Best Dating Sites For Free

Online Dating has grown immensely in the past few years with an increase in the number of sites and applications serving the purpose very well. The increase in the usage of these Dating Sites and Dating Apps is a result of complicated relationships and differences in the mindset of the youth of our generation.

Though the concept of Online Dating has not been specified for a particular age group, most of the members constitute 20-30 years of age. Furthermore, with the increased use and the exposure of the internet to young children, they are also involving in these sites and applications.

Dating sites Login. Send me a message via our online forum or ask a question on the forum and I will reply directly. Send me a text message via one of the following messaging channels: WhatsApp (if you don’t know your personal phone number, we can give it to you. The best dating sites. Best for confident women. Best for quick and easy hookups. Best free dating site. Best for serious relationship seekers. Singles dating site free, not everyone cares about these 'senior dating services' people looking to meet single, eligible seniors online seniors and dating sites, dating sites, senior matchmaking, online dating, seniors, online dating, senior dating, senior singles, singletons, partners on line dating, singles online, dating, dating, men, online dating, sex, sex on the net hi everyone. Price: partly free. Main free services: sign-up, looking on profiles and photos, basic and advanced search, reading messages/mail, Wink feature. Best for: companionship, flirting, dating. Eastern Honeys is among the popular partly free Asian dating sites, as it provides free as well as pay-to-use services. Unlike most of the websites in the dating industry, using this website is completely free. While you can opt for a premium membership, the website itself is completely free and usable in this way. You can send messages, view profiles, and partake in numerous other features free of charge.

All those who are new to the Online dating and Hook up Sites start experimenting with Free online Hookup Sites. They try to explore all hookup sites has to offer. They gather knowledge and start off their journey with the Free Dating Sites, only to experience the difference and convenience it has to offer.

Of course, then comes the paid Online dating sites free and hook up sites that provide with extra rings and bells to pay the price. These online dating sites offer better algorithms and procedures to find a perfect match, arrange meetings more conveniently and ultimately serve the purpose of Adult Dating Sites well. All the casual daters will achieve what they seek ultimately with these Free Dating Sites.

The real challenge now is the number of options that are available out there in today’s’ digital world. There are more than 5,000 Online Dating Sites available, so choosing the right one for your needs can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. On the contrary, this means there’s definitely one out there that meets your particular needs, be it to find a one-night stand in the next hour or potential partner for life.

Instead of downloading a bunch of dating apps and making profiles in all and then exploring each and every one of them, go through the following list that we have prepared for you after accessing most of the Free Dating Sites and picking the best ones.

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Contents

• 1 Best Dating Sites Free to Find A Perfect Match
  • 1.1 1. OkCupid – Free Online Dating
  • 1.2 #2 Coffee Meets Bagel
  • 1.3 3. Tinder
  • 1.4 4. Plenty of Fish
  • 1.5 5. Pure
  • 1.6 6. Zoosk
  • 1.7 7. Match
  • 1.8 8. Friend Finder-X
  • 1.9 9. Flirt Buddies
  • 1.10 10. Passion
  • 1.11 11. Adult FriendFinder
  • 1.12 12. Ashley Madison
  • 1.13 13. Affair Alert
  • 1.14 14. EastMeetEast
  • 1.15 15. Hinge
  • 1.16 16. TasteBuds
  • 1.17 17. Bumble
  • 1.20 18. Hater
  • 1.21 19. Blendr
  • 1.22 20. Grindr

Best Dating Sites Free to Find A Perfect Match

1. OkCupid – Free Online Dating

OkCupid is one of the few Dating Sites that do not require Facebook to sign up. It has become the kind of dating site that singles flock for the first time in their online dating journey. The core values are engraved strong into the site and that Is the reason it has not changed much from the beginning.

Though some changes were done, the core purpose of serving as an online dating and best Dating Sites never changed. If you don’t have the money or don’t want to spend the money, then OkCupid would be our first recommendation. If you live in a city, then you would be able to find a good amount of matches.

