Best Dating Sites
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Online Dating
Paid dating sites tend to offer more benefits than typical free dating apps. More established brands, more quality matches, and more perks upgrades can help create a better online dating experience. Online dating is much easier when you have the right tools and access to cool features. It could be an experience that changes your life for the better.
Dating is an investment –– whether it’s money or your time –– you have to invest in something to get the results that you want. All the dating sites and apps on this list start with a free membership, but some offer more rewards with their monthly subscriptions and paid plans. Our thorough research discovered the top 15 paid dating sites and apps that are worth every penny.
Singles who want to expedite the dating process and get in a relationship often choose to invest in upgraded features on paid dating sites and apps. The exclusive benefits available to paid members are worthwhile when your goal is a true love and marriage.
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
Match is one of the best online dating services for singles who are ready to settle down and find true love. Match’s mission is to help singles find a lasting relationship. Since 1996, Match has helped countless couples find each other and have a positive online dating experience that could just lead to marriage.
Match offers a free membership that includes dating profile browsing and messaging Top Picks. The Match premium membership takes the dating experience to the next level. Paid members get an enhanced experience with add-on features such as matchPhone, private mode, unlimited communication, and email read notifications.
Members who are on the fence can do a free trial to see if they prefer the paid membership. People can also give subscriptions to a friend in need –– now that’s a great gift to give!
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 »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | Join eharmony FREE |
For over 20 years, the dating app eharmony has helped people to make meaningful connections and build relationships. To support serious dating goals, eharmony is committed to making members feel safe, heard, and welcomed in their search for love.
To start things off, the eharmony compatibility quiz is free to complete and helps establish a baseline for who you are and what you want in a partner. This ensures that the team produces the best matches and can help singles meet like-minded dates.
Premium members have access to enhanced search features, unlimited communication, and exclusive dating content. Members can also use the service’s comprehensive compatibility reports to identify good partners who are ready for a real relationship. These personal tips are useful at narrowing options on the eharmony dating site or app.
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 »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Sign Up Free |
Investing in your love life to find the one you’ll be with for the rest of your life is so worth it. The Elite Singles dating site makes sure that every dollar counts! Elite Singles offers an intelligent online dating approach to curate suitable matches with similar interests. The site’s primary goal is to allow members to find a serious and loving relationship.
The Elite Singles team encourages members to sign up for Premium features so they can take advantage of all the site and app have to offer. The free basic membership might just be too basic for your needs! As a premium member, you can view personality test results, see who visited your profile, and exchange an unlimited number of messages. You also have access to all photos on dating profiles.
Getting people to talk for hours is the primary goal that most dating sites and apps share. Having a good conversation with someone who has the same interest as you is priceless! These apps put messaging features front and center to help singles connect.
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…” Full Review »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
28.9 Million* | Start Zoosk for FREE |
The dating site Zoosk is ideal for jumping into a casual conversation. With so many cool features available, singles are set up for success. Zoosk is considered a leading online dating company that creates a personalized dating experience with a variety of free and paid features.
Zoosk is available in over 80 countries and has been translated into 25 languages, so it’s easier than ever to communicate and get to know people across the world.
Zoosk is a global platform and has helped more than 56,000 singles find love thus far. As a paid subscriber, you have many helpful features that can keep the conversation flowing. Premium members can unlock Carousel matches, boost their profiles, send gifts, get delivery confirmation on messages, and chat with their connections right away.
Paid subscribers can also see the profiles of people who viewed their profile and say yes to start chatting with their SmartPicks™ matches. This helps singles identify who may be interested in them quicker and get straight to chatting.
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 »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
Christian Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
3.5 Million* | Free Search, Then $14.99/Mo. |
The number one Christian dating community, Christian Mingle is on a mission to help singles find their love souls. Christian Mingle is all about matching like-minded people in the hopes to create a happily ever after where the conversation never stops.
Christian Mingle offers useful communication tools that help members meet more people every day. As a result, members can make deeper connections and weed out incompatible matches. The Christian Mingle team reported that there are nearly 60,000 signups per month. Singles can find comfort in investing in a platform that not only works but has an array of options online.
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 »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
It’s important to find a safe space to find like-minded people to chat with and date. BlackPeopleMeet is all about creating a safe space for Black singles to express their desires and feel comfortable as they embark on their journey to find true love. Your dream of finding #BlackLove can now be a reality with the help of BlackPeopleMeet.
