Finding your baby boo might not have worked well in the past year. With so many restrictions around us, dating was truly difficult.
However, considering that 59% of Americans surveyed deemed online dating sites and apps a great option for meeting their partners, 2022 seems promising for singles.
Technology isn’t bringing together just pieces of metal that can automate mechanical operations but also helping us to find love.
Since the creation of the very first dating app in 1959, the dating industry has welcomed over 1,500 dating apps and dating sites, each with its own distinct features.
Knowing what you’re searching for it’s the first step to picking the right dating site. Let us help you by bringing an overview of some of the most popular dating sites and what makes each of them special.
Whether you’re searching for a long-term relationship or a fling, these apps hold the key to making 2023 a wonderful year for your dating life.
What are the main points to keep in mind when searching for a date?
Most users say that demographics, matching algorithms, and the way users' profiles appear are some of the deciding factors. We’ll examine each dating app while keeping these factors in mind.
We scoured around the list of hundreds of popular dating sites and their reviews and decided to search and try 11 of them.
Here are eleven short detailed reviews to help you decide.
Best Dating Sites For Serious Relationships 2023
1. eHarmony
Counting over 10 million users, 750,000 of which have purchased the premium service, eHarmony is used in more than 200 countries. Designed to match people after gathering data from its “29 dimensions of compatibility” test, the app has led to many serious relationships. eHarmony is one of the best dating sites for marriage seekers.
Even though users might make use of it to find hookups or one-time dates, eHarmony is known best for long-term relationships. Filling your profile asks for basic details and up to 12 photos. Also, it’s worth noting that eHarmony is not open to the LGBT community, but they refer anyone interested to Compatible Partners.
eHarmony is accessible through its mobile app or the official website. Immediately you’re prompted with a quick personality quiz to help the algorithm know you. Then, if you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a paid plan, wait for the weekend. eHarmony lets free accounts chat during the Free Communication Weekends with no upgrade needed.
Here are the pros and cons of dating site eHarmony:
Pros:
- The site uses a comprehensive compatibility matching system that creates a connection based on shared interests and values, which can lead to more meaningful relationships.
- eHarmony is known for its thorough signup process, which helps to filter out casual daters and focus on serious singles looking for long-term relationships.
- The site offers guided communication options to help break the ice and start conversations.
Cons:
- eHarmony dating site has received mixed reviews from users, with some praising its matching system while others criticize its customer service and billing practices.
- The site may not provide a large pool of matches, especially for users in less populated areas.
2. Match.com
Being that Match was one of the first dating services since 1995, it covers lots of ground in the online dating sites industry. It services over 60+ countries, with most users being Caucasians (77%). Creating a profile and searching for other members it’s totally free, but to initiate conversations, you must become a paying member. Select the preferred age and gender, and the app will fetch results in seconds.
Users are allowed to upload up to 26 photos or import them through Facebook. Then, to match with members, you can search using keywords such as age, and location of profile descriptions. The service is open to LGBT users, and it presents a novel feature called Date Spark Search. Basically, users write up a date idea and then look through others’ suggestions.
What’s special about Match.com is its initiative to take daters off into the real world. The company organizes events where users in the same area can participate and also plans trips where single members go to meet each other. Besides this, you’ll also find numerous webinars for sharing dating advice.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site Match.com:
Pros:
- Match.com has a large user base, which increases the chances of finding a suitable match.
- As a dating site, Match.com offers various ways to express your interest in other members, including winking, emailing, and liking.
- Match.com organizes events for members to meet in person, which can be a great way to connect with potential matches.
Cons:
- Some users have reported difficulties with customer service and issues with account access.
- The large user base of Match.com consists of older people, over 40.
3. Bumble
Bringing together people from over 150 countries, with a user base of 60+ million, Bumble revolves around a simple truth: Dating should be exciting and impulsive. Bumble brings this reminder on its timer-based app focused on women taking the first step. Unlike other online dating sites, Women send the first message, and guys have 24 hours to respond until the option vanishes. Now, here’s a way to know if he’s punctual.
Completing your profile and swiping is similar to other online dating apps, but unlike Tinder, you’re not penalized for being inactive. It links with Instagram or Spotify and allows up to six photos. BFF is another rare option offered by Bumble, which helps you meet friends with common interests. This is followed by the networking-focused app Bumble Bizz which shows that the app is expanding its services.
Features like Bumble Spotlight put your profile on top of the highlights for members in your area to see. Obviously, this is a paid feature, and it stays active for 30 minutes. Patience is the key for guys who want to land matches even without using this feature. The good news is that 75% of members are under 35, and if your ideal match belongs to this category, the chances are that you’ll hit on someone.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site Bumble:
Pros:
- Bumble puts women in control, as they are the ones who make the first move, which can create a more comfortable and respectful environment.
- The app offers a BFF mode for making friends and a Bizz mode for professional networking, in addition to the dating mode.
- Bumble verifies profiles to prevent fake accounts, enhancing the quality of matches.
Cons:
- Some users have reported a limited number of matches, which may be due to their algorithm or user base in certain areas.