How To Use OkCupid

1. Firstly, you open the OkCupid App/Site and fill the large profile, which if you want can link to Instagram.

2. Now, it will ask you questions that you can answer and what answer you want your potential matches to be.

3. Finally, you can browse the matches that have been decided by choosing what people you could potentially match with.

Top Three Features Of OkCupid

1. ou discover potential matches based on searching rather than being hand-fed match suggestions. For each match you see is a potential match that is found after applying a special algorithm based on your answers and the profile.

2. One great advantage of OkCupid is that you get to know more about the dating partner, unlike Tinder.

3. The site has an easy-to-navigate interface that has the lists of matches and profiles that match you better.

Pros of OkCupid

1. You get to know more about the digital dating partner as compared to Tinder which makes it convenient to move ahead with the dating.

2. You don’t need an account for signing up onto OkCupid, though you can link your Instagram account if you wish to, with it.

3. All the features and services are free on OkCupid.

Cons of OkCupid Dating Site

1. OkCupid hosts a very primitive and easy-to-use interface that lags in the new features and advancements in the Dating site.

2. The core purpose of Hook UP and Online Dating Sites of OkCupid has been instilled deeply. It is resistant to any change that makes it orthodoxy and not moving with time. Though it serves its purpose fairly well.

3. OkCupid gives you free services, and that makes their services not up to the mark of luxury and just casualness.

#2 Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel is a Dating Site that flies under the radar amidst the ever-growing list of Best Dating Sites, new and radical online, free dating sites.

Once the user has discovered it, they certainly get hooked. Coffee Meets Bagel is the best dating site that makes Online dating experience very convenient and playful.

How to Use Coffee Meets Bagel

1. Firstly, you need to sign up on Coffee meets Bagel using your Facebook account and then complete your profile.

2. After you have successfully completed your profile and input your preferences, you will be sent one “Bagel” each day. This Bagel is a potential match based on your likes and dislikes and even your preferences.

3. You have a period of 24 hours to choose whether you like the bagel or not. After you have liked the bagel and the same likes you too, you can start on the chats in the private chat room, which expires in 8 days, regardless of whether you talked or not.

4. Further, the users are provided with a report-card like a dashboard showing them why the users liked them or passed them.

Top Three Features of Coffee Meets Bagel

1. Firstly, Coffee meets the bagel dating site is unprecedentedly good at collecting feedbacks to improve their quality.

2. Secondly, the dating site provides the results which show why you were liked or disliked by and the bagel.

3. At last, you can set even the minor preferences on your profile at coffee meets bagel. For example, you can set your religious beliefs and what you would want to have in your potential partner if these things are important to you.

Pros of Coffee Meets Bagel

1. The currency in Coffee meets bagel is the “beans,” and you can earn them and use them for various extra hookup site functions and features.

2. The Coffee meets bagel dating site gives you options to narrow down your preferences to very specific things such as religious beliefs, caste, etc.

3. This dating site lets you add nine photos into your profile and also if you have added any icebreakers into your profile then it sends is as a message for more convenience.

Cons of Coffee Meets Bagel

1. Coffee Meets Bagel needs a Facebook account to sign up and set your profile.

2. The time period for sending a potential match is 24 hours which to many seems quite long. It is only after 24 hours that you can see your next bagel and until then you need to wait.

3. The chat room expires within 8 days, regardless of whether you have talked to the bagel or not. This can be a downgrading factor as some people take more time to settle.

3. Tinder

Tinder is one of the most famous Dating Sites that you can use for free. So, it was obvious it made it to the top of our list. Tinder though with its sole concept of online dating site has mostly been accused of turning into a hookup site but, the king remains the king.

With the highest success rates in forming and maintaining long-distance relationships and successful marriages, it still remains the first port-of-call for a majority of the users.

Over its growth and development, tinder has crossed many milestones and also eased the signing up onto the site. Tinder has an insanely huge user database; you’ll find millions of people and never get out of matches. You’ll find all kind of people who are there for fame, fun, seeking for partners, looking for getting hooked up, and even pranks.

How to Use Tinder Hook Up Site

1. The Tinder Dating Site earlier required you to have a Facebook account in order to sign up into it. But it has scrapped that idea, and now, there’s no need of having a Facebook account, but you need to be older than 18.

