Best Online Dating In The Usa

Best Online Dating In The Usa 4,0/5 6704 votes

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.

  1. Best Online Dating In The Usa 2020
  2. Best Online Dating Sites In Usa
  3. Best Online Dating In The Usa Now
  4. Free Online Dating Chat Sites

The best dating sites in the USA have won over singles by providing fast, free, and simple avenues to meet new people from coast to coast.Online dating has exploded in popularity in the United States over the last few years. A solid 48% of Americans under 30 say they have used an online dating site or app, and 12% of all Americans say they have gotten into a relationship thanks to swiping. Match.com – probably the best dating site in the USA? Match.com – the Mickey D’s of online dating – has been around since the mid-1990’s. So it’s probably older than some of you reading this. It is probably the best dating site in the USA to get started – no matter what your background is. 5 Best Dating Sites in the USA: Top Websites to Find a Relationship and Love Online by Sponsor. 12:00 am - Updated 11:54 pm For the first time in history, the majority of US couples getting married today have met using online dating sites or apps.

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.

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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
51%
15 MillionTry Match.com 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
57%
2 MillionFREE Sign Up

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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
52%
12 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.”

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Straight Singles
49%
10 MillionView Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
56%
3.5 MillionView Profiles 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.”

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Black & Biracial Singles
53%
1.5 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.”

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
48%
3.5 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
40%
120 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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.

  • 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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
50%
50 MillionView Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
50%
22 MillionTry Bumble 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Singles Over 50
59%
800,000View Profiles FREE
Best

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.”

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Senior Singles
52%
600,000Try OurTime.com 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Senior Singles
60%
2.7 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Gay Singles
10%
780,000Try MenNation 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Women
100%
7 MillionView Profiles 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.”

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Single Women & Couples
90%
2 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Gay Singles
0%
5 MillionTry Grindr 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
52%
13.3 MillionTry BeNaughty 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Singles & Couples
35%
25.5 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Singles & Couples
36%
1.2 MillionView Profiles 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.

Category Rating
Best online dating in the usa for free

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
51%
15 MillionTry Match.com 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
40%
120 MillionBrowse Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
Straight Singles
49%
10 MillionView Profiles 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
57%
2 MillionFREE Sign Up

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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
50%
22 MillionTry Bumble 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.

Category Rating

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»
User BaseGender RatioMonthly UsersBest Offer
All Singles
48%
3.5 MillionBrowse Profiles 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!

Advertiser DisclosureDatingNews.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation from many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear on the page (including, for example, the order in which they appear). DatingNews.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.Our Editorial Review PolicyOur site is committed to publishing independent, accurate content guided by strict editorial guidelines. Before articles and reviews are published on our site, they undergo a thorough review process performed by a team of independent editors and subject-matter experts to ensure the content’s accuracy, timeliness, and impartiality. Our editorial team is separate and independent of our site’s advertisers, and the opinions they express on our site are their own. To read more about our team members and their editorial backgrounds, please visit our site’s About page.

American singles are all about liberty and individualism, so it makes sense that they have largely embraced free dating sites in the USA. These platforms give individuals the freedom to determine their own dating destinies with a simple swipe or direct message.

If you want to explore the frontiers of romance, all you need is a free dating profile and a few good opening lines to catch the right person’s attention.

American dating sites have pioneered new territory and supported the pursuit of happiness in the digital world.

1. Match.com

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.8/5.0

Relationships:Friends, Dates, and Relationships

Match System:Browse by zip, age, appearance, more

Our Experts Say:“Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
49%*
51%*
39.7 Million*Try Match.com FREE

Match started in Texas in the early 1990s, so it’s just about as American as it can be. The online dating site and app provide a helpful service for single adults who want to get in a serious relationship.

It’s free to send direct messages to the people in your Top Picks list. These curated matches represent the most compatible singles within a 50-mile radius. However, only a person with a premium membership can contact any dating profile in the network. Match.com is a legit dating service that asks users to invest in the online dating process to get results.

