Finding the perfect match has never been easy. You need to have the same ideals, share similar goals, and find each other attractive – plus, the timing needs to be just right.
Dating apps have made the process easier, but it can still be difficult to find the person you’re looking for – be that for a serious relationship or something more casual.
Fortunately, you can improve your chances and have a higher success rate by choosing the right dating site where you can find like-minded people.
We have researched and reviewed more than 40 dating sites over the years, and these are the ones we consider to be the best.
Best dating apps of 2025
Innovative matchmaking system
Detailed compatibility information
In-depth personality test
Innovative matching system
Extensive personality test
Versatile matchmaking options
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Innovative matchmaking system
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Entertaining setup
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Detailed compatibility information
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In-depth personality test
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Intuitive
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Limited free version
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No free trial
Screenshots
Matches
Match details
Mobile matches
Lifestyle choices
Offers
eharmony premium 50% welcome offer for new subscribers
Free dating profile with eharmony
Serious relationships:
OkCupid
Reviews
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Free live chatting
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Member-made dating quiz
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Innovative matching system
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Mobile app
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Advanced search is premium feature
Screenshots
Profile question
Mobile app
Homepage
Offers
Up to 50% discount for opting longer
Free dating account with OkCupid
Educated professionals:
EliteSingles
Reviews
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Daily recommendations
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Extensive personality test
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Dating hints
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Great design
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Hefty 1-month plan
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No Android App
Screenshots
Personality test
Features
Website
Offers
Just $14.95 per month for EliteSingles membership
Up to 75% discount on your subscription
Forever free dating account with EliteSingles
Seniors:
Senior FriendFinder
Reviews
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Group topics
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Matures and seniors only
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Flexible community
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Careful moderation
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Heavily restricted free account
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No Android app
Starting price:
$11.31/mo
Screenshots
Main menu
Mobile version
Homepage
Offers
One month for free with 3 month Gold membership
Free dating profile with Senior FriendFinder
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Affordable pricing
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Smartphone support
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Versatile matchmaking options
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Perk system
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Pushy sales tactics
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Extra token system
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Weak customer support
Screenshots
Registration
Main screen
Mobile app
Offers
50% discount with semi-annual subscription
Extra benefits with “Best Value” plan
Free dating account at OurTime
Other dating apps
Key factors to consider when choosing a dating app
Even though dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are the most popular, it doesn’t mean they’re the right ones for you.
So, when choosing the best dating site for yourself, consider the following factors before making a decision:
- User demographics: The dating app should focus on people within your target age range who are looking for the same type of relationship as you (casual or serious) and live near the area where you can meet them.
- Interface: The dating site should be easy to navigate and use. You want the experience to be pleasant and refreshing, not hard and frustrating.
- Features: Check whether the app provides the communication tools you prefer (chat, voice, video, etc.). Plus, look up how daters can reach out and interact with each other.
- Cost and premium upgrade: Many dating sites offer a freemium pricing plan. It’s free, but people who are serious about getting someone end up paying for the premium features sooner or later. Since some dating apps provide overly expensive (and somewhat shady) pricing plans, checking the cost and how much you’re willing to pay is essential.
- Unique selling point: Every dating site has its own quirk. It can be personality tests, a different way of matching people, or even focusing on a smaller niche. Going for a dating app whose USP goes towards what you’re looking for is half the job done.
Best dating sites by demographics
How to create an effective dating profile
1
Choose the right photos
Your profile pic should be a clear and recent headshot. Avoid group photos for your main image, and take advantage of natural lighting. Also, a friendly smile goes a long way.
Include a variety of photos that provide a mix of full-body and headshots. Make the most of your gallery by showing your hobbies, interests, and the different facets of your life. This helps potential matches see your personality.
2
Write a killer bio
Your bio should be concise and positive. Aim for 2-3 short paragraphs or even just a few bullet points where you highlight your interests and values.
Use a friendly, conversational tone – a dash of good humor can be a great icebreaker and might help get the conversation rolling.
Reveal something personal but not overly private – just enough to spark some curiosity. Some examples include mentioning a favorite hobby, a dream travel destination, or a recent achievement.
3
Use the app’s features to your advantage
Make the most of the dating app’s features to enrich your profile. If the site provides personality tests or other types of questionnaires, include the ones that showcase your wit and character.
If you feel confident about it, share your social media profiles – but be careful! Avoid oversharing to maintain a level of privacy and security.
Verify your profile if there’s that option. This lets other people know you’re a real person, not a bot.
Online dating safety tips and best practices
Finding love is one of the best things in the world – but you need to stay safe. Unfortunately, there are plenty of ill-intentioned people on online dating sites trying to scam daters or even worse. So, make sure to:
- Verify profiles: Use dating apps with profile verification, read user reviews, and run background checks on people you find interesting.
- Don’t overshare: Keep private information private. Don’t share your last name, home address, and workplace in the initial stages, and never disclose your financial details.
- Trust your gut: If something feels off, it likely is.
- Stay alert to scams: Asking for money or bank details is a major red flag. Be wary of emotional manipulation, as scammers often use urgent financial pleas, such as a medical emergency. Be careful with in-app gifts as well, as some allow you to send money to the other person.
- Plan safe dates: Meet in safe places for the first few in-real-life dates. Go to a public place with other people around, arrange your own way of transportation (do not enter their car), and tell a friend or a family member that you’re meeting this person.
- Report suspicious activity: Help make the online dating world safer by reporting suspicious profiles through the app’s reporting tools or customer support.
The right app, the right match
Online dating can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience – but you might need some patience. Even so, by using the best dating app for what you’re looking for and being up-front with what you want, it won’t take long until you find your match.
Be your authentic self and open-minded, and you’ll be halfway there already. We also recommend trying more than one dating site to cast a wider net.
Keep your profile authentic, your eyes open, and your heart hopeful. Not all that glitters is gold, but with the right approach, you’ll discover a gem before you know it.
Dating apps FAQ
Is online dating worth it?
Yes, online dating is worth it. It may take a bit of trial and error, but plenty of people have found love through online dating apps.
What is the best dating app?
The best dating app depends on what you’re looking for. For example, eHarmony is best for people looking for someone to marry, whereas Tinder is best for casual dating.
How to start a conversation on a dating app?
There are plenty of conversation starters for online dating. We wrote over 50 examples that cater to different goals. Check them out here.
What percentage of dating app marriages end in divorce?
According to a 2013 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, only 7% of the couples who met online and married got divorced.
However, a more recent study (2021) shared in the National Post says that spouses who found each other online get divorced at a rate six times higher than those who met through friends and family.
Are free dating apps effective?
Free dating apps can be effective, but they usually have several limitations to make users upgrade to premium. It can be a higher number of daily swipes, no ads, the ability to start a conversation, etc.
So, if you’re serious about finding someone, we recommend paying for the app.
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