Best Dating Sites
Looking for a dating site you can trust? Search no more.
It’s no secret that dating sites and dating apps are plentiful. As far back as 2013, Forbes reported a launch rate of almost 1,000 per year for dating platforms in the U.S. alone. While the Forbes article questioned the wisdom of such a crowded dating market, our experts agree: more choices are a good thing.
When it comes to online dating, there’s something for everyone. You’re not stuck with choosing between Match, eharmony, and Tinder to find the right match. Whoever you’re looking for, there’s a dating platform out there to meet the right person.
Overall Best | Sex Sites | For Friends | Seniors | LGBTQ+ Singles | Niche
General Dating Sites That Actually Work (1-2)
While you’ll find a lot of dating sites that cater to very specific demographics, mainstream dating platforms for all daters have their place. Open-ended sites and apps like let a single person cast a wide net in the hopes of finding a compatible person who meets your needs and expectations.
1. 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.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
For a discerning single person, it can be hard to find a perfect match on mainstream dating sites. Elite Singles caters to people looking for a long-term relationship with high-caliber people. The dating site features a very educated membership, with more than 80% of users holding at least a Bachelor’s degree. The signup process is simple, but in-depth, and not everyone who applies to join the online dating site or app is accepted. Profile verification is a must.
After you’ve taken the personality test and gotten approved, Elite Singles offers a user base of successful, professional singles to match with. The site provides verified compatible matches daily, and premium membership provides perks, including the ability to track your profile visits and make yourself more visible.
2. Zoosk
★★★★★
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 |
Zoosk started out as an offshoot of the Facebook app, but the boom in dating sites and dating apps in the early 2007s inspired its leadership to take the site in a new direction. The site functions as much as a social media outlet in its own right as it does a matchmaking platform, with full Facebook integration. But don’t worry, your Facebook friends won’t see your Zoosk activity on your Facebook profile.
Most of the core functions on the online dating site and app are available to free and paid members alike, but paid memberships give you access to extra perks on the platform, including virtual gifts and other ways to contact members. One drawback is that Zoosk only sends you one suggested match per day, unlike platforms like Tinder and OkCupid, so if you want to talk to more than one potential match at a time it can be tricky.
Fast-Paced Chat Sites For Sex (3-4)
These sites give you the opportunity for a more casual and risqué relationship, whether you’re just interested in chatting or want to try your luck with a hookup. The goal isn’t finding Mr. or Ms. Right, but rather Mr. or Ms. Right Now and getting down and dirty as quickly as possible.
3. BeNaughty
★★★★★
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 |
BeNaughty is all about enjoying fun, flirty, and sexy conversation with new people. The site is for singles who want all the thrills and no commitment, with plenty of sexy content even before you get to talking to someone.
While you can view and favorite the profiles of other users on the site without paying anything you’ll need a paid membership to get access to messaging features. The casual sex site offers different subscription options that give you access to higher security, messaging perks, or both.
4. SexChatCity
If you’re more interested in exchanging sexy messages and cybersex than you are in meeting up with someone in the real world, Sex Chat City is the place to go. The site is a free-for-all for sexy chatting, with options that include video chat in private messages, as well as public connections with strangers from around the world.
You can sign up and chat for free, but some of the features on the site only pertain to people with a premium membership. Featured Members show up on the front page of search results, and also get other visibility boosts to get more matches and more contacts with other people on the site.
Sites For Making Friends & Deep Connections (5-7)
If you’re not interested in a quick and dirty fling, but also aren’t ready to jump into a serious relationship right away, these sites and dating apps can help steer you toward a meaningful connection that isn’t necessarily romantic. Whether you’re looking for the right couple to double date with, want to connect with your community, or just make new friends, these sites will help you find the people looking for the same thing.
5. Kupple
Kupple is a unique dating site in that it isn’t designed to help singles meet each other. Instead, the site is for couples who want to meet other couples. But it isn’t a site for swingers either. The leadership behind Kupple understands that, as the TV sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” put it: Couples need other couples. The family-friendly site is for couples seeking friendship and advice from other couples.
Every feature on the site is free, though the company that runs it is open to providing premium services in the future. Whether you want to find the best happy hour in town, or find a couple of partners for your next hike, Kupple wants to help you connect with the right pair of friends.
6. DilMil
DilMil is about much more than just finding the right match. The dating app is as much about maintaining social ties in the South Asian community as it is about helping its members find the right match in the dating world.
In addition to the dating platform, DilMil maintains a blog with dating-related posts and some of the latest news, along with Desi horoscopes, among other features.
DilMil helps the South Asian community find love in a new, more modern take on matchmaking services, while building community ties.
