What is the best free dating site?

Of the free chat dating sites, the most popular is OkCupid. This site has over 50 million members and allows users to message each other at no cost.

What is the most popular dating site in the US?

Bumble is used by 36% of online dating customers in the US, making it the most popular paid dating app. Tinder is the most downloaded app with 957,000 new downloads each month.

Are paid dating sites better?

Paid sites are better for meeting people and more suitable for those pursuing romantic, long-term relationships. While they often have smaller user bases than free sites, their users are more serious—they have to be at least somewhat committed to finding a partner if they're willing to pay for the service.

Which dating apps actually work?

All ten dating sites included in this review are highly regarded by online daters and boast numerous success stories. However, finding the app that works best for you depends on what your needs are. If you're just looking for casual encounters, for instance, a hookup app like BeNaughty is the best fit, while SilverSingles is a better option if you're over 50.

What is the best dating site for serious relationships?

People seeking serious relationships often appreciate dating sites with extensive matching processes and that require payment for messaging, like eharmony and Match. eharmony even provides compatibility scores so you can see how well you'll get along with other users. Results from a survey published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) indicate that 50% of married couples who found their partner online, met through either eharmony or Match.com.

What is the most trusted dating site?

Match, eharmony, and Zoosk have been around for many years—and have over 20 million, 10 million, and 35 million users, respectively. They're legit dating sites that use high-tech methods for ideal matching, and have safety and security measures in place to avoid fake profiles and scams.

Top 10 Best Dating Sites & Apps (2023)

Our Top 10 Best Dating Sites and Apps in 2023:

Zoosk - Best dating site overall

eharmony - Best for meeting your soulmate

EliteSingles - Best for intellectuals

SilverSingles - Best for seniors seeking companionship

Stir - Best for single parents

Match - Best for finding a variety of relationship styles

OurTime - Best for users looking to date singles over 50

BlackPeopleMeet - Best for black singles

Jdate - Best for Jewish singles

BeNaughty - Best for finding hookups

Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Dating Sites and Apps

We tried and tested these dating services ourselves. Our team also gathered as much information as possible from various sources, including research reports and customer reviews, to give a comprehensive overview of the best dating sites on the market.

In rating them, we aimed to present a variety of options targeted at different people. We considered the following features:

Pricing

Free version options

Number of members

Age range of users

Communication options

User reviews

A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Dating Sites and Apps

Free VersionYes
PricingAs low as $29.99
Age Range25-45

Zoosk emerged as part of Facebook in 2007, but since then, it's become its own entity (as a website and mobile app) with over 35 million users.

Zoosk's Behavioral Matchmaking™ engine (the best thing about this site) filters profiles according to ones you've previously liked and gets smarter the more you use it. That way, you waste less time sorting through people who aren't your type.

Although there's a free version, a subscription lets you message other users to show you're interested in them. Subscription options range from $29.95 for one month to $119.99 for a 12-month plan (which works out to $10 per month).

“Zoosk enables singles to meet love interests in a fun and social way,” says Julie Spira, award-winning dating coach and founder of Cyber-Dating Expert. The app's scientific matching is “a great way for you to see who you might have romantic chemistry with,” while its virtual gifts will “increase your chances of receiving a response.”

Why we chose Zoosk: It gamifies dating with fun features like watching and commenting on other users' live streams, participating in virtual speed dating, and playing a "carousel" game that lets you classify others as "yeses," "nos," or "maybes." Zoosk also requires users to verify their profiles with their social media accounts, phone numbers, or photos, so it's easier to avoid fake profiles and scams.

Our experience: We liked Zoosk's quick and easy sign-up process—you can join by connecting your Facebook account. We also found the "dating insights reports" very helpful because they gave us a better idea of what we should be looking for. The personal profiles are pretty sparse though, so you probably won't know much about your date until you work up the nerve to talk to them.

Pros

More than 35 million users
Behavioral matching technology
User-friendly app

Cons

Limited features on the free version
Some may prefer a more manual approach

Free VersionYes
PricingAs low as $29.95
Age Range30-50

eharmony is for daters ready to find love and looking for others who are on the same page. With detailed questionnaires and profiles, compatibility scores, and icebreaker questions, it's easy to match with a potential long-term partner and initiate contact.

On top of that, the site screens users to make sure none of them are on criminal registries—something that'll be reassuring to those concerned about getting pulled into a Tinder Swindler scenario.

eharmony requires you to spend a significant amount of time creating a profile. Its detailed questionnaire stretches out the sign-up process but allows the site to find truly compatible matches and keeps out people who aren't serious about exploring meaningful connections.

Why we chose eharmony: Its patented algorithms consider several factors, from personality traits to daily living habits, making it a fantastic choice to find long-term relationships. It's been around since the year 2000 and has matched over 2 million people, refining its processes along the way.

Our experience: We found it helpful to be able to specify things like your faith and morals so you can find a match on all levels: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. When we browsed profiles, both on mobile and desktop, we really felt like we got to know the other members, even before we started talking to them.

Pros

Detailed compatibility quizzes
Helpful conversation starters
SecureCall safety feature

Cons

Users can’t search for matches
Quizzes demand time and thought

Free VersionYes
PricingAs low as $31.95
Age Range30-45

If you haven't been able to click with people on most mainstream dating apps, consider a more specialized service like EliteSingles. This site is aimed at intellectuals who value their professional lives and are looking for someone to have deep conversations with.

