Most Populated Dating Websites In Usa

Over half of never-married adults in the U.S. Say they have tried online dating, and 22% of newlyweds in 2019 met their spouse on a dating site or app. Taken as a whole, online dating is one of the most popular ways to meet people nowadays, and singles who embrace that will have more date options to show for their time and effort. Full protection of personal data. More than 2 million registered accounts. Twenty-four-hour technical support. Sometimes, it takes so much time to find your soulmate or at least someone who fits all your preferences. It's in your hands to make your search easier and faster than it could be. The best Christian dating sites can help you find life partners - and new friends - who have the same set of beliefs as you. Easy to access, thanks to their modern websites and free apps, these platforms allow you to widen your dating pool and easily chat with potential matches.

When economists say “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” what they mean is everything comes with a cost — it just might not be in dollars, euros, or yen.

Savvy online daters may already be familiar with the hidden costs of a 100% free dating site. They may run into pop-up ads, or they may not have access to paid features, including messaging and viewing photos. Some free sites may cost $0 to join, but they can be taxing in other ways, and singles need all the information if they want to game the system and get results without wasting a lot of effort or racking up a big price tag.

We’ve evaluated some of the most popular free dating sites and apps out there to give singles an idea of what they can expect online and what their subscription options are, so they can decide what they’re willing to spend on an awesome dating experience. Take a look!

Overall Best 100% Free Dating Sites

We’re going to save you a lot of time and money by putting the most cost-effective dating sites right up top for your enjoyment. The following free dating platforms provide valuable matching features, search tools, and networking potential — without an enormous price tag.

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Match.com has come a long way since it launched in April 1995. This well-reputed dating site has honed its match algorithm to identify long-term compatibility and facilitate countless first dates, serious relationships, and successful marriages. Match.com's esteemed dating experts go to great lengths to guide singles to a seriously good match.

  • Match is the world's longest running dating site
  • The Discover section has search filters by interests, looks, lifestyle, and more
  • Match is available in 50 countries and 15 languages
  • Browse Match.com profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
51%
15 MillionTry Match.com FREE

Match is a free-to-join but pay-to-chat online dating site where singles can mix and mingle on their own terms.

Since 1995, Match has set high standards in the dating industry and inspired deep relationships based on mutual compatibility. Match used to offer a free trial period to singles who were curious about how it works, but now the dating site has a lifetime free membership option to kick things off. Free members can set up their dating profiles, add photos, browse matches, save their preferred search criteria, and exchange likes online with the perfect match.

Messaging is a premium feature on Match, but free members aren’t locked completely out of the conversation. Match allows singles to read and respond to messages from their Top Picks list, thus making the online dating experience more enjoyable and rewarding for everyone involved.

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EliteSingles.com maintains a sophisticated network of young professionals seeking a relationship. Over 80% of its members hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree, and over 90% are over the age of 30. Elite Singles uses an intelligent matchmaking system to introduce daters to someone on their level.

  • Over 2 million monthly users
  • Premium members receive 20 wildcard matches a day
  • Search features include age, height, education, ethnicity, and lifestyle habits
  • Browse Elite Singles profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
57%
2 MillionFREE Sign Up

Elite Singles sets high standards in the online dating scene, and its tiered membership appeals to people of all income levels. This dating site was designed to introduce relationship-minded professionals to one another, and we think it’s done a grand job so far.

You can start off with a free membership to see how things work, and then you can work your way up the ladder to a premium membership plan that fits your budget and meets your relationship goals.

Elite Singles creates thousands of love connections every week, and its commitment to quality over quantity has made for a selective dating environment. Over 80% of Elite Singles members have earned a college degree, and over 90% say they want to get in a serious relationship.

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Zoosk is a socially savvy dating site known for its diverse membership base and behavioral matchmaking system. Over 40 million singles in 80 countries have joined the network so far, and it's growing larger every day. The platform offers many different ways to communicate and express interest in members, so it's easy to form a fast connection here.

  • Send messages to premium members for free
  • Over 3 million messages sent a day
  • Premium perks include photo verification and sending virtual gifts
  • Browse Zoosk profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
52%
12 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

Thanks to its forward-thinking features, Zoosk has become one of the leading dating sites and apps in the world. In 2007, the platform draw inspiration from popular social media sites and took online dating to a whole new level.

Today, thousands of Zoosk couples have the site to thank for introducing them to a good match and giving them plenty of options to flirt.

Zoosk offers free match suggestions, free search tools, and a lot of free communication features to get singles on their way to a promising connection. The Carousel is the most efficient place to find viable dates because users can quickly swipe through profiles and create mutual interest on the fly.

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Since its launch in 2000, eharmony has endeavored to find the formula for love. Its 32-dimension personality test uses psychological truths to identify areas of compatibility between two individuals. The dating site's mission is to foster relationships that last, and every potential match has a reason behind it.

  • Over 2 million people have found love here
  • Users can filter their match recommendations by age or city
  • Compatibility Quiz identifies common interests, lifestyles, and goals
  • Browse eharmony profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Straight Singles
49%
10 MillionView Profiles FREE

The thing about eharmony is that it’s all about relationships. Not short-term dating. Not hookups. Not friendship. Its founding mission is to create lasting relationships that lead to marriage, family, and a fruitful life together — and that’s something the team takes very seriously. The team even offers a three-month guarantee to back its services.

Since 2000, eharmony has endeavored to identify true compatibility by using a psychology-based questionnaire that has been honed quite a bit over the years. It used to be over 150 questions long and take over an hour to complete. Now it’s much shorter, and singles can get through it in about 20 minutes.

The questionnaire is free and optional, but eharmony highly recommends singles answer each question honestly because that’s the basis for its match suggestions and compatibility ratings. You can browse profiles and see how you stack up with them without paying anything, but only premium members can view photos and send messages on eharmony — unless it’s a free communication weekend, which are rare but totally worth the wait.

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Christian Mingle is a faith-based dating website for singles who want a relationship grounded in Christian values. People of all religions and backgrounds turn to this site in hopes of meeting a good Christian man or a good Christian woman. Christian Mingle's claim to fame is that it has the highest percentage of Christian members of any dating site or app in the world.

  • For singles interested in God-centered relationships
  • Over 3.5 million monthly users around the world
  • Available as an app on Google Play and the App Store
  • Browse Christian Mingle profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
56%
3.5 MillionView Profiles FREE

ChristianMingle promotes good Christian values in the online dating scene and encourages devout singles to find someone who shares similar beliefs and traditions.

While ChristianMingle isn’t a Christian-only dating network — people of all faiths are welcome to create a free profile — the site focuses on inspiring God-centered relationships, and it has been the salvation of Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, and other faith-driven daters.

Its heartwarming success stories are proof of the dating site’s impact on people’s lives. “God used ChristianMingle to cross our paths,” said Rhonda, who met her husband Woody on the dating site.

