Best Dating Sites
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We can agree that dating nowadays is different from the past. Singles are starting to use online dating sites and apps to help them keep in touch with the dating scene. But the question at hand is are dating apps worth the time investment? They certainly are!
Popular dating apps are definitely worth the try because they allow you to connect and meet with people from around the world. With the advancement of technology, singles are getting a better dating experience online than they would in person. Trying to figure out where to find your perfect match can be an annoying task to do.
Thanks to online dating apps, singles now have the opportunity to filter out their perfect match and meet them in a private chat room. Although bar hopping is fun, it’s not always accessible to go scouting for dates in real life. We’ve come up with 5 reasons why online dating is worth a try, especially for singles hoping to use online dating to find their happy ending with their perfect online match.
1. A Majority of Singles Have Joined a Dating Site or App
The COVID-19 pandemic shook things up for the dating world. Singles who still wanted to find their special someone had to resort to using dating sites and apps to help them date at a time when dating almost seemed impossible. When the world started to slowly transition back to pre-COVID circumstances, people had become very comfortable with the whole online dating scene.
According to Pew Research Center, 48% of 18- to 29-year-old singles, and 38% of 30- to 49-year-old singles said that they have used a dating site or app. This is no surprise considering that dating apps and sites provide a fresh take on dating that singles may never have encountered before.
Certain dating sites, such as Match, grew in numbers during COVID. The Match Group adapted to the lockdown and helped singles continue to feel connected to the outside world. In doing so, Match has millions of visitors and active members on the site each month.
Most of the time, people run into a drought in dating because they haven’t gone out and met a person worth dating. But singles don’t have to worry about not meeting someone with online dating available because there are plenty of dating sites and apps that have members that are just as ready to socialize as you.
2. Singles Can Date From the Comfort of their Homes
Attending neighborhood events or going to the club isn’t always the best move when it comes to finding someone worthy of dating. That’s why online dating comes in clutch because it allows singles to stay at home and date where it’s convenient for them.
First-date jitters are common for most singles. When it comes to first dates online, singles don’t stress as much because they have cool features to help guide them throughout. Certain premium features like cool icebreakers and chats allow singles to get to know one another and break the ice before meeting in person.
“We find that people who meet online are more in tune with what they’re looking for, and what they want to get out of the experience,” said Cecily Gold Moore, Bumble’s Director of Community Experience, in a Knot article.
3. The Chance to Meet Other Singles From All Over the World
Before online dating sites and apps became a thing, people could only date people based on their location. Long-distance relationships were a foreign thing for most — it almost seemed impossible at some point. Thanks to online dating, the dating pool just got much larger. Singles no longer have to settle for their next-door neighbor. Daters can meet and fall in love with someone who may not share the same area code as they do.
Online dating is a great way to meet people from across the country without having to fly there first. For example, many couples nowadays live on opposite ends of the United States. But they’re able to make it work because online dating has amazing features to help them still feel connected.
International dating also increased due to the rise of online dating. Dating someone across the country is one thing, but across the world is a whole different ball game. Even though the thought of dating someone in another country sounds intimidating, online dating makes it exciting and worthwhile. Most online dating sites and apps give members access to video chats that they can use to organize first dates.
4. Niche Dating Sites Are Tailored to Your Interests
There is pretty much an online dating app or site for any interest. From religion to special hobbies, singles can find it helpful to find a partner who shares their interests. For example, the dating app Smoke and Poke is tailored to singles who want to be in a relationship with someone who loves marijuana just like they do.
Couples who share some of the same passions and interests tend to have a longer and happier relationship. According to Psychology Today, not all relationships fail because they don’t share the same interests, but it’s been observed that partners who share the same interests argue less.
Geiger and Livingtone discovered in 2019 that 64% of couples with shared interests believe that it has helped their marriage to succeed.
5. Free and Affordable Dating Services Save Money
Online dating is conveniently accessible to anyone who wants to find a long-term relationship. You don’t have to be a billionaire to try out online dating. Depending on the site, singles can date online at no charge or sign up for a paid membership at an affordable price.
Love is an investment, this we all know but it shouldn’t be an investment that will leave you old and dry. There are plenty of online dating sites and apps that understand that money shouldn’t be a reason why you don’t find true love. Certain dating platforms, such as eharmony, allow members to start free and explore the membership base and features. Depending on their dating goals and budgets, singles may decide to stay free members forever, or they may can upgrade their membership based on what’s convenient for them.
FAQs: What Are the Best Dating Sites & Apps for First Timers?
Online dating for the first time can seem intimidating, but the right dating service can make it all worthwhile and ease any nerves going into a new conversation or match.
Match is known for having a large pool of people on its site. Today Match serves millions of singles located around the world in 24 countries.
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
If you’re looking to date for keeps, Match is the perfect place to start exploring. Since it launched in 1995, Match successfully has gained thousands of success stories about singles finding their perfect match on the site. By having a strong supportive team, singles can look forward to receiving the necessary tools and aid they need as they go throughout their dating journey.
