Free Dating Sites In Usa Without Payment 2016

Free Online Dating in United States. Loveawake is a top-performing online dating site with members present in United States and many other countries. Loveawake has over a million registered singles and over 1000 new men and women are joining daily. With all these statistics you are almost guaranteed to meet your American match. Paid Subscription Dating Sites. If you have no interest in casual dating and are looking for a more meaningful relationship, you may want to subscribe to a paid site. Keep in mind, many paid dating sites often run promotions, such as free weekends or a price cut on subscriptions. If you’re interested in a particular site, watch for these.

1. Absolutely Free Online Dating Sites
2. Browse Singles Without Signing Up
3. Free Dating Sites Chat

If you want to skip online dating subscription costs and hidden fees, then you should spend your time on 100 percent free dating sites that offer a lot of matchmaking power for the low cost of $0.

Pretty much all dating sites are completely free to join, but sometimes that’s where the free ride ends. It’s frustrating to discover paywalls where you want to find conversations, and not all online daters have cash to spare on a paid membership.

We’ve broken down what you’ll get with a free membership on the most popular free dating sites and apps available, so you can make an informed decision and save some cash in the dating scene.

Best Overall Christian LGBT Black Senior Hookup Relationships Local International FAQs

Best Overall 100 Percent Free Dating Sites (#1-2)

Let’s start with a couple of sure-fire winners for singles of all backgrounds and ages. The following two dating platforms offer a free standard membership that includes enough communication options to get you onto a first date.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Friends, Dates, and Relationships

Match System:Browse by zip, age, appearance, more

Our Experts Say:“Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Match is the top dating site for finding a new friend, hot date, or even a soulmate. Its time-tested matchmaking system has been helping singles meet one another since 1995, and the Match Group boasts having seen more success stories than any of its competitors.

A free Match membership gives you access to every active dating profile in this database, and you can send a virtual like to an online cutie to see if the attraction is mutual. It’s free to respond to messages from premium members or to message the people in your Top Picks list, so free members can definitely do a lot of flirting on the Match website and app.

2. Bumble

Bumble made waves in 2014 as the world’s first feminist dating app, and it has been putting women first ever since. The app requires female users to make the first move when matched with a man, but, don’t worry guys, you can chat all you want for free after she sends that initial “hello.”

This unique messaging system benefits women because it allows them to set the tone in their romantic relationships, but it also benefits men by taking the pressure off them to always initiate and pursue women.

Bumble offers free communication between all mutual matches.

Many singles have embraced Bumble as a more civilized way to date. In 2020, Bumble surpassed 100 million users in six continents. Since its launch, the dating app has been responsible for over 1.5 billion first moves.

Best 100 Percent Free “Christian” Dating Sites (#3-4)

Christian singles often feel more comfortable dating a person who shares similar beliefs and values because religion is an important factor when building a life together. People of faith have a lot in common with each other, and their shared faith can strengthen their relationship.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Dates and Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by gender, age, education, more

Our Experts Say:“ChristianMingle is among the largest dating sites in the industry that only caters to single Christian men and women, and the site has some of the best search filters and safety features...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Christian Mingle offers a faith-driven dating experience geared toward the Christian community. It is open to people of all religious backgrounds, but 90% of its users identify as Christian.

Over 15 million people have joined Christian Mingle since its launch in 2001, and the dating site has shared hundreds of success stories from people getting engaged, married, and raising Christian children. It doesn’t cost anything to create a Christian Mingle profile and get in touch with date prospects in your area.

Christian Mingle offers a friendly sanctuary to men and women looking for a Christian partner, and the free dating service could be the answer to your prayers.

4. Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app designed to create authentic and loving relationships, and you can access its curated match list for free. Once you complete your dating profile, you can start swiping and liking profiles that fit your dating preference. Just be aware that free CMB members only get a limited number of swipes and likes per day.

Coffee Meets Bagel provides a free match list and chatting tools.

The CMB app operates on the premise that quality is better than quantity in the dating scene, so it has rules in place to ensure singles don’t move too quickly or play the field. Instead, singles have the chance to focus their attention on one dating profile at a time and see if romance blooms.