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Since its launch in 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has created an African American singles network that stretches across North America. This niche dating site has 1.5 million members who are attracted to Black and biracial people. It takes less than two minutes to create a full profile and start browsing through profiles sorted by age, location, and orientation.

  • One of the largest Black singles networks in existence
  • Straightforward search and matching features
  • Use Tokens to appear higher in search results
  • Browse BlackPeopleMeet profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Black & Biracial Singles
53%
1.5 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

When you sign up for BlackPeopleMeet, you can diversify your dating prospects and enjoy a colorful dating experience in just a few clicks. The niche site boasts having the largest network of black and biracial singles in the U.S., and it is a valuable resource for singles seeking dark-skinned dates.

BlackPeopleMeet is free to people of all ethnicities, skin tones, and racial backgrounds, and singles can assess their options thanks to the site’s free features, which include photo likes, flirts, and favorites. Messaging will cost a little extra, but it can make all the difference in your dating life, so it could be worth the $3 to $4 per week for a paid membership.

BlackPeopleMeet uses a token-based system to give singles access to additional paid features, including virtual gifting, special notifications, and a highlighted dating profile.

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In 2004, OkCupid's founders decided to create a fool-proof formula for love, and they launched a free dating site to delve into what personal attributes made relationships work. OkCupid members can send unlimited messages for free. It's easy to discover mutual interests and compatibility on the platform's information-rich dating profiles.

  • Free, unlimited communication for everyone
  • Singles can swipe or search for a compatible date
  • Over 91 million connections every year
  • Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
48%
3.5 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

When OkCupid launched in 2004, the website promised to remain forever free to everyone, and it has pretty much stuck to that. Messaging is 100% free and unlimited on this dating site and app, and you can like and favorite as many profiles as you want without subscribing as an A-List member.

OkCupid has a mutual matching system to help singles filter their inboxes, but it still allows singles to message anyone they like. Anyone can send a quick greeting here; however, the message will only appear in the other person’s inbox if/when they like you back. Until then, it’ll appear to them as a notification on your dating profile. It’s a good way to get someone’s attention and make new friends.

The mantra at OkCupid is “Dating deserves better,” and that’s what this number-crunching website and app aim to deliver. Every week, over 50,000 dates are planned on OkCupid, and you don’t need a paid membership to join in the fun on this flirtatious, inclusive, and quirky community.

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Plenty of Fish prides itself on being one of the best dating sites for conversations. It supports 100% free and unlimited messaging for over 120 million monthly users in 20 countries. Since its launch in 2003, Plenty of Fish has developed a science-based matching system that has proven successful.

  • Free registration, searches, and messaging
  • The Chemistry Test creates a compatibility framework
  • Over 1 billion messages sent per month
  • Browse Plenty of Fish profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
40%
120 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

Plenty of Fish (aka POF) is another free dating platform where communication doesn’t cost a thing. It offers an open-ended space where anything can happen and dates are up for grabs.

The POF community is full of activity with millions of messages being exchanged every day. The site sees over 4 million views per day, and it makes over 57 million new potential matches each week. “Because of POF, I met the love of my life,” said Courtney in a testimonial.

The abundance of free features on Plenty of Fish has attracted budget-conscious daters of all stripes. Mingling in a dating pool of 150 million profiles can be overwhelming, but the online dating site’s search filters can help you narrow things down quite a bit. Just be on the lookout for suspicious characters and fake profiles because the downside of free, unlimited chatting is that sometimes catfishers or scammers can show up in your inbox.

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In 2012, Tinder pioneered a swiping-based match system that empowered singles to connect with dates who liked them back. Tinder users can message their mutual matches for free on this fast-paced dating app. Since its launch, Tinder has created over 60 billion matches worldwide.

  • Supports active daters in 190+ countries
  • The swiping system creates over 12 million matches per day
  • Tinder Plus members have unlimited likes and 5 Super Likes
  • Browse Tinder profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
50%
50 MillionView Profiles FREE

You’ve heard of Tinder, right? It’s only the world’s most popular dating app and the creator of #SwipeLife. In 2012, Tinder took the dating world by storm by introducing a clever mutual matching system that has been duplicated by just about every dating site and app these days.

Tinder lets singles decide who they want in the dating scene, and it can be a powerful tool for picking up dates and building relationships. While Tinder may have the reputation of a hookup app, it has actually led to quite a few long-term romances, and some couples have even gotten into a serious relationship or marriage thanks to the free dating app.

Tinder sees over 2 billion views per day, and it leads to over 1.5 million dates per week, and it’s totally free to download, swipe, match, and chat here. What more could you want from a casual hookup app?

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Since its launch in 2014, Bumble has positioned itself as one of the queens of the online dating world. The dating app turns gender stereotype on its head by empowering women to make the first move in a conversation with a man. Once you've made that mutual match, you have up to 48 hours to respond and make a connection.

  • A feminist dating app puts singles on equal footing
  • 60% of Bumble matches turn into dates
  • Bumble Bizz and Bumble BFF spark non-romantic connections
  • Browse Bumble profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
50%
22 MillionTry Bumble FREE

In 2014, Bumble set itself apart from other swipe-crazy dating apps by putting the needs and interests of women first. The free app has empowered women to make the first move (i.e. send the first message) when matching with men online.

Tech entrepreneur Whitney Wolfe Herd developed this innovative and progressive concept shortly after leaving an executive position at Tinder and striking out on her own. Today, Bumble has become one of the Tinder’s biggest rivals, and it has been widely recognized as “the feminist dating app” for singles seeking relationships, not hookups.

Bumble is a win-win for guys and gals in the dating scene. “Love that I don’t get bombarded with messages,” Cara said in a review. And a male Bumble user named Sidd added that he enjoyed meeting the high-caliber women in his inbox, saying, “Much more accomplished with much less random messages and matches.”

Best 100% Free Senior Dating Sites

The online dating world can be intimating for seniors who are recently divorced or widowed. They’ve been out of the game for a long time, and they may not know how mature dating works these days. Fortunately, senior dating sites and apps can offer a beginner-friendly space to learn, grow, and date again. We trust the following sites to help seniors and make them feel more confident about their romantic futures.

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SilverSingles is serious about helping singles over 50 meet one another, and the site doesn't allow anyone under 50 years old to join the network. The secure signup process includes profile verification and fraud detection, so new members must portray themselves accurately to gain access to the platform. By fostering a safe environment, SilverSingles helps men and women meet mature dates in their area.

  • An exclusively senior membership base
  • Over 800,000 monthly users worldwide
  • App available for free on Google Play
  • Browse SilverSingles profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Singles Over 50
59%
800,000View Profiles FREE

SilverSingles has streamlined online dating for a senior audience, and it offers matchmaking that works without putting the user through a lot of hassle and stress.

