Online dating sites and apps are the perfect solution to dating responsibly and finding someone for you. But online daters might get confused with all the selection out there, and not just the amount of potential partners out there.
There are so many dating websites and dating apps to choose from, so how can you tell which dating app is best? No matter if you’re looking for short flings or long-term relationships, to find love or just to meet new people, this guide is here to help you pick the right dating site for you.
Dating sites for fun
We looked at a range of top dating sites and apps on the market, rating for ease-of-use, features, pricing and the quality of the dating pool. Below, you’ll find our reviews of Top10.com’s top ten best free dating sites that are safe, fun, and a great way to meet your next boo or hookup!
Top10.com selects
Our Most Popular
1
Zoosk -Organic matchmaking through technology
Exceptional
9.7
2
EliteSingles -Boutique dating for professionals
Excellent
9.2
3
eharmony -A science-based approach to love
Excellent
9.1
Show More
A Closer Look at Our Top 10 Dating Sites and Apps
- 1Zoosk
Organic matchmaking through technologyRead Zoosk ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$12.50
- Age Range25-45
- More than 35 million users
- Behavioral matching technology
- User-friendly app
- Limited features on the free version
- Some may prefer a more manual approach
ZooskVisit Site - 2EliteSingles
Boutique dating for professionalsRead EliteSingles ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$31.95
- Age Range30-45
- Boutique, curated matches
- Advanced personality tests
- Users united by common relationship goals
- Less interactive experience
- Smaller user base
EliteSinglesVisit Site - 3eharmony
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A science-based approach to loveRead eharmony ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$29.95
- Age Range30-50
- Detailed compatibility quizzes
- Helpful conversation starters
- SecureCall safety feature
- Users can’t search for matches
- Quizzes demand time and thought
eharmonyVisit Site - 4SilverSingles
Connecting compatible seniorsRead SilverSingles ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$27.95
- Age Range50 and up
- Smart compatibility matching tools
- Strong safety precautions in place
- Users don’t need to be tech savvy
- Lengthy signup process
- No manual searching
SilverSinglesVisit Site - 5Stir
Stir is a dating app for single parents.Read Stir ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- PricingFrom $16.99 a month
- Age Range20s-40s
- specific dating pool (parents and people who want kids)
- inclusive for people of different genders and sexualities
- strong safety and security guidelines
- not available for iPhone users
- expensive subscription and upgrade prices
StirVisit Site - 6Match
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Trusted site with millions of usersRead Match ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$19.99
- Age Range25-55
- Experienced, well-trusted dating site
- High-percentage of success stories
- Allows up to 26 profile photos
- 30-minute sign-up process
- More traditional than other sites
MatchVisit Site - 7OurTime
Digital matchmaking for seniorsRead OurTime ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$7.49
- Age Range50 and up
- Large user base
- Helpful customer support
- Real-world singles events and outings
- Limited matching technology
- Need paid membership to send messages
OurTimeVisit Site - 8BlackPeopleMeet
Premier site for black singlesRead BlackPeopleMeet ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$2.99
- Age Range30-50
- Prioritizes people over algorithms
- Easy to sign up and use
- Reach out through message, chat, or flirt
- Limited compatibility matches
- Only paying users can communicate
BlackPeopleMeetVisit Site - 9Jdate
Jewish dating with modern flairRead Jdate ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionYes
- Pricing$19.99 per month for a 6-month subscription
- Age Range20-30
- Very active site with a large user base
- Nice mix of religious, secular, and culturally Jewish singles
- No need to be Jewish to join
- Not ideal for hookups or NST relationships
- Limited free membership
JdateVisit Site - 10BeNaughty
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Ideal dating app for hookups and funRead BeNaughty ReviewVisit Site- Free VersionOffers limited features
- Pricing$0.99-$.50 per day
- Age Range25-45
- Video and photo sharing
- Free for females to respond
- Flexible membership packages
- Not really for serious relationships
- Smaller dating pool than most
BeNaughtyVisit Site
Breaking Down Our Top 10 Choices: Which Is Best For Your Needs?