2.Now, once you are signed up for the app, you can set up a short profile consisting of a 500-word description and 6 photos.

3. On successful completion of setting up your profile, you reach to the main area where you put your thumbs into action. You can either swipe left on the profile to pass or swipe right to like the profile.

Top Three Features of Tinder

1. Very easy to use and easy to reach out to millions of other profiles for a perfect match.

2. No requirement of any kind of Facebook account or similar account to sign up. Though you can connect the Facebook or Instagram account if you wish to.

3. Connects you with the profiles that are in your nearest vicinity.

Tinder Pros

1. You get access to a huge database with millions of profiles so that you can find the perfect match.

2. Tinder allows you to explore the features of the Online dating site and get to know the online dating culture without spending a single penny.

3. You get the connections between people within your reach so that if you want you can reach out to them.

Tinder Cons

1. You get a primitive UI that has just your bio and six images.

2. Tinder does not get the full-fledged facilities as it is free.

3. You may get confused about the matches due to the huge amount of options available.

4. Plenty of Fish

Plenty of Fish dating site proves to be one of the most affordable and best Dating Sites free to explore the flora and fauna of online dating. With a great history, it had been a cheap luxury for many singles.

There is an abundance of members that log into the app and most of them remain active. If you are looking for a good hook up sites experience without spending a dime, then this can be the ideal place for you.

Top Three Features of Plenty of Fish

1. Plenty of Fish is based on searches rather than any kind of fancy match algorithm. This means that you can search the number of profiles that you want.

2. Plenty of fish sets up your profile by making you answer a set of useful questionnaires, that gives the insight of your own personality and compatibility skills. All these ultimately help in the Dating Sites journey and make your experience better.

3. There are many ways to discover any profile that may be of interest.

Pros of Plenty of Fish

1. Plenty of Fish is based on searches rather than profile matching that makes it often used for better and liked profile matching.

2. There are millions of profiles at the present time in the plenty of fish database that you can search and explore.

3. You don’t need any kind of Facebook or Instagram account to sign up for the app.

Cons of Plenty of Fish

1. A there is no algorithm, the task of finding and searching may seem hectic to many people.

2. The dating site provides free features, and this makes it less worthy. Though it serves the purpose well.

3. With the huge amount of profiles in the app and no matching algorithm, there may be some issues with finding and searching.

5. Pure

When you come to Dating Sites you must make sure that your identity and privacy is both maintained and taken care of. This concept and etiquette are fairly managed by Pure. This free hook up site justifies your privacy and does much more.

Top Three Features of Pure

1. The Pure app emphasizes privacy and is designed to facilitate casual flings. It erases your profile every hour, but you can restore that quickly.

2. Pure is a geo-location-based app that allows you to list yourself with the other people in your nearest vicinity and find the perfect match.

3. As the Pure app has a self-destructing profile system, it creates a room for direct encounters.

Pros of Pure

1. Pure App maintains the privacy of the user and also emphasizes the quick matching.

2. It is a geolocation-based dating site that makes you meet people that are near you so that the online dating sites experience is less and you get the hands-on pleasure.

3. The Pure dating site lets you go on the ground and spend less time on the digital site as it has the maximum 1-hour-self-destructing policy. It encourages direct Dating Sites experiences.

Cons of Pure

1. Pure App is a quick Dating Site and those who are experienced can only get the best out of it. Those who are new to the online dating site might face some troubles.

2. It has self-destructing profile management which might trouble the slow pacers. Though you can restore it any time, you want.

3. So much of anonymity might also lead to fraud and pranks that might hurt someone’s feelings in the long run.

6. Zoosk

Zoosk stands as the fastest-growing hookup site with over 4 million visitors per month form Google. Initially, Zoosk started as a Facebook user site, but now it has grown to one of the biggest Dating Sites.

Zoosk is a digital dating platform that allows both heterogeneous and homogeneous couple matching i.e. it allows that male-female match, gay couple match, and both female match.

Top Three Features of Zoosk

1. Zoosk Dating Site allows the matching of cross-gender couples as well as same-gender couples.

2. The dating site has a profile verification option that lets you ensure that you are matching with the real individual.