As an exclusive over-50 dating site, SilverSingles can give singles the opportunity to meet someone special who’s in the same age bracket and looking for a second chance at love

SilverSingles recommends compatible dating profiles (up to seven per day), and it also has advanced search tools that allow singles to identify matches based on their own standards. Premium members can see photos, view their profile visitors, and send unlimited messages on SilverSingles, so you can get the full picture if you subscribe.

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OurTime is an over-50 dating site with a lot of helpful features to facilitate friendships and relationships. Senior singles can look for dates themselves using the search tools, or they can view a curated list of matches to find compatible folks. Singles can send likes, flirts, and faves for free, but they have to subscribe to send messages to their online crushes.

  • Open to straight, gay, and lesbian singles over 50
  • Free match recommendations and conversation starters
  • Use Tokens to promote your profile and send virtual gifts
  • Browse OurTime profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Senior Singles
52%
600,000Try OurTime.com FREE

The OurTime dating site helps senior singles get to know one another and create solid matches online and offline. It’s free to register an account on OurTime and fill out an in-depth profile about who you are and what you want.

OurTime profiles cover the basics — appearance, age, occupation, education, smoking habits, etc. — but also give singles room to tell their own stories and show a little personality in the In a Nutshell section. Singles can choose to answer fun prompts, including “Go-to karaoke song,” “Do you enjoy cooking?” “The one I am looking for,” and “I’d just like to add.”

It’s free to create your profile, upload photos, search for matches, and send flirts on OurTime. However, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription plan if you plan on messaging anyone here.

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Since 2003, SeniorMatch has built its reputation as one of the world's leading senior dating sites. The site offers free communication and searches to help singles over 50 find companionship and love. If you're interested in a mature dating experience, this dating site can meet your needs.

  • Doesn't allow members under 45
  • Available as a dating app in Google Play
  • Dating advice and safety tips shared by senior daters
  • Browse SeniorMatch profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Senior Singles
60%
2.7 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

SeniorMatch has been around since 2003, making it one of the oldest dating sites in its niche, and all that experience has made it more efficient and effective. The dating site can help seniors meet pen pals, new friends, local dates, and potential partners in a welcoming and mature setting.

Over 1 million singles have joined SeniorMatch, and the site claims to host over 1.6 million monthly conversations. This affordable site ensures genuine singles can become acquainted without jumping through too many hoops.

If you want proof that SeniorMatch works, you can read through its 36,000 success stories and get a sense of how many people have fallen in love on this platform.

Best 100% Free LGBT Dating Sites

Online dating has become one of the most popular ways for same-sex couples to meet one another. According to a Match.com survey, 56% of LGBTQ+ singles have dated someone they met online. In fact, LGBTQ+ singles use dating apps at about twice the rate of straight singles because it’s easier to identify queer dates and come out as a gay dater online.

The following gay-friendly dating sites can allow singles to pursue anyone they want and make the most of the dating scene.

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Since 1996, MenNation has connected over 93 million men around the globe. This men-only dating site measures its success by the number of conversations and dates it facilitates with its intuitive matching system. Gay men love having a site to call their own, and its helpful features keep members engaged and entertained as they look for a hot date.

  • One of the largest gay hookup sites in the world
  • Search filters for age, location, physical attributes, and more
  • Available in 12 languages and counting
  • Browse MenNation profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Gay Singles
10%
780,000Try MenNation FREE

MenNation is a men-only hookup site where singles and couples can flirt, match, and solicit sex 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The site offers an anonymous and private forum for guys with sex on the brain. Its one-on-one chats can facilitate intimate encounters and lead gay men to the hot guy of their dreams. All it takes is a like or message to stimulate interest and get something going.

Millions of men are in the MenNation database, and that means a world of opportunities for guys bold enough to enter this sexual terrain.

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HER is a women-only (or 'womxn' as the team says) dating app that helps cis, trans, and non-binary identified singles come into their own. This is a strict no-boys-allowed zone. HER encourages LGBTQ+ women to mingle by commenting on photos or events in the Feed, or they can like profiles to initiate a private conversation with a mutual match.

  • A quirky and unapologetic womxn-only dating community
  • Queer events get users connecting IRL
  • The constantly updated Feed facilitates social networking
  • Browse HER profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Women
100%
7 MillionView Profiles FREE

Designed by a lesbian for singles like her, HER supports a womxn-only dating network that’s friendly, active, and worth your attention.

The dating app is free to download, and free members can browse a newsfeed of profiles, comment on photos or stories, and RSVP to local queer events (everything from parades to picnics). HER fosters a dynamic dating scene where womxn can feel safe, comfortable, and confident — and that means everything to the HER couples around the world.

Over 4 million lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans womxn have joined HER so far, and we expect that number to grow as more LGBTQ+ people discover the incredible value offered by this upstanding community.

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LesbianPersonals.com is powered by Friend Finder Networks, so it encompasses a vast network of sexually active women. The female-friendly dating site allows women, couples, and groups to create a profile and find online and offline romance. With over 2 million women in its community, LesbianPersonals is fast becoming one of the most popular lesbian dating sites around.

  • Free membership includes viewing profiles and sending likes
  • Exchange revealing photos and videos privately online
  • Simple search filters by interests and appearance
  • Browse LesbianPersonals profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Single Women & Couples
90%
2 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

LesbianPersonals has basically become the go-to dating space for women with a high sex drive and few inhibitions. The hookup platform is free to join, and you can get a feel for what it has to offer by browsing profiles and sending likes.

The LesbianPersonals membership base includes lesbian singles, lesbian couples, straight couples, and groups, and they’re all looking for a special lady to join them in the bedroom. The fast-paced dating scene has led to hookups, threesomes, and orgies, bringing satisfaction to thousands of horny women out there.

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Grindr became the world's first gay geosocial app in 2009, and it continues growing its all-male user base more than a decade later. The app uses real-time GPS data to locate nearby date prospects and give gay and bisexual singles a chance to connect while they're out on the town.

  • Social networking for gay, bi, trans, and queer men
  • Location-based matches spark instant chemistry
  • Grindr Equality advocates for LGBTQ+ interests on the global stage
  • Browse Grindr profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Gay Singles
0%
5 MillionTry Grindr FREE

We couldn’t end this list without mentioning Grindr. Since 2009, the gay dating app has become one of the most popular matchmaking tools for men seeking men, and its membership base includes over 27 million profiles in almost every country in the world.

Grindr is free to join, and it has the free matching and chatting features singles need to land a hot date, but some users say upgrading to Grindr XTRA gave them even more options and opportunities on the app. The premium features including additional filters, no banner ads, personalized push notifications, unlimited blocks and favorites, quick-send photos, and viewing up to 600 profiles.

Grindr XTRA Lite is a more cost-efficient one-month subscription. It’ll remove banner ads and allow singles to view up to 300 profiles, and that’s it. Upgrading is optional, and it is possible to make a match with a standard Grindr membership.

