The best dating sites can help you find either a quick fling or something more meaningful, depending on what you’re looking for and which sites you use. Even if romance isn’t your goal, some dating sites can connect you with people who share your interests.
Dating apps have become a popular and convenient way to meet new people. Today, it’s not just about swiping; new features like video chats allow you to get to know someone remotely before deciding to meet in person.
While most of the best dating sites focus on finding romantic connections, some have expanded their purpose. For example, they can help you make new friends, especially if you’ve recently moved to a new city. These sites offer more than just swiping—they include features like video meetups and security checks to enhance the online dating experience.
The best dating apps right now
1. Tinder (Android; iOS)
Tinder is one of the best dating sites and perhaps the most well-known app for swiping through potential matches. The app’s format encourages quick decisions based on photos and brief profiles. You start by creating a simple profile with a few photos and sentences about yourself. Then, you dive into the pool of other users nearby who fit your preferred age range.
The app shows singles in your area. If you like someone’s profile, you swipe right on their photo; if not, you swipe left. If you and another user both swipe right, you can start messaging and arrange to meet up. Upgrading to Tinder Plus or Gold gives you access to premium features such as unlimited likes and the ability to rewind, which lets you give potential matches a second chance. These premium tiers also allow you to change the location where you want your profile to appear.
Tinder keeps updating its features. For example, it now offers a video call option within the app, so you can chat with matches without sharing personal details. The Safety Center integrates with the Noonlight app, providing a panic button if you feel unsafe on a date, and you can also run background checks using public records. There’s even a potential “swipe party” feature in the works, where your friends can help pick out potential matches for you.
Additionally, Tinder has introduced a new feature called Tinder Matchmaker. This allows users to invite friends to view and suggest potential matches on the app.
2. Bumble (Android; iOS)
Bumble is among the best dating sites, particularly known for empowering women to make the first move. It’s not just for dating; the app can also help you find new friends. If you’re not currently looking for romance, Bumble is still worth trying to expand your social circle.
Here’s how it works: after two people mutually connect and are part of each other’s hive, women have the power to make the first move. You then have just 24 hours to reach out, or the connection will expire. For same-sex connections or friendships, either person must initiate contact within 24 hours, though you can get a 24-hour extension if needed.
For those interested in making friends rather than dating, Bumble offers a BFF feature. There’s also a separate section for professional networking. Upgrading to Bumble Boost, which costs between $2.99 and $8.99, can streamline and speed up the process of meeting or dating people.
Additionally, Bumble introduced video features a few years ago, giving this top dating app an advantage during the shelter-in-place era. The “Night In” feature includes games like trivia to make video chats with your match more engaging and enjoyable.
3. OkCupid (Android; iOS)
OkCupid is one of the best dating sites, featuring a massive user base and straightforward tools for dating. Rather than resting on its laurels, OKC continues to innovate and improve. For instance, it now offers a “Flavors” system, which lets users quickly browse intriguing categories of potential matches, such as Kinky Nerds, Beard Lovers, and World Travelers.
In addition to this new feature, OkCupid includes tried-and-true tools like messaging options, personality quizzes, and Instagram integration. These classic features are complemented by premium subscription options, which provide advanced search tools and the ability to see who has liked your profile.
4. Hinge (Android; iOS)
Hinge stands out among the best dating sites by focusing on relationships and meaningful conversations, rather than following the swipe-driven approach of apps like Tinder. In fact, Hinge’s goal is to help you find a connection so strong that you’ll eventually delete the app—not because you’re fed up, but because you’ve found love.
Unlike swipe-based apps, Hinge requires you to create a detailed profile with pictures and personal stories. Users can like and comment on specific aspects of a profile, which helps initiate mutual conversations. Each day, you can explore new recommendations and see who has liked elements of your profile.
In response to the coronavirus pandemic and shelter-in-place orders, Hinge quickly introduced Date From Home features. The app also partnered with companies like Chipotle and Uber Eats to promote socially distanced dinner dates. Additionally, the Standouts feature highlights profiles that are more likely to match your preferences, and suggests conversation topics. Although Hinge offers a premium tier to boost your profile’s visibility, you can still enjoy a great matching experience without paying for extra features.
5. Match.com (Android; iOS)
Match.com is one of the best dating sites, offering a freemium dating experience on both Android and iOS. Free users can create online profiles, upload a few pictures, and engage in some light flirting with “winks”. They also receive new match suggestions daily. For more advanced features, such as seeing who has viewed your profile or liked your pictures, you’ll need a Match.com subscription.