2. EliteSingles

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.7/5.0
The

Relationships:Serious Relationships

Match System:Search, Receive Partner Suggestions

Our Experts Say:“EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
44%*
56%*
2 Million*Browse Profiles Free

Elite Singles helps busy professionals make time for love and romance in their daily lives. The online dating platform uses an exacting formula to make the best possible matches and inspire lasting relationships.

Over 80% of Elite Singles members have graduated from college, and over 90% are looking for a long-term connection rather than a hookup. If you’re a single parent or a working professional, you should feel right at home in this premier dating pool. Just keep in mind that the algorithm makes introductions based on your profile information for education, income, religion, and other lifestyle factors. So, the more details you supply, the more accurate your potential match list will become.

3. eharmony

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.7/5.0

Relationships:Casual Dates, Deep Relationships

Match System:Personality test suggests matches

Our Experts Say:“Accounting for 2% of U.S. marriages, eharmony’s compatibility-based system and commitment-minded user base are ideal for those seeking a serious relationship…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Straight Singles*
48%*
52%*
4.1 Million*View Profiles FREE

The inspiration for eharmony came from a Christian theologian and psychologist who was born and raised in the Midwestern United States. In 2000, Dr. Neil Clark Warren decided to bring traditional values to the online dating world, and he set high standards for the eharmony dating platform in hopes of strengthening love and marriage.

If you’re seeking a perfect match, eharmony is a good place to start. The dating site and app have an in-depth questionnaire that asks about a person’s family background, relationship goals, and core values. That data is the foundation for the smart match ratings and compatibility breakdowns that have led to over 2 million relationships in the U.S. alone.

4. SilverSingles

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.6/5.0

Relationships:Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion

Our Experts Say:“SilverSingles is a fast-growing, easy-to-use niche dating site exclusively for active daters over the age of 50…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Mature Singles (50+)*
41%*
59%*
800,000*Sign up for FREE

Over the last 10 years, SilverSingles has distinguished itself as one of the best places to meet senior singles. The dating platform has personalized matchmaking and anti-scammer software to help mature relationships get started. It is totally free to join the SilverSingles platform, but only those with a paid membership will be able to view photos and send unlimited messages.

SilverSingles offers a simple and effective online dating service that has worked time and time again. Once they’ve completed a dating profile, senior singles can set match preferences for their potential partner and describe what their ideal relationship would look like. Members can set filters based on age, location, height, education, and other important factors.

5. Zoosk

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.5/5.0

Relationships:Fun Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search and get match recommendations

Our Experts Say:“Zoosk is integrated with social media sites, like Facebook and Google+, so it’s very popular with singles on the go…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
28.9 Million*Start Zoosk for FREE

Zoosk offers a dating platform backed by behavioral matchmaking and social networking tools. In 2007, a Silicon Valley team set up the dating app as a romantic extension of Facebook, and the idea took off.

Today, the Zoosk network encompasses over 40 million people around the world. The dating site is active in 80 countries, but its largest following is in the U.S. where it began.

Zoosk is an affordable option for men and women who want to meet local singles without braving the bar and club scene.

6. ChristianMingle

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.4/5.0

Relationships:Dates and Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by gender, age, education, more

Our Experts Say:“ChristianMingle is among the largest dating sites in the industry that only caters to single Christian men and women, and the site has some of the best search filters and safety features…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Christian Singles*
44%*
56%*
3.5 Million*Try Now for $19.99/Month

ChristianMingle is everything a Christian dating website should be. It hosts single adults from all walks of life, it prioritizes shared values in every new match, and it’s free to join.

Any person who wants to date or marry within the Christian faith is welcome on ChristianMingle. You don’t have to be a confirmed Catholic or baptized Christian. As long as you are respectful and genuine, you can search for a potential partner in this place of goodwill.

Fun fact: ChristianMingle was designed by the same team that launched JDate, aka the best dating site for Jewish singles, so it is part of a proud tradition of religious matchmaking across cultures.

