There are a million dating websites to choose from, and the right dating site for you can vary based on what you’re looking for in a potential partner, and how invested you are in finding that person. Whereas apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are for people usually looking for something casual, there are other sites for serious relationships like eharmony and Match. As a sex and relationships writer and a perpetually single woman, I’ve tested plenty of different dating sites over the years, and I’m STILL left wondering: Which dating site should I use?
I chose each online dating service on this list based on select important factors, including, but not limited to, how easy it is to use, how many features are available, how well those features work, subscription pricing and affordability, and how the available dating pool actually stacks up once you start swiping or scrolling.
What Do I Need To Know Before I Subscribe To An Online Dating Site?
Before subscribing to an online dating site, determine your main goal for using the platform. Start off by answering the following questions:
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What type of relationship are you seeking? Something serious or casual?
- Which online dating site would your ideal partner be using?
- What’s your intention of signing up for a dating app?
- Which features are most important to you on a dating site?
- How much money are you willing to spend on a subscription?
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. They’re meant to help you figure out what you want and need in a partner and an app before you subscribe to one. Based on your honest answers, you’ll be able to pick which dating app is the best choice for you.
What Types Of Online Dating Sites Are There?
Great question! A Statista survey conducted in January 2018 states that there are over 1,500 dating apps to match individuals with the person of their dreams (or a person for the night). There’s basically an online dating app available for people of all genders, sexual orientations, religions, races, interests, etc.
Here are just 4 types of online dating websites:
It may be intimidating to put yourself out there and start dating again after a divorce or once you hit a certain age, but fear not! It’s never too late to find love. There are senior dating apps for people over the age of 40 or 50 like OurTime, LoveAgain, and Silver Singles.
There’s no shortage of LGBT dating apps, especially those designed with lesbian women in mind. Some of the most popular lesbian dating apps include HER, Bumble, Match, and Flirt.
If Grindr isn’t your favorite gay dating app, don’t worry. Whether you’re looking for a quick hookup or long-term partner, there are millions of gay men searching for someone on dating apps like Zoosk, Match, and Compatible Partners.
Dating can be difficult for those committed to their faith who want somebody with matching ideals. Just like there are dating services developed around age and sexual orientation, there are also dating apps based on religion. Whereas Jewish singles can find love on JDate, Christians can find their perfect match on Christian Mingle and eharmony.
My Top Dating Tips
I’m a freelance sex and relationships writer, which means that it’s my job to research, try, and report back on all things… wait for it... sex and relationships! I also have a lot of dating experience as somebody who’s been single for most of her adult life. I’ve basically used all of the new, the tried-and-true, the worst, and the best online dating websites.
From one serial dater to you, dear reader, here are 3 expert tips on how to navigate this wild world of online and IRL dating in 2020:
1. Know What You’re Looking For Before Signing Up For A Dating App
Think about what you want out of a dating app. Do you want to hookup with someone new? Are you looking for something serious? Maybe you don’t need anything specific and you’re simply wondering who’s out there.
Knowing what you’re looking for prior to downloading the most popular dating sites will help you decide which services are best for YOU. You should think about how much money you’ll pay to access premium features and how committed you really are to the dating game right now.
2. Be Honest And Clear About Your Intentions With Potential Matches
Start your relationship on the right foot by communicating your wants, needs, and fears before planning to meet someone off a dating app. Honesty also includes featuring recent photos on your profile that actually look like you.
Be true to yourself. Don’t catfish anybody. Convey your intentions. Respect people’s boundaries. Don’t waste anybody’s time. We’re all just trying to find love out here.
3. You Can’t Rush Love
If the timing isn’t right or if a match isn’t your ideal partner, don’t give up. Be patient. As badly as you may want to be with somebody, you can’t rush the process.
When you swipe right on someone who makes your heart skip a beat, and they right swipe you too, it’ll be worth all of the stress and heartache that led you to that point. Have faith and put in the time and effort involved in dating to give yourself a fair chance at finding a genuine connection.
How Much Will it Cost Me?
Many of the best dating sites offer free sign up or a free trial period. However, to unlock all features and communication tools, you’ll need to subscribe. Consider the features, matchmaking and search capabilities, and overall quality of the sites as you compare prices. As with most things, you get what you pay for.
Joining a dating site is a smart investment. If you put yourself out there, you won’t need to subscribe for long. After all, it’s worth it — this is your future and happiness at stake.
The average cost of a dating site subscription is around $220-250 per year, which works out at roughly $20 per month.
Other Brands We Reviewed
This list of 10 dating sites is composed of companies that chose to partner with Top10.com. In total, we reviewed over 40 brands when doing our research into dating sites, with new brands being reviewed on a regular basis. Interested in learning about the prices and features of some big dating sites that don't appear on this list? Check out our in-depth reviews of some of these big names in dating:
Love Is Out There, Find It Today
The days of blind dates and meeting on the street are over. Dating apps are the easiest way to find a relationship in 2019. They’ve worked for thousands of couples around the world, and they can work for you too! Whether you’re seeking Mr. Right or Mrs. Right Now, online dating is a process, and it can get tiring after a while. Test out different websites until you find one that works for you and scores you the type of relationship you’ve been seeking for so long. We wish you the best of luck in your dating journey.
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