Best Free Dating Sites: A 2024 Guide (2024)

While most dating sites offer premium subscriptions that offer full accessibility to a platform, there are a number of dating sites you can use for free. Here are some options you might want to explore.

• OkCupid: OkCupid is a free dating site that uses a unique algorithm and questionnaire format to match you to the right members. With a free account, you can send and receive “Likes” and “Intros,” view matches and converse with matches. Paid features, like read receipts, “Incognito Mode” and “Boosts,” which show your profile to more users for a set time period, can also be purchased.
• Plenty of Fish: With Plenty of Fish, a free membership allows you to filter search criteria for potential matches, enjoy “Live!” steaming, “like” other members, view and message “Mutual Matches,” and more. A paid membership allows extended profile content access, unlimited likes, read receipts, the ability to add up to 16 profile images, no advertisem*nts and more.
• Match: Match offers a free plan that lets you create a profile and send limited messages. However, you’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan to “Boost” your profile, send “SuperLikes,” read receipts, attend Match events and more.
• OurTime: OurTime is designed to help those who are 50 and older find love. A free plan lets you see profile views, search profiles and send limited “likes.” A paid premium membership adds on features like “Private Mode,” seeing who’s viewed your profile, in-app messaging and more.

If you’re looking to try dating via app-only platforms, some options with free features include Tinder, Hinge, Bumble and Grindr.

In 2023, Forbes Health and OnePoll conducted a survey of 5,000 U.S. adults who have actively dated in the past five years and discovered the following:

• Nearly 45% of respondents met people to date on a dating app.
• 29.4% of respondents felt the four-to-six-month mark was the best time to say “I love you.”
• Meeting someone on a dating app was most reported by those between the ages of 27 and 42—and least popular amongst those 78 and older.
• Men are more likely than women to feel either somewhat positive or very positive about dating.
• Arizona (46%) and Massachusetts (43%) were the states that reported saying “I love you” the quickest.

These findings illustrate just how popular and effective online dating is in today’s world. To learn more, explore more statistics in the state of dating in America in 2024.

Free dating sites come with a number of benefits and drawbacks that are important to consider, according to Eric Resnick, online dating expert, coach and dating profile writer at ProfileHelper.

Pros

• They won’t cost you anything: While other dating sites charge users, free dating sites are exactly what they sound like—free.
• They’re convenient: You don’t have to be somewhere specific to use free dating sites as they let you explore potential matches from anywhere with an internet connection or cellular service. You have the option to date online from the comfort of your home, or on the go from your laptop or phone.
• They may remove the ambiguity of whether someone is single: “You don’t know if someone is single or even interested in meeting new people out in the wild. However, when they are on a dating site, you know they are available to date and they are interested in finding someone,” explains Resnick.
• They can be a good starting place. “Online dating sites give people a place to gather for the express purpose of meeting prospective dates and their profiles are filled with information that can be used to start a conversation,” says Resnick.

Cons

• They can be awkward: “Don’t get me wrong, people can be awkward in person too, but body language and eye contact go a long way to smooth that out. When you are using a dating app, it can be very easy to leave out the things people want to know [as well as] overshare,” explains Resnick.
• They make it easy to get blown off: “The fact that we don’t have to communicate directly with people on dating apps makes people far too quick to make snap judgments and blow people off,” says Resnick.
• Nothing is real until you meet: “It doesn’t matter how real a connection feels on a dating app,” explains Resnick, adding that meeting in person is the best way to know if that connection is real.
• Their features may be limited: Since free dating sites don’t cost anything, they may not have as many features as their paid counterparts.

The level of safety associated with a free dating site depends on a certain site’s safety features, as well as the measures you take to be safe when interacting on the app. However, you can look out for certain features, such as photo verification (which a platform may use to verify user identities), reporting and blocking.

Safety precautions you can take may include only interacting with photo-verified profiles, withholding certain personal information and limiting the use of photos that could give away personal details such as location or other personal attributes.

Additionally, if you and another user plan an in-person meeting, you can suggest meeting in a public place, keep your friends and family up-to-date on your plans and leave if you feel uncomfortable.

With so many free dating sites out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. Here are some tips to help you out.

Try Multiple Sites

“Don’t limit yourself to just one dating site. Explore multiple platforms and try out different features to see which ones work best for you. Some sites have advanced search filters that can help narrow down your options based on specific criteria such as location, age or interests,” says Megan Harrison, a licensed family and marriage counselor and founder of Couples Candy, a project dedicated to providing couples with information to help promote happy and successful relationships.

Consider the Site’s User Base and Features

“Look for a site with a large and diverse community to increase your chances of finding a compatible match. Next, consider the site’s features and how they align with your dating goals. If you’re looking for a serious relationship, you may want a site that [uses] personality tests or compatibility matching,” says Tina Fey, a relationship expert and founder of the popular love and dating website, Love Connection.

Explore Our Featured Dating Partners

Company Logo	Forbes Health Ratings	View More	learn_more_cta_below_text	Learn More
	Your guide to dating and relationships all in one place Video date feature available Offers compatibility counts to help you find your perfect match Access to dating advice articles, videos & blog posts created by experts Millions of couples have found lasting love	GET STARTED	On eHarmony's Website	https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-9311742-13603415" rel="nofollow"
	Find someone to share your passions with Have a sophisticated and precise matching system that helps members to easily find their matches Find your travel mates to explore and experience the world with you Team of experts available to offer you advice and tips on online dating	GET STARTED	On Senior Match's Website	https://www.seniormatch.com/?tid=af100015240" rel="nofollow"
	The place to meet the most exciting and attractive people Has a resource section with dating tips, online dating advice, relationship advice and more Zoosk offers four types of subscription plans, including one-, six-, three- and 12-month options. If you have Facebook, you can import your interests to your Zoosk profile	GET STARTED	On Zoosk's Website	https://zskpro.com/?a=167&c=252&s1=167&s2=YOURSUBIDHERE" rel="nofollow"
	The best relationships start here A version of the site is available in 25 countries Includes helpful instructions on creating a successful online dating profile Users can easily report inappropriate behavior, as well as access helpful safe online dating guidance	GET STARTED	On Silver Single's Website	https://www.spark-an.com/go.cgi?pid=100302&wmid=1300&cpid=42&prid=661&subid=YOURSUBIDHERE&target=SilverSingles.com-default" rel="nofollow"

Keep Reputation and Safety in Mind

“Take into account the site’s reputation and safety measures. Choose a site with a good track record and strong security measures to protect your personal information,” says Fey.

Have Patience

“Finally, be patient and take the time to get to know people before rushing into anything too quickly. Engage in conversations with potential matches and ask questions that will give you a better understanding of their personality and character traits,” adds Harrison.

As long as you choose wisely and put forth some time and effort, you may be able to find love without paying a dime.