EliteSingles "is an excellent site for highly educated working professionals," says Dr. Lee Phillips, psychotherapist and certified sex and couples therapist—especially those who "have certain expectations when it comes to dating. Some of these expectations may include having a college education and being a hard-working professional."

Since SilverSingles and EliteSingles are owned by the same company, they have a lot in common. EliteSingles also asks users to take a research-based personality test and shows them three to seven matches a day based on their answers. The quiz allows users to state what qualities are most important to them in a partner.

Like most apps and sites we've evaluated, EliteSingles offers free memberships but requires users to pay in order to message others.

Why we chose EliteSingles: Due to the extensive quizzes members have to take, the sign-up process can become quite lengthy. But we believe this is a good thing because it ensures that the site only attracts users who are serious about finding relationships with like-minded people. Plus, for members' safety, profiles are manually verified, and photos cannot be copied or downloaded from the site, so your personal information stays confidential.

Our experience: We liked using the "Have We Met" feature, which allowed us to browse other profiles on top of our daily matches. We also liked that we could swipe "yes" or "no" to other users. But we were frustrated that there wasn't an instant chat or phone option for support—you'll have to wait up to two days to get a response over email.

Pros

Boutique, curated matches
Advanced personality tests
Users united by common relationship goals

Cons

Less interactive experience
Smaller user base

Free VersionYes
PricingAs low as $24.95
Age Range50 and up

Most dating apps target younger people, but SilverSingles gives the over-50 demographic plenty of opportunities to find companionship.

"Dating after 50 comes with its own complexities, including established careers and income, as well as blended families," says Julie Verhulst, a matchmaker at Selective Search. "SilverSingles provides members with suggested matches based on personality questionnaires and takes into account their long-term goals."

SilverSingles matches members based on a personality test designed by psychologists and relationship experts. This test has over 100 questions and scores your answers on four traits: openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. These are used to assess your personality type and find matches whose interests and lifestyles are compatible with yours.

The matching process values quality over quantity. After answering the test questions, the site identifies three to seven matches per day. So while taking a test initially may sound like a lot of work, it will save you the trouble of searching for dates later down the line.

Why we chose SilverSingles: This service is available as an app and a website. Both are easy to navigate and use with well-organized tabs and big and bold fonts. Plus, if you're not well-versed in writing dating profiles, you can request someone to help you write yours for an additional fee. This site is the ideal choice for singles over 50 seeking long-term relationships.

Our experience: We felt that SilverSingles' personality test was particularly useful to develop self-knowledge. And while you do have limited control over who you can connect with, we liked that all potential matches are curated specifically for you.

Pros

Smart compatibility matching tools
Strong safety precautions in place
Users don’t need to be tech savvy

Cons

Lengthy signup process
No manual searching

Free VersionYes
PricingFrom $16.99 a month
Age Range20s-40s

Stir is mainly for single parents and people open to dating someone with kids. With features like "matchPhone", which supports texting and calling, there are plenty of ways to connect on Stir.

The "Stir Time" function helps users coordinate their schedules, so they can meet up when they're away from their kids. Users can also set up video chats with other members to screen them before meeting in person, which helps them protect themselves and their children.

A free plan gives you access to view and like profiles, and potentially get a message after lots of browsing. However, if you'd like to communicate with other members, you'll need a paid membership.

Some users have mentioned that the app's search functions are limited—for instance, you can't search for users based on their religion or politics. However, others said they like the easy-to-use design and, of course, the ability to look at photos of cute people with their equally adorable kids.

Why we chose Stir: This app creates a space where single parents, who are often misunderstood, assumed to be too busy, or judged for the fact that their previous relationships didn't work out, can connect with each other. The app also ensures that single parents don't waste their free time wading through a bunch of profiles of people who consider children to be a dealbreaker.

Our experience: Stir is made by the same company as Match, so its profiles are also very inclusive. But the sign-up process is less intense, which we think is ideal for busy parents. We also liked that the specific profile prompts let us share things that we felt were important, such as our drinking habits.

Pros

specific dating pool (parents and people who want kids)
inclusive for people of different genders and sexualities
strong safety and security guidelines

Cons

not available for iPhone users
expensive subscription and upgrade prices

Free VersionYes
PricingAs low as $7.49
Age Range50 and up

OurTime is geared toward giving the 50-and-up crowd a chance at love. But you don't have to be in your 50s to sign up; anyone interested in dating people who are 50 and over is welcome to join.

OurTime makes it easy to search for other users by location. With a premium plan, you can send messages, virtual gifts, or even "flirts" to show interest, but you won't have access to any of these features unless you pay for a monthly subscription.

OurTime users say they like the focus on user privacy and security. The site ensures its members stay safe while exploring possible connections by providing safety tips for both online and in-person dating. However, some have complained about technical problems and a lack of racial diversity among its active members.

Why we chose OurTime: Singles over 50 are a large and growing demographic. According to a recent Pew Research survey, about half of American women aged 65 and older are unpartnered. OurTime gives singles a way to date without worrying about being rejected because of their age.

Our experience: We saw many profiles with generic bios on other apps. We liked OurTime's unique prompts that ask users to answer three quirky questions so others can get to know them better. These questions include: "What's your favorite kind of date?", "Which do you prefer - morning or night?" and "Which do you prefer - sweet or savory?" We also appreciated the option to search for various match criteria, including religion and zodiac signs, to find people whose beliefs and interests were compatible with ours.

