Between 2012 and 2018, the amount of time people spent on their smartphones jumped from 88 to 203 minutes a day. The top dating apps took advantage of this trend and created fast-working features to entice users to swipe, match, and chat as they went about their days.

Today, the average single millennial spends about 10 hours a week on dating apps hoping to get lucky and land a catch. Online dating apps have taken hold of our time and attention like never before, and that has been largely good news for the hopeless romantics of the world. Modern singles can always take action to meet new people and find someone special — without leaving home — and we’ve ranked the top apps to help them get started.

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. 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.

You may see some familiar names on this list, but we have also thrown in a good number of lesser-known niche dating services that have proven effective for certain types of daters. Here we go!

Top Online Dating Apps

It takes a lot for us to rank a platform among the best dating apps around. The app has to be an established name in the industry (meaning it didn’t just launch this year), and it has to have a proven track record for success. We also look at the features to ensure they make sense and are easy to use — even for non-tech-savvy singles.

The following dating apps have passed every test we could throw at them and set high standards for competitors in the online dating scene.

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»

In our book, Match is the undisputed best dating site and app for singles of all ages, locations, and backgrounds. Not only has it been around longer than any other dating site or app (established in April 1995), but it has also connected more relationships and marriages than any of its competitors.

Match.com has taken a personality-driven approach to the online dating scene. It doesn’t just throw singles together at random — the match algorithm actually curates a list of compatible profiles and provides guidance in a potentially overwhelming online dating scene.

As a free Match.com member, you can spend as much time as you like searching for local dates and sending likes to profiles that meet your standards. You’ll get limited communication options if you upgrade your account to a paid monthly subscription.

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»

From the beginning, EliteSingles has made a name for itself as a quality-driven dating platform designed to connect like-minded professionals on the web.

This upscale dating app, which is free to download, offers a exclusive pass to the upper class of the dating world. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and other successful singles have created an EliteSingles profile because they’re ready to take their love lives up a notch, and that’s what EliteSingles does.

Over 80% of EliteSingles members have graduated from college, and over 90% are seeking a real relationship.

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»

Zoosk first got our attention in 2007 when it combined social-media-like features with a more traditional online dating interface. This resulted in an engaging and one-of-a-kind mingling experience.

Over 40 million singles have given Zoosk a test spin and enjoyed its free matching and communication features. While its competitors focus on profile information, Zoosk uses a boutique behavioral matchmaking system to arrange dates online. That means it identifies a user’s dating preferences based primarily on that person’s like history and browsing patterns. Basically, if you tend to send messages to a certain type of single, you’ll find more people like that in your match recommendations.

Zoosk was also among the first dating companies to launch a companion app to go with its dating site. The Zoosk app is currently available on iPhones and Android devices, and it has earned top ratings in the App Store where it has 4.4 stars. “I like many things about Zoosk,” said Rancho Cowboy in a 2018 review. “It’s one of the best dating sites.”

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»

When it comes to building relationships online, it doesn’t get much better than eharmony. This premium dating site and app have turned heads in the dating scene by using in-depth psychological evaluations to identify which singles belong together.

The 29-dimension matchmaking system is eharmony’s signature feature, and it forms the basis of every compatibility rating and match suggestion. While eharmony’s search filters are limited, the app makes up for it by delivering high-quality matches straight to your inbox and providing plenty of details on every dating profile to help you get your bearings.

If you want to see how your personality compares to another person’s, simply click on the Compatibility section, and you’ll see a breakdown of how you fit in terms of athleticism, agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, emotional intimacy, intellect, and other important characteristics.

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»

ChristianMingle has been a blessing in the lives of many Christian singles around the world, and it has become the leading Christian dating site and app in the space.

ChristianMingle isn’t a Christian-only site — it keeps the door open to believers and non-believers alike — but it does instill a strong moral code on members and encourages authentic relationships with its matching tools.

In the words of the ChristianMingle team, “As the site responsible for more Christian marriages than all other dating sites combined, your Christian dating happiness means everything to us.”

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»

Even though it’s a niche site, BlackPeopleMeet has amassed a huge following in the U.S. and Canada. The dating platform appeals to black, biracial, and multiracial singles, and it also leaves the door open to anyone who wants to find a dark-skinned date.

You don’t have to have a certain skin tone, heritage, or racial identity to join BlackPeopleMeet. Singles from all walks of life can create a dating profile in less than two minutes and start browsing immediately.

“I just want to say I have found true love and the most beautiful, amazing, and wonderful woman, thanks to this site,” said a former BlackPeopleMeet member from Sacramento, California. “I am terminating my membership on here since I found the woman I am to share the rest of my life with.”

