The Best Free Online Dating Apps of 2024

What should you ask yourself before choosing a free dating site or free online dating app? 

Are you looking to sign up for a free dating app or site? With so many to choose from, how do you know which one to pick? Each site has its own style and target audience, so consider your needs before you choose a dating site or dating app. 

Maybe you’re tired of playing the field and are searching for a serious, long-term partner who’s looking to start a family. Try a site from some of the best dating apps that’s designed for relationship-minded singles looking to build a life with that special someone. Are you tentatively getting back out there after a divorce or breakup? Choose a site where you’ll find other singles who are looking for new love—interested in meeting someone for a casual one-time hookup? You’ll want an app for other users looking to have a good time with no strings attached. 

You may be looking for a partner of a specific ethnicity, sexual orientation, or age range. While many sites and dating apps cater to all sorts of singles, there are niche dating websites aimed at specific groups of people. If you’re open to anything, you’ll want a site where you can meet other singles who also go with the flow. Whatever you’re looking for, chances are there’s a dating site or dating app with other like-minded individuals where you can find someone you click with. 

Comparing Free Dating Sites and Apps

Match.com, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, and Tinder are just some of the big names in online dating, and there are literally dozens more out there. To choose the right dating site or app for you, compare what each has to offer. 

If you’re going with a free dating site, find out what features you actually get for free. Are there limits as to how many profiles you can like or how many messages you can send? Will you be bombarded with pop-up ads? Will you be able to filter your matches or find out who liked you? 

If you choose to go premium, what will you get for upgrading? Some paid versions have better filters and more organized search parameters on their dating app, making it easier to find a compatible match. You’ll also likely have an ad-free experience when you pay. 

Want to find local love? Successful dating apps and all of the best dating apps let you search for nearby matches based on your geographic location. Does the app have integrated chat or video chat capabilities? These features can help you decide whether you want to move forward with a real-life meeting and set apart your average online dating app from the best dating apps. 

Useful apps should be customizable, so you only receive notifications from users you want able to contact you. Finally, security is a must, so be sure the app you choose protects your private information, such as your name, address, phone number, and images. This is what most users are searching for from the best dating apps 2024.

Are paid dating sites better than free dating sites?

Free dating sites let you try out the online dating scene without making a financial commitment, but how do they compare with paid apps or sites?

While some users report success finding what they’re looking for on a free site, overall, paid services provide a level of quality and user experience that free sites can’t match. Users looking for a real relationship report a noticeable difference between free and premium or paid dating sites.  

For one, customer service on paid sites is more professional. You’ll want to know you have someone to turn to if you run up against any issues or problems using the site. What’s more, filters on paid sites are often more effective, making your odds of finding a compatible dating partner that much higher. 

If you don’t mind a hit or miss experience or are mainly using dating sites for an occasional, fun date, free sites and don't need the top dating apps, then something basic can probably meet your needs. If you’re frustrated by that scene, it may be time to upgrade to a paid site or a premium version of a free app. Paid sites streamline your search for love, so you’re not wasting time and energy sifting through inactive profiles or profiles of users who aren’t serious about dating.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in my dating profile?

It’s best to be yourself. Strike a balance between being honest about yourself and putting your best foot forward. Talk about your interests, what you do, and what you’re looking for in an upbeat, approachable way. Avoid cliche terms or offensive comments, and keep things concise without oversharing. 

Remember, people first notice your photo and then decide whether to read the rest of your profile. Put thought into your profile pictures. Don’t just use headshots. Share a couple of pictures of yourself doing something you enjoy so users can get a sense of what you look like and what you’re about. 

How should I break the ice when sending a private message?

Try to make a connection that goes beyond the standard, overused, “Hey.” Refer to something you noticed in a match’s profile picture. If it’s a photo of them on vacation, ask where the picture was taken and what they did there. Inviting someone to talk about themselves is a surefire conversation starter. Be sure to leave your message open-ended so it elicits a response. 

Are free dating sites safe?

Most people on dating sites and top dating apps are simply looking to meet someone special. But dating apps don’t run background checks, so you’d be wise to take precautions. Block and report any suspicious users. Check out a potential date’s social media to learn more about them or see if you have any friends in common. If possible, have a video chat before you meet in real life. When meeting in person, be sure someone knows where you’re going and who you’ll be with, and always meet in a public place. 

Can I actually find a date using a free dating app?

It’s hard to know for sure. Some people do really well with online dating, while others strikeout. A lot depends on factors like your age, location, and what you’re looking for. 

Although free sites and free dating apps have a reputation for attracting users looking for a casual fling, you can luck out and get a date using a free dating app. Many users of free dating apps reported overall satisfaction with their experience. That said, if you’re looking for a real relationship, you may find that paid apps yield better results and allow you to meet more serious potential partners.