Pros

Large user base
Helpful customer support
Real-world singles events and outings

Cons

Limited matching technology
Need paid membership to send messages

Free VersionYes
PricingAs low as $19.99
Age Range25-55

Match is one of the most popular online dating platforms out there, with millions of users in over 60 countries. This site is a fantastic choice for those seeking serious relationships because profiles include many prompts to learn about users' personalities, lifestyles, and interests. There are also fun ways to get in touch with potential matches, like sending "winks" to express your flirtatious side.

After creating a profile on Match, you'll get access to limited free functionality. However, you need to become a paying member to send messages. Plus, you'll need to devote time to this app by uploading photos, writing a detailed bio, and answering a lot of questions.

Users have complained that the site doesn't always produce compatible matches, because some people use the site to find hookups. But they seem very happy with Match's customer service, particularly the expert dating coaches who are available to all paying members.

Why we chose Match: Match has an inclusive user base, which allows its users to identify as various genders and sexual orientations and connect with a lot of different people. In addition, social media and phone verification keep fake users to a minimum.

Our experience: We enjoyed taking advantage of the features that make Match stand out from other dating apps and sites, such as read receipts on messages, the "Missed Connections" feature that shows users who might have crossed paths with you, and unlimited video chatting.

Pros

Experienced, well-trusted dating site
High-percentage of success stories
Allows up to 26 profile photos

Cons

30-minute sign-up process
More traditional than other sites

Free VersionYes
PricingAs low as $2.99
Age Range30-50

BlackPeopleMeet has been around since 2002 and, as the name suggests, is catered primarily toward members of the black community. But it's also designed for people of other races who are interested in finding a black partner. In fact, it's suitable for anyone looking for a serious relationship, travel partner, or friendship.

BlackPeopleMeet makes it easy for users to locate others whose desires match theirs with a wide variety of search features. The most unique is the keyword search option, which locates profiles that contain specific words or phrases. But there aren't any questionnaires so you won't get match scores as you might with other apps.

The free version has all the standard functions you'd expect and all members can view profiles, match, send messages to "Top Picks" and rate daily matches. A premium membership is required to access the messaging feature, but the cost is relatively low at just $2.99 per week if you purchase a six-month plan, compared to other apps.

Why we chose BlackPeopleMeet: Given the racism some people experience on general-interest dating apps, it's invaluable to have a space where African American singles can meet one another—and others who are open to exploring interracial relationships.

Our experience: We thought the "Message Ideas" feature, which provides conversation-starter suggestions for tongue-tied users, was super helpful. We also liked how the site prompts users to write what kind of relationship they're interested in on their profile, with options including "travel partner" or "pen pal." But we thought it was sketchy that there were many profiles without photos.

Pros

Prioritizes people over algorithms
Easy to sign up and use
Reach out through message, chat, or flirt

Cons

Limited compatibility matches
Only paying users can communicate

Free VersionYes
Pricing$19.99 per month for a 6-month subscription
Age Range20-30

Jdate specializes in finding matches for Jewish singles and boasts over 750,000 online daters. Users can "heart" or "x" each other to indicate interest or lack thereof, and those who express mutual interest are matched up.

Paid members can send messages, while premium members get Messaging+, which enables them to message anyone on the site (including free members). Chats are in an instant-message format and include read receipts and the ability to block users.

If you're looking for excellent customer support—and Jewish singles, of course—then Jdate is a perfect choice. Most users rave about Jdate's customer care team and its blog, JLife, which offers advice intended to help singles navigate dating in the Jewish community. However, some users have mentioned that the app isn't very user-friendly and can be buggy at times.

Why we chose Jdate: Jdate has a variety of filters, ranging from religious practices to ideal relationship type, and each day, it shows you new people based on your preferences. We think this feature is especially useful for someone with a solid religious identity who wants to date people with similar convictions. In addition, most of Jdate's users pursue serious relationships, making it a must-have for someone who's ready to settle down.

Our experience: We found Jdate's search function to be the most specific of the bunch, allowing you to specify whether you care if someone goes to synagogue or eats kosher. We also liked that you can search based on other factors, such as location and match percentage. This feature allowed us to hone in on who we really wanted and gave us plenty of options.

Pros

Very active site with a large user base
Nice mix of religious, secular, and culturally Jewish singles
No need to be Jewish to join

Cons

Not ideal for hookups or NST relationships
Limited free membership

Free VersionYes
Pricing$0.99-$.50 per day
Age Range25-45

There's nothing wrong with wanting a relationship that only lasts a short time. And being upfront about it can help you find people who are looking for the same thing. BeNaughty helps users find local hookups and casual dates without judgment or restrictions. And with over 40,000 new members weekly, it has no shortage of people available for these kinds of connections.

Like most swipe-based dating platforms, BeNaughty lets you swipe "yes" or "no" to profiles and only allows you to contact someone when there's mutual interest. The site also provides icebreaker questions and chat rooms to help users connect.

Men can engage in up to five free chats, while women get all premium functionality for free including unlimited messaging. Members can also pay extra for added visibility and security, which includes private browsing, encryption, and history clearing.

BeNaughty is only available as a website, not as a mobile app. So it's not ideal if you prefer to do your matching and messaging on a mobile device. Obviously, you'll also want to steer clear of this site if you're seeking something serious or long-term.

Why we chose BeNaughty: With many mainstream dating apps, it can be difficult to make your intentions clear, which can lead to miscommunication and hurt feelings down the line. BeNaughty's users are transparent about what they're looking for, so you can cut right to the chase. Plus, sign-up is quick and easy—no questionnaires, just a simple two-step registration process.

