We've done the legwork so you don’t have to spend countless hours on research. Below, check out our 11 best dating apps that offer a free account.
eHarmony is our top pick, as it checks all the right boxes. It has a large dating pool with the best vetting and matching tools. It helps that they weed out most time wasters.
Summary of the Best Free Dating Sites
- eHarmony - Editor’s choice as the Best for Serious Relationships
- EliteSingles - Best for Professionals
- Zoosk- Best for Casual Dating
- Jdate - Best for Jewish Singles
- Match - Best for Long-Term Relationships
- Bumble - Best for Women Making the First Move
- Coffee Meets Bagel - Best for Quality Matches
- Plenty of Fish- Best for Free Features
- Hinge - Best for Meaningful Connections
- Happn - Best for Meeting People You've Crossed Paths With
- OkCupid - Best for Comprehensive Profiles
The Best Free Dating Sites - Our Top 11 Picks
eHarmony - Best for Overall and Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Precise and detailed personality test
- Detailed bios
- Large dating pool with high success rate
- Few time wasters
- Extensive relationship advice
Cons
- Limited free features
- Long sign-up process
eHarmony is hands down the best dating app for serious relationships. If you’re in it for the long haul, you’ll better stick with the site.
It is known for its personality test and info-loaded bios. The detailed questionnaire analyzes the traits, values, and interests of the user.
This signup test forms the basis of eHarmony’s matching algorithm. It focuses on compatibility to create meaningful connections. The platform goes heavy on serious marriage seekers and relationships.
Past and current members ring praise with success stories. Not only good for successful relationships. eHarmony is responsible for as many as five percent of marriages in America.
The non-paid eHarmony allows members to create dating profiles. They can also complete the personality test and view matches. Yet, communication and detailed profile views are restricted to premium members.
For paid members, the site has several subscription plans. The premium features include unlimited messaging and viewing photos. They can also see who viewed your profile.
The paid membership costs more. However, they increase the chances of finding a compatible partner.
eHarmony's high success rate is backed by its extensive relationship advice resources. From articles to personalized advice, users can find guidance for their dating journey.
This combo has precise matching, detailed profiles, and expert advice. They make eHarmony ideal for those serious about finding long-term love.
EliteSingles - Best for Professionals
Pros
- Many ways to find matches
- Detailed personality test
- Focus on professional singles
- Manually verified profiles
- Secure platform
Cons
- Lengthy sign-up process
- Customer support could be better
EliteSingles is one of the best dating apps. Especially for educated and professional singles. It’s geared particularly toward hardworking pros looking for serious relationships.
The platform has a detailed personality test. Expect to find a very detailed dating profile for each member. This helps other users find like-minded partners.
Most members are pretty much the same people you find at an office setting. They go heavy on educational and professional backgrounds. You’ll find busy lawyers, doctors, professors, nurses, engineers, and whatnot.
The algorithm of EliteSingles connects users based on several criteria. They include your preferences, lifestyle, and relationship goals. This ensures high compatibility.
Free users can create a profile and take the personality test. They’ll also receive daily match suggestions. However, private messaging and viewing photos need a subscription.
The premium plans offer extra benefits. They include unlimited messaging and detailed match insights. They can also access all member photos.
Despite the cost, the paid plans improve the overall user experience. They provide more opportunities for meaningful connections.
EliteSingles earns its reputation for quality matches. It focuses on a professional member base and provides a secure platform. This makes it perfect for professionals looking for serious relationships.
Zoosk - Best for Casual Dating
Pros
- Large dating pool
- Behavioral matchmaking
- Easy-to-use interface
- Various communication tools
- Thorough profile verification
Cons
- Limited free, ad-based version
- Fewer dating profiles
Zoosk is popular for its casual dating and a large pool of daters. Its technology uses behavioral matchmaking. It learns from user actions, giving super accurate matches over time.
The algorithm always adapts. This makes the matching process responsive to user preferences. It speaks to behavioral signals like hobbies, likes, and whatnot.