7. UrMyType
If you’re into personality quizzes, the app Ur My Type brings that energy to the dating game. The personality test-driven app is new to the online dating market, but it’s already making a considerable splash. The app actually uses two separate tests: a personality profile and a compatibility profile. From there, you receive matches from local and global singles who match what you’re looking for.
The app has only been around for a short time, but it already has close to half a million installations and more than 750,000 matches. Best of all, the app is completely free.
Mature Dating Sites For Senior Singles (8-9)
Senior singles often face challenges on mainstream dating sites and apps. The pace may be too fast, the user interface might be too complicated to navigate, and of course the membership on most mainstream sites tends to be on the younger side. For seniors who want to find love with other people who share common interests and experiences, these senior dating sites can help.
★★★★★
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 |
Silver Singles has been around for a long time, establishing itself not only as one of the first senior dating platforms, but also one of the most trusted. The platform is easy to use, with simple navigation and simple signup processes.
The leadership behind the site also uses strong moderation policies to help weed out bots and scammers from senior singles looking for a meaningful relationship.
9. OurTime
As a People Media site, OurTime makes it easy to get started with online dating. You can sign up in less than a minute, and the dating website and app have search filters by age, similar interests, and other important criteria. OurTime also offers lots of positive dating advice and tips to help older adults who are starting over in the dating world after long-term relationships have ended, or who may have never had much luck with dating in the past.
Trustworthy Dating Services For LGBTQ+ Singles (10-12)
According to a Pew Research study from 2020, LGBTQ+ singles reported using dating apps and sites at almost twice the rate as their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. But queer singles on dating platforms also report more harassment than their straight counterparts, which makes finding safe and trustworthy sites and apps vitally important.
10. Taimi
The Taimi app combines matchmaking and social media into an app-based platform for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re a queer woman, bisexual man, or nonbinary person looking for love and friendship, Taimi prides itself on being a safe space.
Taimi is rapidly becoming one of the most popular dating apps for gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, and other nonbinary singles to come together.
The 11 million members the app boasts represent the largest LGBTQ+ social network globally, making it easy to find a mutual match or make friends, without having to worry about harassment.
11. Skout
Another social media site that doubles as an LGBTQ+ dating platform is Skout. The app and website are all about meeting people serendipitously, forming connections, and chatting. The app started out as a platform for gay men, but the user base has expanded since its launch in 2010, and it’s now a safe, open venue for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.
12. Lex
Lex is a groundbreaking dating app in that it’s one of the first platforms specifically for nonbinary, queer, trans, and two-spirit individuals to meet and connect. The app makes it clear that transphobia is a nonstarter, and moderates content specifically to remove and prevent the spread of trans-exclusive ideologies.
The Lex dating app also takes care of its members with responsive assistance and easy-to-find contact points. Whether you’re freshly out or a queer elder, Lex is a great tool for meeting people, forming connections, and finding love.
Niche Dating Sites For Finding a Specific Type (13-16)
If you’re passionate about a hobby, lifestyle, or type of person, then finding the right match on a mainstream dating site is like the proverbial needle in the haystack. These sites cater to very specific groups of people, making it easy to find a lover with a potentially uncommon common interest.
13. FetchDate
If you’re a passionate dog lover, FetchDate could be your best friend in the dating world. The niche dating site helps self-proclaimed dog people find each other, whether for romance or friendship. You don’t have to own a dog to use the dating app, of course, but you definitely have to be comfortable around dogs and dog people.
This niche dating app has gotten attention for its unique way of jumping on similar interests and lifestyles in the dating world. The platform also provides suggestions and information ways to integrate your furry friend into your dating life, making it great for both pups and the people who love them.
14. WooPlus
Mainstream dating sites can be difficult for plus-size women. WooPlus is one of the premier dating apps specifically for curvy women and the people who love them.
WooPlus launched in 2015 to expand the standard definition of what it means to be attractive. The dating site welcomes people of all sizes, including big beautiful women (aka BBW) and their admirers.
The WooPlus app provides a safe, respectful, and body-positive atmosphere where plus-size women don’t have to worry about harassment or trolling. The team behind the app also shares news and affirming information about plus-size dating, along with tips and advice.
15. VeggieDate
While it’s not impossible for a vegetarian and an omnivore to make it work, many vegetarians and vegans find it a lot easier to date people who share their dietary restrictions and preferences. VeggieDate welcomes all singles who are interested in a plant-based diet.
Whether it’s for religious, ethical, or health reasons, vegan and vegetarian singles can unite on VeggieDate and talk about their favorite dishes or activities with someone who gets their lifestyle choices.
This niche dating site has been around since 1999, and it brings vegetarians together from around the world.
