The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (2024)

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September 30, 2023

By Kathleen Wong

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Born on the mainland but raised in Hawai‘i, Kathleen Wong has bachelor’s degrees in both journalism and sociology from NYU, and is currently the Communications Manager for the ACLU of Hawai’i. Covering everything and anything lifestyle, she has bylines in The New York Times, The Cut, Broadly, and more.

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Myisha Battle, M.S.

Sexologist & Dating Coach

Myisha Battle, M.S., is a certified clinical sexologist and sex and dating coach, educator, and speaker. She has a master's in Psychology from The New School in New York City.

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The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (4)

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September 30, 2023

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Say what you may, but online dating is one of the most efficient ways to meet potential romantic interests—people who you may have never crossed paths with in “real life.” Of course, for the best results, you need to be using the best dating sites.

Online dating can empower singles by opening up their dating pool in new ways, says Niloufar Esmaeilpour, registered clinical counselor and founder of Lotus Therapy.

“[People] have the power to choose who they want to talk to, when, and how,” she says. “They can set boundaries, preferences, and take control of their dating journey.”

At times, it may seem like we’re inundated with as many dating sites as there are potential matches. Tat's why we set out to try as many of the best dating sites as we could—and we've narrowed it down to the top options.

The benefits of online dating

In 2023, half of single Americans under the age of 50 have used a dating site in the past year, according to the Pew Research Center.

Online dating has been a helpful tool for me (the writer!) as a single woman who works from home. I’ve gone on some fun dates and have even had a few serious relationships from dating sites.

There are advantages to online dating that don’t always present themselves when we’re trying to have a real life meet-cute.

Esmaeilpour says online dating is a great for those who live in areas where it’s hard to meet new people or who have niche interests, since it connects us to people outside of our typical social circle.

The best dating sites offer a level of ease and flexibility, says Jay Serle, LMFT, Ph.D., and Clinical Director of The Ohana Luxury Alcohol Rehab.

“There is no need to leave the comfort of your home,” he says. “People tend to be more relaxed while at home. It will help you feel like you can be yourself versus going out to a bar to meet others.”

How to choose the best dating site

Each site offers something different for the user. Some have personality tests and detailed profiles, while others are more photo-based.

One thing the best dating sites have common is that nearly every one allows you to filter people based on your preferences, such as age, location, religion, sexual preference, even as specific as height—although some make you pay for this feature.

Prior to creating a dating profile, Esmaeilpour recommends people take time to “know your why.”

“Before diving into the dating app world, reflect on what you're hoping to achieve,” she suggests. “Are you seeking a serious relationship, casual dating, or just expanding your social circle? Setting clear intentions can guide your interactions and help you navigate the platform with purpose.”

“Of course, it's always essential to do your own research and determine which platform aligns with your goals and comfort level,” she adds.

For example, Tinder profiles don’t require any text and are photo-based, which may not always lead to serious relationships (but could be a good option for those looking for something casual).

Our picks of the best dating sites

Best for serious relationships: eharmony

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (5)

Pros:

  • Highly detailed profiles
  • Compatibility scores for each potential match

Cons:

  • Need to have a paid membership to fully use the site

Unique features:

Compatibility quiz and compatibility scores

Known for:

Serious relationships

Eharmony has made a name for itself as one of the best dating sites for serious relationships. Dating on eharmony is definitely going to move slower than using a dating site such as Bumble or Tinder, but that might be aligned with your dating goals.

The extensive profile-building process took me at least 20 minutes to complete—and it really made me think about how best to represent myself.

It was interesting to see my compatibility score with potential suitors, and to check out their personality quiz, like if they leaned more emotional over logical. These are characteristics I’m taking into consideration if I’m looking for a long-term partner.

The site is worth it if you're willing to financially invest in finding a serious relationship and if other dating app formats are just not working for you.

Success story:A couple in their 50s who met on eharmony and have been married six years.

Cost:

6-month plan:$66/month

12-month plan:$46/month

24-month plan:$35.90/month

Read ourfull eHarmony review and save 20% on any membership with codeMBG20.

