Independent dating site reviews · Updated September 2026

Find the dating site that’s right for you

We check and compare dating sites and apps side by side: prices, safety and who you’ll actually meet — so you can stop wasting time on the wrong site.

  • 45 sites & apps reviewed
  • Free & paid plans compared
  • Safety-first advice

Our top picks this month

  1. 1HingeBest overall4.5
  2. 2eHarmonyBest for serious relationships4.4
  3. 3TinderBest free site4.0

Our top picks

The quickest answer if you just want a recommendation.

Full ranking →

Best overall

Detailed profiles, free messaging and a relationship-minded crowd.

Visit Hinge

Best for serious relationships

Compatibility matching for people ready to commit.

Visit eHarmony

Best free site

The biggest pool, and you can match and chat for free.

Visit Tinder

Compare all dating sites

Filter by what matters to you.

Hinge

4.5

Best for: Finding a relationship in your 20s and 30s

  • Detailed, conversation-friendly profiles
  • Strong focus on real relationships
  • Free version is usable, with free faith and ethnicity filters
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $16.99 (US App Store)

eHarmony

4.4

Best for: Serious relationships and marriage

  • Strong focus on long-term compatibility
  • Detailed quiz and compatibility scores
  • Free Basic membership with no time limit
Free version
Limited
Premium
shown after you sign up

Bumble

4.2

Best for: A big, well-moderated swipe app

  • Big pool, with 100M+ Google Play downloads
  • Photo verification required in the US
  • Free in-app voice and video calls
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $2.99 for Boost (US App Store)

Match

4.2

Best for: Serious daters who like to search

  • Large, relationship-minded community
  • Free members can chat with their matches
  • Strong search, on the web and in apps
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $19.99 (US App Store)

Tinder

4.0

Best for: Meeting lots of people fast

  • Huge, active user base almost everywhere
  • Free version lets you match and chat
  • Very fast and easy to use
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $9.99 (US App Store)

OkCupid

4.0

Best for: Matching on values and answers as well as photos

  • Match percentage based on real answers
  • Free messaging with matches
  • Over 60 gender and orientation options, plus pronouns
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $10/mo

Best for: Over 50s who want an age-limited, verified community

  • Only singles over 50
  • Every visible profile verified by selfie video
  • Voice and video calls that hide your number
Free version
Limited
Paid from
≈ $18.99/mo (US App Store)

Best for: Busy professionals who want something serious

  • Profiles are reviewed before they go live
  • Selfie-video photo verification
  • Voice calls inside the site
Free version
Limited
Paid from
≈ $64.99 for 1 month

Best for: Busy people who want fewer, better matches

  • Free likes and chat with your daily matches
  • Free ethnicity, religion and relationship-goal preferences
  • Selfie verification
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $34.99/mo (US App Store)

HER

4.1

Best for: LGBTQ+ women and queer people

  • Focused LGBTQ+ community
  • Free matching and messaging
  • Communities beyond dating
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $14.99 (US App Store)

Zoosk

3.8

Best for: Casual to serious dating on a budget

  • Mix of swiping, browsing and daily suggestions
  • Web and app with one account
  • Photos reviewed before they appear
Free version
Limited
Paid from
≈ $29.99 (US App Store)

OurTime

3.9

Best for: Over 50s who like to browse

  • Built for people over 50
  • Very easy to use
  • Free to search and like
Free version
Limited
Paid from
≈ $19.99 for 1 week (US App Store)

Best for: Christian singles in the US, Canada and Australia

  • Free members can message their matches
  • Everyone joined to meet Christians
  • Selfie verification badge
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $49.99/mo (US App Store)

Best for: Free messaging and searching a big pool yourself

  • Free messaging with matches
  • Huge, broad membership
  • You can search and filter yourself
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $19.99 (US App Store)

Badoo

3.7

Best for: Meeting people nearby on a budget

  • Generous free version for matching and chatting
  • Built-in video and voice calls
  • Photo and ID verification
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $13.99/week for Premium (US)

Hily

3.6

Best for: Younger daters who want a free, easy swipe app

  • Free matching and chat
  • Easy to start
  • Verification badges and 24/7 moderation
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $7.99 (US App Store)

happn

3.6

Best for: City dwellers who want to meet people nearby

  • Unique real-world discovery
  • Free matching and chat
  • Simple to use
Free version
Yes
Paid from
≈ $14.99 (US App Store)

Free dating tools

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Why trust Swoonwise?

We check every fact against official sources, compare free and paid features side by side and re-check prices regularly. Sites can’t pay for a better rating.

How we test → · Editorial policy →

  • 5scoring criteria
  • 45sites reviewed
  • 0paid rankings