Best 100% Free Hookup Sites

Looking for a dating site that’ll give you the most bang for your buck? We’ve got a few good options for your browsing pleasure. These reputable hookup sites have satisfied singles and swingers with a fast-paced interface, sexy membership base, and affordable live messaging tools. Take a look at what they have to offer by reading our reviews.

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BeNaughty invites singles to walk on the wild side and explore their sexuality in a fun, free-wheeling environment. This adults-only dating site is full of X-rated content, but users can blur nude photos if they'd prefer to leave some things to the imagination. Premium subscribers get the most bang for the buck because they can send messages, browse incognito, and receive alerts when their messages have been read by someone special.

  • Sexually active adults in 10 countries
  • Browse the Like Gallery for hot singles
  • Stimulate conversation in intimate private messages
  • Browse BeNaughty profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
52%
13.3 MillionTry BeNaughty Free

When it comes to hookup sites, BeNaughty is almost always on top. Put simply, the site has a lot of game, and it fosters instant connections and matches between sex-oriented men and women.

BeNaughty users can either search for hot dates by age, location, appearance, ethnicity, and other characteristics, or they can go to the Like Gallery and see which profiles the site recommends based on their preferences. The Like Gallery is a fun way to decide who’s cute and who’s not, creating romantic opportunities with every swipe.

Really in a hurry to hook up with a local man or woman? Then send a mass flirty message to everyone online who meets your search criteria. BeNaughty encourages flirty conversations morning, noon, and night, and it’s never too late to woo someone on this dating website.

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In 1996, Friend Finder Networks began harnessing the power of online networking to help adults meet sexually active singles in their area, and it has now grown into a global X-rated phenomenon with over 93 million profiles. Adult Friend Finder provides a safe, anonymous dating platform where singles and swingers can hook up with another.

Free dating websites
  • Among the largest online sex and swinger communities
  • Completely free no-obligation registration
  • Live chat rooms and discussion forums open 24/7
  • Browse Adult Friend Finder profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Singles & Couples
35%
25.5 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

Since its launch in 1997, Adult Friend Finder has surpassed 97 million profiles and brought about a sexual awakening for countless individuals and couples.

The hookup site offers a lot of free forums and chat groups where members can mix things up. The AFF community has sparked more than 14 million group discussions, and it has published over 19 million blog posts full of erotic stories and X-rated content.

Browsing Adult Friend Finder can be an arousing experience, and the excitement doesn’t end online. Many AFF members are actively seeking an sexy playmate for IRL adventures and a casual hookup.

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FriendFinder-X specializes in delivering hot dates to your inbox. For the last 20+ years, this hookup site has amassed a huge following around the world and led to countless sexy encounters. Millions of people have created an account and searched for singles, couples, and groups who can satisfy their deepest desires.

  • Open to casual daters in the U.S. and abroad
  • Free members can browse profiles and watch sexy videos
  • Chat anonymously in the forum or private messages
  • Browse FriendFinder-X profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Singles & Couples
36%
1.2 MillionView Profiles FREE

Last of all, FriendFinder-X makes it easy to enjoy a naughty dating experience and woo local hotties without leaving home. The hookup site characterizes itself as a place “where good girls do bad things.”

The anonymous nature of this free casual hookup site probably contributes to the bold and outlandish behavior of FriendFinder-X members. Singles, couples, and groups head to this platform when they want to mix things up and find the object of their desire.

If you’re interested in no-strings-attached sex, you can’t do much better than FriendFinder-X. It’s not completely free, but it is awfully exciting to view an X-rated dating profile and flirt with new people here.

What Is the Number 1 Dating Site

This is obviously debatable, and it depends heavily on who you are and what you’re looking for in the dating scene, but, if you want our opinion, we rank Match.com as the #1 dating site for just about anyone seeking love online.

Why do our dating experts love Match so much? Because we’ve seen it work. The site has serious street cred in the industry and countless love stories to its name.

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Match has become a trusted name in the online dating industry by catering to quality singles looking for love and romance. Since 1995, the dating site has developed a time-tested matching system to facilitate deep connections between men and women who share similar goals in life.

  • In-depth matching appeals to women with high standards
  • Video chat tools help online daters establish a rapport
  • An established singles network in 50 countries worldwide
  • Browse Match.com profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
51%
15 MillionTry Match.com FREE

Over the last 20 years, Match.com has been responsible for more first dates, relationships, and marriages than any other online dating site, and that makes it the best of the best in our book.

What Is the Best Dating Site for a Serious Relationship?

Beyond a doubt, eharmony has the market cornered when it comes to relationships. The dating site has a time-tested, personality-driven matchmaking system that can seriously save folks a lot of time searching for a soulmate.

The free dating app isn’t 100% free to use — you need a paid membership to access the chat feature on eharmony — but this is a quality dating space for meeting new people who are authentic and loyal, and that makes it great for serious relationship seekers who are willing to invest in their love lives.

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It may take some time to fill out eharmony's 32-dimension personality test, but the results are well worth it. This dating site goes the extra mile to get to know its members and deliver quality matches to their inboxes. Every profile has a compatibility rating to let you know your essential similarities and differences. Plus eharmony has inspired more than 2 million love connections since 2000.

  • Designed to satisfy marriage-minded single women
  • In-depth compatibility quiz generates high-quality matches
  • Personalized Match Preferences on gender, age, income, religion, education, and more
  • Browse eharmony profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Straight Singles
49%
10 MillionView Profiles FREE

Over the last two decades, eharmony has given hope to marriage-minded singles around the world, and it is responsible for bringing over 2 million couples together in the U.S. alone. This is definitely a great place to find your happily-ever-after love story.

What is the Best Dating Site for 50-Year Olds

Silver Singles is our favorite dating site for singles in their 50s. It caters to a mature crowd of singles, and 50-year-olds will actually be the youngsters on this seniors-only network.

The Silver Singles dating site and app offer a completely free membership option so singles can test the waters before diving into the senior dating pool.

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SilverSingles offers a secure dating experience for singles of a certain age. Anyone over 50 is welcome to join the network and browse for dates by using the simple search filters and match recommendations. Every month, over 800,000 senior singles join the dating site and start their journey toward love.

  • Global membership base of exclusively single seniors
  • Free members can browse matches, send smiles, and favorite profiles
  • 24/7 online customer service
  • Browse SilverSingles profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Singles Over 50
59%
800,000View Profiles FREE

Silver Singles has a lot to offer as a free dating site with a premium matchmaking feature to help locate the perfect match. If you’re looking for age-appropriate dates, SilverSingles can introduce you to many singles who share similar backgrounds, experiences, and values.

The Silver Singles dating website and app automatically remove fake profiles from the network, so seniors can set their worries aside when meeting new people through this reputable dating service.

Are There Any Real Dating Sites?

Actually all dating sites are mere figments of your imagination. You’re probably having a fever dream from watching too many rom-coms.

