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Last Updated: May 2024

The Best Dating Apps of 2024

We combine real user ratings with our expert scoring system to compare the top dating apps. Choose one of our recommended apps and meet someone new.

Our Top 3 Online Dating Sites
We Recommend
eharmony
eharmony
exceptional
9.9
10 million+ singles
Get Started
Match
Match
excellent
9.0
21.5 million members
Get Started
BlackPeopleMeet
BlackPeopleMeet
good
8.2
1,000 new members every day
Get Started

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.

For singles who want to be set up, sites like eharmony bring matches straight to your inbox on a daily basis. With Zoosk’s patented Behavioral Matchmaking technology, the site studies users’ likes and interests to provide the most compatible matches.

Another site offering great results for people looking for serious relationships is EliteSingles, 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.

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.

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. 

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
    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
    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
    3
    BlackPeopleMeet
    Premier site for black singlesVisit Site
    • Pricing - As low as $2.99
    • Free version - Yes
    • Age range - 30-50
    Premier site for black singles

    BlackPeopleMeet - Best for black singles

    BlackPeopleMeet has been around since 2002 and, as the name suggests, is catered primarily toward members of the black community. But it's also designed for people of other races who are interested in finding a black partner. In fact, it's suitable for anyone looking for a serious relationship, travel partner, or friendship. 


    BlackPeopleMeet makes it easy for users to locate others whose desires match theirs with a wide variety of search features. The most unique is the keyword search option, which locates profiles that contain specific words or phrases. But there aren't any questionnaires so you won't get match scores as you might with other apps. 


    The free version has all the standard functions you'd expect and all members can view profiles, match, send messages to "Top Picks" and rate daily matches. A premium membership is required to access the messaging feature, but the cost is relatively low at just $2.99 per week if you purchase a six-month plan, compared to other apps. 


    Why we chose BlackPeopleMeet: Given the racism some people experience on general-interest dating apps, it's invaluable to have a space where African American singles can meet one another—and others who are open to exploring interracial relationships.


    Our experience: We thought the "Message Ideas" feature, which provides conversation-starter suggestions for tongue-tied users, was super helpful. We also liked how the site prompts users to write what kind of relationship they're interested in on their profile, with options including "travel partner" or "pen pal." But we thought it was sketchy that there were many profiles without photos. 

    Read BlackPeopleMeet Review

    BlackPeopleMeet Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Prioritizes people over algorithms
    Easy to sign up and use
    Reach out through message, chat, or flirt

    CONS

    Limited compatibility matches
    Only paying users can communicate
    blackpeoplemeet logo
    BlackPeopleMeet

111,792 singles

started their love story this month

social-proof
ReviewsRead all reviews
eharmony
eharmony
eharmony
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Match
Match
Match
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BlackPeopleMeet
BlackPeopleMeet
BlackPeopleMeet
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