Our experience: We liked that the site has many different and fun ways to interact with other users, including chat rooms, forums, and virtual gifts. We think this site is a breath of fresh air, especially for being upfront about your sexuality and preferences.

Pros

Video and photo sharing
Free for females to respond
Flexible membership packages

Cons

Not really for serious relationships
Smaller dating pool than most

How to Compare the Best Dating Sites and Apps

The chart below provides a guide to different factors you should consider when comparing dating sites. These include cost, messaging options, user base, ease of use, matching methods, niche interests, and more.

When comparing different dating services, it's a good idea to first determine which factors are most important to you and zero in on apps matching your priorities. If you want to meet people of a specific cultural group or age, for instance, pay special attention to the app's demographics and recommended age range.

Compare the Best Dating Sites	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Reviews	97 reviews	128 reviews	88 reviews	104 reviews	15 reviews	75 reviews	73 reviews	Write Review	69 reviews	48 reviews
Pricing	As low as $29.99 per month for 1-year subscription	As low as $29.95 per month for 6-month subscription	As low as $31.95 per month for 1-year subscription	As low as $24.95 per month for 1-year subscription	From $16.99 a month	As low as $7.49 per month	As low as $19.99 per month for 1-year subscription	As low as $2.99 per month for 6-month subscription	$19.99 per month for a 6-month subscription	$0.99-$.50 per day
Free version
Number of members	40 million million +	10million + million +	13,000,000 million +	800,000 active/month new members each month	Unknown	1,500,000 plus million +	30 million +	1 million million +	+750,000	500,000+ US members
Recommended age range	25-45	30-50	30-45	50 and up	20s-40s	50 and up	25-55	30-50	20-30	25-45
Communication options	Messaging, sending smiles and likes	Messaging, video chat, icebreaker messages, sending smiles	Messaging, commenting, sending smiles, likes, and photo requests	Messaging, commenting, sending smiles, likes, and photo requests	Messaging, video chat, commenting, sending likes	Messaging, video chat, commenting, sending likes	Messaging, video chat, sending likes	Messaging, commenting, sending likes	Messaging	Messaging, video chat, sending likes, chat rooms, forum discussions

Compare the Best Dating Sites

Reviews

Pricing

As low as $29.99

per month for 1-year subscription

As low as $29.95

per month for 6-month subscription

As low as $31.95

per month for 1-year subscription

As low as $24.95

per month for 1-year subscription

From $16.99 a month

As low as $7.49

per month

As low as $19.99

per month for 1-year subscription

As low as $2.99

per month for 6-month subscription

$19.99 per month for a 6-month subscription

$0.99-$.50 per day

Free version

Number of members

40 million

million +

10million +

million +

13,000,000

million +

800,000 active/month

new members each month

Unknown

1,500,000 plus

million +

1 million

million +

+750,000

500,000+ US members

Recommended age range

25-45

30-50

30-45

50 and up

20s-40s

50 and up

25-55

30-50

20-30

25-45

Communication options

Messaging, sending smiles and likes

Messaging, video chat, icebreaker messages, sending smiles

Messaging, commenting, sending smiles, likes, and photo requests

Messaging, video chat, commenting, sending likes

Messaging, video chat, sending likes

Messaging, commenting, sending likes

Messaging

Messaging, video chat, sending likes, chat rooms, forum discussions

How Do Online Dating Sites Work?

Each dating website and app works differently, but most involve a process that looks somewhat like this:

You sign up and create a profile, upload photos of yourself, and write a bio that describes your interests, qualities, and preferences.
Then, you browse other people's profiles and message those who catch your interest.
You may receive messages from others right away, or you might have to indicate if a profile interests you first, and only then be able to message someone if there's mutual interest.
After chatting for a while (and if things go well), you may arrange an in-person meeting with the other person. Alternatively, you might prefer to engage through texting, phone calls, and video chats first.

Who Should Use Online Dating Apps?

Dating apps are suitable for anyone seeking a romantic or sexual partner. They may even be used by someone who wants to make new friends, although that person might be better off using a friendship-specific function like Bumble BFF.

Someone seeking hookups could try an app like BeNaughty, while an app like eharmony would be better for someone who desires a committed relationship.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Dating Site

Know that it's normal not to have immediate success on dating apps. In fact, most initial messages don't get responses—stay positive even if things look a little too quiet right at the start. If you do match with someone, know that conversations don't always go somewhere.

While some apps are better fits for you than others, the only way to know for sure is by trying them out yourself.

The most important features to look for when choosing a dating site include ease of use, user-base size, demographics, and security measures.

How Much Do Dating Sites and Apps Cost?

Memberships generally range from just a couple of bucks to around $50 per month, depending on the app and your chosen plan. Most apps also have free versions but these vary in robustness.

For instance, Tinder's free version lets you match with and message as many people as you want, but you'll need to pay to see who liked your profile before you like them back.

On other matchmaker sites, like Zoosk and EliteSingles, you'll need to purchase a membership to use the messaging function. Still, these paid memberships are worth it as they give you access to other paying users who are just as invested in finding their perfect match.

Choosing the Right Dating App for Your Needs

The best app for you depends on different factors, such as your age, background, budget, relationship preferences, how much time you're willing to invest, and the number of users in your area.

Since it's hard to keep up with many apps at once, choose ones that are optimized to find the type of relationship you want and kinds of people who interest you.

The Best Dating Apps for Serious Relationships

Those who want to find love rather than casual dates or hookups should check out sites known for facilitating serious relationships, like Zoosk, Match, or eharmony.