7. OurTime.com

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.3/5.0

Relationships:Dates and Relationships

Match System:Search by profiles by zip and more

Our Experts Say:“OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Mature Singles (50+)*
48%*
52%*
8.9 Million*Over 50? Try It FREE

OurTime has given senior singles a space where they are in the majority and can build mature connections. It’s a place for second chances and fresh starts. A retiree may fall in love with a single parent and gain a new family in the process. A 50-year-old divorced single woman may go online out of curiosity and become more confident in what she has to offer a potential partner.

No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to create a new relationship and get closer to that happily-ever-after you’ve always wanted. OurTime encourages senior singles to make time for love and happiness. This online dating service has assisted millions of singles who are in the over-50 age demographic.

8. BlackPeopleMeet

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.1/5.0

Relationships:Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates

Match System:Search by location, age, more

Our Experts Say:“BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Black Singles*
47%*
53%*
5.7 Million*FREE Trial for New Users

BlackPeopleMeet is a Black dating site with a diverse following in the U.S. and Canada. It has seen over 5 million signups since its launch in 2002. Being Black is not a requirement to setting up a dating profile, but being over the age of 18 is required. The moderators are quick to remove any underage users and fake profiles that try to make trouble online.

As a People Media site, BlackPeopleMeet has all the usual bells and whistles you’d expect from online dating. Free members can conduct searches and send likes to any profile that seems attractive and compatible. Some free reply options have been added to the mix as well.

American singles can download the free dating app if they prefer to meet their matches on the go, or they can register with a valid email address on the online dating site.

9. BeNaughty

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

3.9/5.0

Relationships:Hookups, Chats

Match System:Search by encounter, location, and more

Our Experts Say:“BeNaughty is a premier hookup app where you can feel comfortable expressing your desires. Plus, it’s free to join, browse, and flirt…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
13.3 Million*Browse Profiles Free

BeNaughty offers a sexy place for American singles to flirt and match freely. It shouldn’t take long for a savvy online dater to meet a new person in the network, set up a hot date, and get laid. All users are interested in being a little naughty in their personal lives, and that’s what makes this hookup site so exciting.

The BeNaughty chat room is open to single adults of all ages and backgrounds. The free membership includes some chatting features and an array of local search filters to get things going.

Whether you’re feeling lonely, horny, or just plain bored, Benaughty can invite you to explore no-strings-attached romances any time of the day or night.

10. Adult Friend Finder

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

3.5/5.0

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“Make no mistake: this site isn’t about making friends, it’s about short-term “hookups” and affairs only. Note that a basic account costs $14.95/month, but it’s well worth it if casual sex is your goal…”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
65%*
35%*
25.5 Million*$14.95/Month

Adult Friend Finder launched in the 1990s as one of the first sex dating networks on the internet. The hookup website has grown and evolved a lot since then. It now boasts over 105 million users worldwide.

It’s free to create a dating profile, set search preferences, and browse erotic blogs, ads, and photo galleries published on Adult Friend Finder. The sex network places few restraints on its adult members and allows primal desires to drive new matches. However, you will need a paid membership if you want to send and read private messages in the AFF community.

11. FriendFinder-X

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

3.4/5.0

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“A hookup site specializing in casual encounters, secret affairs, live chats, and member videos, FriendFinder-X skips the awkward “dating” stage of a relationship and fast-forwards straight to the sex…”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Singles & Couples*
64%*
36%*
1.2 Million*Browse Members Free

FriendFinder-X is a local hookup site where men and women can get up to some frisky business. This 18-and-older club is open all night long, and singles don’t have to worry about a cover charge. Browsing the FriendFinder-X network is totally free, and members can view X-rated content for as long as they like. The free membership has no expiration date or trial periods.

Video chat rooms and private messaging features are available to paid members only. This system ensures that fake profiles and lurkers don’t waste the time of real, sex-driven singles in the U.S. and abroad.

12. Flirt.com

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

3.5/5.0

Relationships:Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats

Match System:Search by age, location, gender, orientation, and other factors

Our Experts Say:“Flirt.com frees singles to chat with attractive locals and pick up dates on the spot. This hookup site is always open to horny and sexy people seeking one-night stands, casual dating, threesomes, and other sexual encounters…”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles*
48%*
52%*
1 million*Browse Profiles Free

Flirt.com encourages flirtatious people across the U.S. to let go of their inhibitions and discover romantic possibilities in their neighborhoods. The online dating site prides itself on attracting sex-driven adults who are straight, gay, lesbian, queer, and everything in between.