Zoosk-Best for behavioral matchmaking
EliteSingles-Best for professionals
eharmony-Best for finding your soulmate
SilverSingles-Best for seniors over 50
Stir -Best for single parents looking for casual or serious relationships
Match-Best for meaningful relationship
OurTime-Best for companionship for seniors
BlackPeopleMeet-Best for black singles
Jdate-Best for Jewish singles looking for love
BeNaughty– Best for hookups
Our rating system
Our reviews come from verified users–just like you!
The star ratings are based on the overall rating of each brand. Some reviews are provided via third party suppliers. We encourage you to write a review of your experiences with these brands.
Must Reads
EliteSingles vs. Match.com: Battle of the Brands
Read more10 Tips for Taking a Good Dating Profile Picture by YourselfRead moreTop 5 Best Christian Dating Sites & Apps 2022 – Find Christian Singles OnlineRead more
| Compare the Best Dating Sites | 1Visit Site | 2Visit Site | 3Visit Site | 4 Visit Site | 5 Visit Site | 6 Visit Site | 7 Visit Site | 8 Visit Site | 9 Visit Site | 10 Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 97 reviews | 88 reviews | 128 reviews | 104 reviews | 15 reviews | 73 reviews | 75 reviews | Write Review | 69 reviews | 48 reviews |
| Pricing | $12.50per month for 1-year subscription | $31.95per month for 1-year subscription | $29.95per month for 6-month subscription | $27.95per month for 1-year subscription | From $16.99 a month | $19.99per month for 1-year subscription | $7.49per month | $2.99per month for 6-month subscription | $19.99 per month for a 6-month subscription | $0.99-$.50 per day |
| Free version | Offers limited features | |||||||||
| Number of members | 40 millionmillion + | 13,000,000million + | 10million +million + | 800,000 active/monthnew members each month | Unknown | 30million + | 1,500,000 plusmillion + | 1 millionmillion + | +750,000 | 500,000+ US members |
| Recommended age range | 25-45 | 30-45 | 30-50 | 50 and up | 20s-40s | 25-55 | 50 and up | 30-50 | 20-30 | 25-45 |
| Communication options | Text chat | Instant message | Message, video, smiley/icebreaker | Instant messenger | Messaging, video chat, likes, matchPhone (call, text, voicemails) | Message, email, call, video call | Text, video | Likes, gifts, email messages (paid members) | Instant messaging | Video and voice chat, private messaging, sending likes and winks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dating apps actually work?
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All legitimate dating apps work. The question is: which one works for you? Pay attention to the age, interests, and locations of users to see if a site is right for you. If you’re interested in general success, however, larger sites like Zoosk and Match.com offer the best chances of making real-life connections.
What is the best dating site for serious relationships?
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Are paid dating sites better?
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How do you avoid fake profiles and scams on dating sites?
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What is the most popular dating site in the US?
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Are there any free dating sites out there?
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Reviewing the Top Dating Sites and Apps: Our Methodology
Top10.com dating site reviews are based on objective facts. Our reviews are based on research via the dating site, trusted 3rd party sites, customer reviews, and use of the product through free trials, or through paid use in some cases.
It is not always possible to use the product through its entire lifecycle. However, reviewers will try the signup process, make customer service queries to check response times (and whether it’s active 24 hours a day), and perform any other possible function within the review period.
For the rest of the information, we rely on what the brand says about its own product offering, customer reviews, and complaints, ratings from independent agencies like the BBB, and trusted journalistic publications.
Some of the key features we compared when looking at the dating sites and apps on our list were:
- Price
- Free version options
- Number of members
- Age range of users
- Communication options
What Are Online Dating Sites and Apps?
Online dating sites are a great place to meet other single people online, whether you’re looking for a lifelong companion or just a casual connection with someone. All you need to do is sign up for a free dating app, set up your dating profile with a photo and some information about yourself, and you’re all set to go.
Dating apps and sites also give you a great dating experience – you can converse with a potential match by chat or video chat and schedule dates or hookups easily. You don’t need to go through the strain of trying to meet people in bars or at the grocery store.