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»

The OkCupid dating site got started in 2004 with four Harvard math nerds attempting to create a formula for love. In 2012, OkCupid adapted to the times by launching a dating app that made its vast network and powerful matching tools available to a mobile audience.

Today, OkCupid creates over 91 million love connections each year and inspires somewhere around 50,000 first dates in the average week.

OkCupid sets pretty clear guidelines for its members — “We don’t like jerks, so please don’t be a jerk” — and offers unlimited free messaging to allow singles to follow their hearts and pursue friendships, dates, and relationships on their terms.

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»

Plenty of Fish is a free dating app where singles can unleash their chatty sides and build genuine connections online.

Over 150 million people have joined the POF community, and something like 65,000 more people join every day. Those are some pretty impressive stats, and here’s one more: over 4 million daily active users seek romance on Plenty of Fish, and you could be one of them.

When all is said and done, Plenty of Fish offers one of the largest dating communities around, and messaging is free, so you don’t have to limit yourself to a small dating pool of singles.

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.

Best Free Dating Apps In Uk

• 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»

Tinder is obviously one of the best mobile dating apps around. It invented swiping, for crying out loud. Since its launch in 2012, the Tinder app has been responsible for over 43 billion (yes, billion with B) matches in 190 countries around the world.

While the fast-paced swiping system may get criticized as superficial, the fact is that it puts singles in the driver’s seat and allows them to decide who shows up in their inboxes. That makes it a powerful tool for Android and iOS users looking to narrow a broad dating scene down to a few likely date candidates.

The Tinder dating field is what you make of it. Tinder arranges over 1 million dates per week. Some of those are hookups and one-night stands, but some lead to relationships based on mutual attraction and shared interest.

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»

Finally, we had to put Bumble among the top 10 free dating apps of all time. If only for pushing a feminist agenda. We love the dating app’s empowering message to women and how it encourages its female users to make the first move and message the guys they’ve already liked.

In 2014, Bumble made headlines as the anti-Tinder app. Whitney Wolfe-Herd actually left Tinder (even though she was among its co-founders) to launch Bumble and compete against the online dating juggernaut. Whitney believed the dating scene could become instantly more respectable and effective if women were in control of their own inboxes and potential matches.

So far, her theory seems to be working out. Bumble’s progressive mission and features have attracted a high-caliber crowd of singles, and 85% of members say they’re looking for a relationship on the free dating app.

Top Senior Dating Apps

Once you reach a certain age, the club and bar scene may no longer appeal to you, and it can become difficult to make a mature romantic connection as a senior single. Fortunately, senior-friendly dating apps have arisen to bridge that gap and introduce age-appropriate dates online.

You can sign up for the following dating platforms for free on Google Play or the App Store and discover new pen pals, travel buddies, and love interests in just a few clicks and swipes.

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»

First up, we have SilverSingles, a premier destination for divorcees, widowers, and never-married singles over 50. The popular dating site (and its companion app) only allows seniors in its database, so sugar daddies and cougars will have to look elsewhere for young dates.

The mature dating atmosphere on SilverSingles is perfect for men and women who are hesitant to try the mainstream dating scene but want to meet dates in their age bracket.

You can download the SilverSingles app for free on Google Play or the App Store. Over 1 million Americans have joined the SilverSingles network so far, and many have left positive reviews that praise its features, safety policy, and membership base. “I feel more at ease on this site so far,” said a 57-year-old SilverSingles user. “Trusting I will discover a loyal, sincere, and competent female partner.”

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»

OurTime is another excellent option for singles in their 50s and up. The dating site is powered by the good folks at People Media — the same dating company responsible for SingleParentMeet and BlackPeopleMeet — and it has time-tested features at your disposal.

Over 20,000 new members join this popular dating network every week, and they don’t have a pay a penny or make any app purchases to create their accounts and set up their profiles. OurTime is a free dating site with optional monthly subscriptions offering unlimited communication online. You don’t have to upgrade to explore the site, though.

OurTime can help senior singles feel comfortable mingling online, viewing potential matches, and making special connections with someone their own age.

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»

SeniorMatch has supported senior singles since 2003, making it one of the old-timers in the online dating industry. All those years have given the SeniorMatch team the wisdom and experience it needs to make the dating experience as senior-friendly as possible.

Today, SeniorMatch has become one of the leading dating sites and apps for people over 50, and it has won millions of hearts with the message, “You don’t have to be alone.”

Still feeling hesitant? Check out SeniorMatch’s success stories on the site — it has over 36,600 of them — to hear seniors say in their own words what the dating platform has meant to them. “Clearly found the love of my life,” said one user. “Thank you, SeniorMatch, for this wonderful adventure.”

Top LGBT Dating Apps

The mainstream dating scene isn’t always vibrant or diverse enough to suit LGBTQ+ daters, so niche communities have arisen to provide a safe rainbow haven for these singles.

