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Last Updated: Apr 2024

Meet People: The Best Dating Sites of 2024

Our Top 3 Online Dating Sites
We Recommend
Match
Match
exceptional
9.7
21.5 million members
Get Started
EliteSingles
EliteSingles
very good
8.6
381,000 new members monthly
Get Started
Ourtime
Ourtime
very good
8.7
Dating site for ages 50+
Get Started
Did you know?
1/5 U.S. internet users are using a dating app (Cloudwards)
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It's time to find your match

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We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

Commit to the Right Dating Site: 4 Questions to Guide the Decision

1 - What Type of Relationship Are You Looking For?

Before deciding which dating site and choosing one of the best dating apps to sign up for, consider your desired outcome. Whether you’re looking to meet interesting people, start dating again after a heartbreak or searching for that person to start a family with, dating sites aren’t a “one size fits all” deal.

A dating site that offers great results for people looking for serious relationships is eharmony, which connects daters find true companionship, love, and romance.

No matter what type of relationship you’re looking for, there’s a dating site and best dating app—or multiple sites and dating apps—to meet your needs. Compare some of the best sites to help guide your decision.

2 - Do You Prefer Being Matched or Searching Independently?

Personal preferences matter with online dating—just as they do with offline dating. Some singles want to search through profiles before deciding who to chat with, while other people feel more comfortable being set up. Luckily, the world of online dating and best dating apps 2024 has answers for both.

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match:

One of the major benefits of using a dating site or top dating app is the ability to filter potential matches according to the values and characteristics that matter most to you. This immediate screening saves time and energy by ruling out users who aren’t compatible.

EliteSingles, for example, is best suited for daters seeking a serious relationship. While signing up is a lengthy process involving a thorough questionnaire, the result, from one of the best dating apps, is quality matches with the potential for long-term commitment.

The search:

Another benefit of online dating is the options. Dating sites bring together enormous numbers of singles, who may have otherwise never met. Using the search filters, singles can explore their options based on specific preferences.

Elite Singles offers extensive search filters and sorting functionality. Basic filters include parameters such as age, height, and location, along with more specific fields such as similarities and favorites.

3 - Which Features Matter Most?

While dating sites all provide singles with the same essential service—a platform to meet new people and find a potential partner—each site does it in a different way.

Compare the features available on the best dating sites to choose the right one for you. Differentiating features include online chat or video chat, safety features like photo verification, and dating games. Choose a dating site that offers the features which are most important to you.

For example, for singles on an online dating app with safety concerns, Zoosk offers a photo verification feature to ensure that users are honest, and Match offers offline events where singles can meet up in a group setting. 

As you begin your online dating journey, explore the features available on different sites. Use the comparison chart above, expert reviews, and relevant articles to guide your decision.

4 - How Much Will it Cost Me?

Many of the best dating sites offer free sign up or a free trial period. However, to unlock all features and communication tools, you’ll need to subscribe. Consider the features, matchmaking and search capabilities, and overall quality of the sites as you compare prices. As with most things, you get what you pay for.

We believe that joining a dating site or top dating apps is a smart investment. If you put yourself out there, you won’t need to subscribe for long. After all, it’s worth it — this is your future and happiness at stake.

Our Top 3 Picks

    1
    Match
    Trusted site with millions of usersVisit Site
    • Pricing - As low as $19.99
    • Free version - Yes
    • Age range - 25-55
    Trusted site with millions of users
    Visit Site

    Match - Best for finding a variety of relationship styles

    Match is one of the most popular online dating platforms out there, with millions of users in over 60 countries. This site is a fantastic choice for those seeking serious relationships because profiles include many prompts to learn about users' personalities, lifestyles, and interests. 


    After creating a profile on Match, you'll get access to limited free functionality. However, you need to become a paying member to send messages. Plus, you'll need to devote time to this app by uploading photos, writing a detailed bio, and answering a lot of questions. 


