The days in which dating sites and apps were but a fringe sector of the overall social scene are long gone. Don’t believe us? Just try picking up a random stranger the next time your at the grocery store or park. You’ll be lucky if she doesn’t call the police!
Okay, okay, so maybe there are still a few dating maestros out there, who can throw down game without using technology. Along similar lines, Australia isn’t so reliant on dating apps that you can’t make a random connection without one, especially when you’re out at the bar or club.
Free dating site australia
Nevertheless, online dating has become the proverbial norm and that’s given way to a slew of sites and apps. As with all things in life, each one delivers its own set of pros and cons. So which are the best dating apps and Australian dating sites? Let’s find out!
You might also like:
16 Best Grooming Blogs, Sites & Magazines
40 Best Minimalist Watches for Men
16 Australian Instagram Models You Have to Follow
What to Look for in a Good Dating Site
If we know one thing about romance, it’s that you should always dip your toes in the water before diving in. Australia’s dating sites and apps work kind of the same way and you shouldn’t just settle for the first one you find. What to look for could depend on the type of person you are, the type of person you’re hoping to date, and how much work you want to put in.
Of course, no matter where you land, you’ll want to read the reviews first. Furthermore, you should pay attention to things like layout, usability, communication tools, subscription costs (or lack thereof), and membership count. You should also perform some research to make sure the particular dating site or app you’re looking at isn’t a hotbed for fraud. The last thing you want is to get catfished.
Which Dating Site is for Me?
Despite their somewhat similar veneers, each dating site and app tends to have its own hook. For instance, there are mature dating sites and millennial dating sites. Some dating sites allow you to send a message to literally anyone while other sites only allow communication between “matches.”
The differences can definitely add up and it’s important to know what you want before going in. Should you be looking for a cheap fling, you’ll find a slew of accommodating sites and apps. On the flip side of that coin are sites like eHarmony, where long-term romance is a shared mutual goal.
Should I Have to Pay for a Dating Site?
Some dating sites cost money from the get-go while others offer basic services for free and upgraded features at a price. Whether or not you pay for a dating site or premium tier could depend on how serious you are about finding a long-term match. That is to say, people who pay for the privilege of online dating tend to be more invested in the process, seeking love in lieu of lust.
Meanwhile, don’t take the word “free” to indicate a drop in quality. On the contrary, certain free dating apps are ranked as high if not higher than their subscription-based peers. To that end alone, you should not have to pay for a dating site or premium tier. But if you do, you’ll probably have a much smoother experience.
How to Stay Safe While Dating Online
Meeting up with random strangers for possibly romantic encounters is exactly as hazardous as it sounds, should you not take certain precautions. By putting yourself “out there,” you could be entering a world of fraud, identity theft, catfishing, financial scams, and more.
No matter which dating app or site you use, take at least some of the following measures:
- Research your date before meeting her (nothing too stalkerish, just see if you can find a Facebook profile or something of the like).
- Have a video chat before you meet in person.
- Use a separate phone number (Google Voice, for example) just for dating.
- Meet in a public space.
- Tell a friend or family member about the date before you go.
- Don’t get too drunk on the first date.
- Don’t share too much personal information until you trust the other person.
Best Dating Sites and Apps
Enough with the preamble—onto the main event! Here are the best dating apps and sites in Australia. Find the one or two that suit your particular desires and get busy…literally.
1. Tinder
You know the drill: swipe right if you like what you see and then hope she does the same. Next comes a little flirting via message to find out if there’s genuine chemistry in the air. You can take it from here, champ. Free dating apps don’t get more popular than this one.
Cost: free for the basic version
Pros: good for hook-ups, massively popular, fun and easy to use, generally safe
Cons: superficial, addictive, a little soul-sucking in the long run, people can get inundated with unwanted messages
2. Bumble
According to about half of the Bumble app users, it’s mostly good for hookups and flings. However, don’t take that to mean it’s the same thing as Tinder. For starters, only female users can make first contact with the opposite sex. Also, matches expire if she doesn’t reach out after 24 hours (though there is a “rematch” feature).
Cost: free for the basic version
Pros: good for hook-ups, easy to use, better and safer for females, strong ratio of matches to connections, similar number of male and female users
Cons: males have no chance to initiate the conversation, matches expire, limited search criteria
3. Hinge
This location-based dating app shares qualities with Tinder and Bumble, but does a better job at helping you break the ice and forge a real connection. It uses various prompts and features to bring out the best you and move the conversation along at a brisk pace.