Online dating has a lot of value to offer LGBTQ+ people. Today, about 65% of gay couples meet online, and the following gay-friendly dating apps have been instrumental in making those love connections.

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»

As a hookup site, MenNation doesn’t fool around or waste time. The platform’s prime purpose is to help guys meet guys in an anonymous, judgment-free setting, and that has led to many steamy encounters online and offline.

MenNation caters to a sexually active crowd and has established itself as a reliable place to pick up a hot date or arrange a no-strings attached hookup.

When you register free account on MenNation, you can enjoy a stimulating dating experience surrounded by potential matches who share your desires, fetishes, and kinks. This sex-positive environment.

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»

HER has our vote as the top dating app for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women. The app was designed by Robyn Exton, a powerhouse lesbian woman who saw a need for a female-only — not just female-friendly — dating space.

Over the last several years, HER has built up an all-womxn community that’s currently 4 million strong, and it’s still growing. It’s free to create a dating profile, send likes and comments, and get to know intelligent and dynamic queer women on this free dating app. As long as you’re authentic and respectful of others, you’ll always be welcome here.

“It felt crazy to me that no one had truly made a dating product for women,” Robyn said in a HuffPost interview. “So I decided to quit my job and start making it.”

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»

LesbianPersonals invites women to find love and lust by using free search filters and live messaging tools. The dating platform boasts being one of the largest lesbian hookup sites in the world, and it puts new members right in the middle of the action.

Single women, lesbian couples, straight couples, and groups can join LesbianPersonals to spice up their love lives and meet potential sex partners all over the world.

Whether you’re interested in a hookup, a threesome, an orgy, or just sexting, LesbianPersonals aims to satisfy a variety of desires and give women the satisfaction they crave.

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»

Since launching in 2009, Grindr has become a staple in the gay dating scene. The all-male network includes gay, bisexual, and bi-curious singles seeking a nighttime adventure.

Grindr’s location-based match settings make it a natural wingman for singles on the town, and it is widely known as a hookup-friendly space, but some guys have found loving long term relationships here, too.

If you’re looking to bring some excitement to your love life, downloading Grindr is a good first step. In an online survey, over 74% of gay men said they have tried Grindr, and 31% of Grindr users said they go on a date at least once a month.

Top Hookup Apps

Not everyone was cut out for the steady relationship life. Maybe you’re too young, too hot, or too adventurous to settle down just yet — and that’s perfectly all right. There are hookup sites for that.

These top-rated hookup apps give singles (and swingers) the freedom to explore their sensual sides and meet playmates who share similar goals and interests.

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»

BeNaughty has got to be one of the most outrageously sexy dating platforms around with tons of revealing photos and romantic opportunities on every page.

Naughty singles jump on board this platform whenever they want to mix things up, and the live chat features make it easy to make something happen.

The Like Gallery is a particularly popular place to assess your options. BeNaughty will highlight a dating profile (based on your stated dating preferences), and you can like the profile to show interest, or click the X to move onto another sexy profile in your area.

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.

• 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»

With over 97 million profiles, AdultFriendFinder has earned the right to call itself “the world’s largest sex and swinger community.” Since the 1990s, this hookup platform has built its naughty reputation and attracted adults seeking a sexual release.

The site is open to singles, couples, groups, and all types of daters, and you don’t have to give your real name to create a profile. All you need is a valid email address and a ZIP code, and you’re good to go. This flirtatious zone includes erotic blogs, private chats, and dating forums, all designed to get you in the mood.

The AFF community has hosted over 14 million group discussions and launched nearly 5 million romantic connections between local hotties.

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»

FriendFinder-X is the go-to hookup site for millions of singles around the world, and it characterizes itself as a place “where good girls do bad things.”

You can get a sneak peek at the FriendFinder-X database as you fill out your profile, and these teasing nude-cam videos can get your gears turning before you’ve even become a full-fledged member. Once you’re on board, you can explore a sexual playground full of adults seeking pleasure and excitement on their own terms.

What Are the Most Popular Dating Apps?

A lot of dating apps are free to use, and that alone can make them pretty popular, but it takes more than free membership and messaging to keep singles satisfied in the long run. Dating apps with a little extra pizzazz have become popular among singles forever on the prowl for the next big thing.

Tinder is a strong contender for being one of the most popular dating apps. It sees over 2 billion views per day and has been a driving force behind #SwipeLife in 190 countries. What’s more, 27% of millennial singles say they have used Tinder to find dates.

However, Match has been in the online dating game longer and has helped more singles get in long term relationships and marriages than any other dating service.

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»

A PCMag survey found that Match is the most popular dating site in 17 states, and it was by far the preferred site for singles over 45 years old. If you’re serious about finding a relationship, then this is the best place you could possibly be.