BlackPeopleMeet helps facilitate conversations by creating a safe space for singles to talk without feeling exposed. One popular feature that paid subscribers have access to is ConnectMe, which is a phone number you can use for people to call or text you at any time.
ConnectMe is a premium option that is worth investing in. Its features create greater security for online daters. ConnectMe allows members to remain anonymous while chatting, so they’re not using their phone number or email to stay connected. This encourages members to get to know one another online.
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 »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
Jewish Singles* |
46%*
54%*
|
2 Million* | Start JDate FREE |
The Jewish dating site, JDate, is a main hub for Jewish singles to find a relationship they’re proud of. Religion is an important aspect of a lot of people’s lives. Looking for a significant other in a place of worship isn’t always ideal or practical. JDate has helped singles find their special someone with just a click of a button –– and maybe a prayer or two!
JDate was launched in 1997 and has created a solid community since. Knowing this, a lot of singles join and feel comfortable opening up and getting to know the other members of the app. It’s not hard to start up a great conversation on JDate because of the shared faith every member has. Whether you want to talk about your family or your proud traditions, JDate is the right space to do that in.
There’s nothing wrong with getting a little naughty now and then! Dating doesn’t always have to be so uptight and serious. You can make it as casual and chill as you want it to be on the following casual hookup sites and apps.
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 »
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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 |
Going by the motto, “Life is short. Have an affair,” Ashley Madison is a marriage dating site available for people to follow their desires. Ashley Madison was launched in 2001 to provide a safe space for discreetly making romantic connections.
Some people join Ashley Madison for a no-strings sex while others are just curious about online dating and want to chat in privacy. Whatever the reason may be, members can feel safe knowing that Ashley Madison is a judgment-free space for exploration and romance.
Ashley Madison has more than 75 million members worldwide and has more than enough people willing to fulfill your sexual desires. The team advises members to create the story they want and to take full advantage of having privacy to explore married dating.
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.) |
Free Trial
|
All Singles* |
65%*
35%*
|
25.5 Million* | 3 Months @ $19.95/Mo |
Adult Friend Finder is exactly what it sounds like –– a hookup site to find an adult friend to do adult things with! Adult Friend Finder is the world’s largest dating and social network for adults.
Millions of people from around the world use Adult Friend Finder to satisfy their sexual needs and arrange a casual hookup with no strings attached.
You’ll notice that paying for membership through Adult Friend Finder can save a lot of time in the online dating process. Since the community is filled with like-minded people, members don’t have to stress about looking for potential partners for one-night stands, sexting, or even threesomes. Adult Friend Finder encourages members to be expressive and use its platform to discover their sexuality.
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…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
13.3 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
Those singles who want to tap into the dark side and get their flirt on will enjoy the BeNaughty app. BeNaughty is considered one of the best dating apps where singles can experience fun chatting and real dating success.
BeNaughty is a legit online service dedicated to helping singles find their perfect match. From the very beginning, the team only matches people together if they fit each other’s dating criteria. Some singles on the app are looking for romance while others are just looking to have some fun on the down low.
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…”
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
Singles & Couples* |
95%*
5%*
|
780,000* | Start for Free |
MenNation boasts being the world’s largest gay dating and hookup site. With over 100 million members worldwide, it’s easy for singles to meet and find a hot hookup. MenNation makes the search easier by providing personalized matches based on member preferences. This can include your preference for sexual connections with singles, couples, or groups of people.
Although most features are free, singles can upgrade their membership and explore advanced features that will be helpful on their dating journey. Members are in control of their experience on MenNation. Certain decisions like choosing to see nude pictures or not are totally up to you!
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.) |
Free Trial
|
Singles & Couples* |
10%*
90%*
|
500,000* | View Profiles Free |
One of the world’s hottest lesbian dating sites, LesbianPersonals continues to pave the way for millions of singles around the world to experience a steamy romance. Instead of using the traditional swipe method, LesbianPersonals uses features to help people get to know each other and connect.
Instant Messenger Chat helps members chat lesbians up while the two-way cam allows members to have an up close and personal experience no matter where they are.
It doesn’t matter if you share the same ZIP code or not, you can still have a great night on LesbianPersonals. Singles who wish to date someone within a specific area can use the location feature to detect them.
