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A Guide to Free Dating Apps
1. Aren’t all dating apps free?
Well, technically, yes. All of the major dating sites include 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 of 2026 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 online 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 apps and dating apps that require a membership. Eharmony and EliteSingles are 2 dating apps that boast free sign up and are dating apps that offer many opportunities for meeting people without having to shell out for a subscription. But even on these dating apps, 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 online dating 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. Look at Zoosk and EliteSingles, which boast 35 million and 13 million users, respectively, even though many of their services cost money.
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 apps as well, but it might be harder to sift through every one to find them.
When deciding on a paid dating app 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. It’s true that high-profile membership apps such as Eharmony and Elite Singles 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 and you'll understand why those dating apps are some of the best dating apps. 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.
Lastly, when it comes to online dating, the general rule should be to exercise caution no matter what app 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
- 1
A vibrant site for the 40-and-up crowd- Pricing - $49.99 per month
- Free version - Yes
- Age range - 40+
A vibrant site for the 40-and-up crowdRead DateMyAge ReviewDateMyAge is an international dating site for middle-aged singles. Its user base spans more than 40 countries across North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, meaning the site is full of activity and people from all cultures looking to connect. Though the platform itself is easy to use, DateMyAge uses a non-traditional payment structure that uses “credits” instead of membership fees. Instead of buying a subscription, users pay only for the features they use, on a case to case basis. While pricing is a little difficult to decipher at first, this system does have its benefits: instead of subscribing for a set amount of time, you only pay for the services you use, meaning you can come and go without being locked in to a commitment.
DateMyAge Pros & Cons
PROS
Geared towards older, more mature singlesInternational user baseNo memberships or obligationsCONS
Pricing structure is difficult to grasp at firstLimited filter and search options - 2
A 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 Revieweharmony - Best dating site and app overall
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 an online dating scam
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.
eharmony Pros & Cons
PROS
Detailed compatibility quizzesHelpful conversation startersSecureCall safety featureCONS
Users can’t search for matchesQuizzes demand time and thought - 3
Trusted 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 - Best for finding a variety of relationship styles
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.
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 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 and unlimited video chatting.
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