These apps and websites ask you lots of personal questions and then rely on matchmaking algorithms, which according to Misha Kavka, Professor of Cross-Media Culture at the University of Amsterdam, "Fulfill your desire by knowing you better than you (can) know yourself," to find your perfect match.

The Best Dating Sites for Hookups

If you're looking for an attractive person to spend a night (or ten) with, you may not want to fill out a detailed profile or answer a list of questions. Tinder and AdultFriendFinder both have many users seeking hookups. These apps focus on profile photos, so you can find people you're physically attracted to without wasting time on unnecessary processes.

The Best Dating Sites by Ethnicity

Best Dating Sites for Black Singles: The best dating sites for black singles, such as BlackPeopleMeet and EbonyFlirt, allow users to bypass the racial biases some people have on mainstream sites and connect with a community that understands them.
Best Dating Sites for Asian Singles: Asian Date, Coffee Meets Bagel, and OkCupid are some of the best dating sites for Asian singles. These apps are either specifically catered toward the Asian community or allow for filtering by ethnicity, so Asian singles can avoid racial stereotyping and meet people who are genuinely interested in them.

The Best Dating Apps for Religious Singles

Best Dating Sites and Apps for Muslim Singles: If you are looking for like-minded singles who share your cultural background and Islamic values, then the best dating sites for Muslim singles, especially Coffee Meets Bagel and Muzz, are a terrific place to start. Both of these sites allow you to set search parameters that filter potential dates according to ethnicity and religious observance.
Best Dating Sites and Apps for Jewish Singles: For the best dating sites for Jewish singles, check out Jdate, which allows users to specify their religious preferences, and EliteSingles, which lets you search for other members based on their religion.
Best Dating Sites for Christian Singles: If Christianity is important to you, mainstream apps like Tinder may not be the best fit. Instead, try some of the best Christian dating sites, such as ChristianMingle and ChristianCafe.

The Best Dating Sites for Single Parents

Single parents may be frustrated when they match with people on dating apps who don't want to date someone with kids. If you count yourself among them, you may want to turn to Stir, a dating app specifically designed for single parents, or EliteSingles, which is welcoming toward single parents with 80% of its users saying they'd date a single parent.

The Best Dating Sites for Seniors

Just because you're above a certain age doesn't mean you can't find a successful relationship on dating apps. In fact, plenty of apps specialize in matching older individuals. The best senior dating sites include OurTime and SilverSingles. They offer features like professional profile writing assistance to help people who aren't as tech-savvy get noticed by potential companions.

The Best Dating Sites for LGBTQ+

While the LGBTQ+ community is steadily growing, not all dating apps are inclusive. Even those that are may not have many members with different gender identities or sexual orientations. The best gay dating apps, like Her or Grindr, can expose you to the exact person you're looking for.

First Date Tips

First dates can be nerve-wracking, even for the most experienced dater. But with the right attitude, it can also be an enjoyable experience. Here are a few valuable first date tips:

Go in with low expectations. Don't be disappointed if you don't click romantically. You might make a new friend or simply learn something new—both are excellent outcomes.
Ask your date questions about themselves—we all like it when someone shows interest in our lives. Here are some important questions to ask when dating someone new.
Pay attention to first date red flags, like someone using their phone at the table or talking too much about themselves. These things may not come up in your online communications but can provide valuable information in person.
If you're concerned about your safety, choose a public place to meet and possibly even run a background check on the person before agreeing to meet.
If you feel insecure, read about these funny first date disasters to remind yourself that you're not the only one who feels awkward on first dates.

How to Avoid Scams on Dating Sites

Over 24,000 Americans were victims of dating scams in 2021 alone. These scams include but are not limited to catfishing (someone pretending to be someone else), robot profiles aimed at getting your information or money, and sex workers posing as people looking for love when they're really just seeking clients.

Here are some tips on avoiding scams or abuse:

Be wary of profile pictures that look too staged or professional; these may have been taken from models' online portfolios.
Request to video chat with other users before meeting in person, or ask for their social media usernames.
Suggest meeting in person sooner rather than later so you don't get sucked into a false online relationship.
Avoid sharing nude photos or videos of yourself with someone you don't trust yet, especially if they include your face.
Make sure the people you match with have verified profiles (if the app supports this function).

More Dating Sites We Reviewed

Beyond the ten sites in the list above, we reviewed over 40 top-rated dating sites and apps available in the US. If you're looking for more options, check out these reviews:

Plenty of Fish - Best for finding different types of relationships
Bumble - Best for making new connections
OkCupid - Best for using free and low-cost paid features
Tinder - Best for using a simple, engaging interface
Coffee Meets Bagel - Best for singles who like to take things slow

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Love Is Out There, Find It Today

The modern dating scene isn't easy to navigate. But with so many apps available for different kinds of connections, your chances of finding love online are better than ever.

If you're looking to meet someone special, choosing the platform that's best for you can save you a lot of time. You may not meet your perfect match right away, but these apps can help narrow down your dating pool—and let you have a little fun along the way.

BySuzannah Weiss

Last updated: Mar. 12, 2023

Suzannah Weiss is a feminist writer, certified sex educator, and Brown University graduate in Cognitive Neuroscience and Gender and Sexuality Studies. In addition to writing for Top10.com, they've written for major publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan. Weiss' writing about feminist issues and sexuality has also been discussed on The Today Show, The View, and C-SPAN.