What is the Best International Dating Site?

International dating sites prove that love knows no bounds and can happen anytime and anywhere. Singles no longer have to stick to their own backyards to find romance, and we find that quite inspiring. Many online dating apps tend to have location-based matching features, but some dating sites allow singles to broaden their horizons and pick up an international pen pal.

Plenty of Fish maintains an active singles network in 20+ countries, and it has been translated into 11 languages, making it one of the best options for worldly daters.

Plenty of Fish is great for single men who are ready to get off the sidelines and into the action. The dating site offers 100% free communication for everyone, so nothing holds you back from a new connection. Chatty POF users send over 1 billion messages per month here, and the database is constantly expanding to include more active daters worldwide.

• Send unlimited messages to single women online
• Membership includes a free Relationship Chemistry Predictor
• Dating forums offer guidance along the way
• Browse Plenty of Fish profiles 100% free»

Plenty of Fish offers a large, international dating pool for singles who want to explore romantic possibilities all around the world.

Other apps like Tinder and Coffee Meets Bagel can help singles swipe in the international dating scene, and you don’t need to make any app purchases or have a Facebook or social media account to get started.

What Are the Best Dating Apps for Relationships?

Without question, eharmony is one of the best dating sites and apps for anyone seeking a serious relationship.

. This site has been honing its matchmaking system since the early 2000s, and its offers great insights into compatibility to help singles choose the right partners and forge deep long term relationships.

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»

You can take a look at eharmony’s success stories to get a sense of how life-changing a membership on eharmony can be. The site was designed to inspire loving marriages, and that’s exactly what it’s done.

What is the Best and Safest Dating Site?

It’s important to look out for your safety while looking for a date online because you never know who you’ll meet. It could be the person of your dreams, or it could be the catfisher of your nightmares. A few precautionary measures can help you avoid unsavory folks, and it never hurts to have a trustworthy dating site watching out for you as well.

EliteSingles is a totally safe dating site with a paywall protecting full members from scammers and cybercriminals. Free members can’t send messages nor see photos on the platform, and that ensures singles only mingle with dates who have invested in the online dating process.

Elite Singles appeals to the cream of the dating crop with its smart, personality-driven matching system. Over 80% of its members have at least a bachelor's degree, and these well-educated singles are looking for someone equally ambitious, attractive, and clever. Elite Singles focuses on helping relationship-minded men and women find someone who meets, or even exceeds, their high standards.

• More than 2 million monthly users
• A growing network of female professionals in 25 countries
• Elite Singles offers daily match recommendations and expert profile advice
• Browse Elite Singles profiles 100% free»

EliteSingles has a profile verification system in place to ensure everyone is who they say they are. Every month, over 2,000 couples fall in love thanks to this site’s good work.

Is Bumble a Hookup App?

No, Bumble is definitely not a hookup app. Bumble appeals to discerning singles with strong moral values, and only 3% of its users are looking for a hookup. Conversely, over 85% of Bumble users say they want to find a committed relationship or marriage.

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»

Bumble aims to create meaningful relationships by putting women’s needs first and empowering singles to follow their hearts. The app doesn’t even allow users to post photos of themselves in bathing suits or underwear, so the atmosphere isn’t exactly right for pickup lines and players.

Bottom line: casual daters should avoid this app and seek meaningless sex on dating apps like Tinder.

What is Facebook Dating & Should I Try It?

Facebook announced the launch of its boutique dating service in 2018, and many online dating experts thought it would overtake apps like Tinder and Match because it could use social media networking to power romance. However, Facebook Dating has yet to live up to its hype and potential so far.

Facebook Dating is an app-only service, and you can only access it from the Facebook app on your Android or iPhone device. You don’t have to download anything other than the Facebook app (which is free on Google Play and the App Store), and your dating profile will be separate from your Facebook account, so your Facebook friends won’t see your online dating activity.

Facebook Dating is a swipe-based app for singles with a Facebook account.

In many ways, Facebook Dating is virtually identical to apps like Tinder because it uses the same swiping and mutual matching system singles have grown so used to. The main difference is the Secret Crush feature, which allows users to identify which of their Facebook friends they’ve got a thing for. Facebook Dating only alerts users about secret crushes when there’s a mutual match — otherwise, your secret is safe with Facebook.

Although Facebook is a massive social media powerhouse, it’s still perfecting its dating services, so singles may find it hard to get traction here. If you’re burnt out on traditional dating apps and sites, then you can always give Facebook Dating a whirl, but don’t go into it expecting to have a ton of success right away.

What Are the Best Dating Apps like Tinder?

When talking about swipe-based apps like Tinder, many of the same names typically come up over and over again.

