNaughty. With more than 13.3 million monthly visitors from all over the world, the platform lets you sext all day and night because someone is always online. Here, you can find one-night stands, threesomes, swingers, affairs, and any other type of casual encounter you desire.
You can download BeNaughty from Google Play or the App Store. You must be at least 18 years old to create a profile, and you can access a standard account for free. If you upgrade to a premium membership, you can find multiple matches based on age, location, gender, sexual orientation, and appearance. Your profile picture will play a big role in attracting people, so cover your important parts and leave some room for the imagination.
15. 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.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
1 million* | Browse profiles for free |
If you want a date on the spot without further expectations, you should give Flirt.com a try. As its name indicates, this hookup site focuses on flirty chats between horny people seeking one-night stands, casual sex, threesomes, and anything else you can imagine. You only need to provide an email address, a profile picture, and a sexy username to kick things off.
Women get free access to unlimited messaging on Flirt.com. While men have limited messaging options, they can send a FlirtCast, which broadcasts a prewritten icebreaker to start a conversation with anyone who replies. If they enjoy what they find on Flirt.com, men can get a one-day or one-month subscription to reply to the messages in their inbox. These subscription choices offer flexibility without a long-term commitment.
FAQs: Is Facebook Dating a Good Place to Meet Singles?
Facebook Dating is exactly what its name implies: a dating site for Facebook users. But not all Facebook users automatically join Facebook Dating because they need to opt-in to enroll. Once you’re in, you can enjoy instant messaging, match recommendations, and a cool Secret Crush feature for free. You don’t need to worry about your safety and privacy because your activity on Facebook Dating won’t show up on your regular Facebook profile. Also, users aren’t allowed to capture screenshots within the app.
Although Facebook Dating is connected to the social media giant, it is not a good place to meet singles. The company hasn’t disclosed exact numbers, yet we have a strong indication that Facebook Dating isn’t nearly as popular as other platforms. People have complained about a lack of active users, so you may end up spending more time swiping than chatting. If you want to find dates, you have a better chance with household names like Match that have a track record of online dating success.
Which Dating Sites Have the Best Success Rates?
If you want to tie the knot in the future, you should focus your energy on online dating sites with the best success rates. These sites have the best tools to help you find long-term love. They may have personality tests or proven matchmaking algorithms to facilitate communication and help singles get to know each other.
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 |
The most successful dating platform for finding serious relationships is Match. Our experts rank Match as the best of the best because the dating site has nearly three decades of experience helping couples find each other.
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
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | Join eharmony FREE |
eharmony is also massively popular thanks to its Compatibility Quiz. The site is so successful that couples who meet on the platform and get married have a divorce rate of only 3.86%, according to an interview with Bloomberg.
Building a relationship requires you to find common ground with your partner. Having the same interests as your partner can make your relationship smoother. You can check a list of online dating sites based on your interests to help you pick the right platform from the get-go.
Is It Worth Getting a Paid Membership for Online Dating?
Online dating sites and apps have become common places for singles to find dates. But if you still wonder if it is worth spending money on dating apps, it depends on your situation.
If you know what you’re looking for and can afford a payment of around $20 a month, online dating sites can provide results quickly. You can skip the time-consuming swipe games and immediately connect with people who fit your criteria. Many singles in their 30s and 40s prefer a membership because they are financially stable and know what they need.
Above all, choose a platform that aligns with your expectations. If you’re looking for a casual relationship, go with Tinder. If you want to find a high-caliber significant other to support your career, Elite Singles may be your best bet. You should always choose the popular dating apps that align with your desires.
Can Video Chat Improve the Online Dating Experience?
If you’re tired of dating people who don’t meet your expectations in person, you should try video chat first. Some dating sites and apps provide video chatting as a way to make face-to-face connections and verify profiles and identities.
Here are some dating tips to get the best experience from your video dates:
- Be on time and look presentable. A good first impression will go a long way.
- These mini-dates don’t need to be long. Three minutes is enough to spark connection and build trust.
- Have a few icebreaker questions ready to go.
- Smile and have fun!
Once you wrap up the video call, send a message thanking your date for hanging out. Even if it wasn’t a total slam-dunk match, it’s still the polite thing to do. If sparks fly and you’re feeling it, plan a real-life meet-up and see where things go from there.
A Good Dating Profile Can Open the Door to a Great Romance
A dating profile is the first impression you give to anyone who stumbles on your account. If you do it right, it can open the door to romance. If you’re already hanging out on online dating apps but not getting good results, your profile may need a digital facelift.
Some tips to revise your online dating profile to attract the man or woman of your dreams include uploading your newest attractive photo and not talking about sex if you want to fend off casual daters.
And don’t forget to put in the work. You have a great chance to find someone interesting if you browse the right online dating platform. Good luck!
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