Since its launch in 2012, Coffee Meets Bagel has created more than 50 million matches, and it continues to make a name for itself as a leading app for relationships.

Best 100 Percent Free “LGBT” Dating Sites (#5-8)

The invention of online dating has been a great help to LGBTQ+ singles because it can effectively take straight people out of the equation and create a safe space for queer dating. The following gay dating sites specialize in creating same-sex matches — without charging users anything.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Daters & Hookups

Match System:Search by age, zip code, more

Our Experts Say:“MenNation is a well-established gay dating and hookup brand, having been founded in 1996. It's totally free to join, view profiles, receive matches, and flirt...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

MenNation supports an all-male dating network where guys can solicit sex in private messages and chat rooms. The gay hookup site creates a fun and flirty atmosphere where it’s not unusual to go from “hey, how are you?” to “I’ll meet you there” within a few minutes.

MenNation’s free search filters and browsing tools can help stimulate interest between gay men looking to get laid. Then all that’s left to do is upgrade to get the run of the dating website and send messages to guys who turn you on.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“LesbianPersonals provides a fun, quick, and easy experience for gay and bisexual women looking for sex online. Join for free, and you'll be able to search and communicate immediately...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

LesbianPersonals is a hookup site that appeals to lesbian women, bisexual women, straight couples, and anyone else turned on by a little girl-on-girl action.

A LesbianPersonals profile comes with a lot of free perks and privileges, but only premium members can exchange messages, photos, and videos through this platform. The pay-to-play system keeps unsavory characters from sending spam messages and ruining the flirtatious vibe on the site.

7. Grindr

Since 2009, Grindr has absolutely blown up the gay dating scene. This gay dating app uses location-based matching to inspire real-time connections that can lead to instant hookups or serious relationships depending on how guys play it.

Grindr sees more than 3.8 million daily active users.

Grindr empowers gay men to swipe, match, and chat with each other all day and all night long. It’s completely free to send and receive messages from mutual matches. Free members can also set search filters by age range and distance.

Grindr Xtra users have more search filters, tribes, and liking options at their disposal, and they also get read receipt notifications on their messages, so some guys say it’s worth upgrading to have more control over this fast-paced and sex-driven world.

8. HER

A single woman can join the HER dating app to break free from toxic masculinity and meet women in the queer community. This no-boys-allowed dating zone is a safe, friendly, and respectful place to make a new friend or create a new relationship.

The HER dating network includes more than 4 million singles who identify as female, and every dating profile has been verified through Facebook.

HER is a social dating app for lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans women.

HER gives women the opportunity to express themselves through photos and posts, and they can connect with others for free by sending private messages or RSVPing to local queer events.

Celine and Katie met on HER in 2016 and now are among the many #WeMetOnHER success stories trending on Twitter. They were planning to get married in July 2020; however, the lesbian couple had to push their wedding back to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Best 100 Percent Free “Black” Dating Sites (#9-10)

Black dating isn’t about segregation — it’s about knowing what you want and finding people who understand where you’re coming from.

Black dating sites give singles easy access to the dark-skinned dates they desire. The following two online dating sites have diverse networks that facilitate Black love stories as well as interracial relationships.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates

Match System:Search by location, age, more

Our Experts Say:“BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Over the last two decades, BlackPeopleMeet has grown into the most popular Black dating site in North America, and it creates thousands of love connections every day.

BlackPeopleMeet is open to people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities, but the majority of its users identify as African American, Black, or biracial. The online dating website has search filters by race and appearance to help local singles find someone who is exactly their type.

As a courtesy, BPM offers free searching and some free chat options, but only paid members have the ability to send messages and get to know this diverse dating pool.

10. Plenty of Fish

Plenty of Fish offers completely free communication for all users with no mutual matching required. The dating site and app don’t put many limits on its online chat room. As long as you have an approved dating profile, you can message anyone you want in the POF community.