Coffee Meets Bagel is one of the most popular dating options for men and women seeking quality dates. The Coffee Meets Bagel app actually puts a cap on how many likes and matches singles can make, so you’re not inundated by too many date options all at once.

We’d also recommend trying Hinge if you want to escape superficial swiping on dating apps like Tinder and get more serious about meeting the perfect match. The Hinge app boasts that it’s “designed to be deleted” because it offers personality-driven swiping and in-depth profiles to help people get to know one another.

Finally, the app Happn is a good alternative to the Tinder app because it uses location-based settings on your iPhone or Android device to find people who regularly cross paths with you. Many singles use Happn as a hookup app, but it can also spark deeper romances and relationships if you give it a chance. After all, you never know what could happen!

Do I Need a Facebook Account for Mobile Dating Apps?

Not usually. Many of today’s dating apps for Android or iOS users have the option to use Facebook or Instagram integration to set up your dating profile — but it’s not usually a requirement. Most mainstream apps, including Tinder, Match, and Bumble, will let users connect via a phone number or email address rather than use their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account.

Apps typically use Facebook and Instagram account to verify people’s identities, remove fake profiles, and automatically upload photos, so it can be helpful to link your dating profile to your Facebook account, if you’d like, and doing so won’t mean outing yourself as an online dater to your Facebook friends or Instagram followers. The top dating apps never post anything on Facebook or Instagram.

You don’t have to join Facebook to join Tinder, Bumble, Elite Singles, and other dating apps, but sometimes it’s a good idea to do so if you want to save time in the registration process and let the apps automatically vet dates for you.

Which Dating Sites & Apps Have Free Chatting?

Good question. Budget-conscious daters should always look for free apps where online communication and matching doesn’t cost a thing. The best free dating apps aren’t just free to join — they’re forever free for all your messaging and flirting needs.

OkCupid is a good example for a highly effective free dating service. Singles can download the app for free or create a profile on the website for free, and they’ll have instant access to millions of dating profiles and messaging tools.

The OkCupid site and app offer free communication, and you never have to upgrade to the A-List subscription, unless you want to rank higher in searches and see who has liked your dating profile.

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»

With a free OkCupid membership, you can send messages to anyone you like for as long as you like with very few restrictions. Your first message will show up as a notification when that person views your profile, but as soon as your online crush likes you back, you’ll be in their inbox for good and can send lengthy and frequent messages to build a rapport online.

I joined OkCupid years ago and have used my free account to go on dozens of dates, and I even met two long-term boyfriends on the free dating site.

One of the most helpful things about OkCupid, besides its free communication policy, is the highly accurate compatibility ratings that you’ll see as you browse profiles. The OkCupid algorithm takes your likes, dislikes, habits, personality quirks, and lifestyle choices into account when tabulating just how well you’ll get along with another person, and that makes it easy to focus on the right matches for you.

Dating Sites & Apps Can Help You Find a Local Date

In today’s technology-driven age, smartphones are essential, all-purpose solutions for life. Over 90% of smartphone users say they keep their phones with them 24/7, and it’s easy to understand why.

Apps can offer handy ways to deal with everything from waking yourself up in the morning to ordering pizza for dinner, and some mobile dating apps can even help you get a date or create a relationship. The top dating apps have led to countless romances, some lasting a single night and others continuing for a lifetime.

The most popular dating apps can prompt singles to go outside their comfort zones and explore dating prospects they may never have met otherwise. That’s a pretty powerful tool to carry around in your pocket!

Today when everything else has gone digital, why not dating? Albeit not new, using free online dating apps for real-life dating is an incredible idea that has become successful for many young enthusiasts.

Finding the perfect match that lives to your expectations is never easy; however, dedicated mobile dating apps come handy when it comes to meeting people in your area just using a fingertip.

Unlike a few years ago when computer was the only resort for virtual social engagements, mobile apps with location sensors has given match seekers a comfortable, discreet solution.

From casual hookups and long-term relationships to summer romance or just intimate friendship, the free online dating apps for Android and iOS devices are here to help.

Here is the list of best free online dating apps for Android and iOS in 2021 to find the right match:

1. Aisle

Aisle is a well-known dating app for Indians. Couples share their successful relationship stories that happened in aisles which make more & more users install it.

It is the largest community where people of South Asia, North India & all major Indian regions come up & enjoy offline or online dating. The app publishes blogs on tips for new users to start their relationships & even about their first conversation.

Current Dating Apps

App Features

• An exclusive app for Indians.
• Offers photos & personal information of your future partner.
• Detailed attention on every dating aspects.
• Vibrant Indians connected online for effective offline dates.

Ratings: 4.5

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

2. Joyride – Dating Playground & Passionate Singles

Joyride is one of the first-ever dating app especially customized to find out the singles in a playful manner. It is very easy to use and to upload your pictures and send messages to the people you like.