It’s free to create an account on Flirt.com, and all female members can send unlimited likes and messages for free. However, single men have to pay for a premium membership if they want to flirt back. The cost of a premium membership won’t break the bank though. It’s less than $1 per day.

13. MenNation

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.0/5.0

Relationships:Daters & Hookups

Match System:Search by age, zip code, more

Our Experts Say:“MenNation is a well-established gay dating and hookup brand, having been founded in 1996. It’s totally free to join, view profiles, receive matches, and flirt…”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Singles & Couples*
95%*
5%*
780,000*Start for Free

MenNation offers a gay guy’s fantasy world with no signup fees and no match requirements. All you need is an email address to create a sex personal and browse local singles in this LGBTQ+ community.

Best Online Dating In The Usa 2020

The all-male membership includes gay men as young as 18, and many of them are sexually active and adventurous dates. Some of these young men are looking for a sugar daddy or a one-night stand, and others are more interested in sexting online than getting romantically involved. Their dating intentions and other intimate details are usually available in the profile bio, but you can always ask a blunt question and get a blunt answer on this hookup website. Single men are not shy about sharing here.

14. LesbianPersonals.com

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.0/5.0

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“LesbianPersonals provides a fun, quick, and easy experience for gay and bisexual women looking for sex online. Join for free, and you’ll be able to search and communicate immediately…”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
Singles & Couples*
10%*
90%*
500,000*View Profiles Free

LesbianPersonals was founded on the premise that all women are created equal and have the right to get laid on their terms. The female-friendly hookup site caters to lesbian, bisexual, and queer women who enjoy experimenting in the bedroom.

Singles can express their desires and fantasies freely on this platform. The moderators do not censure folks for using explicit language or posting nude pictures. As long as they’re not harassing anyone, verified LP members can browse and chat as much as they please.

Lesbian and straight couples can also join the fun by creating a shared account and looking for a kinky sex group or bisexual date.

15. Ashley Madison

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

4.0/5.0

Relationships:Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs

Match System:Search by age, location, appearance, and more

Our Experts Say:“With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships…” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

User BaseGender RatioPopularity (Visits/Mo.)
All Singles & Attached*
71%*
29%*
65 Million*Start Now for FREE

Say what you will about Ashley Madison, but it certainly has never shied away from controversy. The online dating site made waves in 2001 by marketing its services to people who want to have affairs and date discreetly.

A veil of secrecy protects members on Ashley Madison. New members don’t have to disclose their real names or any personal information to join the network. And they can blur or mask their faces in any photos they choose to upload. What’s more, the Ashley Madison app uses a simple black logo that doesn’t reveal its true sexting purpose, and profiles can be locked with a unique password or PIN so prying eyes can gain access.

16. Tinder

We couldn’t very well have a list of the best free dating sites in the USA and not include Tinder. This dating app invented swipe-based matching in 2012, and it has been a dominant force in the online dating scene ever since.

According to its internal statistics, Tinder has created over 60 billion matches in 190 countries. And it is particularly popular in the United States where it originated.

Even though most people think Tinder is only good as a hookup app, we’ve seen plenty of evidence that it can work for serious relationship seekers as well. It just may take a little longer to weed out the casual dates or get into the exclusive dating phase. Tinder users are open to all sorts of connections, and sometimes a coffee date can spark a long-term love story. Don’t believe me? Check out these Tinder relationship stories on Reddit.

17. OkCupid

OkCupid is a free online dating site and app where it costs nothing to make a new match and strike up a conversation. All free members can exchange messages for free, and an in-depth personality test helps guide their dating decisions.

As a way of upgrading the swiping experience, OkCupid has created interest-based match lists that highlight different aspects of compatibility. For instance, over the last year, the dating platform has added a vaccinated section where singles who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine can connect.