The platform offers many communication tools. These include messaging, sending virtual gifts, and video chat. They make it easy to connect with others.
The unpaid version of Zoosk is nothing to scoff at. It allows users to create a profile, browse members, and use the search bar. Messaging and viewing profiles in detail need a subscription.
Zoosk’s premium plans offer plenty of features. These include unlimited messaging. You can also see who viewed your profile and get SmartPick introductions.
The premium features can make your dating easier and no-fuss. They provide more ways to connect and interact with potential matches.
The platform has a familiar dating interface. The active and vibrant community makes it a cinch for those looking for casual hookups.
Zoosk has a fun reputation with plenty to say about its security and safety measures. It is known for engaging connections. This reputation is well-earned.
It offers a vibrant and lively dating environment. The site is inclusive with a decent pocket of queer women, bi, gays, and other gender identity classes.
Jdate - Best for Jewish Singles
Pros
- Specifically built for Jewish singles
- High successful relationships
- Several unpaid features
- Active community
- Secure platform
Cons
- Gender identity for only women and men
- Very basic interface
Jdate offers an app built from the ground up for Jewish singles. It has a proven record with marriage within the Jewish community. It provides a platform for like-minded individuals to connect.
The dating app provides high-quality profiles, with a very simple interface. It is easy for users to find compatible matches. Expect a no-frill, no-nonsense process from the signup to meeting.
The platform is big on culture. Most users share common values and traditions like Judaism. That’s a massive plus for the potential for meaningful connections.
Free users can create a profile, browse members, and send Flirts. You have to subscribe to get more out of the dating app. Premium features go well beyond keyword searches and advanced filters.
Members with a paid subscription enjoy unlimited messaging. They can also access all member photos, and detailed match insights. It improves your dating success by providing more chances to interact and connect.
Match - Best for Long-Term Relationships
Pros
- Detailed dating profiles
- Friendly to queer people
- Unlimited video chats
- High success rate
- Regular events and activities
Cons
- Limited free features
- Need lengthy time management
Match.com is one of the oldest and most reputable dating sites. It is right up there with the best dating apps when looking for more than fling. The platform offers detailed dating profiles for everyone, including the LGBTQIA community.
Expect many tools for communication and a large pool of daters. It has about 24 million members, most of whom are in the UK, US, and Canada. This makes it easier to find compatible matches.
Match’s success rate is high. Many users find new friends, marriages, and serious relationships through the platform. It’s only second to eHarmony in these areas.
The detailed matching algorithm considers various factors. We’re talking interests, values, and lifestyle. This ensures high compatibility across the board, including queer people.
You can sign up for a dating profile for free. You don’t need to subscribe to browse members and send Winks. Most communication features and viewing photos hide behind a paid subscription.
Match.com’s paid plans provide plenty of extras. These include unlimited messaging, access to all member photos, and advanced search options.
Match also hosts events and activities. They let users meet in person and improve their dating. Daters in their 30s to late 40s rave about the website.
Bumble - Best for Women Making the First Move
Pros
- Women initiate contact
- Links to Spotify and Instagram
- Sleek interface
- Various relationship options
- Unlimited swipes
Cons
- 24 hours to complete the first message
- Has ads
Bumble offers a dating formula that empowers women. It allows them to make the first move in heterosexual matches. The ladies-first approach helps create respectful and balanced dating. Yet, this is the best free dating app for men seeking women.
It has well over 50 million active users. Without surprise, the majority are free members, with paid users making up only 4.5%. Expect various relationship options, including dating, friendships, and networking.
Its innovative approach to online dating makes it popular with modern daters. Free users can create a profile, swipe on matches, and chat with mutual matches.
Paid plans include the Bumble Boost and Bumble Premium. They offer extras features like seeing who liked your profile and extending matches. They provide more chances for connection and interaction.
Bumble is loved for its focus on women making the first move and its sleek interface. That’s why it is a popular choice for modern dating.