3. Zoosk has a straightforward and easy-to-use design with only a three-step registration process.

7. Match

ere’s no talking of online best dating sites without talking about the granddaddy of them. The match was at the top of the list of the dating site when the service didn’t even launch for the mobile phones.

It was one of the best Dating Sites that took your personal individual interests into considerations. It also provides you with potential matches on a daily basis.

Top Three Features of Match

1. You don’t need a Facebook account to sign up for the Dating Sites. Though you need to go through a profile setting page where you would have to provide certain details about yourself in addition to uploading some photographs.

2. It gives you an option to search people rather than just look at the potential matches. The flirting initiation of the Match site is by “winking” at some profile.

3. The interface of the match is not as easy as other sites such as Tinder, Happn and so it is said, dad is always dad.

8. Friend Finder-X

Friend Finder-X is a Dating Site that gives you relief when you are sick of all the unreliable and unrealistic Dating Sites. This dating site is purely made for hook up and casual dating.

This is a self-proclaimed site and has an abundance of features that give you access to the best features of Dating Sites experience. The site has an excellent feature of matching and ranking you according to your interests.

Top Three Features of Friend Finder-X

1. Friend Finder-X gives you an abundance of features to explore the real-time experience of Dating Sites.

2. The app provides you with direct encounters rather than time taking processes.

3. If you are looking for something to instantly turn you up, then Friend Finder-X is the ideal dating site for you.

9. Flirt Buddies

Flirt Buddies is one of those best dating sites that finds you a local love. The membership is free, and the site has real and legit users.

Top Three Features of FlirtBuddies

1. Flirt Buddies site connects you with people who are near you and find you love near your range.

2. You do not have to go through a compulsory profile setting page. You can decide how much you want to reveal about yourself.

3. Once you have used the free version, you get the idea about all the features that are present for you. You can upgrade to the paid version whenever you wish to.

10. Passion

Passion is a huge but paid dating site. It has a huge database of members, and most of them are active, so you get the authentic match.

Top Three Features of Passion

1. Passion is the biggest database with an estimate of 85% active and authentic members.

2. Joining and searching is free of cost, and you can read the summary of a profile.

3. Until and unless you upgrade to the Gold pack you do not get the feature of messaging and contacting the profile.

11. Adult FriendFinder

Adult FriendFinder is the most legitimate and real Dating Site. It has the most active and real members who are just as ready as you are to get laid.

Top Three Features Of Adult FriendFinder

• Adult FriendFinder has a maximum of real females and users.
• This site is completely free to join.
• Adult FriendFinder Site is the oldest and might have some dead accounts. The updated policy reduces such bugs to the maximum extent.

12. Ashley Madison

Ashley Madison is a Canadian Dating Site, launched in 2001. It is a marketplace for people who are married or in committed relationships.

Top Three Features of Ashley Madison

1. Ashley Madison a great database of millions of users.

2. You have to go through an easy profile setting page.

3. You get to have a match wherever you are, but being patient will make up to the results.

13. Affair Alert

Affair Alert is a Dating Site that gets you males and females around your place. This site helps you lay with those whom you are looking for.

Top Three Features of Affair Alert

1. Affair Alert totally free to use, and you get the best of features.

2. It has a huge database and legit users.

3. Affair Alert can lay you as soon as you sign up onto it.

14. EastMeetEast

EastMeetEast is is an Asian Dating Site and Hook Up Site. It is one of the best free online dating sites that are exclusively bringing about a 100% success ratio.

Top Three Features of EastMeetsEast

1. EastMeetEast site is upfront and legit. These do not charge anyone unnecessarily.

2. EastMeetEast is honest and genuine that helps their user find the perfect match.

3. They have a fantastic tips section that caters to blogging on specific topics.

15. Hinge

Hinge seems to be the younger sister of Tinder Dating Site, with the somewhat the same structure and design. Yet the differences in both make them two different dating sites.

Top Features of Hinge

1. Hinge uses your Facebook friends more to make connections.

2. It asks you a set of questions that help a lot in matchmaking.

3. You can use the mutual friend concept to ask about some profile you would like to date.

16. TasteBuds

TasteBuds is an iOS-only online dating and hookup site that uses your musical taste to find your potential compatibility. You can make the type of profile you want and can search among the variety of iOS users to find the perfect match.