Best for introverts: Match

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (6)

Pros:

  • Highly detailed profiles
  • Many features and filters to search

Cons:

  • Expensive if you want to use the site’s full capability

Compatibility:

iOSAndroidDesktop

Unique features:

Personalized match recommendations

Known for:

Serious relationshipsDivorced datersSingle moms

Match is one of the oldest dating sites, and for good reason. The profiles are straightforward but still in-depth – you fill out prompts, your physicality and many interests. You can even add up to 26 pictures.

There are multiple ways to match with others on the dating site, like using the app, which looks like Tinder, or the website, which lets you browse and search like on OkCupid. There are also different types of matching features to help you meet new people, such as the reverse matching feature, which shows people who are looking for your criteria.

The free version of Match is honestly just not worth it, in my opinion, but the paid version could be worth trying out for people who are willing to invest. On the free version, my overall experience was very OK. With the paid version, I felt like I could use the app more freely and browse many more folks, plus actually be able to message them.

Cost: Standard Plan costs $19/month for a one-year subscription, which is their cheapest monthly rate. You can also purchase a single month for $46

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Best for seniors: SilverSingles

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (7)

Pros:

  • Free personality test
  • Daily recommended matches

Cons:

  • Free version is very limited

Compatibility:

iOSAndroidDesktop

Unique features:

Interesting promptsPersonality testSmall dating pool

Known for:

Serious relationshipsCasual datingDivorced datersSingle momsFirst-time online daters

SilverSingles seeks to make online dating easy and approachable for people 50 years and older. When you sign up, you take an in-depth personality test about your dating style and what you value in relationships.

Then the dating site matches you daily with about three to seven potential suitors based on your goals, values and other criteria. Like Match, you can see a compatibility score with potential matches to see if you have similar values and interests. Although there are less users than on Tinder, SilverSingles definitely puts quality over quantity.

Cost: 12 Months: $24.95; 6 Months: $34.95; 3 Months: $44.95

Best for casual dating: Tinder

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (8)

Pros:

  • Large user base
  • Very easy to use

Cons:

  • Users have reported a lot of bots on the app

Compatibility:

iOSAndroidDesktop

Unique features:

Passport settings to enter dating pools around the worldBoosting your profileSee who likes you first

Known for:

Casual datingBig dating pool

Tinder makes online dating super easy, and because of that, it’s a classic dating site. As one of the first dating apps on the scene, all you have to do is quickly create your profile with a short bio, photos and your preferences and then start swiping left or right.

Because of its ease and unlimited right swipes, Tinder is definitely the best dating site for casual dating. In my experience on Tinder, you’ll meet all sorts of people very quickly, and their dating intentions are going to be all over the map. I’ve met people just looking for a hookup and I’ve also met a past boyfriend on the app.

“While I haven't had many long-lasting committed romantic relationships from my time on Tinder, it's actually one of my favorite dating apps,” says Jennifer Stavros. “Tinder is hands down the best dating app for traveling. I love the range of experiences I'm able to have on the app and the fact that you can use it for friendships, hookups, casual dating, or something serious.”

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Best for introverts: Coffee Meets Bagel

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (9)

Pros:

  • In-depth profiles
  • Strong matching algorithm

Cons:

  • Daily match limit

Compatibility:

iOSAndroid

Unique features:

Suggested potential matchesA small dating pool

Known for:

Professionals with limited time

One of the best dating apps for introverts, Coffee Meets Bagel focuses on quality over quantity, unlike Tinder and Bumble, which offer unlimited swiping and messaging. Each day at noon, you get new “bagels,” or matches. For women, the bagels you get are ones who have already liked you, which is good to know – it’s all up to you now. If you’re not into your bagels, you can still browse other potential matches that didn’t fit into all your preferences.

This app is a great choice if this is your first time online dating and you feel overwhelmed or you don’t want to waste time swiping through what feels like endless profiles.

Best free: Hinge

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (10)

Pros:

  • Helpful profile prompts
  • Offers daily ‘Standouts,’ or popular profiles you may like

Cons:

  • You can only send up to eight likes a day with free version

Compatibility:

iOSAndroid

Unique features:

Prompts can be answered with audioVoice prompts

Known for:

Serious relationshipsCasual datingIntroverted daters

Hinge is a good balance between Tinder and eharmony. The profiles are a mix of photos with cheeky captions and question prompts. You can swipe through potential matches and also check out Standouts, which are popular profiles that fit into your criteria.