- The app's premium features, which include unlimited swipes and advanced filters, can be expensive.
4. Hinge
Its slogan “The Dating App Designed to Be Deleted” is quite promising for a start. The algorithm focuses on quality rather than quantity, as the app presents users with numerous prompts to exactly determine the right match. Regarding demographics, 49% of Hinge users are around 18-29, which shows the interest of millennials in the app.
Hinge allows users to connect with Facebook to attract users with mutual friendships but it also makes use of its detailed algorithm to rank profiles. Results can be filtered by location, age, gender, distance, religion, and ethnicity. Besides personal info, you can add information about political views, alcohol consumption, and even future plans like having children.
Starting a conversation on Hinge can be done through multiple options. Hinge dating app allows you to select a part of a member's profile and like, comment, or message them. Even though messaging is limited only to matches, you’re still given 8 likes per day to initiate conversations. And features such as audio prompts going viral last November put Hinge into the spotlight.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site Hinge:
Pros:
- Hinge's approach to online dating focuses on meaningful relationships and encourages users to engage more deeply than just swiping.
- The app's design prompts users to share more about their personality and interests, leading to more comprehensive profiles.
- Hinge uses a combination of user information and preferences to suggest potential matches, which can lead to more compatible pairings.
Cons:
- It has a smaller user base compared to other dating apps, which may limit the number of potential matches.
5. Tinder
The popular dating app available in 190+ countries, with its main markets thriving in Germany, US, and Brazil, claims that over 95% of matches meet in real life within 7 days. Prominent for hookups, Tinder is also used for finding friends or long-term partners.
The app gives you the option to log in via phone number, Facebook, or email. After login in, head over to complete your profile. Your About Me section boosts the chances of matching with 300x, so pay attention to it. Different from other apps, Tinder displays your information briefly. This makes it challenging and fun to build an attractive profile.
In contrast to other apps like Bumble, Tinder has no time limits for sending messages to your matches. Considering that it was the first app that brought us the swiping trend, it has a considerable number of users. Such a large audience requires it to be monitored to avoid accidents. This is why they’ve partnered with Noonlight for users to insert date details, including location, and call for help quickly in case of an emergency.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site Tinder:
Pros:
- Tinder's user base is massive and diverse, offering a wide range of potential matches.
- The app's interface is user-friendly and straightforward, making it easy for users to swipe and match.
- Tinder's geolocation feature allows users to find matches in their local area or in other cities with the Passport feature.
Cons:
- Most users are not serious and looking for casual dating.
- The competition is very high on Tinder; your profile has to really stand out to get matches.
6. OkCupid
Say ‘Ok’ to the Cupid and let it find your match for free. Since its foundation in 2004, the app has gained ground against competitors like Tinder, accounting for over 91 million connections annually. Users can access it through the website or mobile app, fill in their details and start swiping. Among all other dating sites, OkCupid has the most “liberal” userbase.
The algorithm rates each profile compatibility which they take very seriously. In their systems, you’ll find over 4,000 test questions. You don’t have to answer them all, but the more you answer, the likelihood of matching with someone who vibes with you will increase.
OkCupid focuses on matching people based on their character, as much as it focuses on physical preferences. The app was one of the first to offer more than 12 sexual orientations and 22 genders (Gosh! That’s a lot!) to select from. Even though there are users who jump on the app searching for a hookup, that’s not what it’s known for. Many love stories claim to have begun from it.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site OkCupid:
Pros:
- OkCupid offers a variety of ways to match and interact with other users, including quizzes and open-ended questions.
- The dating site has a diverse user base, which can be appealing to those looking for a variety of potential matches.
- OkCupid offers both free and premium features, allowing users to choose the level of investment that suits them.
Cons:
- Compared to other rival online dating sites, OkCupid has raised its subscription prices very high.
- Some users have reported that the site's matching algorithm can be inconsistent.
7. Coffee Meets Bagel
CMB was founded by three sisters: Soo, Arum, and Dawoon Kang. As a female-founded company, it is no wonder why 60% of users are women. Users receive each noon a list of matches who have liked them and don’t have to swipe to find matches. This online dating platform has over 10 million daters and counting.
Even though some frown at the idea of calling matches “bagels,” the app provides several features and offers a more detailed profile description than Tinder. Before, the only way to open an account was by connecting it with Facebook, but recently you can use your phone number as well.
Coffee is best enjoyed hot, and so do the conversations with your matches. CMB puts a time limit of 24 hours for starting a conversation with a match, and it leaves the chatting room available for only one week. That’s a good push that saves you from postponed conversations that stretch for weeks and lead to nothing. Seven days to exchange contacts, or it’s over!
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site Coffee Meets Bagel:
Pros:
- Coffee Meets Bagel provides a curated experience, offering a limited number of matches (“bagels”) each day, which can make the process less overwhelming.
- The app emphasizes quality over quantity, which can lead to more meaningful connections.
- Some users have reported successful matches and positive experiences.
Cons:
- The dating app has received criticism for its limited user base, which can make it difficult to find matches, especially in less populated areas.
- Some users have reported encountering fake profiles and scams.