How Do Online Dating Sites Work?
Dating sites offer search options that allow you to view other singles according to your preferences, interests, and the type of relationship you’re looking for.
Some of them also have additional products and services, like algorithms that match you with people you might like – a match based on your personal info or even who you’ve crossed paths with.
Talking to other singles on dating sites is usually possible when using free apps, but you’ll probably have to pay extra on some sites in order to be able to schedule dates.
Who Should Use Online Dating Apps?
Online dating apps can be used by everyone. If you’re looking to meet someone, no matter the purpose, dating apps are an easy way to swipe through a selection of like-minded people looking for the same thing.
If you’re looking for a serious relationship, there are dating apps specifically dedicated for that, like eharmony. If you’re looking for a casual hookup, BeNaughty is a great platform for that. On most dating apps and sites, you can filter people by what they’re looking for, and save some valuable time.
You can also use dating apps to find people with similar interests, backgrounds, hobbies, and even mental illnesses, so there’s something out there for everyone.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Dating Site
Before subscribing to an online dating site, ask yourself these questions to determine the best fit for you:
What type of relationship are you looking for? As we all know, some dating sites are famous for hookups, while others are more geared towards long-term relationships. Deciding which type of relationship you’re looking for is a good first step in choosing the site that will yield you the most success.
Which features are important to you? Are you more concerned with showing off your smile or your personality? Do you want to scroll through pages of user profiles or have matches chosen for you?
Some sites put the emphasis on photos, while others offer questionnaires to highlight your personality. Some leave it up to you to find your match, while others deliver matches straight to your inbox. Choosing how you want to highlight yourself and be introduced to others is a great way to whittle down the choices.
How much money are you willing to spend on a subscription? Dating sites run the gamut of prices, from free to upwards of $30 per month. Setting a limit on how much you want to spend and then exploring the sites that fall within your price range will give you the best shot of choosing one that meets both your budget and your preferences.
How Much Do Dating Sites and Apps Cost?
The average cost of a dating site subscription is around $220-250 per year, which works out at roughly $20 per month.
Many of the best dating sites offer free sign up or a free trial period. However, to unlock all features and communication tools, you’ll need to subscribe. Consider the features, matchmaking and search capabilities, and overall quality of the sites as you compare prices. As with most things, you get what you pay for.
Joining a dating site is a smart investment. If you put yourself out there, you won’t need to subscribe for long. After all, it’s worth it — this is your future and happiness at stake.
Which Dating Sites Are Actually Free and Are They Worth It?
Dating sites and apps usually offer free sign-up and basic functions, but you may be required to pay to use more advanced features. So what qualifies them as free dating sites?
A free dating site will give you enough features to be able to go on dates without having to pay. For example, the ability to message. If a dating site only allows you to send someone a couple of messages, and you can’t receive messages back without paying a fee, it wouldn’t be considered free. If it has time limits, it would not be considered free either.
Free dating sites will only charge you for additional features that aren’t necessary to meeting your match, like promoting your profile or being able to use emojis in messages.
If you’re wondering whether a free dating app is worth the time and effort, consider how much you want to be invested in the app. If you want to be able to message people freely and schedule dates – and encounter less scammers who use free accounts, perhaps the best solution is to get a premium account.
Choosing the Right Dating App for Your Needs
There are many reasons why you might choose to use a dating app. And there’s such a wide selection of different dating sites to choose from, depending on what you prefer, so choosing the best dating site for you can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this list, which we update periodically – in order to maximize your chances of meeting your perfect match.
General dating sites
- Senior Dating Sites – If you’re over 50, single, and looking for your perfect match, these dating sites and apps will help you find like minded individuals to connect with.
- LGBTQ+ Dating Sites – No matter your preferences or sexual identity, there’s something for everyone on these dating apps. Whether you’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer, you can find your perfect match for casual flings, hookups, or serious relationships right here.
