The emergence of dating platforms has made finding the right partner easier. Still, with so many different options to choose from, it may for some seem hard to decide which platform is truly the best one for their search. Luckily, there are many different dating sites and apps to choose from. With a little knowledge about how each one operates, making a choice becomes easier.
Picking the right online dating site comes with its challenges. Different dating sites and platforms serve their audiences in different ways. Some sites are marriage-focused, while others are best for casual daters. So, how do you start looking for the right dating app and partner? By deciding on the type of relationship you are looking for, you will be able to narrow down the options. To find the right app for you, you will need to find the one that fits your preferences.
If you’re looking for love, check out our list of best dating sites, compiled with a selection legit sites for long-term relationships and romance.
We are here with a guide for the best dating sites and apps that you may consider. From quality to cost, we weighed all the reasons why you should consider these apps. Therefore, simply read on and bring your match closer to you without any effort. For some of these sites, you will need a Facebook account to sign up, but there are plenty of dating sites that don’t require Facebook.
Top Dating Sites and Apps to Find a Partner
- Secret Benefits – Best for Exploring Online Dating Possibilities
- Seeking.com – Best for Elite Dating
- Ashley Madison – Best for Discreet Dating
- Bumble – Best Dating App for Women
- AdultFriendFinder – Best for Meeting Open-Minded Matches
- Eharmony – Best for Serious Relationships
- OkCupid – Best for Progressive Dating
- Match – Best for Lasting Relationships
- Zoosk – Best for International Dating
- Hinge – Best for Prompts and Ice Breakers
- Happn – Best for Meeting Matches in Your Social Circles
- HER – Best for Women and Members of the LGBTQ+ Community
- Reddit R4R – Best Free Dating Site and Subreddit Dating
13 Best Dating Sites for Relationships & Romance
Secret Benefits – Best for Exploring Online Dating Possibilities
Secret Benefits is an online dating site that matches you up with users looking for something non-traditional. Furthermore, this is one of the paid dating sites where finding your partner is easy, and you get the ability to send messages immediately.
Unique Features
One of the most entertaining features is the incognito mode, which redirects you if you want to hide what you are doing from those around you. The website’s overall layout makes it extremely easy to use, and the interface offered is very simple. Their customer support team is excellent and can offer tips to help you find your perfect match.
Pros
- Large membership base and matches based on preferences
- Simple credit system that allows you to pay as you go
- Many options to send messages and virtual gifts, have video calls, and connect with your match
Cons
- Not a good website for those who want to find long-term relationships
Seeking – Best for Elite Dating
Seeking is the go-to site for elite singles looking to find genuine connections and form long-lasting relationships that match their high-end lifestyle. To put it simply, Seeking is the most popular internet dating website for elite, wealthy, well-established professionals and individuals. If what you are after is a relationship that will fit your jet-setter lifestyle, then Seeking is the perfect place for you.
Seeking currently has more than 20 million active members. While a free membership is available, the paid membership will greatly increase your chances of meeting a successful life partner. Setting up your account on Seeking is very easy, as all you will need to do is complete your profile and verify your account and identity.
Unique Features
What sets Seeking apart from other dating websites is the variety of features that it offers, including chat rooms, VIP rooms, and extra security features that help ensure user safety. Moreover, there are also privacy filters in place to ensure that none of your information is visible without your consent.
The site even conducts voluntary background checks to ensure members are who they say they are. There is also a 2-factor authentication for additional security.
>> Read full Seeking Review
Pros
- Very simple and easy-to-use interface with a great search tool that allows you to look through different member accounts easily
- A very comprehensive verification process that helps to ensure members are who they claim to be
- It has a well-established reputation, which is why it has become the go-to dating site for elite singles.
Cons
- Many of the features are only available through the paid membership
Ashley Madison – Best for Discreet Dating
Ashley Madison is among the most popular online dating websites. If you are not new to the online dating world, then you have probably heard about Ashley Madison. The site is ideal for people looking to have a fling or to spice up their marriages.
The site takes the anonymity and safety of its users very seriously. They provide varied options to keep your identity hidden and protect your information on the site. The sign-up process is quite simple and fast. The site provides a detailed homepage to help you address any concerns you may have.
Unique Features
The site has an advanced matchmaking system that gives daily recommendations for eligible matches. The matching system will be based on specific preferences that you choose. They also have advanced filter options that allow you to narrow down your searches. You can add the users you like to your favorites to make finding them easier. The site also has an extensive user base, making it much easier to find a potential match.
Since Ashley Madison is primarily a discreet dating platform, they have a panic button feature. This feature redirects you to a generic website whenever you do not want someone to find you on the site. They also have a fantasy date feature that allows you to go on a virtual date with a match. You can send virtual gifts to users that you like. The traveling feature allows you to find dates even when you’re on the go. You can easily find dates in other cities.