1
Zoosk
Organic matchmaking through technology
Read Zoosk Review
Visit Site
- Free VersionYes
- PricingAs low as $29.99
- Age Range25-45
Zoosk emerged as part of Facebook in 2007, but since then, it's become its own entity (as a website and mobile app) with over 35 million users.
Zoosk's Behavioral Matchmaking™ engine (the best thing about this site) filters profiles according to ones you've previously liked and gets smarter the more you use it. That way, you waste less time sorting through people who aren't your type.
Although there's a free version, a subscription lets you message other users to show you're interested in them. Subscription options range from $29.95 for one month to $119.99 for a 12-month plan (which works out to $10 per month).
“Zoosk enables singles to meet love interests in a fun and social way,” says Julie Spira, award-winning dating coach and founder of Cyber-Dating Expert. The app's scientific matching is “a great way for you to see who you might have romantic chemistry with,” while its virtual gifts will “increase your chances of receiving a response.”
Why we chose Zoosk: It gamifies dating with fun features like watching and commenting on other users' live streams, participating in virtual speed dating, and playing a "carousel" game that lets you classify others as "yeses," "nos," or "maybes." Zoosk also requires users to verify their profiles with their social media accounts, phone numbers, or photos, so it's easier to avoid fake profiles and scams.
Our experience: We liked Zoosk's quick and easy sign-up process—you can join by connecting your Facebook account. We also found the "dating insights reports" very helpful because they gave us a better idea of what we should be looking for. The personal profiles are pretty sparse though, so you probably won't know much about your date until you work up the nerve to talk to them.
Pros
More than 35 million users
Behavioral matching technology
User-friendly app
Cons
Limited features on the free version
Some may prefer a more manual approach
Zoosk
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2
eharmony
A science-based approach to love
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- Free VersionYes
- PricingAs low as $29.95
- Age Range30-50
eharmony is for daters ready to find love and looking for others who are on the same page. With detailed questionnaires and profiles, compatibility scores, and icebreaker questions, it's easy to match with a potential long-term partner and initiate contact.
On top of that, the site screens users to make sure none of them are on criminal registries—something that'll be reassuring to those concerned about getting pulled into a Tinder Swindler scenario.
eharmony requires you to spend a significant amount of time creating a profile. Its detailed questionnaire stretches out the sign-up process but allows the site to find truly compatible matches and keeps out people who aren't serious about exploring meaningful connections.
Why we chose eharmony: Its patented algorithms consider several factors, from personality traits to daily living habits, making it a fantastic choice to find long-term relationships. It's been around since the year 2000 and has matched over 2 million people, refining its processes along the way.
Our experience: We found it helpful to be able to specify things like your faith and morals so you can find a match on all levels: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. When we browsed profiles, both on mobile and desktop, we really felt like we got to know the other members, even before we started talking to them.
Pros
Detailed compatibility quizzes
Helpful conversation starters
SecureCall safety feature
Cons
Users can’t search for matches
Quizzes demand time and thought
eharmony
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3
EliteSingles
Boutique dating for professionals
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- Free VersionYes
- PricingAs low as $31.95
- Age Range30-45
If you haven't been able to click with people on most mainstream dating apps, consider a more specialized service like EliteSingles. This site is aimed at intellectuals who value their professional lives and are looking for someone to have deep conversations with.
EliteSingles "is an excellent site for highly educated working professionals," says Dr. Lee Phillips, psychotherapist and certified sex and couples therapist—especially those who "have certain expectations when it comes to dating. Some of these expectations may include having a college education and being a hard-working professional."
Since SilverSingles and EliteSingles are owned by the same company, they have a lot in common. EliteSingles also asks users to take a research-based personality test and shows them three to seven matches a day based on their answers. The quiz allows users to state what qualities are most important to them in a partner.
Like most apps and sites we've evaluated, EliteSingles offers free memberships but requires users to pay in order to message others.
Why we chose EliteSingles: Due to the extensive quizzes members have to take, the sign-up process can become quite lengthy. But we believe this is a good thing because it ensures that the site only attracts users who are serious about finding relationships with like-minded people. Plus, for members' safety, profiles are manually verified, and photos cannot be copied or downloaded from the site, so your personal information stays confidential.
Our experience: We liked using the "Have We Met" feature, which allowed us to browse other profiles on top of our daily matches. We also liked that we could swipe "yes" or "no" to other users. But we were frustrated that there wasn't an instant chat or phone option for support—you'll have to wait up to two days to get a response over email.
Pros
Boutique, curated matches
Advanced personality tests
Users united by common relationship goals
Cons
Less interactive experience
Smaller user base
EliteSingles
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4
SilverSingles
Connecting compatible seniors
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- Free VersionYes
- PricingAs low as $24.95
- Age Range50 and up
Most dating apps target younger people, but SilverSingles gives the over-50 demographic plenty of opportunities to find companionship.
"Dating after 50 comes with its own complexities, including established careers and income, as well as blended families," says Julie Verhulst, a matchmaker at Selective Search. "SilverSingles provides members with suggested matches based on personality questionnaires and takes into account their long-term goals."
SilverSingles matches members based on a personality test designed by psychologists and relationship experts. This test has over 100 questions and scores your answers on four traits: openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. These are used to assess your personality type and find matches whose interests and lifestyles are compatible with yours.
The matching process values quality over quantity. After answering the test questions, the site identifies three to seven matches per day. So while taking a test initially may sound like a lot of work, it will save you the trouble of searching for dates later down the line.
Why we chose SilverSingles: This service is available as an app and a website. Both are easy to navigate and use with well-organized tabs and big and bold fonts. Plus, if you're not well-versed in writing dating profiles, you can request someone to help you write yours for an additional fee. This site is the ideal choice for singles over 50 seeking long-term relationships.
Our experience: We felt that SilverSingles' personality test was particularly useful to develop self-knowledge. And while you do have limited control over who you can connect with, we liked that all potential matches are curated specifically for you.
Pros
Smart compatibility matching tools
Strong safety precautions in place
Users don’t need to be tech savvy
Cons
Lengthy signup process
No manual searching
SilverSingles
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5
Stir
Stir is a dating app for single parents.
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- Free VersionYes
- PricingFrom $16.99 a month
- Age Range20s-40s
Stir is mainly for single parents and people open to dating someone with kids. With features like "matchPhone", which supports texting and calling, there are plenty of ways to connect on Stir.
The "Stir Time" function helps users coordinate their schedules, so they can meet up when they're away from their kids. Users can also set up video chats with other members to screen them before meeting in person, which helps them protect themselves and their children.
A free plan gives you access to view and like profiles, and potentially get a message after lots of browsing. However, if you'd like to communicate with other members, you'll need a paid membership.
Some users have mentioned that the app's search functions are limited—for instance, you can't search for users based on their religion or politics. However, others said they like the easy-to-use design and, of course, the ability to look at photos of cute people with their equally adorable kids.
Why we chose Stir: This app creates a space where single parents, who are often misunderstood, assumed to be too busy, or judged for the fact that their previous relationships didn't work out, can connect with each other. The app also ensures that single parents don't waste their free time wading through a bunch of profiles of people who consider children to be a dealbreaker.
Our experience: Stir is made by the same company as Match, so its profiles are also very inclusive. But the sign-up process is less intense, which we think is ideal for busy parents. We also liked that the specific profile prompts let us share things that we felt were important, such as our drinking habits.
Pros
specific dating pool (parents and people who want kids)
inclusive for people of different genders and sexualities
strong safety and security guidelines
Cons
not available for iPhone users
expensive subscription and upgrade prices
Stir