I’m kidding. Yeah, a lot of dating sites are the real deal and can offer real opportunities to meet singles. You can tell a site is legit if it has good reviews (both from customers and third-party reviewers), offers some sort of profile verification system (via email address, social media, etc.), provides contact information for the customer service team (online contact form, email, and/or snail mail), and shares success stories on the site.

We’ve listed many real dating sites on this list already, but we’ll reiterate a few here for you. OkCupid has been around since 2004, and it is responsible for 1 million real-world dates on a weekly basis.

Category Rating

OkCupid inspires dates and relationships by identifying specific areas of compatibility. The dating site and app has an endless questionnaire that allows single men to express who they are and what matters to them. OkCupid uses this treasure trove of information to generate highly accurate match recommendations and compatibility ratings.

  • Men can leave a message to anyone they fancy
  • A sophisticated match algorithm developed by Harvard math majors
  • The site and app facilitate over 50,000 dates every week
  • Browse OkCupid profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
48%
3.5 MillionBrowse Profiles FREE

Bumble has staked its reputation on authenticity and integrity, and its team doesn’t hesitate to remove unsavory characters from the app. Its serious approach to online dating has helped countless real singles go on real dates and get in real relationships.

Category Rating

Bumble has embraced its role as the world's feminist dating app. The app launched in 2014 with the unique premise that women should send the first message and take the lead in a new romantic relationship. According to Bumble, over 85% of its users are looking for a long-term relationship, and less than 4% are looking for hookups.

  • A female-friendly dating environment puts women in control
  • Zero tolerance for bullying, misogyny, and rude behavior
  • Conversations expire in 24 to 48 hours
  • Browse Bumble profiles 100% free»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
50%
22 MillionTry Bumble FREE

Even on a trustworthy dating site or app, you should still be on the lookout for the rotten apples that can sometimes slip past the security walls. Trust your instincts as you browse dating profiles online and vet potential matches before you agree to meet in person. Things to look out for include bad grammar, broken English, and pleas for money, gifts, or favors. These are all warning signs that the person you’re talking to isn’t trustworthy and may be trying to con you in a romance scam.

Does Online Dating Really Work?

Yes, online dating really, truly, and honestly can work for singles seeking everything from a casual hookup or a long-term relationship. How can I be so certain? Because I met my boyfriend on a dating app last year, and we couldn’t be happier with how our swiping experience went.

Online dating gives you instant access to a world of romantic possibilities, and it can spark relationships with that perfect match if you play your cards right. If you haven’t had much luck on dating websites and apps so far, maybe try beefing up your dating profile or working on your online conversation skills to up the odds of finding something real.

Over half of never-married adults in the U.S. say they have tried online dating, and 22% of newlyweds in 2019 met their spouse on a dating site or app. Taken as a whole, online dating is one of the most popular ways to meet people nowadays, and singles who embrace that will have more date options to show for their time and effort.

A Free Dating Site Can be Your Ticket to Romance

You can put your wallet away. No need to check your credit limit. The best 100% free dating sites don’t require credit card information upon signup, and they won’t push you to subscribe or upgrade before you’re ready.

The top-rated sites on this list offer a lot of great free features, including matchmaking and messaging, and we firmly believe any of them can get singles off the couch and onto a great date. Just remember, you get what you pay for. You can save your cash on an absolutely free dating site, or you can invest your energy and save time on a premium online dating site — the choice is up to you.

Whether you’re looking for a short-term romance or a long-term love, the online dating world has plenty of affordable options available 24/7 to help you meet new people and make new friends. Spend wisely!

Advertiser DisclosureDatingNews.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation from many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear on the page (including, for example, the order in which they appear). DatingNews.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.Our Editorial Review PolicyOur site is committed to publishing independent, accurate content guided by strict editorial guidelines. Before articles and reviews are published on our site, they undergo a thorough review process performed by a team of independent editors and subject-matter experts to ensure the content’s accuracy, timeliness, and impartiality. Our editorial team is separate and independent of our site’s advertisers, and the opinions they express on our site are their own. To read more about our team members and their editorial backgrounds, please visit our site’s About page.

Popularity isn’t everything. But it’s pretty dang important for dating sites and apps.

Singles have the best chance of meeting someone on dating apps with the largest and most diverse user bases. But finding the most popular dating apps can be tricky because the dating world is in a constant state of flux. Fortunately for you, our job is to keep tabs on the comings and goings of today’s single population.

Dating platforms are notoriously tight-lipped about exactly how many users they have, but we’ve done our homework to find the most recent and accurate stats we can regarding daily active users and overall membership numbers. That way, you can get a sense of just how popular these industry leaders are.

1. Badoo — 480M Users

The top app may surprise you. Badoo was one of the first dating apps on the scene, and it has amassed a large following around the world. Badoo boasts having over 480 million users — and counting!

Every day, the Badoo database adds about 300,000 new members, its photo gallery grows by over 10 million photos, and its members send more than 350 million messages.

The Badoo dating site connects singles in 47 languages and across 190 countries.

Badoo has the largest singles database in the world, and these aren’t all inactive profiles. The dating platform has over 60 million monthly active users, and it sees over 12 billion swipes per day. You can download the Badoo app for free on Google Play or the App Store.

2. Tinder — 300M Users

Tinder is truly a monster dating app with a lot of impressive stats to its name. The Tinder app reached and then surpassed 100 million downloads in 2016. It now has been downloaded over 300 million times, and it is currently available in 190 countries.

Dating

In 2019, Tinder reported having 5.2 million paid subscribers and seeing over 2 billion views per day, so it’s safe to say people are pretty busy here.

Since 2012, the Tinder dating app has inspired over 30 billion matches worldwide.

Tinder users go on over 1 million dates per week, and 95% of Tinder users say they arrange first dates with their online crushes after just a week of chatting.

3. Plenty of Fish — 150M Users

Plenty of Fish has been topping lists like these since its launch in 2003. The dating site and app offer free, unlimited messaging, so it has an undeniable appeal to singles exploring the dating scene.

The POF community has over 150 million members total, and it sees over 4 million daily active users.

As a free dating platform, Plenty of Fish adds 65,000 new users every day.

In the average week, Plenty of Fish makes about 57 million love connections by using a smart matchmaking algorithm.

“We recommend POF to any and all singles looking for their perfect match,” said Camille and Nigel in a POF success story. “We can’t wait to continue to share our love story and wedding with you all!”

4. Bumble — 100 M Users

Bumble began in 2014 with a simple idea: Ladies first. A former Tinder executive named Whitney Wolfe Herd decided it was time to take online dating into the 21st century and empower women to make the first move (by sending the first message) in an online match.

In 2020, Bumble surpassed 100 million users in 150 countries, leaving no doubt that it is one of the most popular independent dating apps out there.

Bumble, aka the feminist dating app, has over 11 million monthly active users.

Bumble has been hailed as the fastest growing dating app because it saw 70% year-over-year growth in its first three years. People also know it as the feminist dating app because of its progressive values and female-friendly policies.