Due to its intelligent matchmaking system, Elite Singles has a high success rate. Elite Singles is a great dating platform for singles wanting to settle down with a person who prioritizes education and is serious about finding true love.
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
Over 90% of members on Elite Singles are 30 years old and up and hold an above-average education. Singles with a busy lifestyle can use Elite Singles at home on a computer or a mobile device — making it easy to date when you’re on the go.
Launched in 2000, eharmony is a free dating site for singles wanting to find real love. The eharmony platform provides quality matches and has been ranked as the number one trusted dating app by singles.
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
Most members of the eharmony app are tired of playing the dating game. Committed to serious dating, eharmony assures members that they will receive compatible matches who are looking for love that will last a lifetime, just like them. If you’re starting online dating for the first time, eharmony is a number one go-to because it has a supportive team that will walk you through the whole online dating scene.
Along similar lines, Christian Mingle helps singles find the love they’ve always dreamt of having while staying true to their core beliefs and faith.
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.
As a premier Christian dating site, Christian Mingle continues to help men and women develop a God-centered relationship. Christian Mingle offers robust profiles and personalization features to help create a better experience for members to connect. First-timers who want to build genuine connections online can take advantage of Christian Mingle’s powerful communication tools.
What’s the Best Anonymous Hookup App or Site?
Whether you’re looking for an escape to have sex outside your marriage or you’re just seeking a platonic sexual relationship, Ashley Madison is the perfect online dating app. Ashley Madison was originally designed for married men and women discreetly looking to have an affair. The app operates as a non-judgment community and is completely anonymous.
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
“I joined Ashley Madison and have found the fulfillment I needed to return to my husband a satisfied partner. It completely removed the anxiety from our marriage,” said an anonymous member in a testimonial.
Ashley Madison isn’t the only hookup app for getting attention. Singles can participate in interactive chat rooms and go through hundreds of online profiles while allowing their naughty side to come out on the dating site 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
BeNaughty fosters a casual hookup space that helps naughty singles date differently. Not everyone wants to use an online dating app to find a long-term relationship and that’s all right. BeNaughty is available for anyone who wants to flirt and fulfill their sexual desires.
Last but not least, Adult Friend Finder is one of the world’s largest dating social networks for adults. Our dating site review covers what single people can expect with a free membership.
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 helps singles who are looking for a sexual relationship or just a quick fling. Adult Friend Finder is known for helping millions of people find traditional partners, swinger groups, and even threesomes. Whatever you’re into sexually, Adult Friend Finder supports members along the way.
Which Popular Dating Apps Offer Free Chatting?
Tinder is a popular dating app that many people use to have great conversations and build relationships. Tinder offers free chatting for members to converse with one another once they match. Oftentimes people use Tinder strictly because of the free chatting feature. Singles have used Tinder to fulfill their social needs and make new friends. Other people have used Tinder to find a new boo they can talk to for long hours out of the day. Whatever floats your boat, Tinder is a great dating app where free chatting is available.
The Bumble team is proud to announce that Bumble isn’t just for dating anymore. Bumble offers free chatting for people to find a romantic partner, a BFF, or even a new job. Networking is key on Bumble, and members on the app are free to do just that. Bumble is all about inspiring people to make the first move, and with the free chatting services available, anyone — whether they’re a woman or man — can make that first move.
OkCupid plays the role of Cupid in a lot of singles’ love lives. OkCupid is a dating app that matches singles together based on what matters to them. As one of the best dating apps in the world, OkCupid offers free chatting services for members to see if they’re compatible. OkCupid believes that dating deserves better, so by offering cool chatting features, singles can experience dating in a new, fun way.
Which Dating Apps Have the Highest Success Rate?
Depending on your definition of success, there are plenty of dating apps that have gained the title of successful online dating apps. With over 60 billion matches under its belt, Tinder can be considered one of the top successful dating apps in the world.
As an app that actively tries to create cool features for singles to connect, the dating app Hinge can be considered another successful dating app for singles to use. According to a Hinge survey, 90% of members said that their first dates were great, and 72% of them said they wanted to go on a second date.
The dating app Match proudly boasts about having built more real-life relationships and marriages than any dating service because it’s been around since 1995. Because it is a seasoned dating app, Match continues to grow in numbers, having about 1.7 million active members to this day.
Online Dating Works Best When Singles Know Their Stuff
Like anything else, online dating only works if you put in the required work to make it work. Singles who find themselves asking whether online dating apps are worth it should do their research before testing them out. Online dating works best when singles know which dating site or app best fits what they’re looking for.
If you have a busy schedule or don’t seem to be having luck in the dating department, you can definitely find online dating worth a try.
As Alexa Cortese said in a Huffington Post article, “Even if you don’t wind up meeting your next girlfriend/boyfriend/soulmate/best friend through online dating, it is certainly a memorable experience.”
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