Coffee Meets Bagel - Best for Quality Matches
Pros
- Quality matches
- Daily curated matches
- Detailed dating profiles
- Free iOS and Android apps
- Icebreaker questions
Cons
- Limited free features
- Higher subscription cost
Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) provides a free dating app on the App Store and Google Play. It plays on the quality over quantity angle.
The app gives daily curated matches based on users' preferences and behavior. This helps users avoid the overwhelm of endless swiping. CMB also includes icebreaker questions to help start conversations.
The platform has a reputation for quality matches. It is well-earned. Many users find serious relationships through CMB.
Free users receive daily matches and can chat with mutual matches. However, extras need a subscription. They include discovering more profiles and seeing who liked you.
CMB's paid plans provide great perks and benefits. These include unlimited likes, detailed match insights, and access to all member photos. It provides more chances for meaningful connections.
Coffee Meets Bagel has a user-friendly interface. That makes it an excellent choice for those looking for meaningful relationships. The platform is safe and has secure features.
Plenty of Fish - Best for Free Features
Pros
- Extensive network of users
- Plenty of free functionality
- Easy-to-use interface
- Multiple search filters
- Active community
Cons
- Frequent ads
- Limited advanced features
Plenty of Fish is commonly known as PoF. It is a leading dating site with a massive user base. There are roughly three to four million daily active users.
It's known for offering a variety of free features. Most other platforms charge for these premium features. It makes sense because PoF was among the first dating sites.
Users can send and receive messages, view profiles, and access several search filters. All without spending a dime. This makes PoF a good option for those looking to get feet wet in online dating.
Plenty of Fish score high marks for its matching algorithm. It uses a thorough questionnaire to learn users' preferences and personality. This helps match them with compatible partners.
The algorithm considers an array of helpful factors. Think lifestyle, values, and interests. This increases the chances of finding a meaningful connection.
For those interested in extras, PoF offers an upgrade to a paid plan. This paid version provides a lot of perks and benefits. They include seeing who viewed your profile and accessing more detailed search options. It also removes ads.
Hinge - Best for Meaningful Connections
Pros
- Date over common interests
- Profiles built for meaningful connections
- Prompted conversation starters
- User-friendly interface
- Friendly to queer people
Cons
- Need to pay for matches
- Nosy ads
Hinge is one of the top dating apps for meaningful connections. It has morphed over the years to casual flings and hookups. Win-win for everyone.
It has detailed dating profiles and thoughtful prompts. They encourage users to show their personalities and interests.
The focus is on quality interactions. It helps users find partners who are genuinely compatible with their values and lifestyle. Hinge’s high success rate speaks to this precise matching process.
Free users can create a profile. They can like and comment on other profiles, and receive matches. However, the number of likes is limited in the free version.
Hinge’s paid plan is called Hinge Preferred. It offers extra features like unlimited likes, seeing who liked you. With advanced filters, it provides more chances for meaningful connections.
Hinge is big on building real relationships. Its easy interface makes it popular for serious daters. The platform has thoughtful features.
It focuses on quality interactions. This ensures a safe and engaging dating experience.
Happn - Best for Meeting People You've Crossed Paths With
Pros
- Unique location-based matching
- Easy-to-use interface
- Real-time notifications
- Secure platform
- Active community
Cons
- Limited features in the unpaid version
- Ads can be too disruptive
Happn offers a unique twist on online dating. It matches users with people they’ve met in real life. This location-based matching is great for those individuals who frequent the same areas. It increases the likelihood of shared interests and lifestyles.
Happn has a decent network of daters. Its real-time matching concept sets it apart from other dating platforms.
Free users can create a profile, view and like profiles. They can send Crushes to mutual matches. But, messaging features and viewing profile details are limited in the free version.
Happn’s premium membership offers superb perks and benefits. They include unlimited Crushes, seeing who liked you, and removing ads. The premium plan provides more chances to interact and connect.
Happn is propped by its unique approach to matching. Its 2048-bit secure platform is not too shabby, either. They make it popular for those looking for local connections.
The platform focuses on real-time interactions. It also has detailed dater profiles. This approach ensures a safe and effective dating experience.