You’re only allowed to send up to eight likes a day and one rose (unless you do the paid membership), which can be annoying if you run out of likes and someone else catches your eye, or good so you’re not endlessly swiping. Once you like someone or vice versa, the other person can accept and you can start messaging. The prompts make it easy to chat too, so no more boring “hey’s.”

I actually had a successful relationship off of Hinge a few years ago and it remains one of my favorite dating apps. I think the app does a great job at letting people express their personalities through their profiles and to spark conversations.

Cost: Hinge+ costs $15 per month and HingeX costs $25 per month.

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Best for divorced women: OkCupid

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (11)

Pros:

  • Inclusive to many identities
  • In-depth questionnaire leads to detailed profiles

Cons:

  • No video chat option

Compatibility:

iOSAndroid

Unique features:

Interesting promptsFilters out botsMatch % score

Known for:

Serious relationshipsCasual datingIntroverted daters

OkCupid has been around since 2004 but went through a major rebranding recently. Now, it’s one of the most inclusive dating sites and is known for its strong algorithm.

When you sign up for a profile, you answer a wide variety of questions, which have been personalized to each user depending on factors such as geography or sexual orientation.

Think of unique questions like, “Do you often find yourself worrying about things that you have no control over?” Then the dating site will match you with others based on how you answered those questions.

The dating site also isn’t afraid of letting people put their political views on full display either, which could be good if you have some serious dealbreakers. On your profile, you can share how you feel about abortion, immigration and guns.

Best for women dating women: Her

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (12)

Pros:

  • Inclusive
  • Unlimited messaging

Cons:

  • Not available on desktop
  • Free version only allows age and location filters

Compatibility:

iOSAndroidDesktop

Unique features:

Social network-like feedVerification process

Known for:

Serious relationshipsCasual dating

HER is a dating site that seeks to create a safe and inclusive environment for queer women – there are 20 sexualities and 21 gender identities to pick. They even have a verification process where you send a selfie of yourself to the app so no cis-gender males can get onto the platform. Like Tinder and Hinge, HER has users build out a usual profile with photos and some prompts.

The app has the typical swiping feature but also allows for you to match and add others users as “friends.” The dating site is like a networking site so you can join communities and even get off the app and into the real world and attend queer events.

Cost: 1 month: $14.99; 6 months: $60; 12 months: $90

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Best for women dating men: Bumble

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (13)

Pros:

  • Women message first
  • Easy to use
  • Unlimited matching and messaging with free version

Cons:

  • Matches expire if there’s no message responses within 24 hours

Compatibility:

iOSAndroidDesktop

Unique features:

Women make the first moveApp bans men who write offensive messages

Known for:

Serious relationshipsCasual dating

Bumble was made as a woman’s response to Tinder, quite literally – the founder was a co-founder for Tinder too. The big selling point for Bumble is that women make the first move, so if a woman matches with a man, she has to send the first message. While this cuts down on unsolicited messages, it also means you have to be ready to take the initiative.

It’s pretty quick to set up a profile, you add photos, interests and choose three prompts. Then you have the ability for swiping. However, if a match doesn’t respond to your message or you don’t even send one within 24 hours, it disappears. The free version offers a lot for users, but the paid version allows for backtracking and more SuperSwipes.

I appreciate the women-first messaging approach with Bumble. In fact, the app is where I met my last partner. The 24-hour expiration time also encouraged me to message sooner rather than later. If you’re really serious about dating, the Premium version gives your profile an extra boost and you have unlimited swipes.

Cost: Bumble Boost costs $9/week, $17/month, $34/three months, $55/six months; Bumble Premium costs $20/week, $40/month, $77/three months, $230 for lifetime subscription

How we picked:

App experience

The dating sites we chose are intuitive and easy to use, so you can get to meeting potential matches ASAP.