    Users seem very happy with Match's customer service, particularly the expert dating coaches who are available to all paying members.


    Why we chose Match: Match has an inclusive user base, which allows its users to identify as various genders and sexual orientations and connect with a lot of different people. In addition, social media and phone verification keep fake users to a minimum.


    Our experience: We enjoyed taking advantage of the features that make Match stand out from other dating apps and sites, such as read receipts on messages and unlimited video chatting. 

    Read Match Review

    PROS

    Experienced, well-trusted dating site
    High-percentage of success stories
    Allows up to 26 profile photos

    CONS

    30-minute sign-up process
    More traditional than other sites
    match logo
    Match
    Visit Site
    2
    EliteSingles
    Boutique dating for professionalsVisit Site
    • Pricing - As low as $31.95
    • Free version - Yes
    • Age range - 30-45
    Boutique dating for professionals

    EliteSingles - Best for professionals

    If you haven't been able to click with people on most mainstream dating apps, consider a more specialized service like EliteSingles. This site is aimed at intellectuals who value their professional lives and are looking for someone to have deep conversations with. 


    Since SilverSingles and EliteSingles are owned by the same company, they have a lot in common. EliteSingles also asks users to take a research-based personality test and shows them three to seven matches a day based on their answers. The quiz allows users to state what qualities are most important to them in a partner. 


    Like most apps and sites we've evaluated, EliteSingles offers free memberships but requires users to pay in order to message others. 


    Why we chose EliteSingles: Due to the extensive quizzes members have to take, the sign-up process can become quite lengthy. But we believe this is a good thing because it ensures that the site only attracts users who are serious about finding relationships with like-minded people. Plus, for members' safety, profiles are manually verified, and photos cannot be copied or downloaded from the site, so your personal information stays confidential.


    Our experience: We liked using the "Have We Met" feature, which allowed us to browse other profiles on top of our daily matches. We also liked that we could swipe "yes" or "no" to other users. But we were frustrated that there wasn't an instant chat or phone option for support—you'll have to wait up to two days to get a response over email.

    Read EliteSingles Review

    PROS

    Boutique, curated matches
    Advanced personality tests
    Users united by common relationship goals

    CONS

    Less interactive experience
    Smaller user base
    elitesingles logo
    EliteSingles
    3
    Ourtime
    Digital matchmaking for seniorsVisit Site
    • Pricing - As low as $7.49
    • Free version - Yes
    • Age range - 50 and up
    Digital matchmaking for seniors

    Ourtime - Best for singles over 50

    Ourtime is geared toward giving the 50-and-up crowd a chance at love. But you don't have to be in your 50s to sign up; anyone interested in dating people who are 50 and over is welcome to join. 


    With a premium plan, you can send messages, virtual gifts, or even "flirts" to show interest, but you won't have access to these features unless you pay for a monthly subscription. 


    Ourtime users say they like the focus on user privacy and security. The site ensures its members stay safe while exploring possible connections by providing safety tips for both online and in-person dating. However, some have complained about technical problems and a lack of racial diversity among its active members.


    Why we chose Ourtime: Singles over 50 are a large and growing demographic. Ourtime gives singles a way to date without worrying about being rejected because of their age.


    Our experience: We saw many profiles with generic bios on other apps. We liked Ourtime's unique prompts that ask users to answer three quirky questions so others can get to know them better. These questions include: "What's your favorite kind of date?", "Which do you prefer - morning or night?" and "Which do you prefer - sweet or savory?" We also appreciated the option to search for various match criteria, including religion and zodiac signs, to find people whose beliefs and interests were compatible with ours. 

    Read Ourtime Review

    PROS

    Large user base
    Helpful customer support
    Real-world singles events and outings

    CONS

    Limited matching technology
    Need paid membership to send messages

111,429 singles

started their love story this month

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ReviewsRead all reviews
Match
Match
Match
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EliteSingles
EliteSingles
EliteSingles
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Ourtime
Ourtime
Ourtime
Read Review
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