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6
OurTime
Digital matchmaking for seniors
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- Free VersionYes
- PricingAs low as $7.49
- Age Range50 and up
OurTime is geared toward giving the 50-and-up crowd a chance at love. But you don't have to be in your 50s to sign up; anyone interested in dating people who are 50 and over is welcome to join.
OurTime makes it easy to search for other users by location. With a premium plan, you can send messages, virtual gifts, or even "flirts" to show interest, but you won't have access to any of these features unless you pay for a monthly subscription.
OurTime users say they like the focus on user privacy and security. The site ensures its members stay safe while exploring possible connections by providing safety tips for both online and in-person dating. However, some have complained about technical problems and a lack of racial diversity among its active members.
Why we chose OurTime: Singles over 50 are a large and growing demographic. According to a recent Pew Research survey, about half of American women aged 65 and older are unpartnered. OurTime gives singles a way to date without worrying about being rejected because of their age.
Our experience: We saw many profiles with generic bios on other apps. We liked OurTime's unique prompts that ask users to answer three quirky questions so others can get to know them better. These questions include: "What's your favorite kind of date?", "Which do you prefer - morning or night?" and "Which do you prefer - sweet or savory?" We also appreciated the option to search for various match criteria, including religion and zodiac signs, to find people whose beliefs and interests were compatible with ours.
Pros
Large user base
Helpful customer support
Real-world singles events and outings
Cons
Limited matching technology
Need paid membership to send messages
OurTime
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7
Match
Trusted site with millions of users
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- Free VersionYes
- PricingAs low as $19.99
- Age Range25-55
Match is one of the most popular online dating platforms out there, with millions of users in over 60 countries. This site is a fantastic choice for those seeking serious relationships because profiles include many prompts to learn about users' personalities, lifestyles, and interests. There are also fun ways to get in touch with potential matches, like sending "winks" to express your flirtatious side.
After creating a profile on Match, you'll get access to limited free functionality. However, you need to become a paying member to send messages. Plus, you'll need to devote time to this app by uploading photos, writing a detailed bio, and answering a lot of questions.
Users have complained that the site doesn't always produce compatible matches, because some people use the site to find hookups. But they seem very happy with Match's customer service, particularly the expert dating coaches who are available to all paying members.
Why we chose Match: Match has an inclusive user base, which allows its users to identify as various genders and sexual orientations and connect with a lot of different people. In addition, social media and phone verification keep fake users to a minimum.
Our experience: We enjoyed taking advantage of the features that make Match stand out from other dating apps and sites, such as read receipts on messages, the "Missed Connections" feature that shows users who might have crossed paths with you, and unlimited video chatting.
Pros
Experienced, well-trusted dating site
High-percentage of success stories
Allows up to 26 profile photos
Cons
30-minute sign-up process
More traditional than other sites
Match
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8
BlackPeopleMeet
Premier site for black singles
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- Free VersionYes
- PricingAs low as $2.99
- Age Range30-50
BlackPeopleMeet has been around since 2002 and, as the name suggests, is catered primarily toward members of the black community. But it's also designed for people of other races who are interested in finding a black partner. In fact, it's suitable for anyone looking for a serious relationship, travel partner, or friendship.
BlackPeopleMeet makes it easy for users to locate others whose desires match theirs with a wide variety of search features. The most unique is the keyword search option, which locates profiles that contain specific words or phrases. But there aren't any questionnaires so you won't get match scores as you might with other apps.
The free version has all the standard functions you'd expect and all members can view profiles, match, send messages to "Top Picks" and rate daily matches. A premium membership is required to access the messaging feature, but the cost is relatively low at just $2.99 per week if you purchase a six-month plan, compared to other apps.
Why we chose BlackPeopleMeet: Given the racism some people experience on general-interest dating apps, it's invaluable to have a space where African American singles can meet one another—and others who are open to exploring interracial relationships.
Our experience: We thought the "Message Ideas" feature, which provides conversation-starter suggestions for tongue-tied users, was super helpful. We also liked how the site prompts users to write what kind of relationship they're interested in on their profile, with options including "travel partner" or "pen pal." But we thought it was sketchy that there were many profiles without photos.
Pros
Prioritizes people over algorithms
Easy to sign up and use
Reach out through message, chat, or flirt
Cons
Limited compatibility matches
Only paying users can communicate
BlackPeopleMeet
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9
Jdate
Jewish dating with modern flair
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- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$19.99 per month for a 6-month subscription
- Age Range20-30
Jdate specializes in finding matches for Jewish singles and boasts over 750,000 online daters. Users can "heart" or "x" each other to indicate interest or lack thereof, and those who express mutual interest are matched up.
Paid members can send messages, while premium members get Messaging+, which enables them to message anyone on the site (including free members). Chats are in an instant-message format and include read receipts and the ability to block users.
If you're looking for excellent customer support—and Jewish singles, of course—then Jdate is a perfect choice. Most users rave about Jdate's customer care team and its blog, JLife, which offers advice intended to help singles navigate dating in the Jewish community. However, some users have mentioned that the app isn't very user-friendly and can be buggy at times.
Why we chose Jdate: Jdate has a variety of filters, ranging from religious practices to ideal relationship type, and each day, it shows you new people based on your preferences. We think this feature is especially useful for someone with a solid religious identity who wants to date people with similar convictions. In addition, most of Jdate's users pursue serious relationships, making it a must-have for someone who's ready to settle down.
Our experience: We found Jdate's search function to be the most specific of the bunch, allowing you to specify whether you care if someone goes to synagogue or eats kosher. We also liked that you can search based on other factors, such as location and match percentage. This feature allowed us to hone in on who we really wanted and gave us plenty of options.
Pros
Very active site with a large user base
Nice mix of religious, secular, and culturally Jewish singles
No need to be Jewish to join
Cons
Not ideal for hookups or NST relationships
Limited free membership
Jdate
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10
BeNaughty
Ideal dating app for hookups and fun
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- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$0.99-$.50 per day
- Age Range25-45
There's nothing wrong with wanting a relationship that only lasts a short time. And being upfront about it can help you find people who are looking for the same thing. BeNaughty helps users find local hookups and casual dates without judgment or restrictions. And with over 40,000 new members weekly, it has no shortage of people available for these kinds of connections.
Like most swipe-based dating platforms, BeNaughty lets you swipe "yes" or "no" to profiles and only allows you to contact someone when there's mutual interest. The site also provides icebreaker questions and chat rooms to help users connect.
Men can engage in up to five free chats, while women get all premium functionality for free including unlimited messaging. Members can also pay extra for added visibility and security, which includes private browsing, encryption, and history clearing.
BeNaughty is only available as a website, not as a mobile app. So it's not ideal if you prefer to do your matching and messaging on a mobile device. Obviously, you'll also want to steer clear of this site if you're seeking something serious or long-term.
Why we chose BeNaughty: With many mainstream dating apps, it can be difficult to make your intentions clear, which can lead to miscommunication and hurt feelings down the line. BeNaughty's users are transparent about what they're looking for, so you can cut right to the chase. Plus, sign-up is quick and easy—no questionnaires, just a simple two-step registration process.
Our experience: We liked that the site has many different and fun ways to interact with other users, including chat rooms, forums, and virtual gifts. We think this site is a breath of fresh air, especially for being upfront about your sexuality and preferences.
Pros
Video and photo sharing
Free for females to respond
Flexible membership packages
Cons
Not really for serious relationships
Smaller dating pool than most
BeNaughty
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Breaking Down Our Top 10 Choices: Which Is Best For Your Needs?