App Features

• Free account service
• Easy to use and well-customized
• A lot of freebies available under a single shade
• Only verified accounts available

Rating: 4.5

Installs:10,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

3. Lovely

This is a highly rated app to meet new friends or date someone of your wavelength. Unlike other dating apps, Lovely dating app will not cost you a penny. It is totally free of cost. You can hop on this platform, match and chat with cute singles here.

App Features

• Can talk to singles even without sharing your mobile number.
• Free dating app
• Customizable and mobile friendly
• Totally free for users

Rating: 4.5

Installs: 10,000,000+

Downloads: Android

4. Waplog

Waplog is one of the most user-friendly dating app, where it takes you to a new level to meet, match and chat with more people around you. The video chat and story feature gives you a freedom to chat with real people.

App Features

• Safe and secure app with only verified profiles
• Chat and flirt with new people and have fun
• Have unlimited chats
• Meet people from different places

Rating: 4.4

Installs: 10,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

5. Yubo

Yubo whose former name was Yellow is a pleasant social dating option that has a mixed feel of Tinder and Snapchat. So if you like profiles swipe right or swipe left if you don’t.

Upon finding a prospect interesting, you can chat as live video. The app takes care of users’ safety by enabling safety features like cell phone verification.

This way fake profiles don’t hinder dating process of serious match seekers. Yubo’s swipe feature may feel superficial, though. Plus, many people look for just hookups instead of friendship and good dating. The app works best for iPhone users as its Android version lacks some features.

App Features

• Social app to meet new friends and have fun
• Chats can be private conversations
• Can send and receive pictures, Bitmoji stickers
• At a time, go live with 10 people
• Live streams are public and can be watched by others as well

Ratings : 4.4

Installs : 10,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

Read Also: 24 Best Free Astronomy Apps For Stargazing 2021

6. JAUMO

You can start installing JAUMO & date someone at no time. The app is very much popular among youngsters because of its frequent upgrades. The latest feature of having filters including education, smoker, etc makes it unique.

You can love who you want, the way you like to, without any boundaries. JAUMO focuses on user’s experiences on dating to be the most enjoyable & not a fake one. VIP membership leads you to an intuitive app world with unlimited access to various tools of the app.

App Features

• Connect with genuine singles in a secure platform.
• Showcase profiles that are relevant to your interests.
• Has the option to upgrade membership packages.
• Easy & fun-filled app experience.

Ratings: 4.4

Installs: 50,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

7. Tagged

Tagged lets you find people like you & have uninterrupted chats with them. The app indulges you to watch live streams of random users & you can also start one. It enables frank interactions with each other & can play funny games.

Once you enter into the Tagged world, you can go through many contacts near your city. You either select one or swipe to the next person. The app encourages users to be real & give great importance to your personal information & other details.

App Features

• Send & receive lots of messages instantly.
• Matches can have voice & video calls.
• Users can be themselves in the app.
• Live streaming make you open up to your audience.

Ratings: 4.4

Installs: 10,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

8. Hi5

The best place to date, chat & flirt with whoever you like. The app gives an impressive dating experience by making you meet new users.

Many factors like age, location is taken into concern & the app finds the best match in accordance. Hi5 has included games like ‘Pets’ which make chat & flirt easier.

App Features

• Meet & chat with people faster.
• Users can have fun with dates through amazing games.
• Connect with new & old users relentlessly.
• Set your likes & dislikes in your profile.

Ratings: 4.4

Installs: 10,000,000+

Download: Android

9. Mingle 2

Mingle 2 is one of the best indian dating apps with millions of users to chat , meet, date and hangout. Mission of the app is to help you connect with people like you.

App Features

• Send and receive unlimited number of messages/nudges/winks/hugs for free
• Add any number of friends for free
• Find people near you and see who’s online to start chatting instantly
• Get recommended matches everyday and play Mutual Match with unlimited singles.

Ratings : 4.4

Installs : 5,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

10. WooPlus

WooPlus is a friendly and trendy featured indian app for curvy people to find and enjoy love. It has around 3,500,000 members globally.

App Features

• All profiles are checked by Al tech to block scammers and bots
• Empowers women to rate their meet and recommend excellent men
• Allows voice messages from crushes, free gifts to reply and free VIP trial
• 24/7 customer support is ready to take care of users to create better user experience

Ratings : 4.4

Installs : 1,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

Read Also: 15 Best Free Matrimony Apps 2021 [Find Your Partner]

11. MOOQ

MOOQ is a 100% free dating app where you can meet & chat with many new users. It creates an awesome platform where you can exchange lovely moments with your crush.

