Top 10 Free Dating Sites And Online Dating Apps For Long-Lasting Relationships
Dating sites and apps may be the way of the future. More and more people are walking down the aisle because they met the love of their life online. Specifically, free online dating websites have grown in popularity as well. There are great sites that you can pay for, but with new free apps popping up almost daily, why not give them a try while you get your feet wet, if you’re looking to get started in the online dating world. Here are 10 of the top dating sites and apps.
Badoo
Badoo is a 100% free dating app that can offer multiple ways to meet The One. You can swipe left and right as you scroll through fellow singles, find people who might be missed connections, and even meet up with celebrity lookalikes. Badoo boasts a very strong verification system, so you don't have to worry about fake profiles or catfishing. You will never be charged to chat with other singles, but you can boost your profile worldwide if you choose to pay for the premium service.
Clover
Clover is another new dating app that can let you swipe to meet single people. Clover says that it is a mix of Tinder, OkCupid, Bumble, Match, and more. Not only do you have the ability to search for singles based on preferences, but you can go to local events set up by the company, attend online meetups, and set up dates "On Demand." The app has a group chat capability as well. Clover can be good for users who don't want to spend so much time on an app. It boasts that it can quickly get you on a date instead of spending months looking at profiles. You can chat with other singles for free, but some upgraded features are available only through premium.
Hater
Hater is the dating app that matches people based on the things they hate. Hater's algorithm will have you swipe through different topics and match you with people who have the same results. Then you can swipe through singles and only be able to chat with those who also swiped right with you. When you are ready to chat, there are Hater Cards that you can use to start a conversation.
Hinge
Hinge's tagline is "designed to be." To set up a free profile, you answer three detailed questions to get started. Then your profile can be as detailed as you want it to be. Hinge is different in that it works a little like social media. To show your interest in a match, you like or comment on their photos. For free accounts, you get ten likes per day to foster real engagement. Plus, when you go on dates, the app will ask for feedback afterwards. If the date didn't go well, they will take that into account when sending you more matches. It's an app that wants you to find a match, not continue using the app for the rest of your life.
Tinder
Probably the most famous free dating app, Tinder first coined "swipe right" into our vocabulary. With a very short profile and a few pictures, Tinder works by sending you singles in your area where you can swipe left or right to show your interest. When you both swipe right, a conversation can begin. Tinder has been used for casual dating or relationships and booty calls, but many people have also found true relationships and real love via tinder dates. Because it's free to use, the app is worth a try but this app, unlike others, is mostly based on first impressions.
Happn
Happn is the dating app for missed connections. See someone walking past you who you think is cute but are too shy to say hi? If they have Happn, your downloaded app will alert you to their profile so you can view it. Like their profile secretly, and if they like you back, you can begin a conversation. This can be a great free app for people who like serendipity. It's a little bit more like meeting someone by chance. These are people you see in real life, then you happen to connect online.
Bumble
Bumble is the free dating app that puts women in the driver's seat. Bumble will only allow a conversation to be started by the women, so it can keep people's messages clear of unwanted attention. Women also only have 24 hours to message a match before the match goes away. This is an app full of intention that gives women control to create meaningful connections. The app is free, but a premium feature can allow you to bring back a match that you hadn't messaged in 24 hours if you want to find them again.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel is another dating app. Every day at Noon, new matches are shown in the app. You can then look at the profiles and like the ones that you are interested in. Chat with mutual likes and use the in-app ice breakers to keep the conversation from feeling awkward. Coffee Meets Bagel has you fill out a pretty in-depth profile, and they ask that you are intentional with your likes so that you can find the match that is right for you. The more detailed your profile is, the better your matches can be.
Plenty of Fish
Plenty of Fish is a website and app that uses a chemistry test to match you with other singles in your area. The website kind of works like an ecommerce platform where you can scroll through the different profiles of your matches and click on the ones you are interested in to send messages. You get free unlimited messaging with a basic profile. This website is pretty standard, but it has also been linked to some scandals and lawsuits that people should be wary of.
OKCupid
OKCupid is a more updated version of Plenty of Fish. It works like the paid sites Match and eHarmony by using an algorithm and a lengthy list of questions to match you to potential singles. The website is LGBTQ friendly and allows you to select a gender a sexual preference outside of the binary choices. You scroll through your matches like you do on Plenty of Fish and can message the profiles you like.
Online dating support is available
Remember, if your first choice doesn't work, there are plenty more where it came from. These apps are designed to help you in the dating process, so don't stress about finding the perfect site to use. You can learn as you go and update your profiles as needed.
Regain is an online platform for singles and couples to talk with a counselor through chat therapy. Using chat rooms, people in need can write in their struggles and ask for advice from qualified counselors and therapists available to help them in their time of need. Through Regain, you can be matched with a therapist based on questions you answer through an online survey. In surveys, couples have very positive things to say about online therapy. In fact, 95% share that the process has been helpful, and many also share that they feel more comfortable talking with a therapist online than they do talking to someone in person.
Takeaway
Online dating can look scary from the outside, but you too, can find your way through the dark and find love.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about free dating sites.
What should you not do on a dating site or an online dating app?
To keep yourself safe, avoid sharing personal information too soon, like your address or financial details.
Which dating site is completely free?
Plenty of Fish (POF) and Mingle2 are known for offering full access without any cost.
Which dating site is best for serious relationships?
eHarmony and OkCupid are often recommended for those looking for committed, long-term relationships.
What are the do's and don'ts of online dating when using free dating sites?
Be honest and polite. Don’t rush into sharing personal details or agreeing to meet without a clear plan.
How do you spot a dating scammer?
Scammers often move quickly, ask for money, or have incomplete profiles with few photos.
What should you not do on a first date?
Avoid discussing heavy topics like past relationships or finances and focus on getting to know each other.
What are some red flags when online dating?
Watch out for overly flattering messages, excuses to avoid video chats and inconsistent stories.
How do you know if a guy is playing you online?
He may not have severe intentions if he’s evasive about meeting or keeps the relationship vague.
What does tacos mean on dating sites?
“Tacos” can be a playful icebreaker or code for asking someone for a casual date, like grabbing food together.
What is a good conversation starter on a dating site?
Try asking about their favorite travel destination or an exciting hobby as they’re light, engaging topics.
Which free dating sites are the best for serious relationships?
Bumble and Hinge are popular for fostering meaningful connections without any upfront costs.
How can online dating help you find long-term love?
It broadens your chances of meeting compatible people beyond your local circle.
What’s the most popular dating app for lasting connections?
Bumble is widely favored for finding both long-term connections and friendships.
Are there any 100% free sites for meeting new people?
Yes, sites like Mingle2 and OkCupid allow you to connect without hidden fees.
Which online dating app offers the best free features?
OkCupid and Plenty of Fish provide full messaging and profile access without requiring payment.
- Previous Article
- Next Article