OkCupid - Best for Comprehensive Profiles
Pros
- Detailed dater profiles
- Inclusive, especially for queer women
- Strong matching algorithm
- Free version has plenty of features
- Over 70 million active users
Cons
- Lengthy quizzes
- Mobile app could be better
OkCupid is famous for its detailed profiles. It is one of the most inclusive dating apps out there. It invites sign-ups from over 12 genders and 20+ sexual orientations.
The site uses a complex matching algorithm. It asks users a series of questions. The quizzes look to analyze their preferences, beliefs, and interests.
The more questions you answer, the better your matches become. This makes it a great and precise option. Especially for those serious about finding a compatible partner.
The free OkCupid version provides access to most key features. These include viewing profiles, using search, and sending likes. But, free users can only see messages from mutual matches. This rule encourages meaningful chats.
Upgrading to a premium membership is where the magic happens. It opens up extra features. Things like seeing who liked your profile and browsing invisibly. You can also get more detailed match statistics.
OkCupid is known for inclusivity and regular updates. This keeps the platform user-friendly and relevant.
It is the go-to app for every date you can imagine. That’s whether you are looking for a serious relationship or a casual date.
Pros and Cons of Free Dating Sites
Pros of Free Dating Sites
Cost-effective Access to Dating: Free dating sites offer a way to meet new people without any financial investment. This is great for those who want to try online dating without spending money. You can join many sites to increase your chances of finding a match.
Large User Base: Free dating sites often have a larger user base than paid sites. This means more potential matches for you. A diverse user base increases your chances of finding someone. A person who shares your interests and values.
Easy to Use: These sites are generally sleek with simple sign-up processes. Intuitive interfaces make it easy to create a profile and start browsing matches. You can start dating journey in a snap.
Test the Waters: Free dating sites allow you to test online dating without an upfront cost. You can try different platforms and features. To see which one suits you best before deciding to invest in a paid subscription.
Inclusive and Accessible: Free sites are accessible to everyone. This inclusivity means more people can join and connect. You'll find a variety of potential matches.
Cons of Free Dating Sites
Limited Features: Free dating sites often restrict essential features. Things like advanced search filters, unlimited messaging, and detailed profile views are usually available only to paid accounts.
Higher Risk of Fake Profiles: Without financial barriers, free dating sites attract more fake profiles and scammers. This increases the risk of encountering fraudulent users. They make it harder to find genuine connections. Extra vigilance is required to avoid scams.
How to Choose the Right Free Dating Site
Consider these factors to sift through dating apps and find the right one. From a one night stand to romantic relationships, they can help with every kind of date.
Site User Base
When choosing a free dating site, consider the number of active users. A larger member base increases your chances of finding a match.
Look for sites that speak to your interests and demographics. A diverse group of users means more potential partners. Some of them also offer features to find couples for dating and polyamorous options.
Try Multiple Sites
Don't limit yourself to one platform. Try multiple sites. Each site offers different unique features and various preferences.
Explore multiple free dating sites to determine which one suits you best. Experiment with several sites to compare with other dating and hookup apps.
Features and Functionality of the Site
Examine the features and functionality of the site. Look for free dating sites that offer useful tools. Particularly advanced search filters, messaging options, and profile customization.
A site with good features and functionality can improve your online dating. Some apps provide read receipts for messaging and travel mode. Other apps offer unlimited swipes and the ability to send a thoughtful message to at least five members.
Ensure the site is user-friendly and meets your needs. Other users should not feel uncomfortable, and the best part is anonymity.
Cost and Payment Options
Although you're looking at free dating sites, some might offer premium features. Check the cost and payment options for any extra services.
Understand the cost and payment options. You should be aware of what you might need to pay for premium features. This helps you budget well and avoid unexpected expenses.
Privacy and Safety Features
Dig into privacy and safety features when selecting the best free dating app. Ensure the site has foolproof privacy and safety features to protect your personal information.
A secure site will have measures to prevent scams and fraudulent activities. Verify the site's policies to keep your data safe.