5. Adult Friend Finder — 99M Users

What can we say? Sex sells. Since 1996, Adult Friend Finder has dominated the online hookup scene and established the world’s largest sex and swinger community.

According to the hookup site, Adult Friend Finder has over 99 million members around the world, and it sees about 1 million views per day.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

3.5/5.0

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about short-term 'hookups' and affairs only. Note that a basic account costs $14.95/month, but it's well worth it if casual sex is your goal...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
65%*
35%*
25.5 Million*$14.95/Month

The AFF community is all about owning your sexuality and getting laid. Adult Friend Finder has created over 4.5 million love connections thanks to its live chatting, discussion forums, and video broadcasts.

6. MenNation — 99M Users

MenNation supports one of the largest gay hookup sites on record, and it doesn’t take much to get into the swing of things here.

In terms of popularity, MenNation has 99,462,356 active members — and counting — and it has over 67,000 men mingling online at any given moment.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.0/5.0

Relationships:Daters & Hookups

Match System:Search by age, zip code, more

Our Experts Say:“MenNation is a well-established gay dating and hookup brand, having been founded in 1996. It's totally free to join, view profiles, receive matches, and flirt...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Singles & Couples*
95%*
5%*
780,000*Start for Free

MenNation is an adult dating site for men only, and it works great for local guys seeking a hot date. It’s free for singles and couples to create an account on MenNation and anonymously browse its personals section.

7. Match — 96M Users

Launched in 1995, Match.com is the longest running dating site in existence, so it makes sense that it would have one of the largest membership bases as well.

According to the internet’s best estimate, Match has over 96 million registered users, most of whom live in the U.S. While Match is available in 25 countries, it is by far most popular in the States, and Match Group’s headquarters are in Dallas, Texas.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.8/5.0

Relationships:Friends, Dates, and Relationships

Match System:Browse by zip, age, appearance, more

Our Experts Say:“Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
49%*
51%*
39.7 Million*Try Match.com FREE

Match has over 7.7 million paid subscribers, the majority of whom are serious about meeting someone special. Match has positioned itself as the premium alternative to free swiping apps. About 75% of Match members are over 30 and have clear relationship goals.

“This is definitely a great app for dating,” said Santana S. in a review. “I really appreciate that you have to pay for things to take off.”

8. Ashley Madison — 65M Users

Ashley Madison is an undeniably scandalous dating site — and it’s also undeniably popular. Over 65 million people have created dating profiles on Ashley Madison, the dating site where not-so-single folks can explore romantic relationships.

The motto at Ashley Madison is “Life is short. Have an affair.” And, if that piques your interest, you’re not alone.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.0/5.0

Relationships:Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs

Match System:Search by age, location, appearance, and more

Our Experts Say:“With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles & Attached*
71%*
29%*
65 Million*Start Now for FREE

Ashley Madison encourages men and women to explore their desires in the discreet and safe online setting. After a 2015 data breach, Ashley Madison has cracked down on security and put a vast amount of resources into protecting the secrets of millions of users.

9. Happn — 50M Users

Happn is a unique dating app that uses location-based data to create serendipitous matches. The app will tell you where you cross paths with singles in your city, and you can discover matches who share similar tastes, interests, and lifestyles.

In 2018, Happn reached 50 million users and became one of the all-time most popular dating apps.

Happn claims to have over 6.5 million monthly users.

Happn is currently available for singles in 50 major cities spread across 40 countries, and it has plans to grow its reach in other urban areas in the coming years.

10. Zoosk — 40M Users

The Zoosk nation extends around the world, reaching over 80 countries and including over 40 million users. This highly effective dating site is among the top 10 largest dating sites available, and it allows singles to search for love all over the globe.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.5/5.0

Relationships:Fun Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search and get match recommendations

Our Experts Say:“Zoosk is integrated with social media sites, like Facebook and Google+, so it's very popular with singles on the go...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
28.9 Million*Start Zoosk for FREE

Zoosk members exchange over 3 million messages in a single day, and many of those messages lead to IRL meetings and relationships.

It’s free to set up a profile on Zoosk and browse profiles by age, distance, and online activity. You can also read and respond to certain free greetings to get your flirt on.

11. eharmony — 37M Users

Since 2000, eharmony has distinguished itself as a serious dating site on a serious mission to strengthen marriages in the U.S. and beyond. The eharmony algorithm uses a 32-factor questionnaire to identify long-term compatibility between two heart-driven individuals.

BusinessInsider reported that eharmony has over 10 million active users and 750,000 paid subscribers, a number that has held steady for the last few years. Taken as a whole, the eharmony database exceeds 37 million users.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.7/5.0

Relationships:Casual Dates, Deep Relationships

Match System:Personality test suggests matches

Our Experts Say:“Accounting for 2% of U.S. marriages, eharmony's compatibility-based system and commitment-minded user base are ideal for those seeking a serious relationship...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Straight Singles*
48%*
52%*
4.1 Million*View Profiles FREE

The eharmony dating site and app have inspired over 2 million relationships so far, and the platform creates a new love connection every 14 minutes.

12. OkCupid — 30M Users

In 2004, OkCupid launched on a mission to create a sure-fire formula for love, and it began collecting a wealth of personal data to measure compatibility. Over the years, OkCupid’s free dating services and personality-driven matchmaking has attracted millions of users.

Today, OkCupid has over 30 million active users, and it sees more than 1 million unique views on an average day.

OkCupid’s free matchmaking services facilitate over 91 million love connections a year.

OkCupid offers free, unlimited messaging to anyone feeling flirty, horny, or chatty. Its users exchange over 7.3 million messages per day and go on over 50,000 dates per week.

13. Grindr — 27M Users

Grindr has been a leading gay dating app since 2009, and many single men have given it a whirl. To date, Grindr has over 27 million men in its database, and it sees around 3.6 million daily active users.

Grindr has an international membership base in 234 countries and territories.

Grindr puts gay singles in touch with the most viable date prospects in the area by using the smartphone’s GPS data to prioritize profiles that are close by.

Thanks to Grindr, men can find dates who are in the same bar, club, or neighborhood, and they don’t have to put in much effort to pick up a date.

14. Coffee Meets Bagel — 21M Users

Three women founded Coffee Meets Bagel because they were disappointed and frustrated with online dating, and they decided to change it.

From the beginning, Coffee Meets Bagel has prioritized quality over quantity, but that doesn’t mean the dating app doesn’t have a large user base. Over 21 million users have joined the CMB community seeking a better dating experience.

Coffee Meets Bagel has made over 50 million matches since 2012.

In 2015, the Coffee Meets Bagel team turned down $30 million from “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban because they wanted to maintain control over the direction of the app and the user experience.

Coffee Meets Bagel curates a list of matches for singles and slows down the swiping process, so users can really take their time and consider each dating profile.

15. ChristianMingle — 16M Users

In the last 20 years, ChristianMingle has built a faith-driven community that reaches 29 countries and is available to English, French, German, and Spanish speakers.