Reviews

We chose sites based off of first-hand experience, plus some that were recommended by our experts.

Recommendations from real users

We scoured the internet for a variety of people’s experiences with these dating sites.

Variety

We chose sites that appeal to a variety of demographics and dating goals.

Tips for online dating

The idea of finding love is invigorating, but it’s not all rainbows and butterflies on a dating site (as many of us probably already know).

Research has linked frequent dating site usage with higher levels of social anxiety and depression—and the rejection we face from online dating can hurt our self-worth.

Esmaeilpour says these feelings tend to come from overuse. To create a healthy dating site experience, she recommends people set boundaries and decide how much time they’ll spend on the platform each day or week.

Users should also manage expectations when it comes to dating sites. Part of the frustration can come from putting in effort with multiple people only to hit dead ends.

“Understand that not every match or conversation will lead to a meaningful connection or relationship,” says Esmaeilpour. “It's okay to have fun and enjoy the process without putting pressure on every interaction.”

Serle’s top tip for online dating is to prioritize safety. Video chat your potential date before meeting in real life (at a public place, of course!) If someone isn’t down to video chat first then that’s a red flag.

The good news is that most dating apps have a built-in video chat, so you can avoid giving out personal information, says Serle.

How dating impacts longevity

Many of us lead busy lives, so dating can end up on the back burner. However, us humans crave social connection—especially in a time of lonely technological disconnection.

Dating someone can fulfill that need. As long as we get off our phones and onto a real life date, while also adhering to dating app safety, dating sites can help our self-esteem and lower anxiety.

Esmaeilpour agrees that online dating can help women build confidence through “making the first move, setting boundaries, and navigating conversations.”

FAQ

What is the most genuine dating site?

Esmaeilpour says eharmony and Match are likely the most genuine dating sites, thanks to comprehensive sign-up processes, which tend to deter anyone looking for something casual.

Which dating site is best for serious relationships in USA?

According to Serle, eharmony is the best dating site for serious relationships. “That is because it uses an in-depth questionnaire and advanced matchmaking algorithm to pair you with matches who you are compatible with,” he says.

“A relationship is more likely to last when the couple has similar interests, values, and goals.”

Is Tinder or Bumble more popular?

Technically, by user volume, Tinder is the most popular dating site with 75 million users.

However, Esmaeilpour thinks Bumble has “gained significant traction,” since women are the ones to message first, which reduces the number of unsolicited messages and creates a safer dating environment.

“This feature can also help boost confidence for some women, allowing them to set the tone of the conversation from the outset,” she adds.

The takeaway

As with "real life" dating, online dating comes with positives and negatives. Be sure to embrace the benefits of these dating sites—and don't be afraid to be honest about your intention. If commitmnes is what you're after, check out our roundup of the best dating apps for serious relationships and marriage.

The Verdict Is In: These Are The Best Dating Sites For Every Type Of Dater (2024)

FAQs

What is the number 1 successful dating site? ›

Summary: Compare the Best Online Dating Sites in 2024
ProductForbes Health RatingsBest For
Match4.8Most Well-Established
OkCupid4.8Most Comprehensive Matching Algorithm
eharmony4.6Best Free Features
Zoosk4.4Best for Behavior Matching
1 more row
May 1, 2024

Which dating site has the most fake profiles? ›

Unfortunately , there are several online dating sites that have gained a reputation for having a high number of scammers and bots . These include popular sites such as Tinder , Bumble , and Plenty of Fish .

What dating app has the highest success rate? ›

Our Top Dating Apps And Sites For Serious Relationships
  • Bumble.
  • Tinder.
  • Coffee Meets Bagel.
  • Hinge.
  • Facebook Dating.
  • happn.
  • Plenty of Fish.
  • BLK.
May 20, 2024

Which dating site is best for serious relationships? ›

Best dating apps for serious relationships
  • Best overall: Bumble.
  • Best free dating app: Plenty of Fish.
  • Best for long-term dating: Hinge.
  • By queer women, for queer women: Her.
  • Best for detailed compatibility scores: eHarmony.
May 13, 2024

Which dating sites lead to the most marriages? ›

According to The Knot 2022 Engagement and Jewelry Study, Hinge is officially the best dating app, as it was responsible for pairing 30% of couples who met online—a 9% increase from 2021.