According to OkCupid’s analysis, American singles who say they’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine in their OkCupid profile receive 20% more likes and 12% more matches than people who say they’re not going to get the vaccine.

18. Plenty of Fish

Plenty of Fish started as a Canadian dating site in 2003, but it has since expanded internationally and reached singles in the U.S. The free dating site and app have acted as a wingman for local singles with all sorts of romantic hopes and fantasies.

The POF community currently has over 150 million members altogether, and it sees about 3 million messages exchanged per day.

If you’re trying to save money in the dating scene, Plenty of Fish could be a great solution for you. Its online communication tools are completely free, and neither time limits nor character limits will hamper the conversation.

19. Grindr

Grindr has been called “Gay Tinder” by a lot of media outlets, but that’s a misleading signifier because Grindr actually predated Tinder by about three years. So, if anything, Tinder should be called “Straight Grindr.”

American men can use Grindr for free and meet local matches by swiping and chatting for free. Or, if they’re feeling extra adventurous, Grindr users can upgrade to a paid plan to get a passport that allows them to swipe in other countries.

From the beginning, Grindr was ahead of the curve. This online dating app launched in 2009 and pioneered geolocation matchmaking through iPhones, Android devices, and Blackberries. Today, Grindr serves a thriving community that includes over 27 million gay, bisexual, and queer men.

20. Badoo

Badoo is an international dating platform with a substantial following. More than 516 million people have used this dating platform since its launch in 2006. The app currently facilitates approximately 12 billion swipes every day.

All Badoo members have access to the basic matchmaking features for free. They can give a thumbs up to a profile card and watch live video streams from their phones. A notification system will inform them about new matches or compatible profiles in the area. However, Badoo users may run into a paywall when trying to pursue conversations with their online crushes.

21. Bumble

Bumble is the passion project of a woman named Whitney Wolfe Herd. She started out as a Tinder co-founder and executive and then branched out on her own to start a feminist dating movement that broke with swiping norms.

Single women have first move privilege in all heterosexual matches on this online dating app. That means a man can only message a woman on Bumble if she has liked his dating profile AND sent him an intro message.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging to meet new people, but Bumble adapted to the situation by implementing video chat tools and pioneering vaccination badges on profiles. In early 2020, Bumble surpassed 100 million users, making it one of the most popular dating apps on the market.

22. Hinge

Best Online Dating Sites In Usa

Hinge launched in 2012 to raise the standards of online dating and support serious relationships. It’s now known as the dating app that was “designed to be deleted,” which means its goal is for app users to fall in love and no longer need its services.

Over the last decade, Hinge has been responsible for countless love matches, and my favorite Hinge success story is my own.

Hinge is the online dating app where I met my partner over two years ago. My photos caught his eye, and his sense of humor made me want to know more. We hit things off so well that we both had deleted our Hinge profiles within a week of our first date. Things have only gotten better from there.

23. Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel started as a what-if idea among three sisters in California. They wanted to make online dating safer and more enjoyable for single women like themselves, so they instituted policies and features that put quality first.

Since its launch in 2012, Coffee Meets Bagel has been a huge success and earned a good reputation among relationship-minded singles. The app currently has over 10 million users in its network.

Swiping looks a little different on this dating app. For one thing, the app places a limit on how many profiles a single user can view and like in a day. A timer is also put on online matches, which will expire within a few days unless a member spends beans (the app’s online currency) to extend the conversation.

24. Happn

Happn is a dating app designed to spark local matches. The app uses a smartphone’s geo-location data to find common ground (literally) between two online daters. The way it works is simple: Happn suggests potential matches who live in the same area and highlights locales where both users have visited. This matchmaking feature is optional, and the app will never reveal a single person’s real-time location.

There are dating opportunities all around you, especially if you live in a large, populated city. Perhaps you go to the same coffee shop as a cute doctor or engineer, but you have never happened to meet before. Happn can unlock these romantic possibilities and create new relationships based on shared interests and lifestyles.

It’s free to download Happn and use its swiping tools — and you never know who will cross your path.