16. AstroSeek
Whether you’re a Scorpio sun, Cancer moon and Capricorn rising or a Gemini stellium, many passionate astrology fans use the ancient practice to inform their dating. AstroSeek makes it easier to do just that, providing tools as well as a space online to meet fellow passionate astrologers. You can check charts, look at compatibility, and connect with astrology-loving singles from around the world, all on one site.
FAQs: What is The Most Discreet Dating Site?
By far the most discreet dating site on the market is Ashley Madison, which may come as a surprise after the scandal years ago involving a massive data leak. But the site took that breach very seriously, and began incorporating more features to make it easier for married people to keep their extramarital activities private.
★★★★★
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 |
Among the features that Ashley Madison uses to protect its member base are tools like the panic button, which instantly redirects the screen to a generic site. You can also keep your face and other identifying features hidden in a private gallery, which you only reveal when you’re comfortable enough to give someone the password. Ashley Madison also invests heavily in security for its site, including I.D. verification and data protection measures.
What is Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating is a dating website that leverages the massive online community that Facebook hosts to help users make connections and find love. The dating site doesn’t show up on your Facebook account, and it doesn’t simply serve up people in your friends list who might be single.
Instead, you build your profile on Facebook Dating by importing the information and some pictures from your account, and the site matches you based on your broader social network and common interests. While you won’t necessarily see someone on your friends list, you’re likely to run into friends of friends, or people who know someone you’re already connected to.
Which Niche Dating Site is Best For Serious Relationships?
There are several different mainstream dating sites that attract singles interested in long-term relationships. But if you’re not finding the right match on sites like Match.com, there are a few niche dating sites that cater to serious relationships and even to singles seeking marriage.
Christian Mingle is a site for Christian singles seeking love, with an eye toward serious, long-term commitment and marriage.
★★★★★
Relationships: Dates and Serious Relationships
Match System: Search by gender, age, education, more
Our Experts Say: “ChristianMingle is among the largest dating sites in the industry that only caters to single Christian men and women, and the site has some of the best search filters and safety features…” 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 |
The Christian dating site boasts such a high success rate of pairing Christians seeking a romantic relationship that a survey of American Christians showed that nearly a third of respondents said they had met on the site.
Set For Marriage is one of the few dating apps geared toward helping people find each other to get married. While many dating sites exist for the niche, apps tend to lean toward more casual encounters. Set For Marriage has a strong Christian leadership team, but the site’s FAQs make it clear that the team supports same-sex marriage and doesn’t want the mobile app to be viewed specifically as a Christian dating app.
Is There an Introvert Dating Site?
Introverts sometimes struggle with dating sites, even though interacting online is meant to be low pressure. Most dating sites and dating apps still make the process of connecting with a potential match somewhat competitive. But there are several platforms that are great for introverts.
Coffee Meets Bagel slows down the online dating app frenzy by limiting the number of matches users on the platform receive every day. The app, available for free on both the Google Play store and the App Store, serves up five matches to women and 21 matches to men at noon every day. If you want to branch out, you can browse for a potential partner in the Discover section.
Once is all about slow dating. It uses a smart algorithm and matchmaking to curate a list of matches for each user. The popular dating app creates 50 million matches a month, and over 10 million users mingle on the app on a daily basis. Even though Once isn’t as well known as swipe apps like Tinder, its tools make it easier for introverts to online date comfortably and find a potential match.
The League is for discerning singles who value quality matches over a quantity of matches. The app sets itself apart by connecting with social media profiles like the Facebook app and LinkedIn to verify user profiles and avoid bots and fake profiles. The app is also highly selective of who can join, and just about all users are subject to a waiting list while their profiles are verified and approved.
Are Paid Dating Sites Better?
The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking for. For singles who just want to meet people and have the occasional one-night stand, casual encounter, or fling, a free dating site or free dating app is fine. If you’re more interested in meeting someone serious, then paid dating sites have a few advantages.
Many people try to avoid paid dating sites because it’s hard to feel like the cost is justified. But paid dating sites tend to play host to more serious singles. Most paid subscribers on free sites say they get better results with the premium membership than with the free version. And most sites that require paid memberships state that their members are more engaged.
If you’re serious about finding a real match, a paid dating site can be the stronger option.
Try Swiping Off the Beaten Path to Find New Matches
If you haven’t found luck on mainstream dating apps, trying a niche dating app could give your dating life the boost you need. Underrated dating sites and dating apps that don’t boast tens of millions of members can provide quality matches for singles who want to find exactly the right person, whether for a sexy chat or for a long-term relationship.
Download a new niche dating app or sign up at a niche dating site to find your perfect potential match, and stop searching for the metaphorical needle in a haystack.
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