Top Three Features of Tastebuds

1.Tastebuds is an iOS-only app and takes into account only iOS users.

2. You can and cannot link your Facebook account to sign up into Tastebuds.

3. The user interface is simple and enjoyable and creating your profile is not a hectic task.

17. Bumble

What Are The Best Dating Sites For Free

Bumble is also somewhat like Tinder but has an altogether different pack of features. This hookup site finds the matches of the opposite gender as well as the same gender.

Top Three Features of Bumble

1.The biggest catch in bumble is that the female has to text the male in the potential match.

2. You do not need a facebook account to sign up onto bumble like more other online dating sites.

3. The profile setting process is also straightforward with a concise bio and uploading six or fewer photos.

17. Happn

Happn Dating Site is one of the best geo-location-based Dating Sites. It pinpoints the last time your match was near you or the nearest point where you guys can get along.

Top Three Features of Happn

1. Very easy to use with a standard profile setting page.

2. They used the GPS functionality very effectively to find the matches within 250m of range.

3. You can block the unwanted people if you feel the need to do it.

18. Hater

Hater is one of the rare Dating Sites that people do not use.

Top Three Features of Hater

1. Hater dating site uses the things you hate to match up, rather than the thing you like.

2. It has the likely left-right-swipe feature for liking and disliking.

3. The app lets you message freely anyone you feel a fling with.

19. Blendr

Blendr is one of the best online Dating Sites that is designed for the sole purpose of Dating Site. So, if you just want to get laid up, this can be the ideal site for you.

Top Three Features of Blendr

1. Blendr is a geo-location-based hookup site, that lets you discover people within your reach.

2. This app has a very convenient profile setting process that does not require you to answer all the questions.

3. You can freely message anyone you like and can even share photos.

20. Grindr

Grindr app is one of that efficient online Gay dating app that let any type of couple find its perfect match.

Top Three Features of Grindr

1. Grindr is app finds the perfect matches for cross couples and even for gays or bisexuals.

2. The setting up process is very easy as it does not require any kind of linkage to social media.

3. Also, the Dating Site has a premium version that can give you the best of features to find your perfect match.

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Conclusion

You might have been playing around with your crushes and partners in real-time scenarios. You might also be good at it. But still, a large part of the population does not commit. With the advancement of technology and the internet, Dating Sites has grown to a large extent.

More and more people are getting into the Dating Sites and finding their perfect partners. So, from now on whenever you wish to get a partner for yourself. Just sign up on any of the Dating Sites listed above or check out this site and enjoy it.

As the temperatures drop, you might be looking for a special someone to cosy up to this winter, and an online dating service is a good place to start.

Online dating and dating apps are now one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner and there are more than 1,400 sites in the UK alone, catering for people from all walks of life and interests.

Now is the perfect time to log on. Most well-known dating sites see their biggest surge in traffic on Boxing Day, with a second spike on the first Sunday after New Year — sometimes known as 'Dating Sunday'. And of course, Valentine's day is just around the corner.

The good news is, the range of dating sites has never been bigger. Whether you’re mad about dogs, passionate about green issues or a connoisseur of fine wines, you may just be a few clicks away from someone who shares your interests.

Here is our pick of the best dating websites and apps – not forgetting our very own website dating.telegraph.co.uk.

The best dating sites and apps in the UK

1. Eharmony

Best for: serious relationships

Free membership (limited)

5 million users in the UK

Modern matchmaking service, eharmony, claims over two million people have found love through their site. Users are required to fill out a short quiz to determine their core values in relation to others, and this powers many useful tools to help them find love (including compatibility scores, personality profiles, and relationship advice).

It’s free to register and download the app, send ‘smiles’ and pre-written Icebreakers to get the conversation started. However, you need to subscribe for customised messages and unlimited access to your match’s profile. Subscription costs from £7.95 per month for 24 months.

2. Match.com

Best for: getting back out there

Free membership (limited)

3 million users in the UK

Synonymous with online dating, Match.com has someone for everyone. Create a detailed profile, then find your potential partner through a criteria search. You can go on “zen mode” to be only contacted by those who meet your criteria.