It’s free to create a POF profile, take the personality test, and send up to 55 first messages a day to potential dates.

Plenty of Fish maintains a diverse membership base with over 4 million active users.

More than 150 million people have joined Plenty of Fish since its launch in 2003, and the dating platform adds approximately 65,000 new users every day. Black singles can use this free service to pick up a hot date without shelling out their hard-earned cash.

Best 100 Percent Free “Senior” Dating Sites (#11-12)

As you get older, your priorities, lifestyle, and dating goals can change drastically. Young singles may have the time and energy to dance the night away with a stranger and make no commitments, but older singles tend to be more serious about finding someone to love for the rest of their days.

The best senior dating sites give men and women the opportunity to build friendships and relationships that can go the distance.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Dates and Relationships

Match System:Search by profiles by zip and more

Our Experts Say:“OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

OurTime gives senior singles a fresh start in the dating scene. The online dating website and app make it easy to create a profile and mingle in a mature, 50-plus dating crowd. And it doesn’t cost anything to get started.

New members can choose to add a lot of details about their interests and dating goals, or they can stick to the basics by only filling in the required sections for age, gender, location, and appearance. Keep in mind that members with more descriptive profiles and at least one photo tend to get more attention on OurTime because people know they’re not fake profiles.

It’s free to use OurTime’s local search tools to find potential dates, and you can send unlimited likes and reply to messages from premium members for free as well.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion

Our Experts Say:“SilverSingles is a fast-growing, easy-to-use niche dating site exclusively for active daters over the age of 50...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

SilverSingles has gotten a lot of positive reviews as an online dating site built exclusively for single men and women over 50.

A free SilverSingles membership can be a great way to kick-start a senior dating experience and encounter folks with similar perspectives on life. The dating service provides search filters by age, education, religion, relationship status, and other important dealmakers or dealbreakers, and it provides match ratings to let users know how closely their lifestyles line up.

Best 100 Percent Free Hookup Sites (#13-17)

Sex can be a powerful motivator in the dating scene. A lot of adults aren’t thinking about forever when they start flirting with a stranger — they’re thinking about a night of intimacy and passion. Singles with a hit-it-and-quit-it mentality often find they have better luck on hookup sites where horny people mingle every day.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs

Match System:Search by age, location, appearance, and more

Our Experts Say:“With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Absolutely Free Online Dating Sites

Ashley Madison is a married dating platform with absolutely zero false pretenses. People come here looking for affairs and secret relationships, and they’re not typically shy about making their desires known.

In a recent survey, 61% of Ashley Madison members said they were looking for sex, and 76% said having an affair allowed them to meet their sexual needs.

Ashley Madison has over 60 million members worldwide, and it facilitates around 1 million affairs a month thanks to its women-chat-for-free policy.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups, Chats

Match System:Search by encounter, location, and more

Our Experts Say:“BeNaughty is a premier hookup app where you can feel comfortable expressing your desires. Plus, it's free to join, browse, and flirt...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

As a casual dating site, BeNaughty encourages sexy singles to let go of their inhibitions and be a little naughty in their personal lives. And it offers completely free chatting to speed things up.

Once you’ve completed your BeNaughty profile, you can send private messages or mass texts to singles in your immediate vicinity. The search tab saves profiles by online activity, popularity, and photos to make it easier for singles to find hotties willing to chat. Plus, the Like Gallery showcases the photos of BeNaughty members who fit your match criteria.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about short-term 'hookups' and affairs only. Note that a basic account costs $14.95/month, but it's well worth it if casual sex is your goal...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Since 1996, Adult Friend Finder has grown into the largest sex and swinger community ever built. The hookup site has over 102 million users worldwide and hosts hundreds of live model broadcasts per day.