25. Facebook Dating

Facebook launched its own online dating service in 2018, and it went live in the United States in 2019. So far, Facebook Dating has made headlines for its free features and savvy social media integration — but it has yet to rival some of the bigger names in the industry.

Facebook Dating offers access to instant messaging, video dates, shared interest groups, secret crush matching, and verified profiles, all for free. It also ensures user privacy is protected. None of your dating activity will appear on your Facebook profile or show up in the feed of your Facebook friends.

Our Facebook Dating review has much more information about how the platform works and why it’s a good idea to give it a try. American singles should note that this matchmaking service is available through the Facebook app only. You must have a valid Facebook account AND download the app to qualify for the free dating membership.

How Do Free Dating Sites in the USA Actually Work?

Free dating sites typically start with a signup process that involves uploading at least one photo and answering some personal questions about who you are and what you’re looking for in a partner. The minimum information required will be your ZIP code or city, your gender identity, your age, and your sexual orientation. Some details about appearance are usually required on casual hookup sites. Meanwhile relationship dating apps tend to focus more on hobbies, interests, and opinions with personal profile prompts and demographic sections.

Once you’ve completed your dating profile, it’s time to start searching or swiping. A single person can typically send likes or match requests for free, but messaging may not be open to all free members. It just depends on the rules of the dating platform.

Are Free Dating Sites in the USA Really Safe to Use?

Online dating may seem sketchy at first glance, but a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure single people can flirt and connect safely. The safest online dating platforms will have a two-factor login system or profile picture verification that keeps fake profiles out of the database. Another good sign is if the community guidelines have provisions banning harassment and hate speech. Then moderators can flag and remove other bad actors before they can cause real harm.

One of the most important things online daters should do to keep themselves safe is protect their private information. Don’t share your phone number with everyone who asks for it. Don’t post links to social media accounts. And never ever agree to give money or do favors for a person you have not met in person. Scam artists may try to sell you on a sob story about why they need money or a plane ticket — refuse all requests and block or report anyone who keeps asking after you’ve said no.

Remember that you are meeting strangers online, so it’s best to go into each conversation with a healthy dose of skepticism. You may want to do some background research through Google, BeenVerified, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms. Some singles arrange phone calls or video dates to vet their potential matches before arranging a first date. It falls to you to take precautions against falling for a liar or cybercriminal.

How Do I Go About Choosing the Best Free Dating Site in the USA?

When in doubt, go with what you know. If you know you’re not willing to travel to find love, then you may want to stick to local dating apps like Happn or Hinge. If you’re attracted to West Coast vibes, then California dating sites may be more your scene. Ask your friends which apps and sites they have used to get a feel for what’s popular in your age group. Remember that it’s free to create a dating profile, so don’t hesitate to set up accounts on multiple platforms at once to explore your options and make an informed decision from there.

Swipe, Match, Date & Party in the USA!

Online dating works best for single people with a strong constitution and clear goals. To put it simply, you have to know what you want, and you have to be resilient in the face of disappointments and dashed hopes. You have to commit to the idea of pursuing happiness and forming a more perfect union with every new match and conversation. It may not happen overnight, but it can make a difference if you keep at it.

How do I know? I met the American man of my dreams on a dating app a few years ago, and that was after about 50 failed first dates and countless ghosted conversations. If I had given up after the first guy told me he wasn’t interested, I wouldn’t have gotten into a serious relationship. I’d be just another lonely single girl sitting at home and waiting for the American dream to find me.

Best Online Dating In The Usa Now

Take a chance on love by joining free dating sites in the USA — you never know what could happen!

Advertiser Disclosure

DatingAdvice.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation from many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across the site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). DatingAdvice.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.

Free Online Dating Chat Sites

Our Editorial Review Policy

Our site is committed to publishing independent, accurate content guided by strict editorial guidelines. Before articles and reviews are published on our site, they undergo a thorough review process performed by a team of independent editors and subject-matter experts to ensure the content’s accuracy, timeliness, and impartiality. Our editorial team is separate and independent of our site’s advertisers, and the opinions they express on our site are their own. To read more about our team members and their editorial backgrounds, please visit our site’s About page.