Cost: free for the basic version
Pros: terrific layout, makes it easy to start conversations, helps you form real connections
Cons: not necessarily a mature dating app, can sometimes show you the same matches over and over again
4. Pof
There are plenty of fish in the sea and this dating site takes the concept to heart. Its user pool is massive, its filtres efficient, and its features abundant. This is one of the best dating sites in both Australia and the world over.
Cost: free for the basic version
Pros: huge user base, seamless layout, loads of free features, advanced search filtres, good for all types of dating
Cons: hotbed for scammers, match quality can vary, heavy competition for attractive mates
5. OKCupid
Available as either a website or app, OKCupid is one of the more seasoned players in the online dating game. It will ask you lots (and lots) of questions when you sign up. Answer honestly and you just might find someone to love.
Cost: free for the basic version
Pros: inclusive, comprehensive, goes beyond physical appearances to uncover personality types, good for long-term relationships
Cons: takes time and commitment if you want the best results
6. eHarmony
Running since 2000, this firmly established dating site is primarily designed for long-term commitments. Use it wisely and you might one day thank it for your marriage.
Cost: $19.95 per month when you sign up for a 12-month plan
Pros: gets to know you on every level, generates solid matches, nurtures long-term relationships
Cons: doesn’t have a search function, costs money, can yield the occasional mismatch
7. Oasis Active
Unlike most of the world’s dating apps, Australia’s own Oasis Active was actually designed with our native culture in mind. Streamlined and social, it’s more popular now than ever before.
Cost: free for the basic version
Pros: one of the best Australian dating sites, easy to navigate, large user base
Cons: prone to scams, lots of ads
8. Facebook Dating
It only took Facebook around 14 years to do the obvious, i.e. launch a full-blown online dating app. Talk about a no-brainer!
Cost: free
Pros: easy to get started, uses existing Facebook data to set up a profile, keeps your regular profile and dating profile completely separate (you’ll also never be matched with friends), integrates with Instagram
Cons: lack of buffers can lead to influx of unwanted messages, your data is likely being sold without your knowledge
9. RSVP
One of the best dating sites in Australia is also one of the most popular and trusted. If you’re over 30 and serious about love, this could very well become your mature dating portal of choice.
Cost: free for certain basic features
Pros: easy to use, safe and secure, large membership base, solid matchmaking
Cons: costs money to initiate a message, could be selling your data
10. Zoosk
The Zoosk dating app comes bolstered by a signature algorithm, which reportedly yields better matches. Messaging will cost you but maybe that’s a good thing.
Cost: free for certain basic features
Pros: easy to navigate, large user base, effective matchmaking algorithm, verifies photos to reduce catfishing and scams
Cons: not necessarily good for older users, nearly all the essential features cost money, no refunds on subscriptions
11. Grindr
For some man to man sparks of the short-term variety, you know exactly which dating app to download. You might also find friendship or even long-term romance, but that’s probably not why you signed up. All the pros and cons of Tinder essentially apply here as well.
Cost: free for the basic version
Pros: good for hook-ups, massively popular, fun and easy to use
Cons: superficial, addictive, potentially soul-sucking
You might also like:
16 Best Grooming Blogs, Sites & Magazines
40 Best Minimalist Watches for Men
16 Australian Instagram Models You Have to Follow
General FAQ
What’s the best dating app?
If you’re young and looking for fun, apps like Tinder and Bumble are some of the best. If you’re ready to get a little more serious, check out eHarmony or OKCupid.
Should I have to pay for a dating site?
Most dating apps offer basic services for free and premium services at a cost. Whether or not you pay for the privilege boils down to your particular habits and desires. Nevertheless, paying for a dating app typically infers commitment and helps weed out a number of distractions.
Is online dating safe?
Online dating is generally safe, but you should still take precautions to avoid scams, frauds, or other hazards. Perform a little research in advance and maybe ask to chat via video call before meeting in person. When it’s finally time to meet, do so in a public setting.
DATING, ONLINE DATING, TOP LISTS
COPY LINK SHARE
Jacob Osborn
Jacob Osborn is an accomplished author and journalist with over 10 years of experience in the media industry. Jacob holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has previously written for Stacker alongside co-authoring a Young Adult novel through Simon & Schuster. Now based in Portland, Oregon, Jacob specialises in entertainment, technology and alcohol reporting. You might find him crate-digging at the nearest record store or sampling whisky at the nearest bar. He daydreams of travelling around the world, but for now, the world will have to come to him by way of lifestyle products, gear, gadgetry, and entertainment. Let’s call it a happy compromise while he saves up for the next big trip.