ChristianMingle has over 16 million members, making it one of the largest niche dating sites in the world.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.4/5.0

Relationships:Dates and Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by gender, age, education, more

Our Experts Say:“ChristianMingle is among the largest dating sites in the industry that only caters to single Christian men and women, and the site has some of the best search filters and safety features...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Christian Singles*
44%*
56%*
3.5 Million*Try Now for $19.99/Month

ChristianMingle is a subsidiary of Spark Networks, a German dating company with over 1 million paid subscribers.

16. BeNaughty — 13.3M Users

BeNaughty is an extremely popular hookup site full of sexy profiles organized by distance, age, online activity, and popularity.

In the average month, BeNaughty sees over 13 million users, and over 433,000 people flirt there on a daily basis.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

3.9/5.0

Relationships:Hookups, Chats

Match System:Search by encounter, location, and more

Our Experts Say:“BeNaughty is a premier hookup app where you can feel comfortable expressing your desires. Plus, it's free to join, browse, and flirt...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
13.3 Million*Browse Profiles Free

BeNaughty catches people’s attention with its free messaging tools, and you can even save time by mass messaging everyone who meets your dating criteria.

17. EliteSingles — 13M Users

The name says it all. EliteSingles is a highly selective dating site for singles who are successful, desirable, and serious about making a quality match.

EliteSingles isn’t a dating site for the masses, but it has attracted a massive number of educated and wealthy individuals. The site has over 13 million users, and it adds over 381,000 per month.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.7/5.0

Relationships:Serious Relationships

Match System:Search, Receive Partner Suggestions

Our Experts Say:“EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
44%*
56%*
2 Million*Browse Profiles Free

EliteSingles helps over 2,500 singles find love each month, and it is the perfect wingman for busy professionals seeking high-quality dates.

18. OurTime — 8.9M Users

OurTime has drawn attention as the leading senior dating site with a large population of over-50 singles.

As a People Media site, OurTime has access to a massive database of singles. Currently, OurTime hosts nearly 9 million monthly active users, and it adds almost 20,000 members in the typical week.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.3/5.0

Relationships:Dates and Relationships

Match System:Search by profiles by zip and more

Our Experts Say:“OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Mature Singles (50+)*
48%*
52%*
8.9 Million*Over 50? Try It FREE

OurTime is free to join, and it has led to many success stories in the U.S. and abroad. “I’ve found my soul mate,” said a single woman from Illinois. “We are in a serious relationship. He is one of the nicest, sweetest men I have ever met.”

19. BlackPeopleMeet — 5.7M Users

BlackPeopleMeet is a niche dating site where black and biracial singles can enjoy being in the majority.

Since 2002, BlackPeopleMeet has built the world’s largest network of African-American singles with over 5.7 million monthly active users.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.1/5.0

Relationships:Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates

Match System:Search by location, age, more

Our Experts Say:“BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Black Singles*
47%*
53%*
5.7 Million*FREE Trial for New Users

BlackPeopleMeet allows singles to find dates who share similar backgrounds, values, and perspectives, and that has inspired many love stories in the U.S. and Canada.

20. Hinge — 5.5M Users

Hinge has been around since 2012, and it has recently gained traction as the “dating app designed to be deleted.” Hinge’s goal isn’t to rack up a lot of swipes and active users who aren’t finding what they want — the team wants its users to find dates, get in relationships, and delete the app ASAP.

Hinge has been downloaded 5.5 million times worldwide, and about 4 million of those users are in the U.S.

Hinge is a quality-driven app where users can get to know one another on a deeper level online.

Hinge users arrange 200,000 dates a week, and it has a remarkably high success rate when it comes to turning first dates into second dates. In fact, three out of every first dates between Hinge users lead to second dates.

21. HER — 4M Users

The HER dating app was built to help LGBTQ+ womxn overcome the challenges of dating as lesbian, bisexual, or queer single. A lesbian named Robyn Exton quit her job to create a female-friendly space for flirting, mingling, and making friends.

Today, the HER community encompasses 4 million womxn of all ages, orientations, and backgrounds. All profiles have been verified as authentic females — the moderators remove men and delete fake profiles to ensure a positive dating experience.

HER is a social dating app where lesbian, queer, and bisexual womxn can find their perfect match.

HER offers an events calendar and an engaging newsfeed to help LGBTQ+ womxn feel comfortable socializing with one another. It’s free to download HER and start swiping on ladies who catch your eye.

22. SilverSingles — 800,000 Users

When singles reach a certain age, they often feel isolated from or ostracized by the mainstream dating scene. Fortunately, SilverSinglesis there to offer a helping hand and a senior-friendly dating zone.

SilverSingles has over 800,000 monthly active users, and it maintains a sure-fire Fraud Detection System to keep the fakers and frauds at bay.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.6/5.0

Relationships:Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion

Our Experts Say:“SilverSingles is a fast-growing, easy-to-use niche dating site exclusively for active daters over the age of 50...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Mature Singles (50+)*
41%*
59%*
800,000*Sign up for FREE

As of 2019, SilverSingles had over 50,000 monthly subscribers in the 50+ demographic. “The success of SilverSingles is not only great news for our business, but also represents an outstanding new opportunity for singles,” CEO Jeronimo Folgueira said.

23. LesbianPersonals — 500,000 Users

LesbianPersonals invites singles, couples, and groups to find the woman of their dreams with a simple online search.

This naughty hookup site sees over 500,000 visits per month, and it claims the title as the largest lesbian dating site in existence.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.0/5.0

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“LesbianPersonals provides a fun, quick, and easy experience for gay and bisexual women looking for sex online. Join for free, and you'll be able to search and communicate immediately...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Singles & Couples*
10%*
90%*
500,000*View Profiles Free

LesbianPersonals offers live chat and video messaging to help women get the ball rolling, and it encourages local singles to explore their sensuality and arrange a no-strings-attached hookup, threesome, or orgy.

24. FriendFinder-X — 40,000 Users

Finally, FriendFinder-X is a popular hookup site that’s open to singles, couples, and groups seeking hot dates.

FriendFinder-X deserves a spot on this list because it sees over 40,000 daily active users — which means it has a larger population than Monaco.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

3.4/5.0

Relationships:Hookups Only

Most Populated Dating Websites In Usa

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“A hookup site specializing in casual encounters, secret affairs, live chats, and member videos, FriendFinder-X skips the awkward 'dating' stage of a relationship and fast-forwards straight to the sex...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Singles & Couples*
64%*
36%*
1.2 Million*Browse Members Free

As you can see, FriendFinder-X has a lot to offer sexually active singles, and this discreet dating environment can help men and women come out of their shells.

Which Dating Site is Best for Serious Relationships?

If you’re ready to settle down, the swiping scene may not be quite your style. It can be exhausting to match, chat, and ghost on loop just to find one compatible person to go out with you. Fortunately, singles with swiping fatigue can switch things up by joining a more quality-driven dating site or app.