They also have a priority mail feature that puts your message on top of other members’ inboxes. The priority mail feature also enables our member’s profiles to appear at the top of the search results. This makes your profile much more likely to be clicked on. They have varied communication features like instant messages, private emails, and virtual winks.
>> Read full Ashley Madison Review
Pros
- It has an extensive user base of highly active members
- The website design is intuitive and easy to use
- It has varied communication features
- They offer discreet payment options. Payments will not reflect on your credit card statement
- They have a simple membership plan
- The site is free for women
- They have a responsive customer care team who can be reached 24/7 through email
Cons
- The site is not ideal for a long-term relationship or serious relationship
Bumble – Best Dating App for Women
The Bumble dating app, which launched in 2014, is the best free dating app for female users. The app’s creator, Whitney Wolfe Herd, had previously worked for Tinder, which is one of the main reasons these two apps share so many similarities. However, what sets Bumble apart from other dating apps is that only female members can start conversations and send messages on the app.
This approach led to the extreme popularity of Bumble, which quickly became a favorite for many, with over 22 million users worldwide. Currently, the split of users is almost equal, with 55% of the users being male and 45% of the users being female.
Unique Features
To make connecting the users even easier, Bumble has created a set of “ice-breaker” responses that women can use to start the conversation.
Bumble has a 24-hour time limit that users must abide by if they want to communicate with their match. However, with the premium features, you can extend the time on your current matches. This leads to more activity on the app, as around 60% of matches will lead to a conversation. You can also rematch some of your missed matches.
The preferences of users on Bumble range from a casual relationship, there are also those interested in a serious relationship.
Pros
- Women are the only ones who can initiate conversations with their matches; the ice-breakers also help provoke more thoughtful responses and communication.
- There is a 24-hour time limit, which many people have found encourages quick action and decision-making, and that is why so many matches lead to conversations.
- The social media connections necessary to sign up help to establish mutual connections and will generally lead to the filtering of users.
Cons
- Men are unable to start conversations, which could mean that there are limitations to their dating experience.
AdultFriendFinder – Best for Meeting Open-Minded Matches
One of the largest online dating sites in the world, Adult Friend Finder has more than 80 million users you could connect with and get to know. What makes this dating website perfect is that because of the large dating pool that signs up, people are looking for various things. Having access to all those different options within one dating site is perfect if you are uncertain of the type of relationship you want.
Unique Features
In general, Adult Friend Finder is mainly used for more casual dating rather than romantic relationships. The site has a lot of adult content, and there is no censorship of the content posted. If you are looking for a more promiscuous relationship, this is one of the best dating sites for you.
Additionally, this totally free site has a wide pool of people. This means that you will be able to find the right person for you. Communication on the site and through the dating app is extremely easy, and usually, the dating experience is fun and exciting. You can easily message or video chat with our members.
>> Read full AdultFriendFinder Review
Pros
- Best dating site for casual dating
- A free version of the app and site allows you access to most features; a paid subscription is not a requirement
- Most active users have varying dating preferences and are looking for all different sorts of dating experiences
Cons
- There are more male users than female users
READ: Full AdultFriendFinder Review
eharmony – Best for Serious Relationships
While so many of the top dating sites focus on casual dating and relationships, this is for those who are looking for something more. eharmony is a site for serious relationships. Members of eharmony normally look for a long-term relationship with someone who shares the same values. Additionally, eharmony users have been the most successful in finding long-lasting relationships and true love online.
Unique Features
While most online dating apps and sites are about the mindless swiping experience, this site provides the perfect way to find your match. This dating style is a part of the eharmony dating experience, as most users are in their 30s and long past the casual dating phase.
The creators of eharmony have created an advanced matchmaking algorithm and an in-depth personality test. Once you have completed the questionnaire, eharmony will send you potential matches daily. These matches both fit your desires and are in your area. This way, they will narrow the dating game for you and help you form meaningful connections with others on a similar dating journey.
>> Read full eharmony review
Pros
- Perfect dating service for busy professionals, older age groups, and those looking for meaningful connections
- Many success stories and in-depth reviews from other users of positive dating experiences led to long-lasting relationships
- Good dating site for those who want to meet and connect with users they will be compatible with
- Best dating site for those seeking a long-term relationship
Cons
- Very lengthy sign-up process because of the questionnaire/personality test, which has more than 70 questions
OkCupid – Best for Progressive Dating
OkCupid is here for all millennials looking to find love and get into a long-term relationship. It is among the most modern rating sites making it perfect for like-minded, serious daters. The site has been around for quite a while and was redesigned in 2017. It is now more aesthetically pleasing, and even the operations have gotten better.
