Everyone has a different reason to join. Some are looking for love, others for marriage, and some just want to have fun. Fortunately, online dating sites are no longer limited to conventional ideas of relationships and thank goodness for that. Whether you want to meet someone in your immediate area, or you want to build a lasting relationship, there is guaranteed to be a dating site suitable for your needs.
Since the early 2000s, eHarmony has been leading the pack as one of the most used online dating sites. To date, it has had over 60 million users and its membership pool extends beyond the United States into approximately 200 countries worldwide. Currently, eHarmony averages to match one couple every 14 minutes. So, if you are looking for a serious relationship that could lead to marriage, set up your profile asap. You will need to fill out a questionnaire to determine potential matches. Even though they are thorough, the latest versions are not as extensive as they were when the company first started. At that point over 400 questions were asked.
The number one con to eHarmony is that it only does heterosexual matches. Members of the LGBTQ+ community have to find love somewhere else. Secondly, this site is one of the most expensive online dating sites to use. If you take into consideration its success rate, the price tag may not be a deal-breaker. However, for those with a tight budget looking to find love, you may want to find alternative sites that fit your needs.
Free version: Yes
Three-months: $54.95/month
Six-months: $36.95/month
Twelve-months: $22.95/month
If you are feeling intimidated about entering the online dating scene, do not feel discouraged. Match is a great option for first-timers. This site allows you to set up a free profile, and when in Incognito Mode you can view potential matches without them knowing. If you feel you make a better impression in-person versus online, they also have you covered. Match regularly organizes meet-up events for singles in your area. The events can last a couple of hours and are usually held in local bars or restaurants.
Although creating an account is free, users will have to pay for additional features, like sending or responding to messages. Because of this, Match leans more towards the pricey side in comparison to other online dating services. Yet, the company is so self-assured in their algorithms that they guarantee you will find a match within 6 months or you get 6 additional months of service for free.
Free version: Yes
Three-months: $23.99/month
Six-months: $20.99/month
Twelve-months: $19.99/month
Hands down this is one of the best online dating sites for women. Coffee Meets Bagel gives women the power to initiate contact. Based on their algorithms, cisgender men and those of the LGBTQ+ community receive a certain number of daily matches, which they can either like or pass on. The women who are liked will be notified and they must decide whether to like them back. If so, the match is then allowed to communicate freely.
Coffee Meets Bagel, like its name, encourages folks to meet in real life. However, it respects your privacy by not allowing others to see your real name until a match has occurred. This interesting feature can help eliminate the possibility of someone cyberstalking you.
The potential drawback to using Coffee Meets Bagels is that a Facebook account is required to join. The site believes matches are more favorable when you have mutual friendships. Also, there is no desktop version, so you need a smartphone just to access the app.
Free version: Yes
One-month: $34.99/month
Three-months: $24.99/month
Six-months: $19.99/month
Twelve-months: $14.99/month
Bumble is another viable option for women who don’t mind making the first move. As a matter of fact, that’s the only way to match. Women must swipe right to like and if they like you back, a match is made.
Some of the pros of using Bumble are that it has taken constructive measures to prohibit harassment. Unlike other dating services, Bumble has banned sexually suggestive pictures, like shirtless bathroom selfies. And, they prevent unsolicited messaging by placing the power of contact in their women users. Also, Bumble has expanded its presence by adding Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz. Bumble BFF focuses on matching platonic relationships, whereas Bumble Bizz is a networking app for business professionals.
On the flipside, reviewers of the dating site have expressed that not being able to search for matches is more of a con. Also, connections can only be made within 24 hours. So, if you’re not paying attention to your notifications, you could miss out on a potential partner.
Free version: Yes
One-week: $8.99/week
One-month: $24.99/month
Three-months: $16.66/month
Six-months: $13.33/month
For those looking to have a good time with no commitments, this dating site may be your best bet. Tinder was the original swipe-right for love app and has since acquired 750 million users worldwide. Its minimal setup process, limited invasive questions, and easy functionality have made Tinder the go-to for quick hookups.
The one major con is that matches are not based on personality traits or life-long goals. This site is geared towards people who want to have fun in their dating lives, but without stifling commitments. Even though a Facebook account is required to join, Tinder does not verify relationship statuses. This means you can be married on Facebook and single on Tinder.
$9.99/month for a one-month Tinder Plus membership
$5.83/month for a six-month Tinder Plus membership
$4.58/month for a 12-month Tinder Plus membership
This is definitely one of the more progressive dating sites out there. It includes a variety of options for gender identification, including non-binary, as well as, sexual orientation. The dating site also makes the effort to ask interesting and engaging questions of its users. Members are encouraged to answer unique essay questions that reflect their likes and dislikes.
OkCupid is practically free. However, one of their more annoying features is the surplus of advertisements on the site. If you become an A-lister, ads are eliminated. With a paid subscription, A-Listers also get access to customized search results. They can also see who has read their messages, who has liked them before, and many other special features.
Free version: Yes
A-List - One-month: $9.95/month
A-List - Three-months: $7.95/month
A-List - Six-months: $4.95/month
Happn takes a different approach to online dating. This app allows you to see potential matches in your physical vicinity. If you ever felt too embarrassed to walk up to a total stranger and ask them out, Happn was made for you.
Unlike other dating sites, you can not search for matches. When you log in, the app will use geolocation to determine if other Happn users are in your area. If you happen to like another’s profile, you hit the heart button. Only if there is a mutual attraction will the app allow you to communicate. Some users can even personalize their profile by using the “I’m free to...” feature, which lets others know if you’re free to go for coffee or drinks.
This service is totally free and is a great idea for those who travel frequently. For people looking for love from the comfort of their homes, this dating app won’t be very useful.