Zoosk-Best for behavioral matchmaking

eharmony-Best for finding your soulmate

EliteSingles-Best for professionals

SilverSingles-Best for seniors over 50

Stir -Best for single parents looking for casual or serious relationships

OurTime-Best for companionship for seniors

Match-Best for meaningful relationship

Jdate-Best for Jewish singles looking for love

BeNaughty- Best for hookups

Top 10 Best Dating Sites and Apps 2023 - Find Your Match

Compare all

Our Top 10 Best Dating Sites and Apps in 2023:

Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Dating Sites and Apps

A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Dating Sites and Apps

Zoosk

eharmony

EliteSingles

SilverSingles

Stir

OurTime

Match

BlackPeopleMeet

Jdate

BeNaughty

How to Compare the Best Dating Sites and Apps

How Do Online Dating Sites Work?

Who Should Use Online Dating Apps?

What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Dating Site

How Much Do Dating Sites and Apps Cost?

Choosing the Right Dating App for Your Needs

The Best Dating Apps for Serious Relationships

The Best Dating Sites for Hookups

The Best Dating Sites by Ethnicity

The Best Dating Apps for Religious Singles

The Best Dating Sites for Single Parents

The Best Dating Sites for Seniors

The Best Dating Sites for LGBTQ+

First Date Tips

How to Avoid Scams on Dating Sites

More Dating Sites We Reviewed

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