OkCupid offers you a wide selection of matches. They have carried gender identities and different sexual orientations to choose from. Liberal-minded daters can find like-minded partners quite easily. The profiles are also more detailed compared to most online dating sites.
Unique Features
OkCupid is among the best free dating apps one can use. A free account allows you to connect with different potential matches. You can send and receive likes, browse through different profiles, and even have conversations with them. However, accessing other advanced features require a paid membership.
OkCupid enables you to see if someone has read your message. This will help you determine who is ignoring you or hasn’t read your texts yet. You can purchase read receipts at discounted rates. They also have a super likes feature that allows you to show someone you’re really interested. Sending someone a super like increases the chances of being matched with them. Every user gets one free super like a week and you can also purchase more.
You can also find more eligible matches through the OkCupid Stacks feature. This feature allows you to view more matches based on specific categories that you choose.
Pros
- They have many detailed profiles
- A diverse selection of matches with varied gender identities and sexual orientations
- Many liberal-minded daters
- It has an aesthetically pleasing design
- In-depth questionnaire to help you find the most suitable matches
Cons
- Only people you match with can see your messages
Match – Best for Lasting Relationships
Match is among the most popular online dating apps. It has a relatively large pool of members with over 8 million users. The site is ideal for users who want to develop more serious relationships that go beyond the first date. The site has all the traditional features of a good and practical free dating site. You can get started on the site for free. However, if you want to access all the features the site has to offer you will need to upgrade your account.
Unique Features
One of the most unique features that other online dating sites do not have is the reverse matching and mutual matching features. The reverse matching feature allows you to see people looking for your interests and likes. The mutual matching feature enables you to see all the people who fit your criteria for an eligible partner. The site also has a sidebar called “Your Type” which shows other users who fit what you are looking for in a partner.
The site has varied options to hold conversations. You can message a user on both the website and app versions. If you are on a free membership, you can only message one person a day. To chat with more people you need to upgrade your account. They also have a Vibe Check feature that allows you to video chat with a potential match.
Additionally, Match.com offers one-on-one calls with dating experts to help improve your dating experience.
Pros
- They have many detailed profiles
- You can have a one-on-one call with dating experts
- You can upload lots of photos to your profile
- You can get personalized match recommendations
Cons
- A little time-consuming to set up an account
Zoosk – Best for International Dating
Zoosk is one of the best dating apps for singles looking for either casual or serious relationships. It has a huge dating pool of over 35 million users from many different countries. Zoosk has many active users who use both the site and app daily. Getting a potential match is very easy as they offer several options. Zoosk allows you to select the type of relationship you want. You can then find friendships, casual dating, long-term relationships, and more.
Unique Features
Zoosk offers virtual interactive dating experiences to its users. You can go on a virtual date through video chat on their app. This makes it easier even for people in different countries to connect. They also have a live streaming feature that allows them to talk in real-time with potential matches.
The site also has the staple swiping feature that is common in most dating sites. You can swipe through potential partners as you wish. They also have features to help you boost your profile and get a match faster. You can buy coins and use them to purchase virtual gifts.
Pros
- It has a huge dating pool of international users
- The membership plans are relatively affordable
- You can find all kinds of relationships from casual dating to serious relationships
- It has lots of popular features which makes it interesting
- It has a mobile dating app
Cons
- An overwhelming number of options, especially for new users
Hinge – Best for Prompts and Ice Breakers
Hinge is a favorite online dating website for many for a number of reasons. Not only do you get to meet potential partners, but using the app is also a lot of fun to use! The app was initially designed to match you to mutual friends you had from your social media platforms. It has since evolved to a wider reach and is considered the ultimate ice-breaker dating app.
Setting up an account takes some time since you have to answer a few prompts. The prompts act as a nice ice-breaker with potential matches.
Unique Features
Hinge prompts are unlike any other in the online dating industry. The prompts involve a series of personal questions to help customize your dating experience on the site. The questions center on your life and interests. The answers will be displayed on your profile to ensure they will help attract like-minded matches. You need at least three prompts to set up an account. There are dozens of prompts to choose from.
The site shows you different potential users at a time to help you like or reject them. You can view their pictures and read their prompts to decide. Hinge has a feature that generates matches that are more your type than others. It is called a Standout feature. It generates potential matches based on your preferences and helps you get an eligible match faster.
The ‘Date from Home’ feature allows you to indicate that you want to have a phone or video chat. Users you have matched with will be able to see the ‘Ready’ indication, and you can proceed to have a chat.