It’s free to become a member but you can only send and receive messages if you are a subscriber. Subscription costs from £12.99 per month for six months.

3. EliteSingles

Best for: educated singles in their forties

From £19.90 per month

13 million users worldwide

Those averse to swiping left may enjoy EliteSingles – a site that uses a personality test to match users based on their compatibility. The comprehensive compatibility test takes into account looks, personality (with questions on how optimistic and ambitious you are, your social skills, how friends would describe you, and more), and what you're looking for in a partner – including whether or not you want children. Most users are looking for a long-term commitment and intellectual match, and 85 per cent of users have a degree and are between 30 and 55 years old.

You need to subscribe to send messages to your matches, as well as see all of their photos and leave comments. Premium membership costs from £19.90 per month for 12 months; or you can trial it for three months (£39.95 per month) or six months (£21.95 per month).

4. Silver Singles

Best for: Over 50's who are looking for love

Free membership (limited)

70,000 users in the UK

While Silver Singles is most popular in the States, it is starting to catch on in the UK, too. To register for the site, you must fill out a comprehensive personality test, which takes between 15 and 30 minutes and aims to partner you with your perfect match.

While profiles are quite detailed, they are kept behind a paywall. Likewise, you will need to pay in order to send messages to prospective matches. This premium membership costs from $24.95 for 12 months.

5. Our Time

Best for: meeting a variety of over-50s singletons in your area

Free membership

150,000 active users

Fairly new to the dating app scene, Our Time is a breath of fresh air for those who are tired of swiping and want to meet someone IRL (that's 'in real life' in text speak). The site hosts regular events for mature singles in your area, where you can meet likeminded people. Feeling shy? You can bring up to three friends with you for moral support.

The app is owned by Match Group, meaning your profile will appear on other dating sites – which widens the pool for meeting your potential partner.

6. Telegraph Dating

Best for: meeting like-minded individuals

Free membership (limited)

220,000 members worldwide

The Telegraph Dating site is a straightforward way to meet like-minded singles. As you set up your free profile, simply describe the type of person for whom you’re searching. Then, browse the site and view others’ profiles; once you find someone who you feel is a good match, send them a message.

A free membership allows you to read messages from potential matches and reply with a one-liner. Only paying subscribers can start conversations and write personal, customised messages. It costs from £12 per month for 12 months for a subscription. For an additional £10 per month, you can upgrade to Premium, where anyone can reply to your messages for free.

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7. Parship

Best for: singles looking for a long-term commitment

Free (limited)

23,000 new members every week

Parship has a scientific approach to helping you find love. Relying on 40 years of findings on how to build a successful relationship, the site categorises users into 36 personality traits, and uses a matching algorithm of 136 rules. The compatibility questionnaire is extensive, and covers everything from what you look for in a partner to whether you sleep with the window open.

There is a fairly even male/female split in the users, and 52 per cent of them are graduates. The site welcomes 23,000 new members every week, and almost four in 10 find their partner through Parship. However, whilst it is free to sign up, take the comprehensive personality test, view your matches and send them 'smiles', you have to pay to be able to message your matches. Membership costs from £14.90 per month for 12 months, but you can trial the site for six months (£19.90 per month) or three months (£29.90 per month), too.

8. Original Dating

Best for: Singles who want a quirky way of finding The One

From £10 per event

Over 250,000 users

Tired of swiping right? Original Dating is unlike other apps in that it focuses on singles meeting up in real life. There are speed dating events (including virtual options) where you will typically meet between 15 and 20 people in one night. Unlike the speed dating events of old, Original Dating ensures there is an even ratio of men:women by asking all attendees to book online. You can subscribe for discounts and access to more exclusive events, or just give an event a go (prices start at just £10).

9. Lumen

Best for: mature dating for the young at heart

Free membership

350,000 users worldwide

Whether your children have flown the nest or you’re recently divorced, dating in your fifties is a bit of a minefield. That’s where Lumen comes in.

