If you are actively trying to find someone to date, you know how hard it is to find real people in real life. Frustrated, you may decide to join the online dating world. However, while it may be easier for most singles to find someone online, it can get expensive if you have to pay to use the site.
Fortunately, many online-dating sites out there offer free online dating services that allow singles to have an idea and feel of how the site works. That way you can decide if it's worth it to upgrade to a paid membership so you're not wasting your hard-earned money.
If you’re ready to get out there and meet the one or maybe just find a hookup dating site below you’ll find the best sites with no hidden fees.
8 Best Free Dating Sites
Zoosk
Zoosk began as a Facebook application but now is a global dating site with millions of registered users. The user base consists of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. This unique dating platform is on a mission to seamlessly integrate social networking and online dating. It can be used to find someone for a serious relationship or something a bit more casual
It is free to join, and you can browse on the website or the dating app for an unlimited period with no hidden charges. Find your perfect match on Zoosk, no credit card required. Both the dating site and app offer many free communication tools. However, you can choose to upgrade to get access to advanced services including premium messaging.
Pros:
- Best overall no hidden fee dating site and app
- Easy to use
- No credit card required
Cons:
- Limited to browsing one by one
eHarmony
If you're on a mission to find the love of your life, signing up for eHarmony is a no-brainer. It is among the top free dating sites(no hidden fees). It has the highest success rate with most of the matches made here resulting in success stories. This dating service uses a 32-dimension matchmaking system to help you find compatible matches for a long-term relationship.
Single people on a budget can sign up, take the test and review the profiles of matches free of charge. They can also take advantage of some of the free communication options. These include sending icebreaker quizzes, winks, and a limited number of free messages to local singles.
eHarmony gives you plenty of access to tools that you can enjoy when looking for the love of your life free. If needed, you can always upgrade to one of the premium paid plans this dating site offers.
Pros:
- Best free dating site for serious relationships
- Awesome matchmaking system
- Free communication features
Cons:
- A limited number of free messages
Seeking
Seeking is one of the best niche dating sites in the world that can connect you to a single man or woman for a relationship based on your terms. This site allows you to set your expectations from the get-go so no one is in for a surprise. Seeking performs strict profile verification procedures, so you can safely meet people with similar interests.
This dating service offers a dating option at zero cost for women who want to use the site. Single men are eligible for 10 free messages per day. All they need to do is register, upload a profile photo and verify their account to unlock this feature. If not, members can send you messages but you'll need to upgrade to a paid membership to read them and respond.
You can read through user's profiles, check out their information, and view photos free of charge. This gives you an idea of the singles on the site, what they're looking for and if it's worth upgrading for the paid services
Pros:
- Best niche dating site
- Strict profile verification procedures
- Free version to give you an idea of what the site offers
Cons:
- Not for traditional style dating
Bumble
Bumble is free to use and boasts about being free and always will be. If you are looking for the best free online dating app look no further. Bumble is like Tinder, feel free to swipe right if you're interested and left if you're not.
To use Bumble, download the app and create your profile. The free membership plan gives you full access to the right free tools that can help you find an ideal match. Bumble allows women to take the lead and break the ice.
Females can swipe left or right and express interest by messaging first. Everyone on this free dating platform can respond to matches but there's a time limit. If no communication is initiated then the match disappears after 24 hours. If you do make contact and your match responds, you can enjoy in-app phone calls or video chats for free.
Pros:
- Best free online dating site
- Allows women to take the lead
- Free in-app calls and video chats
Cons:
- Matches disappear after 24 hours if contact is initiated
Elite Singles
EliteSingles consists of highly successful singles and professionals. Its main aim is to give those that have a solid career and want to find love a place to do so.
Most of the members on here have graduated college so if you're looking for someone in that dating pool, then create a free account on Elite Singles right now. All you have to do is select your gender and the gender you’re interested in, enter your email address and choose a password.
Elite Singles has a time-tested matching questionnaire that it uses to bring up the best matches possible. You can send virtual smiles, create a Favorites list, send photo requests, like sections of a person’s profile and see who’s visited yours for free. However, only those who upgrade to a premium plan can send instant messages to one another.
Pros:
- Best free dating site for working professionals
- Matching system
- Free communication features
Cons:
- Instant messaging for Premium members only.
Facebook Dating
The chances that you find someone are high when using Facebook Dating. Facebook lists users' accounts nearby and is free to use, unlike some dating apps. If you love to use social media for other purposes, you'll love it to find the perfect date as well.
All you need to do is create a Facebook if you don't already have an account. Sign in and go to Dating and follow the on-screen prompts and answer the questions dealing with your dating preferences.
Pros:
- Huge user-base
- Free
- Easy to use and familiar interface
Cons:
- Not a separate app
AdultFriendFinder
AdultFriendFinder is one of those highly inclusive, non-judgemental free dating sites out there. It doesn't matter what your gender identity or sexual orientation is, the variety of singles on here makes it impossible to not meet someone. You can use it to find someone for some casual fun or something a bit more serious.
You sign up for free and gain immediate access to the site. As a free member, you can receive messages and have an idea of how the site works. You can see who is online, who lives nearby, see detailed information on member profiles and narrow your search results by using age and gender filters.
However, to message other members, you'll have to upgrade to a paid plan or earn points through on-site activity to unlock stuff that's exclusive to paying members.
Pros:
- Best highly inclusive free dating site
- Easy signup process
- Can earn points to unlock exclusive options
Cons:
- Can take a long time to earn points
Her
Her is one of the best dating apps for LGBTQ+ women and queer folks out there. Not only can you use this app to find someone to date but also find LGBTQ+ events near you and catch up on all the latest news and content.
You can register for free and gain access to all the site has to offer. This is yet another dating site that says that their dating app will always be free. You can like, match, and message members for free. Moreover, read, post, and comment on the Feed, the Community, view the Events, share and Like content, all for free!
Pros:
- Best LGBTQ+ women and queer singles app
- Free to use
- Free unlimited messaging to friends and mutual matches
Cons:
- You can only send messages to friends and mutual matches
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to use an online dating site?
This will all depend on what you're looking for. Some free dating sites will allow you to search or match you with potential singles, allow you to send messages, and use certain aspects of the site for free. This gives you a chance to explore the layout of the site and see how everything works. If you enjoy the way the free membership works, then you can upgrade to a paid membership plan if you wish.
How do I find free online dating sites?
Almost all of the dating sites online offer a free membership plan. A quick search online will bring up tons of free dating sites. Some may allow you to use all of its tools for free or give you limited access.
Conclusion
Online dating doesn't have to be expensive. There are many free dating sites out there. Some may have all the features unlocked while others may have most of the features unlocked. We've listed some of the best free dating websites and apps with no hidden fees in this article so take advantage of what they have to offer and sign up today!