A Short List Of The Top Dating Sites

Updated November 1, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

There are many dating sites and apps available for those looking for a significant other. Whether you're looking for “the one”, a fling, a casual hook-up, or something in between, there's a site out there for you. Going through a list of the top dating websites may be like going through a list of the top restaurants in your area, though—information overload. It may be easier to take in the information when the apps are categorized by the type of date or partner the user is looking for. Consider these top dating sites listed according to the kind of dating experience you desire.

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Dating online can be challenging

Dating doesn't have to be a full-time job. Nor does it have to be as crazy and unpredictable as the movies make it out to be. With dating websites and mobile apps, you can narrow down the search for a partner. Each dating service has its unique perspective on finding a match, so the best dating app for you can depend on your preferences. For introverts and busy people, not being able to go out to bars or other places where they can meet new people doesn't have to be a dead end. With dating websites and apps, you can meet as many people as necessary to find the perfect match.

Perhaps you’re not sure where to start, or maybe you've been on a few dating apps but are getting nowhere. Instead of just picking a random site, you can make an informed decision with this shortlist of top dating sites for singles. 

When you are just getting started

Perhaps you've recently decided to try online dating and now you need some dating advice. The following free dating sites may be ideal for people just getting started in their search for a new partner: Zoosk and Tinder.  

Zoosk is a free online dating service that is quick to set up. They do offer a paid version, but the only difference is some add-ons like upping your visibility and sending gifts to matches. Tinder is well-known for being a hook-up app so it’s usually not the best dating app if you’re looking for something serious. Still, there are many success stories from couples who met their husband or wife on Tinder. Tinder works by showing you local matches and asking you to "swipe" left or right based on your interest in them. If you both "swipe" right (indicating your interest), you will then be able to chat with each other inside the app. When you have new matches, you'll be shown their picture first. If you click on the picture, you can see their bio underneath.

Ilona Titova/EyeEm

When you want something free 

Dating websites and apps can get pricey. Many sites might lower their monthly prices the longer you are willing to commit, but paying a $20+ monthly fee for 6-12 months isn't an option for everyone. If you're looking for a dating app that's free or mostly free (with paid add-ons), you can try Plenty of Fish, OkCupid, or CoffeeMeetsBagel.

Both Plenty of Fish and OkCupid allow you to fill out your compatibility profile using the free version of their site and app. Plenty of Fish asks for your preferences, while OkCupid asks you questions and matches you based on your answers. They both allow for free messaging with potential matches. 

CoffeeMeetsBagel is a unique dating app. With Coffee Meets Bagel, it’s free to create a profile, message your connections, and accumulate a few "beans" as currency towards in-app purchases. The Coffee Meets Bagel app works like Tinder in that you swipe left or right to find matches, but Coffee Meets Bagel also allows you to set up your friends or be set up by your friends within the app. You only get matches once a day, though.

When you have religious preferences

There are several dating websites available for those who have religious preferences. Perhaps the best dating sites in this category are JDate, Christian Mingle, and Christian Café.

If you are Jewish, and it's important to you that you date someone who is also Jewish, JDate is a great option for you. For Christians, you have two options in Christian Mingle and Christian Café. With Christian Café, you can build a profile and filter your search for matches. You have to pay to do anything more than making a profile, but it is one of the less expensive sites available. Christian Mingle works like Plenty of Fish, asking for your personal preferences beyond just your religious affiliation.

When you want the woman to make the first move

If you are female and are hesitant about endlessmessaging or fear being overwhelmed by matches, you might consider joining Bumble. This is an app that encourages women to make the first move. When you are matched based on your dating profile, you have 24 hours to send a message to the match before it disappears. You can communicate once you send the first message, but the app eliminates unwanted matches and unsolicited interactions. 

When you're ready to find the one

There are also plenty of dating sites for people who are ready to tie the knot. These are the sites you may want to consider if you want a serious relationship and your end goal is to get married. To help you achieve this goal, these dating apps may help you narrow your search and lean on experts to match you properly. 

Match.com is perhaps the most well-known dating site. This online platform is one of the best places to meet men and women who are interested in dating. It's also the oldest, launched back in 1995. It's free to make a profile, but you may need to pay if you want to chat with any of your matches. On Match.com, you can edit your dating profile to attract matches. You can also upload up to more than two dozen pictures and are asked questions about yourself and your potential partner's preferences. 

eHarmony joined the online dating scene in 2000, not far behind Match. But where Match relies on a basic questionnaire to help with the matching process, eHarmony has perfected a compatibility quiz that may identify what you need and want from your partner based on your personality profile. The personality test is comprised of 80 questions and takes about 20 minutes to complete. eHarmony is one of the more expensive dating apps available, but it may also offer more value in terms of dating services.  

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Dating online can be challenging

There are many more online dating sites and apps not listed in this article. You could search for dating apps on Google all day long. Still, there is no magic formula for a good relationship. Dating websites and apps offer tools for connecting, but for lasting love and affection to grow, you may need to spend real time with your match. Consider taking things off the internet and into the real world to go on dates and get to know one another on a deeper level. 

If you have any questions about dating, the best dating apps for your unique goals, or how to interact on dating websites and apps, a counselor can help. Still, it can be difficult to reach out for help with dating, especially in person. You may feel intimidated by the idea of talking about your love life in a clinical setting, for example. Some people report feeling more at ease in an online environment. Plus, internet-based counseling can free up more time for dating since it can be reached from your home or anywhere you have an internet connection.  

This type of remote therapy has also been proven effective by scholarly research in the field. A recent study published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy found that counseling services delivered via videoconferencing technology yielded positive benefits for not just individuals, but for couples and families as well. 

Takeaway

You don't have to navigate the dating world alone. Whether you're on dating apps or not, therapy can help you build your confidence and put your best foot forward when starting new relationships. At Regain, online therapy is available for singles and couples to talk about relationship issues and get their questions answered by a real therapist or counselor. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and match with a therapist within 48 hours. 

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