Match.com can offer a premium dating experience for singles in search of a loving relationship.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.8/5.0

Relationships:Friends, Dates, and Relationships

Match System:Browse by zip, age, appearance, more

Our Experts Say:“Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
49%*
51%*
39.7 Million*Try Match.com FREE

Since 1995, Match has paired up countless couples and made a difference in the dating scene. You can search the Match database by age, location, looks, interests, lifestyle, and other personal factors to find the most compatible profiles within seconds.

What are the Top 5 Dating Sites?

We have reviewed the top dating sites in detail and ranked them according to our own editorial standards. We consistently rank Match.com as the cream of the online dating crop because of its user-friendly interface and time-tested features.

Match is responsible for more relationships and marriages than any other dating service, and we think that’s worthy of the #1 dating site spot.

1. Match.com

4.9/5.0
The biggest dating site
  • Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
  • Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
  • About the App: Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you'll have a high chance of success. It's free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
  • Browse Free:View Profiles Now
User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)App Cost
All Singles*
49%*
51%*
13.5 Million*Free Download

Next, we have EliteSingles, the dating site for the well-to-do. Singles with high standards and serious intentions will feel right at home here.

2. EliteSingles

4.9/5.0
  • Relationships: Deep Relationships
  • Match System: Search by education, lifestyle habits, age
  • About the App: Commitment-minded, professional daters will feel at home with EliteSingles, which can be downloaded for free in the App Store or Google Play. Not only is everyone looking for a long-term partner, but 80% of members hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree. EliteSingles sees 210,000 visitors and 2,500 users finding love every month, so it's one of the fastest growing and most reputable apps.
  • Browse Free:View Profiles Now
User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)App Cost
All Singles*
43%*
57%*
290,000*Free Download

In the #3 spot, we have eharmony, which became popular thanks to its heartfelt commercials and psychology-driven matchmaking system. To date, over 2 million couples have found love here, and you could be next!

3. eharmony

4.5/5.0
  • Relationships: Long-Term Relationships, Marriages
  • Match System: Get daily match suggestions
  • About the App: Responsible for 4% of marriages in the U.S., eharmony is among our top picks for relationship-minded heterosexual singles. To become a member, add the app to your phone (iOS or Android) and then take its 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility Matching Quiz. It's absolutely free to do both these things — as well as receive matches and communicate during other special events.
  • Browse Free:View Profiles Now
User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)App Cost
Straight Singles*
48%*
52%*
4.1 Million*Free Download

Zoosk has over 40 million users, so we’d be remiss to leave it out of this list. Conversation rules the day on Zoosk, and its members exchange over 3 million messages in the average day.

4. Zoosk

The Biggest Dating Site

4.9/5.0
  • Relationships: Casual Dates, Relationships
  • Match System: Search for and receive matches
  • About the App: Zoosk is the number one app for finding dates, and if you sync up your Google+ or Facebook account, you can have a profile in seconds. The app has 38 million members and will deliver matches to your inbox on a daily basis based on your behavior such as who you search for, like or don't like, and message. The Carousel is another section for matching (tap the heart if it's a yes and the X if it's a no).
  • Browse Free:View Profiles Now
User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)App Cost
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
3.8 Million*Free Download

Last but not least, SilverSingles has done a great job of making online dating more approachable and senior-friendly. Over 120,000 members join the SilverSingles network every month, and you can mingle with them for free.

5. SilverSingles

4.2/5.0
  • Relationships: Serious Relationships
  • Match System: Filter by age, height, and distance
  • About the App: SilverSingles runs an exclusive dating community for single men and women over the age of 50. Its database includes recently divorced singles as well as singles who have never been married. The dating app matches people based on their similarities in age, lifestyle, hobbies, and relationship goals. If you want to show your interest in someone online, you can send a smile, message, or request that they upload a profile picture. Either way, they'll know you care.
  • Browse Free:View Profiles Now
User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)App Cost
Singles Over 50*
41%*
59%*
800,000*Free Download

Those five dating sites and apps have won us over, but plenty of other sites and apps can also work well for singles seeking dates. Our dating experts have reviewed hundreds of dating sites, and more crop up all the time, so you should never run out of options in the online dating world.

Which Dating App Has the Most Success?

Success is in the eye of the beholder, but Tinder beats the competition in most metrics. Not only does it see over 2 billion views per day, but it also arranges over 1 million dates per week.

Tinder is the most successful dating app in terms of sheer size; however, the #SwipeLife isn’t for everyone. When it comes to inspiring relationships, Hinge has been a great success — and I’m not just saying that because it’s where I met my boyfriend.

Hinge has changed the swiping system to allow singles to get to know each other on a deeper level.

Hinge is one of the few dating apps that checks in with its users and asks how their first dates went. The We Met feature allows singles to give feedback on the quality of their experience. According to its internal stats, 90% of Hinge members enjoyed their first dates, and 72% said they would go out with that person again.

Are Paid Dating Sites Better?

That depends on what you’re looking for. Some singles say paid dating sites are better because they offer a more serious dating crowd. Everyone there has paid a cover charge to get in, so you don’t have to worry as much about spammers, scammers, and fakers getting in touch with you. In fact, the members on paid dating sites tend to be more educated and career-minded folks who can afford to pay for a subscription.

Paid dating sites, like eharmony, also tend to have better security features and more hands-on matchmaking tools, and that can help singles who are new to the online dating scene.

eharmony

4.5/5.0
  • Relationships: Long-Term Relationships, Marriages
  • Match System: Get daily match suggestions
  • About the App: Responsible for 4% of marriages in the U.S., eharmony is among our top picks for relationship-minded heterosexual singles. To become a member, add the app to your phone (iOS or Android) and then take its 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility Matching Quiz. It's absolutely free to do both these things — as well as receive matches and communicate during other special events.
  • Browse Free:View Profiles Now
User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)App Cost
Straight Singles*
48%*
52%*
4.1 Million*Free Download

Free Dating Websites

Of course, if you’re on a tight budget, then you may be better off on a dating site or app with unlimited free messaging. OkCupid doesn’t charge a cent for its private chatting features, and it offers a world of romantic opportunity free of charge.

It’s up to you to decide what you can afford. Don’t worry, though, because you can join just about any dating site for free and see if you like it before paying for its dating services.

The Most Popular Dating Sites & Apps Keep Growing & Matching

You never really know what a dating site or app is like until you create a profile and discover it for yourself. Sometimes you take the time to set up an account only to discover the membership base is too small to have any viable options in your area, and that’s just plain disheartening. However, if you choose a dating site with millions of active users, you won’t be disappointed by your prospects and matches.

Popular dating sites have a lot to offer today’s singles. These high-grade platforms have a virtually endless list of potential love interests just waiting to be contacted and wooed. All you need is a free membership and the right pickup line (nothing fancy — just say hi and ask an icebreaker question) to land a hot date on a site or app. Good luck!

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