Some dating apps can be soul-destroying when conversations consist of boring pleasantries. Not so with Lumen. Your icebreaker message needs to be at least 50 characters long, which encourages interesting chats.

All accounts are verified, and profiles are detailed – with at least three photos and a lengthy bio. There are no paywalls on the site but you can only start six conversations per day as a free member. You can upgrade to 12 conversations per day if you subscribe for £24.99 per month.

10. OkCupid

Best for: quirky and open-minded singles

Free membership

4 million users worldwide

OkCupid has an extensive personality questionnaire, designed to increase compatibility. You can then inject personality into your profile by answering quirky questions, such as “Do you make your bed every day?”

Instead of being bombarded with messages, you can only message those with whom you have matched. Downloading the app and speaking to users is free but you can upgrade to Premium for extra features.

In 2014, the OKCupid app was the first to introduce 22 genders and 13 sexual orientation options. This inclusive outlook has made OkCupid particularly popular, making 91 million connections every year according to their site.

11. Bumble

Best for: empowering women

Free membership

22 million users worldwide

To redress the gender imbalance of dating apps, women have to begin the conversations on Bumble. Profiles are not as detailed as on some apps, but you can make video calls and get to know your match before you meet.

Lazy users are penalised on Bumble, as you only have 24 hours to initiate a conversation before the match expires. The app is free to use but you can upgrade to Bumble Boost, where you can see users who have already ‘liked’ you, for £11.16 per month for 6 months or even just £2.49 for the day.

12. HER

Best for: meeting like-minded queer women

Free membership

4 million members worldwide

HER is a much-needed breath of fresh air on the dating app scene, as it's dedicated to helping queer, bisexual and lesbian women find their ideal partner. The app is free and you can view profiles, add friends and start chats at no extra cost. Upgrade to HER Premium to filter users by sexuality, see who is currently online and more.

HER also shares LGBTQ+ news and events taking place in your area, and there are smaller chat groups where you can meet other users.

13. Inner Circle

Best for: young professionals

Free membership

3 million users worldwide

The adverts for Inner Circle look like promotions for Glyndebourne, featuring couples in black ties and cocktail dress. This dating app is selective and there’s even an application process. In 2016, there were 450,000 applicants on the waiting list.

Tailored to matchmaking ambitious, career-savvy young professionals, Inner Circle claims to have made 10,000 successful matches. The app is free to download, but you can upgrade to premium packages. There are also exclusive members events. Polo in the park, anyone?

14. Happn

Best for: busy people

Free membership

50 million users worldwide

In the films, people lock eyes on the train, start a conversation and then fall in love. In reality, we are too awkward (and British) to act on impulse. That’s where Happn comes in. If you have crossed paths with another user, they'll show up at the top of your Happn page. If you like what you see, you can send a heart and, if they send one back, instigate a conversation.

Your exact location is not shared – just the approximate area. The app is free but you can upgrade for Premium benefits including up to 10 ‘Hellos’ and access to the list of people who like you.

15. Hinge

Best for: young people looking for love

Free membership

5.5 million members worldwide

Hinge is the new kid on the dating game block, known amongst millennials as ‘the relationship app’. To set up a profile, you need more than just photos and a one-line bio. Instead, you must answer three questions (e.g. 'My childhood crush?...Andrew Garcia') and potential matches can 'like' your answers and start up a conversation.

The app is free to download and you have unlimited access to profiles, swiping and sending messages. However, you can upgrade to a Preferred Membership, which allows you to better filter results.

16. Tinder

Best for: casual dating

Free membership

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Over 50 million users worldwide

It’s the Godfather of dating apps. Tinder, the photo-heavy app with 2 billion views per day, allows you to swipe right to potential partners, then message and arrange a date. The app is responsible for 1 million dates per week, according to the site.

Tinder seems geared towards casual dating. Profiles are not as detailed as on other apps, but you can include your name, job, company, education, location and links to your Instagram and Spotify accounts.

17. Badoo

Best for: keeping your options open

Free membership (limited)

Over 497 million users worldwide

If you want to be spoiled for choice, give Badoo a go. When you sign up for the app, you select what you're looking for – just to chat, casual dates, a serious relationship or stay open-minded.