Best dating sites for those who have religious preferences
- Dating Sites and Apps for Christian Singles – Are you of Christian faith or looking to date someone who is? This list of our best Christian dating apps will introduce you to people of similar beliefs and values more easily than any church singles event could.
- Dating Sites and Apps for Muslim Singles – If you’re looking for Muslim individuals to date, look no further than these sites and apps. They are specifically meant for Muslims searching for that special someone.
- Dating Sites and Apps for Jewish Singles – These dating apps have a large pool of Jewish people who are single and ready to mingle. If you’re Jewish or interested in dating Jewish singles, you can easily find a potential match by signing up to one of these sites.
Best dating sites for those who Have ethnic preference
- Black Dating Sites – If you’re looking to meet black singles, choosing a dating app that has a significant black membership is key. If that’s the case, look no further than these dating sites.
- Asian Dating sites – Whether you’re Asian or would like to meet Asian individuals, it’s important to make sure the dating site you’re using isn’t a scam. Fortunately, there are plenty of Asian dating sites for you to choose from.
How Has COVID-19 Affected the Dating Game?
There’s no doubt that COVID has made things harder for singles, but singles have proven to be nothing if not resourceful. Online dating sites have flourished during the pandemic, with couples setting up romantic Zoom dates or flirting through their masks during socially-distanced rendezvous in the park.
Of course not everyone may share the same commitment to safety, so it’s important to communicate your expectations clearly so that you and your date are on the same page.
How to Avoid Scams on Dating Sites
Unfortunately, there are plenty of bad actors in the online dating world. Here’s are some tips for avoiding scams or abuse:
- It’s best to choose a dating platform with strong security measures.
- A dating site that costs money is less prone to having scammers than a free one.
- Ask to see social media accounts before agreeing to meet in person, and listen to your gut when something doesn’t feel right.
- Don’t forget that a good dating site will have services in place to assist you when you encounter abusive or suspicious users online.
First Date Tips
1. Be honest and clear about your intentions. Start your relationship on the right foot by communicating your wants, needs, and boundaries before planning to meet someone off a dating app. Honesty also includes featuring recent photos on your profile that actually look like you.
2. Be safe. It’s always best to take precautions before meeting someone in person—especially for the first time.
Ask to see their social media accounts or other proof that they’re who they say they are. Meet in a public place and share the time, location, and details of your date with a trusted friend. And you should definitely run a background check – you don’t want to be swindled by your next date!
3. Be true to yourself. If there’s one thing online dating has taught us, it’s that there are countless singles out there looking to connect. So don’t compromise your integrity or comfort level. Be true to yourself and your needs, and if they don’t align with your date’s, then it wasn’t meant to be and you can head back online with your pride, dignity, and boundaries intact.
4. Be flexible. Romance is an enigma, and it can come about in the most unexpected places.
So think twice before you write someone off just because their interests are different from yours. Sure, you may not be crazy about hiking, jazz, or mini-golf. But if the chemistry is there, give it a shot. You never know.
5. Be respectful. Don’t catfish anybody. Convey your intentions, and respect people’s boundaries just as you want them to respect yours.
Don’t waste anybody’s time. We’re all just trying to find love out here.
6. Stay positive. Some dates are a bust. It happens. But try not to let it discourage you. Remind yourself that there are many great people out there, and all it takes is one magic date for your luck to turn around.
Other Brands We Reviewed
This list of top ten dating sites is composed of companies that chose to partner with Top10.com. In total, we reviewed over 40 brands when doing our research into dating sites, with new brands being reviewed on a regular basis. Interested in learning about the prices and features of some big dating sites that don’t appear on this list? Check out our in-depth reviews of some of these big names in dating:
Love Is Out There, Find It Today
The days of blind dates and meeting on the street are over. Dating apps are the easiest way to find a relationship in 2022. They’ve worked for thousands of couples around the world, and they can work for you too! Whether you’re seeking Mr. Right or Mrs.
Right Now, online dating is a process, and it can get tiring after a while. Test out different websites until you find one that works for you and scores you the type of relationship you’ve been seeking for so long. We wish you the best of luck in your dating journey.