Read more about JacobAbout Man of Many
LATEST NEWS
Hands On: The Fender Johnny Marr Limited Edition Jaguar Purrs and Roars
Supersize Your Silly Season with Costco’s Giant 4-Litre Bottles of Tequila
300+ Best Cyber Monday Deals for 2022: Tech, Fashion, Entertainment
WIN! 1 of 7 Double Passes to Polo Ralph Lauren’s EPIC New Store Launch Party in Sydney!
Netflix Reveals First Look at Charlie Cox-Led Spy Thriller ‘Treason’
RELATED STORIES
Supersize Your Silly Season with Costco’s Giant 4-Litre Bottles of Tequila
21 Best Steakhouses in Melbourne for Your Next Big Feed
Reports of Pete Davidson Dating Emily Ratajkowski Send the Internet into a Frenzy
20 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers to Drink Yourself Sensible
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why trust us?
HOME > LIFESTYLE > SEX & DATING
REVIEW: Crescendo 2: The Versatile Vibrator as Unique as You
In Partnership with MysteryVibe
ELEANOR HADLEY, 23 NOV 2022 | SPONSORED COPY LINK SHARE
It’s no mystery that I have my fair share of sex toys. As a sex educator, it basically comes with the territory. But I had never quite experienced a pleasure tool like the Crescendo 2 until I got a special delivery from MysteryVibe. If you overheard me unboxing this gem of a sex toy you’d think I was already trying it out, amongst my ‘oohs, aahhs’ and ‘oh my gods’ as I marvelled at the unique design and incredible flexibility of this vibe.
With delight, I immediately put my phone on do not disturb mode, shut the door and got down to business, exploring all the ways I could put the vibe to use. The Crescendo 2 is designed to mimic our fingers and bends at six different points, making it easy to mould perfectly to hit all your pleasure zones, regardless of whether you’re wanting to explore with a vulva, penis, anus – solo or partnered.
Six is the Magic Number
With so many ways to bend and shape the vibe, I wasn’t short on ideas. But the addition of the MysteryVibe Playcards deck, which lists 32 unique positions to try out, had me inspired. A personal fave of mine was the Solo Rodeo, which had me bend the Crescendo 2 at a 90-degree angle to mimic the feeling of riding.
So. Much. Fun! Another favourite position and an all-round classic in my eyes is the dual stimulation offered by curving the vibe to hit the G-Spot and the clitoris at the same time.
While it’s super flexible, it’s also strong and holds its position as you ride, tap, pulse or grind your way to ecstatic pleasure, so you don’t have to worry about it moving from that *perfect* position. This also allows for a totally hands-free experience, something I really enjoyed as it opens you up to use your hands to stimulate other erogenous zones, be they on your body or your lovers’.
Not only does it bend at six different points but there are six individual motors designed to provide targeted vibrations at each point. What’s even cooler is that it comes with a free smartphone app, where I played around with fully customising the speed, pattern and sixteen levels of intensity of each individual motor to suit my mood, effectively creating my own bespoke vibe pattern. Perfect not just for solo play, but putting the power in my partner’s hands.
Speaking of which, my partners were just as intrigued as I was by the Crescendo 2. Being bi, I had the pleasure of testing out my newest vibrator with a partner with a penis and one with a vulva. And let me tell you, there are so many ways to incorporate this magic wand into partnered sex, no matter who you’re getting it on with.
Some Things to Try
Got a vulva, or a partner with one? Try curving the Crescendo 2 to hit your clitoris and G-Spot at the same time while giving your partner some head, let them go down on you while gently inserting the Crescendo 2 until you’re almost over the edge. Or for solo pleasure, take my personal fave and bend your Crescendo 2 at a right angle to enjoy that thrusting and grinding sensation.
Got a penis, or a partner with one? Explore aided masturbation by having the Crescendo 2 vibrate along your shaft, or try wrapping the vibe around the base of your penis.
Into anal? Curve the Crescendo 2 and start by gently stimulating the rim of your anus, and gently inserting with plenty of lube to take yourself to whole new heights of pleasure. (Always ensure vibe is curved before exploring anal play in the name of safety).
The options are honestly endless. And considering all the ways to use it, I was thankful that the Crescendo 2 is fully USB rechargeable. Gone are my days of running downstairs mid self pleasure session to empty out my tv remote of batteries. Plus, with its fully waterproof design, bath time just got even steamier in my house.
Now, I can’t quite say I’ve roadtested all 32 suggested Crescendo 2 positions from the Playcards deck just yet, but I’m pretty dedicated. Wish me luck!