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The app has a swipe function but it’s also possible to drop in on people’s live video chats. Profiles consist of basic personal information and you get notifications when someone likes or messages you. This, however, can be overwhelming as there are so many users. Premium prices depend on the package and subscription you sign up to, but start at £2.29 a week

18. Coffee Meets Bagel

Best for: romantics

Free membership

7 million users worldwide

As you can probably tell from its moniker, this app’s main fanbase is in the States. However, it certainly brings something different to the dating game. Its stand-out USP is that the site only sends you one match every day, which means you have to really consider whether this person is a good match, as opposed to swiping left without giving them a second thought.

That being said, you can click on the ‘Discover’ tab and like a handful of people per day. If you match, the app suggests a personalised icebreaker (e.g. “Ask Thomas about his recent trip to Thailand!”). It’s free to download the app and speak to your matches. However, you can upgrade for a Premium membership to see if your messages have been read and to access stats on your match – how long they typically take to reply, for instance.

19. Qemistry

Best for: Young TikTok-obsessives looking for love

Free membership

Designed for 18-35 year olds of all genders and orientations, Qemistry is a breath of fresh air on the dating app scene. It's still in its infancy (it only launched on September 3 this year) but it has great potential. To use it, you upload videos to your profile – whether that be TikToks, Instagram Stories or a video of you telling a joke or having a boogie. Unlike curated photo profiles (with their emphasis on abs) this lets your personality shine through.

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20. Christian Connection

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Best for: Christians looking for long-term commitment

Free membership (limited)

110,000 users worldwide.

On Christian Connection, users can create detailed profiles, outlining their jobs, political views, dream holiday destinations, favourite films and, of course, religious standpoints.

If you find someone you like, you can ‘wave’ at them and send a message. Membership is free but this only allows you to match, send waves and preset replies. There is a free 3-day trial for a taster of the subscription service; if you subscribe, from £24 per month, you can send unlimited messages and get discounted entry to social events.

21. Muzmatch

Best for: single Muslims looking for love

Free membership

1 million members worldwide

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You may recognise Muzmatch from their fun advertising campaigns (“Halal, is it me you’re looking for?”). Yet the free dating app has plenty of other stand-out features which may explain its 25,000 success stories. Firstly, it protects your privacy – you can use an alias and keep your photos hidden or blurred until a later date, so there’s no danger of friends or family stumbling across your profile.

All users are verified and you can opt to have a chaperone (a ‘Wali’) in your chats. The app is free for you to swipe, match and chat. However, you can upgrade to Instant Match, where you can talk to someone before they have liked you back.

22. JDate

Best for: Jewish singles

Free membership

The net's biggest Jewish dating service, JDate, has been around for nearly 20 years. Following its redesign in 2017, it is now a more streamlined service. After uploading a bio (typically 100-150 words) and up to 6 photos, you can browse others’ profiles to assess their physical features, hobbies, religious practice and what they’re looking for.

It’s easy to keep track of potential partners with the Look Book, a list of who has liked you back. Plus, there’s a community feel to the site due to the Kibitz Corner, where the site provides daily questions and you can compare answers with your matches.

How to avoid dating scams

Dating expert, James Preece from jamespreece.com shares his tips on how to avoid scammers:

1. If you’re suspicious about a profile report it to the dating website or app so they can investigate it.
2. Try doing your own detective work – ask them for their full name and look them up on Google and social media.
3. Don’t be afraid to question their authenticity – if they are genuine they won’t mind you trying to verify them.
4. Remember, they may spend months building a relationship with you and will only ask for money once you’re emotionally involved.
5. Ask a friend for advice as they are not as emotionally involved as you, they may be able to see something you can’t.
6. Look out for fake or stolen photographs. You can use sites like TinEye.com to check the authenticity of a photo and you can try doing a reverse image search on Google (by clicking on the camera logo in the search bar and uploading an image) to see if they are using a fake picture.
7. Never give out too much personal information, such as your home address, phone number or email.
8. Consider setting up a new email address to use for online dating and perhaps even get a cheap Pay As You Go phone to use for making phone calls.

For more tips and advice on successful dating after 40, visit our Mature Dating section.

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