Match continues to enhance its platform with new features. For instance, it now includes a Tinder-like Mixer, and integrates with Android Wear and Apple Watch. You can also add voice and video snippets to your profile. The Vibe Check feature, introduced recently, allows for video chats with your matches. Additionally, Match offers the option to pay extra for real-life dating coaches to help make matches for you.
Like Tinder, Match has introduced a safety feature that lets you alert friends if you feel unsafe during a date. Moreover, you can specify your political views on Match, which helps you find someone whose outlook aligns with yours—or explore the potential of opposites attracting.
6. Grindr (Android; iOS)
Grindr is one of the best dating sites for gay and bisexual men looking to connect with like-minded individuals nearby. Creating a profile is quite simple; you’ll need a profile picture, a username, and answers to a few basic questions. You also choose a “Tribe” that describes your type. Once set up, you can start finding and chatting with other users within minutes.
The app is highly focused on hookups, showing profiles that are closest to your location. If your aim is to meet up with someone quickly and conveniently, Grindr is an excellent choice.
Grindr is free to use and supported by ads. However, the premium version, Grindr Xtra, offers an ad-free experience along with additional features, such as the ability to add multiple Tribes and use advanced search filters. One drawback is that push notifications for messages are only available with Grindr Xtra.
7. Her (Android; iOS)
Her is one of the best dating sites specifically designed for lesbian, bisexual, and queer users. You sign up using your Facebook or Instagram account, and then you can browse a stream of activity from other verified Her users, both locally and globally. You can like photos of other users, and if there’s mutual interest, the app will connect you for a chat.
But Her offers more than just dating opportunities. It also includes social features, news and articles about LGBTQ+ issues, as well as information on events and community questions. While the app is free to use and sign up for, a premium subscription unlocks additional features and enhancements.
8. eharmony (Android; iOS)
eHarmony is one of the best dating sites with a long history in the online dating world. It was the first to introduce an algorithmic system designed to create the best possible matches for its members. After creating an account, users complete a “Relationship Questionnaire.” This helps build a personality profile that eHarmony uses to find compatible matches.
Every day, the app provides a selection of potential matches along with details on your areas of compatibility. You can choose to connect if both parties are interested.
Premium subscribers enjoy expanded matching and discovery options, along with additional features such as the ability to see who has recently viewed their profile.
9. Facebook (Android, iOS)
Facebook Dating is one of the best dating sites and has been around for a few years. Integrated as an opt-in feature within the Facebook social network, it focuses on helping users find long-term relationships rather than casual hook-ups. You access Facebook Dating through the mobile app, where you set up a Dating profile separate from your regular Facebook account.
From there, Facebook matches you with potential partners based on your preferences, interests, and activities on the platform. Notably, Facebook won’t suggest matches from people you already know, unless you use the Secret Crush feature. With Secret Crush, you can select up to nine Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’re interested in. If they also indicate an interest in you, Facebook will make the connection.
Additionally, you can enhance your Facebook Dating profile by adding Instagram posts and sharing stories from both Facebook and Instagram. Like other dating apps, Facebook Dating also offers video calls through the Messenger app, allowing you to connect with potential matches in real-time.
10. Coffee Meets Bagel (Android; iOS)
Coffee Meets Bagel is one of the best dating sites that takes a different approach from many other top dating apps. Instead of focusing on quantity, it emphasises quality. Every day at noon, the app sends men a carefully curated selection of potential matches based on their profile and preferences. Women, on the other hand, receive a list of matches who have shown interest in them. They can then choose to reciprocate the interest.
If both parties are interested, the app opens a 7-day chat window and provides an icebreaker to start the conversation.
Recent updates to Coffee Meets Bagel have redesigned the app to focus more on user profiles. This new design allows users to comment on profiles and photos, aiming to create more opportunities for meaningful connections among Coffee Meets Bagel users.
How to pick the best dating apps
The best dating sites are researched by examining online customer reviews and considering word-of-mouth recommendations. This process helps identify which dating services are currently popular. Services are then evaluated based on their cost and the value they provide.
Preference is given to apps that cater to a wide range of users. A larger dating pool increases the likelihood of finding a good match. Apps that offer a free trial of some features are also favoured. Additionally, higher ratings are given to services that include various tools for meeting new people and have strong security measures to report fake accounts and problematic users.
Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for dating, a variety of apps are highlighted to help users find one that best suits their personality, comfort level, and interests.