Success Stories and Reputation
Research the success stories and reputation of the site. Positive success stories indicate that the site is effective in helping users find matches. A good reputation suggests reliability and user satisfaction. Look for testimonials and reviews to gauge the site's credibility.
Paid vs. Free Dating Sites - How Different Are they?
When it comes to online dating, paid apps versus free dating sites is a big debate. Understanding the differences can help you decide which option suits you best.
Paid dating sites often come with premium features. These sites provide advanced matchmaking algorithms. They ensure you are paired with highly compatible individuals.
More than that, paid dating sites usually have fewer fake profiles and scams. That's because the cost acts as a barrier for non-serious users. Paid dating sites also offer better customer support and exclusive features. Things like video calls or in-depth personality assessments.
Free dating apps are accessible to everyone and don't need any subscription. These sites attract a larger number of users. It increases the dating pool of potential matches.
But, free dating sites might have more fake profiles and ads. That can be a drawback. Despite this, many best free membership dating apps offer better features. Basics like matchmaking algorithms, messaging, and profile browsing.
The primary differences between paid and free dating sites lie in the features. Membership quality, and security are others. Paid sites generally offer a more curated experience with advanced tools.
The choice between paid and free dating sites depends on your preferences. It also depends on what you seek in online dating.
Both paid and free dating sites have their pros and cons. Think about what you value more. Be it advanced features and security, or a broader, cost-free experience.
Are Free Dating Sites Safe?
You need to be vigilant when it comes to online dating. Safety and security are non-negotiable. The best free dating apps are generally safe.
Free dating platforms offer access without cost. They can also attract a diverse membership, including scammers and fake profiles.
Safety measures are often more limited on free dating apps. Especially profile verification and reporting. This increases the risk of encountering fraud.
To stay safe on free online dating sites, look for platforms that put in place good security. They offer features like profile verification and moderation. Exercise caution when sharing personal information and interacting with new contacts online.
Best Free Dating Sites FAQs
What Dating Site Is Truly Free?
OkCupid comes closest to being a truly free dating site. Many other dating sites offer basic memberships, but most have premium features with paid plans. Look for those with clear lines between free and paid features.
Is There Any Dating App That Is 100% Free?
Several dating apps like OkCupid and Plenty of Fish are 100% free. You can sign up, search for matches, and arrange a meeting without paying a penny. However, they offer premium upgrades.
What Dating App Has the Highest Success Rate?
Success rates vary widely. eHarmony and Match.com are right up there for success, particularly for serious relationships. Their advanced algorithms and detailed profiles contribute to their success.
What Is the Best Free Online Dating Service?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. eHarmony and OkCupid are some of the best dating apps in the free category.
Are There Any Free Dating Sites for Singles Over 50?
SilverSingles and OurTime are designed specifically for singles over 50. They provide a safe and supportive environment for older adults looking for companionship.
What Is the Safest Free Dating Site Available?
Platforms like OkCupid offer superb user safety with profile verification and moderation tools. They implement measures to ensure a secure online dating experience.
Which Free Dating Site Is Best for Serious Relationships?
Finding a relationship might take a while in every platform, as it depends on several factors, resuming in interest compatibility with the person you connect and the app’s matching algorithm. Here are some of the best dating apps for relationships. Expect success through its compatibility matching system.
Free Dating Sites – The Final Verdict
Choosing the best dating site can make a big difference. It depends on what you are after in your online dating. Be it ease of use, matching accuracy, or budget-friendly options. Each free platform offers unique perks and benefits, as well as drawbacks.
Use user feedback and success rates to decide. This will ensure you find a website that fits your dating goals and preferences.
Remember to check privacy settings and subscription options. They will maximize your safety and satisfaction. All things considered, eHarmony covers almost all bases. Its free version works well with precise match-making.
Disclaimer: This content was commissioned by UP Venture Media in a partnership with the Metro Times. A few of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase within a specific time period, said party may earn a commission. Affiliate compensation does not influence our rankings or evaluations. Metro Times (Copy Edited & Quality Reviewed).
