We Recommend
- More than 10 million users
- Personality-based matchmaking
- Millions of couples matched
- Video chat on the app
- Fast and easy registration
- Inclusive options for all orientations
- Hundreds of thousands of members
- Interactive video and chat features
- Matches sent right to your inbox for free
- 85% of members are university graduates
- Get daily recommended matches
- Video chat feature
- No swiping or searching required
- Simple and free easy-to-use platform
- Receive daily matches
- 20+ million members
- Over 35 million users worldwide
- Behavioral matchmaking technology
A Guide to Free Dating Apps
1. Aren’t all dating apps free?
Well, technically, yes. All of the major dating sites include free dating sites and free apps to download and use from your phone. But though you can download an app for free, many dating apps require a membership to actually use it. Some of the best dating apps in Canada offer free plans with limited usage, but require a paid subscription for features such as advanced matchmaking services, access to a wider user base, and the ability to send or receive messages. Other dating apps still might offer free trials that let you use the app for a limited amount of time before paying to subscribe or losing your account.
It’s important to differentiate between free dating sites or free dating apps and those that require a membership. Some dating apps boast free sign up and offer many opportunities for meeting people without having to shell out for a subscription. But even on these sites, advanced features do require a paid subscription and are likely to increase your chances of meeting someone.
The most famous dating apps that are entirely free include Tinder, OkCupid, and Bumble (though even these apps have optional upgrades that you can only access by paying.)
2. Do I have a better chance of meeting someone on a free dating app?
Naturally, free dating apps will attract more users due to the lack of price. Look no further than Tinder for evidence of that; the free app has racked up millions and millions of users worldwide, in no short part because there’s zero investment needed.
Of course, there’s a counterpoint as well. First off, even subscription apps have no shortage of users.
Secondly, there’s an argument to be made that paid dating apps bring more serious users, since the financial investment may thwart off those without serious intent. Of course, there are plenty of serious singles on free dating sites and free dating apps as well, but it might just be harder to sift through everybody to find them.
When deciding on a paid or free dating app, it helps to think about your goals. While there are exceptions to every rule, chances are that people willing to pay for a dating app are more invested in actually meeting someone and may be more interested in a serious relationship. Free dating apps are more likely to attract singles from all over the spectrum, from those looking for something serious to those interested in simply seeing what’s out there or finding a casual partner.
3. Are paid dating apps more trustworthy than free dating apps?
Sometimes but not always for free dating sites Canada offers. It’s true that the high-profile membership apps such as EliteSingles, and Eharmony are known for taking painstaking measures to keep their clients safe and protect the platform from scammers and bad actors. However, some free dating apps are equally vigilant about security.
Ultimately, the more you pay for an app, the more features and policies you can expect. But there are always exceptions to the rule, and that doesn’t mean you should write off a dating app just because it’s free. OkCupid is one free app with a legitimate platform and respectable security and privacy policies.
Lastly, when it comes to online dating, the general rule should be to exercise caution no matter which of the best dating apps you’re using. While paid apps do offer more vetting and security measures, ultimately it’s still important to be vigilant, follow your instincts, and take extra precautions when going on a first date, such as meeting in a public space and letting a friend know your plans.
Our Top 3 Picks
- 1A science-based approach to love
- Pricing - As low as $29.95
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 30-50
A science-based approach to loveRead eharmony ReviewSomeone finds love every 14 minutes using eharmony, the #1 trusted dating app for serious relationships. Signup takes 3 steps: Profile Set Up, Match Preferences, and Compatibility Quiz. eharmony is not only one of the most popular online dating apps, but it’s also one of the most affordable websites with 6-, 12-, or 24-month plans for as low as $6.97/month.
eharmony Pros & Cons
PROS
Detailed compatibility quizzesHelpful conversation startersSecureCall safety featureCONS
Users can’t search for matchesQuizzes demand time and thought - 2Trusted site with millions of users
- Pricing - As low as $19.99
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 25-55
Trusted site with millions of usersRead Match ReviewMatch.com is recognized as one of the more “serious” dating websites you use when you’re ready to settle down. Pricing is a bit expensive with Standard or Premium plans ranging up to $36.99/month for 3 months or 1 full month for $62.65. As a fully subscribed member, you can email and chat with people, check profile visitors, get an annual profile review, receive monthly boosts, and attend in-person Match Events.
Match Pros & Cons
PROS
Experienced, well-trusted dating siteHigh-percentage of success storiesAllows up to 26 profile photosCONS
30-minute sign-up processMore traditional than other sites - 3Best for casual dating
- Pricing - Fast and easy registration
- Free version - Inclusive options for all orientations
- Age range - Focused on casual, local dating
Best for casual datingRead BeNaughty ReviewBeNaughty is a friendly dating platform perfect for those seeking casual, local connections. With fast registration and interactive chat tools, it makes casual dating easy and stress-free, providing an inclusive experience for all orientations.
BeNaughty Pros & Cons
PROS
Easy to filter potential matchesCreative ways to initiate interactionQuick sign-upCONS
No refunds on membershipsLimited free features