I truly believe that love has no age limit, anyone can find love. The following senior dating sites and apps help mature singles explore new connections and relationships online.
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 »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
Mature Singles (50+)* |
48%*
52%*
|
8.9 Million* | Over 50? Start FREE |
Older singles who are looking to get back into the dating game can benefit from using the dating app OurTime. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop, OurTime is a platform for singles over the age of 50. The OurTime community is filled with people who celebrate life and all that it has to offer.
In just under two minutes of signing up, singles will encounter new people who are looking for a romantic partner or just a friend. As people get older, good company is valued more and more. OurTime encourages older singles to take advantage of their time and get the relationship they always wanted.
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 »
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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 |
The dating site Silver Singles makes dating a whole lot easier for singles over the age of 50. Dating can be very complex at times –– especially when you’re trying to understand the technical aspect of it. Whether you’re a tech expert or not, Silver Singles uses easy-to-learn features for older singles to connect.
Silver Singles focuses on compatibility first and allows love to do the rest of the work. To start, Silver Singles members have to do a personality quiz that helps the team work on their behalf to find matches that fit their dating criteria.
This means members don’t have to go on a crazy love hunt all by themselves. Dating can feel lonely at times, which is why the Silver Singles team wants to ensure that it is with their members every step of the way.
Relationships: Sugar arrangements
Match System: Browse by location, age, net worth, more
Our Experts Say: “SeekingArrangement is a go-to dating site for single sugar daddies, sugar mommas, and sugar babies…” Full Review »
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User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
All Singles* |
20%*
80%*
|
7.1 million* |
Everyone looks for and wants something better for themselves. This also applies to people’s dating lifestyle. Those singles who want a better dating life will appreciate the dating site Seeking as one that will fulfill their desires.
Seeking is a luxury dating site for successful and attractive singles wanting to mingle. Seeking is on a mission to elevate the dating experience for singles. It’s a learning experience for both the team and members as they make each experience a personal one for members.
Members get to decide what their experience will look like. Seeking creates new matches based on members’ interests and goals. Older singles can pursue younger dates without getting thrown any shade. The team is devoted to providing a safe environment for exploration and self-discovery.
When joining a dating site or app, you might be looking for features like free chatting to up your dating experience. But going for the free options may not be the best option for you. Singles must trust the dating sites and apps they’re on to get the best results. Paid dating sites provide upgraded features and assistance to guide singles to their perfect match.
It depends on the site, but generally paid memberships appeal to singles who are more serious about connecting and don’t have time to waste on endless swipes on free apps. Trustworthy names like Match and eharmony can make a huge difference when it comes to making the online dating experience easier and more manageable.
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “Match has more “over 50” members any other dating site, and it has a simple matching process that is responsible for millions of romantic connections…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
When trusted dating services add upgraded features that make things personal, it helps make it that much easier to find your ideal partner.
Of course, safety is a major factor in online dating as well. Some people are afraid of using online dating sites and apps because of the catfishers or disingenuous people online. This is understandable, and it can be quite worrisome, especially on free apps without screening or background checks.
Wasting time is not ideal, especially when you’re ready for a serious commitment. That’s why paid dating services make efforts to weed out the flakes and scammers from the true believers. To get the best results, singles should look for a trustworthy dating app or site that can help fulfill their needs.
Tinder Plus offers some useful perks such as unlimited swiping and the ability to match with single people outside your city limits. It’s reasonably priced at under $10 a month, so it can be tempting to some app users who feel they aren’t getting the results they want.
However, the premium features are far from a sure thing. Most contributors on Quora say they didn’t notice a big jump in quality or matches when upgrading to a Tinder subscription. The free app offers enough features for singles to explore and chat without paying. It’s really only worth it if you’re traveling a lot and want to swipe in other cities or countries.
Not everyone uses dating sites and apps for the same reason. Some may use it for a booty call while another is trying to find the love of their life. And some single people just want to chat! If you’re interested in totally free messaging on an app, then some of the most popular options include OkCupid, Facebook Dating, and Bumble.
As you can see, there are an array of different dating sites and apps ready to welcome you. Free subscriptions can certainly get the job done, but paid dating apps give singles the upgrade they need in their dating life. Investing in a paid membership will give you the results you want in an efficient and timely manner.
Whether it’s a paid subscription or just a few paid add-ons, investing in online dating is an investment that most find rewarding!
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