Which dating site has 100% free messaging? ›

What dating apps have free messaging? Facebook Dating, Plenty of Fish, and OkCupid offer free messaging features, so you can chat and communicate with your matches without paying extra. Other free dating apps that offer messaging features include Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.

Is plenty of fish full of fake profiles? ›

Because many features of Plenty of Fish are free, and the internet generally makes it easy for people to hide their identity, you may encounter online dating scams and fake profiles. Plenty of Fish scams are not a rare occurrence. All dating sites face this problem, and POF isn't an exception.

Are there any honest dating sites? ›

Not only is SilverSingles one of the best dating sites for finding serious relationships (an app version is also available), but it's also designed specifically for mature singles looking for love. This platform is here to swipe you right into a fulfilling relationship.

Is anyone real on dating sites? ›

That means that for every 10 people you see on a dating site, one is likely not even a real person. So why do people create fake profiles? There are a few reasons. Some people do it to scam others out of money.

Which dating app has the most real users? ›

Tinder is the leader in the US dating app market, but Bumble has increased its market share every year since 2017. Hinge is also positioning itself as a potential leader in the near future.

What is the most highly rated dating app? ›

What is the best dating app in 2024?
  • Best overall dating app: Hinge.
  • Best for long-term dating: eHarmony.
  • Best for older adults: SilverSingles.
  • Best free dating app: OKCupid.
  • Best for promising connections: Bumble.
  • Best video dating: Match.
Jul 11, 2024

Which dating site is free without payment? ›

OkCupid: Best Free Dating App & Site to Find a Match Today.

What dating site has the best reputation? ›

The best dating sites, at a glance
  • Best Dating Site Overall: Match.
  • Best Free Dating App: Bumble.
  • Best Dating App for Casual Dating and Hookups: Tinder.
  • Best Dating App for a Serious Relationship: Hinge.
  • Best Dating App for Marriage: eHarmony.
  • Best Exclusive Dating App: Inner Circle.
  • Best LGBTQ+ Dating App: Lex.
Feb 7, 2024

What dating site do most men use? ›

Overview
  • Best dating app for guys overall. Hinge. Jump to Details. ...
  • Best paid dating app. Match. Jump to Details. ...
  • PROMOTED. For those looking for sex. ...
  • Best dating app for marriage. eharmony. ...
  • Best hookup app for men. Tinder. ...
  • Best dating app for gay men. Grindr. ...
  • Best dating app for shy guys. Bumble. ...
  • Best dating app for liberals. OkCupid.
Jun 22, 2024

What is the US number one dating site? ›

Some of the leading dating apps and sites in the United States include Tinder, Plenty of Fish, and Zoosk. Let's discuss some recent updates from these companies. You can also take a look at some of the best free dating sites for serious relationships. Tinder, a subsidiary of Match Group, Inc.

What is the most visited dating site in the US? ›

match.com ranked number 1 and is the most visited Dating and Relationships website in United States in June 2024, followed by yourtango.com as the runner up, and pof.com ranking at 3rd place as the leaders of the Dating and Relationships websites in United States.

Which dating site has the most subscribers? ›

Bumble and Tinder are the most popular dating apps in the U.S. Bumble, which makes women initiate the conversation, has been making strides and has caught up to older service Tinder in the U.S., according to Statista Consumer Insights.

What dating site has the highest revenue? ›

Most popular dating apps worldwide in 2023, by revenue (in million U.S. dollars)
CharacteristicRevenue in million U.S. dollars
Tinder: Dating, Chat & Friends808.22
Bumble: Dating & Friends App424.58
Hinge Dating App: Match & Date223.27
Grindr - Gay Dating & Chat158.76
6 more rows
Mar 4, 2024

Which is better, eHarmony or OurTime? ›

eHarmony and OurTime target different demographics in the online dating world. While eHarmony focuses on compatibility and long-term relationships for a wide age range, OurTime specifically caters to singles over 50 seeking companionship or romance. Choose based on your age group and relationship goals.

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