- The app's premium features can be expensive compared to other dating sites.
8. Happn
The app boasts of finding users with whom you’ve exchanged paths during your day. Being active in more than 50 countries, Happn has amassed a user base of 100 million. Easy to set up and complete your profile, you’re allowed to add up to nine pictures and add a short 500-characters description.
Different from other dating sites, Happn doesn’t show the exact distance between you and other users. Instead, it shows “Now” if members are within a range, and it allows you to “Heart” their profile. If someone likes you back, you have a “Crush” with whom you can text or have a free 5-minutes video call.
Two useful functions make Happn special. Using the FlashNote feature, you can ask other members customized questions based on a detail in their profile. Personalized messages have higher chances of receiving replies. Also, using the “I’m up for…” prompt, you show others what you’d like to do in the next six hours. Maybe you're clubbing, joining an event, or going for a walk, and this is the best way to find matches with similar interests.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site Happn:
Pros:
- Happn's unique feature of matching users who have crossed paths in real life can make dating feel more organic and serendipitous.
- The app provides a map of where you encountered potential matches, adding a layer of excitement and curiosity.
- Happn's design encourages users to take action, as matches disappear if no conversation is initiated.
Cons:
- Happn's geolocation feature doesn't always work accurately, leading to matches that didn't actually cross paths.
- The app's reliance on location can limit potential matches for users in less populated areas.
9. Plenty of Fish
Accounting for over 150+ million users across 20 countries, Plenty of Fish caters mostly to senior audiences. A large part of the users are between 45 to 54 years old, and since setting up a profile is easy as pie, many scams or bots are found on the platform.
Free messages are a feature that sets the app apart from the crowd. Users can send up to 25 messages daily but with a trick. They should be 14 years apart from you. Only if you’re under 22, this number reduces to nine. The service can be accessed through its website or mobile app.
If you think that dating apps can’t bring the same experience as Facebook and Instagram with their interactive features, think again. POF has implemented the Live feature recently, letting users stream for their potential matches and existing ones. Patti Stanger, the famous host of “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” says she met her match on the site, which vouches for the potential of POF.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site POF:
Pros:
- POF offers a large user base, increasing the chances of finding a match.
- The site provides various features to promote interaction, including instant messaging and a “Meet Me” game.
- POF offers detailed profiles and an extensive search feature, allowing users to find matches based on specific criteria.
Cons:
- The quality of matches can be hit or miss, with a mix of genuine users and those not seeking serious relationships.
- The site's interface and design have been described as outdated by some users.
10. The League
Who said that online dating couldn’t be serious? The League proves everyone wrong. Ranked as an “elite dating app,” it requires users to fill out their profiles in a professional manner. Education, job title, LinkedIn profile, and location are a few details you’re asked about.
Being accepted is not that easy, though. Applications stay from 2 to 32 weeks on the waitlist before getting a confirmation, and the app is available to only 160 cities around the world for now. Each profile is reviewed by their staff, and since you’re linking it with LinkedIn, the chances of running into scams are minuscule.
What’s noticeable about the League, is the fact that it didn’t launch nationwide. Instead, they launched their app in certain cities, customizing features to ensure that they bring users living in well-off areas. They are meticulous with targeting as much as they are with approving new profiles. However, checking often into the platform while waiting for approval shows commitment, and it’s said to boost the chances of being accepted.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site league:
Pros:
- The League's rigorous screening process ensures a high-quality user base of career-driven individuals.
- The app's design encourages detailed profiles, promoting more meaningful connections.
- The League hosts events in major cities, allowing users to meet in person in a group setting.
Cons:
- The exclusivity of The League can be a double-edged sword. While it maintains a certain standard, it can also be perceived as elitist.
- The app's strict criteria and screening process can lead to a smaller pool of potential matches.
- Some users have reported that the app's algorithm doesn't always align with their preferences.
11. Her
Most online dating sites either exclude or offer incomplete features for searching queer members. Her, was brought to the public in 2013, with availability in over 50 countries. It’s a special space for bisexual, lesbian, and queer women. Its main features are free, but you can always choose paid plans for more. Its exclusivity makes it one of the best dating sites for the LGBTQ community.
You can create a profile, add friends, chat, explore events, get matches or join communities without paying anything. Some users claimed that the app crashed often in its beginning, but the new updated versions notified that they had fixed all the glitches.
Her is slightly different from other apps not only in terms of demographics but also in its features. It comes with a feed where you can post, comment, and like other people’s posts for more interaction. Posting into the feed is pretty easy, and you can decide to scroll through feeds of Local or Global members.
Here are the pros and cons of the dating site HER:
Pros:
- Her is specifically designed for LGBTQ+ women and queer people, providing a safe and inclusive space for this community.
- The app not only offers dating features but also includes news and events relevant to the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of community.
- Her verifies profiles through social networks, which can help ensure genuine users.
Cons:
- The app has a smaller user base, which may limit the number of potential matches.
- The app's functionality can be limited for free users, with many features requiring a premium subscription.
- The app can be glitchy, with occasional crashes and slow loading times.