It’s free to mingle in the AFF community, view sexy photos, and post in the X-rated forum or blog, but only premium members have the ability to send private messages, photos, and videos to each other. You can get a feel for Adult Friend Finder with a trial membership, but upgrading to a monthly subscription is the best way to arrange a fast hookup online.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“A hookup site specializing in casual encounters, secret affairs, live chats, and member videos, FriendFinder-X skips the awkward 'dating' stage of a relationship and fast-forwards straight to the sex...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

FriendFinder-X is a local sex site where singles, swingers, and polyamorous groups can go wild and satisfy their desires. Nothing is taboo on FriendFinder-X, and you’ll see people of all fetishes, kinks, and experience levels seeking a sexual partner here.

You may also see quite a few ads on FriendFinder-X because that’s how the hookup site makes a profit. The advertisements pay for the site, so you don’t have to. There is no need to get a paid subscription on FriendFinder-X, and you won’t find any annoying paywalls standing between you and a hot date.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups, Casual Dating, Chats

Match System:Search by age, location, gender, orientation, and other factors

Our Experts Say:“Flirt.com frees singles to chat with attractive locals and pick up dates on the spot. This hookup site is always open to horny and sexy people seeking one-night stands, casual dating, threesomes, and other sexual encounters...”

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Flirt.com is a free dating website where horny singles can flirt for free. There isn’t a fee for messaging a single man or woman who strikes your fancy, and the site even has a mass text feature to help spark connections more quickly.

As a casual dating service, Flirt.com keeps things light and simple. You don’t have to write a lot about yourself or go through a lengthy personality test to get your dating profile up and running. Simply provide an email address and answer a few basic questions about yourself (gender, age, location, etc.) to get started. You don’t even have to upload a photo to browse Flirt.com, so feel free to stay anonymous as you look for a hookup.

Best 100 Percent Free Dating Sites “For Relationships” (#18-20)

Serious daters are often frustrated by how superficial swiping apps can be. Certain platforms encourage surface-level attractions and chit-chatting, so finding a long-term match can take a lot of time and effort. Fortunately, some dating sites and apps have developed in-depth matchmaking tools to help people in the search for love.

We’ve ranked a few of the most successful dating sites and apps for relationship-minded singles who aren’t afraid of making a commitment.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Serious Relationships

Match System:Search, Receive Partner Suggestions

Browse Singles Without Signing Up

Our Experts Say:“EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

EliteSingles is a premium dating site that caters to singles who are serious about settling down. The majority of EliteSingles users are in their 30s, have established their careers, and want a potential partner who is just as accomplished and intelligent as they are.

Busy professionals choose EliteSingles as their matchmaker of choice because its adjustable filters help them take control of their dating experience and find dates that meet certain standards.

EliteSingles can offer a high-quality dating pool, but it’ll take more than a free membership to get into the good graces of someone special. Only premium members can view photos and send messages on this dating site and app.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Casual Dates, Deep Relationships

Match System:Personality test suggests matches

Our Experts Say:“Accounting for 2% of U.S. marriages, eharmony's compatibility-based system and commitment-minded user base are ideal for those seeking a serious relationship...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

About 20 years ago, a team of psychologists decided to create a formula for love, and the eharmony dating site was the result.

The eharmony algorithm uses an 80-question personality test to measure relationship compatibility and find a perfect match based on an individual’s temperament, values, family life, and dating goals. Singles can see a breakdown of their compatibility as well as a match rating on every profile. That makes it easy to build a serious relationship based on common ground.

It’s free to join eharmony, take the compatibility quiz, and send icebreakers and greetings to premium members, but only paid members can use the live chat and video chat features to take things to the next level.

20. Hinge

The Hinge dating app has solidified its reputation as a relationship app by giving singles all the information they need to make a smart match. The app puts an interesting twist on swiping by requiring members to like or comment on one of the six photos or three prompts featured in a Hinge profile.

To date, Hinge has made millions of matches, and the app leads to more than 35,000 dates per week.

Hinge is responsible for countless online dating love stories — including mine!

Since 2012, Hinge has endeavored to spark deep conversations that lead to great first dates and, hopefully, lasting relationships. The app markets itself as “designed to be deleted,” which means its ultimate goal is to match users with the person who makes them want to give up the swiping game for good.

