We’ve singled out the 5 best online dating sites for singles who are interested in a long-term relationship. Ready to build a deep and meaningful connection? Ready to find someone who will love and be there with you for the long haul? Then check out these sites and why they rank for genuine relationship seekers.
1. Zoosk
Zoosk is possibly the most straightforward way to start a serious relationship online. That’s because while it does cater to every type of relationship, Zoosk asks point blank what type of relationship you're looking for from the onset. So, if you want something serious, you’re going to check off that preference. From there, you’ll be given a variety of profiles that match your preferences, but they will all be interested in serious relationships, no questions asked. This is a great way to weed out the singles who are just looking to have fun or mess around.
Zoosk also helps people looking for love to find it faster and more conveniently. If you are serious about creating a relationship, you want every tool available at your disposal. The Zoosk mobile app lets you have it all (and more in fact) at your fingertips. It has several communication features that make getting in touch with a prospective date easier and faster. You can send an email to the Zoosk inbox or connect directly with instant messenger. Either one is available on mobile too, so you can chat while you’re on the go.
What’s more, Zoosk has some serious security precautions to sift through the riff-raff and keep general players at bay. For one thing, you can browse profiles in Private mode, so nobody else can see who you’re looking at. Additionally, Zoosk asks you to verify your account via video, so it knows you are actually who you say you are (and not a creepier version of your profile).
Why long-haulers log into Zoosk:
- Video verification of all profiles
- Relationship status clearly displayed from the onset
- #1 rated mobile app lets you stay on top of potential dates and interact more frequently
2. Elite Singles
Elite Singles is known as the online dating site for professional singles. 82% of the members are university graduates, and everyone on the site is geared towards a more serious perspective. Elite is the perfect place for busy singles, who are settled in their careers, to find that significant other who would kick-back and relax with them after long work days or on weekends.
Elite Singles has another way of keeping those less interested in a serious relationship out of the mix. While you can browse through millions of profiles for free, if you want the full features set, you're going to have to pay for it. In fact, Elite Singles has a higher than average membership fee. Before you write this site off the list, consider the effects of this policy. A random single looking for a one-night stand will gladly scour a free site for ready prey. That same player isn't going to be interested in signing up and paying good money for full membership when they can easily find that for free. So, Elite Single’s membership fee actually acts as a gateway, keeping out those who are less serious about investing themselves in a relationship. That’s why it’s one of the best options for people looking for a serious relationship.
Why long-haulers log into Elite Singles:
- Subscription fees act as a barrier against players
- College-educated, career-oriented member base
- Excellent personality-based match algorithm
3. Match
Match is tied with eharmony in terms of creating successful, long-term relationships, which is why they come right next to one another on this list. Match has one of the most mind-blowing algorithms at work for you. It uses behavioral machine learning to learn more about you as you use the site. Based on your interactions, preferences, and personality, Match then suggests profiles for you to date. Because of this incredibly intuitive system, Match matches are more on the mark and overall more successful at lasting for the long haul.
Additionally, Match offers social events where singles can mingle and have a fun night out without putting on too much pressure. This is a helpful way for singles to find someone they might be interested in and start up a meaningful relationship from there.
Finally, Match makes real relationships happen faster. According to one study, Match relationships went from dating to marriage faster than with its competitors because the proposed matches were based on such high levels of compatibility. In short, things just work better with Match.
Why long-haulers log into Match:
- Offline events and trips to eliminate intimidating first dates
- 1+ million babies born from Match couples
- Over half a million long-term relationships made, and counting
4. OurTime
OurTime is a dating site specifically geared towards singles 50+. Just having an exclusive club like this automatically lends itself to a more serious clientele. Freed from the inhibitions, confusion, and inexperience of immaturity, OurTime helps people in the golden years of life embrace love in a way that only someone who’s been there and done that truly can.
OurTime also has video verification, so there won’t be any weirdos trying to pawn themselves off as someone they’re not. Like Match, OurTime hosts social events that help singles meet others in a safe and enjoyable environment. OurTime sets you up at events based on your location, and there are fun options like cider tasting, bowling, and holiday events.
What’s also encouraging about OurTime are its tremendous online dating resources. In addition to general dating safety tips for both online and offline dating, OurTime has an in-depth online magazine filled with dating advice and useful information to help the transition from searching to soulmate.
Why long-haulers log into OurTime:
- A more serious membership base
- Helpful online resources
- Video verification process
5. Eharmony
Eharmony makes 15 million matches a day, which speaks to its success rate. However, this dating site isn't just looking to slap two people together and call it a day. Eharmony is all about forging a lasting bond with the love of your life. In fact, the entire premise eharmony was built on is to create long-lasting, serious relationships. Dr. Neil Clark Warren, CEO and founder of eharmony, was a clinical psychologist and counselor for 35 years when he decided to open this online dating site. Why? Because he wanted to help people build serious relationships based on compatibility and mutual understanding.
Eharmony ensures greater success by using its patented 29 Dimensions Compatibility matchmaking system. This thorough questionnaire asks detailed questions about all of the important areas of life including goals, personality, and morals. Anyone willing to sit through this in-depth question and answer session is looking for more than just a quick hook-up.
Why long-haulers log into eHarmony:
- Scientific model for finding successful, long-lasting relationships
- More than half a million marriages have come from eharmony matches
- Eharmony divorce rate is 3.86% while the national average is over 50%!
Get Serious About Finding Your Soulmate
Finding your special someone online can seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why you need to narrow the playing field by eliminating singles who aren’t looking for the same level of commitment that you are. Opt for an online dating site that offers intuitive and comprehensive personality and compatibility-based matches, has a solid member base of serious seekers, and provides you with plenty of tools and safety features to help you blowtorch your way through that haystack. Seek and find your kindred spirit at last.