MOOQ picks out the best matches who are of your style. You can send and receive tons of messages without paying anything. App has several tools to offer you stunning dating experience throughout.

App Features

• See who posted & viewed your profile at no cost.
• No in-app purchases or special credits.
• Advanced filters & search options.
• Chats, meets & calls are free of cost.

Ratings: 4.3

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android

12. QuackQuack

It is the most popular matchmaking app in India. You can find out thousands of profiles waiting for having potential dates with you. This app search for your perfect match from your city, age group & other preferences.

With about 9 million registered users, the app is continuing with a genuine & verified dating process for its users. Once you like a person, you express your interest & he too likes you! The next step is to avail premium subscriptions & start offline dating.

App Features

• Browse unlimited matches from your city or other countries.
• Ensure genuine & verified profiles to get connected.
• Strong security & backend moderations.
• Credible reviews & testimonials of users.
• Premium subscription for exclusive features.

Ratings: 4.2

Installs: 5,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

13. Free Dating App & Flirt chat

A free dating app where you can connect with thousands of singles waiting for a date. Many singles have registered accounts where they have a happier life within the virtual platform.

You can select from those casual males or females expecting your requests. Every feature can be used immediately after creating your profile on the app. Persons who recently watched your activities, visited your profiles, etc can also be checked.

App Features

• Distance from the other singles are shown in km.
• Easy conversations with persons.
• No hidden in-app purchases.
• Watch your profile activities.

Ratings: 4.2

Installs: 10,000,000+

Download: Android

14. Lamour-Love all over the world

Lamour is known as India’s fastest dating app. This app enables youngsters to meet, match & mingle with random users anytime. They allow users to find their best match in about 1 hr after their request. Users can avoid awkward introductions or any type of hesitant talk with their partner.

Live chats & messaging permit people to engage with whoever they wish to. The location and interests-based matching are done & enable users to find their dates near to them. The VIP membership is an amazing feature that lets you purchase diamonds & present virtual gifts to the liked ones.

App Features

• Real-time video calls & messages with random users.
• In-built translators make you feel free to speak with users of other countries.
• Quickly find your match whenever you desire to.
• Get recommendations about new users matching your preferences.
• Talk to users in different parts of the world.

Ratings: 4.2

Installs: 10,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

15. Skout

Skout runs on random chat encounters with shake-to-chat formula. You can just shake your phone to pair randomly in a chat with someone in your neighborhood.

The basic approach of this online dating app replicates the experience of randomly bumping into your soulmate at a coffee shop just like what we often see on rom-com movies.

Alternatively, you can make finding dating match more precise by scrolling through profiles and choosing one to initiate conversation.

This free app offers premium features at $9.99/month. Unexpected or weird chat with strangers are dreaded in Skout.

App Features

• Meet people instantly and see who’s live real-time
• Chat, broadcast yourself and watch others stream
• Browse profiles and pictures, save your favorite users
• Profiles can be promoted using in-app features

Ratings : 4.1

Installs : 50,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

16. Badoo

Badoo bears the crown of being an outstanding dating app that is used by more than 370 million users from 190 plus countries. The app has interesting methods to find a suitable match in your area for you with Tinder-like swiping system.

Its premium version offers highly verified profiles with authentic experience that is free from “catfish” scams. It uses photos, social media presence and phone-based verification for premium experience where you can credits to enhance your visibility. Users can also subscribe to its “super powers” to enjoy even richer features.

App Features

• One of the world’s largest dating app
• Browse profiles even when you’re offline
• Unless a person replies, you can only send a maximum of 2 messages
• Can choose to chat with only verified users
• Chatting even has the option to live selfie

Ratings : 4.0

Installs : 100,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

17. Happn

This app offers unique experiences of dating by literally letting you find the people who are around you. Happn gets access to your location so that, whenever you cross paths with another Happn member, their profile will show up on your timeline.

Another interesting feature is that it lets you see the number of times you have crossed path with the same individual. Like Tinder, you can like or dislike someone by swiping right and left.

Its amazing feature “Crush” lets the other person know that you like them. You can improve your Charms by earning credits which can be done by buying or inviting friends to the app.

App Features

• Easily find people and create your own luck
• Find all profiles that have crossed paths with you within your timeline
• Can send secret likes
• Matches can play Crushtime game together
• This app keeps confidentiality as priority and location is not shown to the public

Ratings : 4.0

Installs : 50,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

18. Chat & Date

Chat & Date is one of the easiest dating apps to use which will help you to find amazing matches around you. It ensures safety and respect within the community.