Pros
- It has many options to show
- It has extensive search filters to help you get your matches faster
- The date-from-home feature allows you to have a video chat or phone call
- The conversations and matches on Hinge do not expire
- The selfie verification process helps to verify member identities
- It has an online dating app
Cons
- Free membership only allows you to interact with your daily suggested matches. You need to upgrade to a premium membership to search for other potential matches.
Happn – Best for Meeting Matches in Your Social Circles
Happn is among the top dating apps to use if you are more focused on meeting people closer to you. Happn is ideal for finding potential matches closer to your location. They believe in the “Proximity Effect” – that there is a strong correlation between attraction and proximity. With Happn, you can even find yourself matched with someone you have crossed paths with! It is a very convenient way to date and provides matches with similar interests as you.
Unique Features
With Happn, proximity is key to matching. The app centers on finding potential matches within a set distance. You can expand the radius to cover other matches within a 55-mile radius. You can also see the matches with whom you have crossed paths. The Happn map is another unique feature that helps you find matches you’ve crossed paths with. The app allows you to see the time and place of the encounter. You can look up if any of your matches frequent your favorite local joints and places. The site does not show an exact location of a user in real-time in the interest of safety.
Happn has a ‘CrushTime” feature; a game users play to connect. The game tells you that you have crossed paths with one of the users and then allows you to guess which user. A correct answer gives you an automatic crush.
Pros
- It is easy to set up an account. You can synchronize your account with any of your social media platforms.
- It is a convenient way of dating as you connect to people within your radius.
- They have a profile verification system to ensure profiles are legit.
- You can share songs with potential matches from Spotify and make it an icebreaker.
Cons
- The dating pool is smaller if you do not live in a bigger city.
- To get more information on matches, you need to upgrade your account.
HER – Best for Women and Members of the LGBTQ+ Community
Most dating sites claim to be inclusive of people with varied sexualities and genders. However, once you get on them, it becomes hard to find a match, or you get very limited options. HER is among the few dating apps that promise diversity in matches and deliver. HER is ideal for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. HER is among the best online dating sites for females looking to explore and find eligible matches.
HER boasts more than 4 million users from about 55 countries. If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, you can easily find a match within this platform.
Unique Features
HER has a number of interesting features. The site is heavy on communities and creates an atmosphere of unity. They have a community feature that allows you to see what others are up to or what’s on their minds. People can also hold discussions through this feature on things that affect them.
Another unique feature is the rewind profiles feature. This feature allows you to have a second look at profiles that you passed the first time. It gives you a second chance to review some potential matches you may have passed up on. Another feature is that you can browse incognito. You need to upgrade to a premium membership to access this feature.
Pros
- It is a niche site for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- You can try the app for free and use some of its best features.
- It has a sophisticated and modern app that is aesthetically pleasing.
- They have a strict sign-up process to keep members safe
- Creates a sense of community and an atmosphere of unity among members.
Cons
- Members get limited swipes on a free membership plan
- It has a few glitches in the app’s functionality, but the providers are continually working to improve it.
Reddit R4R – Best Free Dating Site and Subreddit Dating
Redditor for Redditor, or as it is commonly called, R4R, is a subreddit where people can find potential partners. Redditors can post their personals in this space depending on what one is looking for, whether that’s casual relationships, serious relationships, hangouts, or soulmates.
Unique Features
R4R only has a few features because it is a subreddit. You can post what you want or use the messaging features to communicate. R4R generally has fewer rules compared to other online dating sites. However, you must still follow the standard conduct rules.
It is a great place to find dating advice. There are many subreddits where you can go to find advice, especially for online dating.
Pros
- Great for getting dating advice
- It has a diverse community of users so that you can find people with similar interests
- There are messaging features available so you can communicate with other members
Cons
- It has no matching system as many other dating sites and apps do
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Avoid Dating Scams?
To avoid dating scams, you must cross-check to ensure the person you are talking to has been verified by the dating site. Check their names against their photos, email addresses, and location. Initiate video calls to ensure the person is who they say they are. Most importantly, do not give information or send money to someone you do not trust.
Are Free Dating Sites Any Good?
Yes! Free dating sites are just as good as other dating sites. Some of the best free dating sites, like OkCupid, Bumble, Hinge, and Match, offer very good features. Many users have had success landing partners through these sites.
What Is the Most Popular Dating Site in the USA?
Some of the most popular dating sites in the USA include Seeking, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid, eharmony, Secret Benefits, Ashley Madison, Zoosk, and Match.
Can You Browse a Dating Site Without Joining?
No, most if not all dating sites require you to sign-up and create an account before browsing. You need to join the site before you can see the many member profiles available.
Related
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a serious relationship, a lifelong partnership with someone who shares your values, a casual relationship, or a fling, you can find the right match by choosing the platform that fits your needs. Dating online has never been easier than now, so take a leap and join an online dating site to start your journey.