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Last Updated: Nov 2024

The Best Online Dating Sites of 2024

Our Top 3 Online Dating Sites
We Recommend
eharmony
eharmony
exceptional
9.9
2.3M messages sent weekly
Get Started
EliteSingles
EliteSingles
very good
8.8
381,000 new members monthly
Get Started
Match
Match
excellent
9.1
21.5 million members
Get Started
Did you know?
1/5 U.S. internet users are using a dating app (Cloudwards)

It's time to find your match

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. There are a lot of options besides Tinder. 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.

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 on dating sites like the Tinder app or prefer using a paid app with scientific algorithms to match others, 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.

eharmony, 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.

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 from basic Tinder-like swiping to in-depth personality quizzes.

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.

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, which is not the same as free Tinder use. 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
    eharmony
    A science-based approach to loveVisit Site
    • Pricing - As low as $29.95
    • Free version - Yes
    • Age range - 30-50
    A science-based approach to love
    Visit Site

    eharmony - Best dating site and app overall

    eharmony is for daters ready to find love and looking for others who are on the same page. With detailed questionnaires and profiles, compatibility scores, and icebreaker questions, it's easy to match with a potential long-term partner and initiate contact.


    On top of that, the site screens users to make sure none of them are on criminal registries—something that'll be reassuring to those concerned about getting pulled into an online dating scam


    eharmony requires you to spend a significant amount of time creating a profile. Its detailed questionnaire stretches out the sign-up process but allows the site to find truly compatible matches and keeps out people who aren't serious about exploring meaningful connections. 


    Why we chose eharmony: Its patented algorithms consider several factors, from personality traits to daily living habits, making it a fantastic choice to find long-term relationships. It's been around since the year 2000 and has matched over 2 million people, refining its processes along the way. 


    Our experience: We found it helpful to be able to specify things like your faith and morals so you can find a match on all levels: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. When we browsed profiles, both on mobile and desktop, we really felt like we got to know the other members, even before we started talking to them. 

    Read eharmony Review

    eharmony Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Detailed compatibility quizzes
    Helpful conversation starters
    SecureCall safety feature

    CONS

    Users can’t search for matches
    Quizzes demand time and thought
    eharmony logo
    eharmony
    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

    EliteSingles Pros & Cons

    PROS

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

    CONS

    Less interactive experience
    Smaller user base
    elitesingles logo
    EliteSingles
    3
    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

    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

    Match Pros & Cons

    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

112,778 singles

started their love story this month

social-proof
Our ReviewsRead all reviews
eharmony
eharmony
eharmony
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EliteSingles
EliteSingles
EliteSingles
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Match
Match
Match
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