App Features

• Dating Nearby: Meet positive singles around you or make new friends.
• Encounters: Straightforward swiping, right to show you’re interested and left to keep swiping.
• Video Chat: Connect with your matches through face to face video calling.
• Ensures safety

Rating: 4.0

Installs: 10,000,000+

Downloads: Android, iOS

19. Clover

Appearing as a fair mixture of Tinder and Ok Cupid, Clover offers a unique approach and various ways to discover and meet potential dates. It features Tinder-like swiping and detailed profiles along with helpful questionnaires and dependable date planners.

To make the dating app even more exhilarating, Clover takes you away from swiping limits and make things more interesting by introducing you with live mixers.

So if you want to escape boring match-finding routines, you can participate in mixers with 20 Questions game, or indulge in “on demand dating.”

Another aspect that makes Clover one of the best free online dating apps is its premium features that help improve profile visibility and interactions.

App Features

• Find people for short or long term dating
• Consist of search filters
• Has on-demand dating options
• Has a 20 question fun quiz contest to see what others like
• Can find nearby events, parties and even catch meet-ups

Ratings : 3.9

Installs : 1,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

20. Coffee Meets Bagel

The reason why Coffee Meets Bagel deserves a place in the best free online dating apps is that the app is quite exemplary in its approach for virtual dating.

The app sends men a small number of potential matches based on their profile and tastes, and women will also receive a selection of matches who are interested in them. Ladies can then reciprocate and respond to the dating suggestions.

If feelings are mutual, the app offers 7-day chat window for commencing interactions. Users can also earn or “beans” that provides more options like expanding chat window duration or viewing mutual connections. Its premium version thus creates more dating opportunities by giving more info on person’s CMB activities.

App Features

• Helps you find curated matches
• Consist of in-depth profiles
• Permission to notification are strongly based on your suggestions
• Can access activity reports

Ratings : 3.9

Installs : 1,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

21. Her – Lesbian Dating App

Her- Lesbian Dating App, is one of the very few apps of it’s kind. With this app you can find many LGBTQ+ women around the globe, message them and so make love. This is user friendly and customized app for the users.

App Features

• Verified Accounts: No men, no fakes. Her is a safe space for our community. You know you’re talking to real people
• Easy Sign-up: Forget lame forms, use private one-click sign-up with Facebook or Instagram to get chatting
• Likes: Send one to let her know you want to chat.
• Friends: Add your friends to stay in touch with them and always be able to message each other

Rating: 3.9

Installs: 1,000,000+

Download: Android, iOS

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22. OkCupid

OkCupid has achieved rage among online daters and has impressive volume of user base. It remains quite updated and refined with new features getting added now and then and has user-friendly straightforward dating tools.

Its feature called “flavors” allows users to view most intriguing and interesting flavors of matching people under tags of Beard Lovers, Kinky Nerds, Word Travelers and more.

It is equipped with message tools, personality quiz and Instagram integration and much more. The premium OKC membership adds greater features like refined search tools and viewing people who liked you.

App Features

• Consist of a rich dating profile with highlights of your personality & interests
• Focus only on the connection you are interested in
• Set your dating preferences
• Advanced filter and search options
• Has a unique messaging system

Ratings : 3.8

Installs : 10,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

23. Plenty of Fish

This app is similar to Tinder but for the people who want to opt for online dating without destroying their economy. Almost all the features of Plenty of Fish are free and this allows the users to check unlimited profiles, send unlimited messages and do many more activities.

It is known as the host of one of the major dating communities of the world with more than 70 million active members. However, due to immense rush of users and free services, catfish profiles are likely to materialize.

Moreover, this app is available in selected first-world countries like UK, Canada, US, Australia, Brazil and Ireland.

App Features

Dating Apps Review

• Has the advanced matching algorithm
• Send and receive unlimited messages for free
• Conversation powers- includes voice messaging, video-calling and photo sharing
• Matches can call each other within the app

Ratings : 3.7

Installs : 50,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

24. Zoosk

Zoosk is one of those amazing free online dating apps and lets you sign up easily using Facebook or Google+ profile. Integrated with social media, Zoosk allows you to start searching for the best match for Android and iOS users.

It also comes with a Facebook-specific app, offering you more choices in this league. Considering economy and technology, Zoosk has got it all to stay on the top with millions of satisfied active users.

Key Features

• One of the most trusted and best free online dating subscription apps
• Has advanced search filter options
• Filtering based on location is available
• Offers photo, phone number & social media account verification

Ratings : 3.7

Installs : 10,000,000+

Download : Android, iOS

Read Also: 24 Best Video Chat Apps 2021

Conclusion

Dating Apps around the globe are truly (and amusingly) transforming the way people make connections and find their perfect match in the real world. These 24 best free online dating apps for Android and iOS described above have undoubtedly changed the dating scene of this generation in 2021.

Many of these online dating apps offer free access and great value through unbelievable membership features to seek and find the right partner without breaking the bank. Hope you will like the list and try one those online dating apps.