According to its internal numbers, Hinge has a 72% success rate when it comes to turning first dates into second dates, and only 2% of its users are looking for hookups.

Best 100 Percent Free “Local” Dating Sites (#21-23)

You don’t have to look very far to meet local singles thanks to modern technology. A free online dating site can conduct a local search for you and deliver potential matches directly to your inbox. Here are some go-to dating apps that can bring romance to your door.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Fun Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search and get match recommendations

Our Experts Say:“Zoosk is integrated with social media sites, like Facebook and Google+, so it's very popular with singles on the go...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Zoosk is a social dating site and app where singles can use an abundance of search and match features to find common ground.

Once you enter your ZIP code into your Zoosk profile, the learning algorithm will instantly organize a list of date possibilities ranked by their proximity to you. Free members can click the Edit Search button to adjust their dating preferences and set a search radius of anywhere from three to 100 miles. That way, only local singles will show up in your Connections folder.

More than 40 million people have joined the Zoosk network since 2007, and its members exchange over 3 million messages each day.

22. Tinder

There was just no way that we could leave Tinder off the list of 100 percent free dating sites. Like it or not, our online dating experts have determined that it’s one of the fastest (and the freest) ways to meet singles in your area.

The stats speak for themselves. Since launching in 2012, Tinder has created more than 43 billion matches, seen over 340 million downloads, and led to countless first dates, hookups, and relationships.

More than half of Tinder users are between 18 and 25 years old.

When it comes to finding a local date, Tinder can’t be beat. A free Tinder account gives singles access to a virtually endless swiping list, and they can chat with their mutual matches for free. The casual atmosphere on Tinder is particularly appealing to young daters who are still figuring out what they want.

In a 2020 survey, more singles (39%) reported using Tinder to get them through the COVID-19 pandemic than any other dating site or app.

23. Happn

Happn is a dating app designed to create a feeling of serendipity between singles. Its algorithm uses GPS data to identify where two users cross paths as they go about their day. When you view someone’s profile, you can see the coffee shops, bars, bookstores, and restaurants you have in common, and you can use that information to arrange a first date you’ll both enjoy.

Happn helps local singles find common ground in the dating scene.

Thanks to Happn, singles can cover a lot of ground in the search for romance, and it’s particularly useful in big cities. The Happn app will never reveal a person’s real-time location, and only mutual matches can see where they have crossed paths.

Happn doesn’t pressure people to make a commitment or put a ring on it, so it’s a great place to just mingle and see what happens.

Best 100 Percent Free “International” Dating Sites (#24-25)

Despite what people say, love may not be around the corner in some cases. It may be halfway around the world. International dating sites give singles the chance to broaden their search for love and seek dates in different cities, states, and countries if necessary.

Here are a couple international dating sites with good reputations and worldly members.

24. OkCupid

OkCupid is an always free dating site and app where members can flirt and date without worrying about paid subscriptions. It’s 100 percent free to send messages on OkCupid, and you don’t need to create a match to say hi.

This 0pen-ended dating scene appeals to young singles who want to play the field because it doesn’t cost anything to engage in multiple private conversations at once.

OkCupid creates more than 91 million matches and leads to 2.5 million dates a year.

While OkCupid is based in the U.S.A., its membership base includes people from around the world. An American single can tap into that international dating network by going into the “Looking For” section of his or her dating profile and adjusting the distance preference to Anywhere. That way, Americans won’t be limited by a certain distance radius and can become pen pals with OkCupid users in Canada, the U.K., or Australia.

25. Badoo

Badoo keeps a running tally of how many users have downloaded the app or joined the website, and it currently stands at 481 million people worldwide. That ranks it among the most popular dating services of all time.

Badoo is available in 190 countries and 47 languages.

When you look at the numbers, Badoo comes out on top. The dating website and app see over 60 million users per month and facilitates more than 12 billion swipes per day. Badoo’s photo gallery adds about 10 million pictures a day, and the Badoo network adds more than 300,000 users a day.

What Does “100 Percent Free” Mean on Dating Sites?

It’s important that newcomers to the online dating world understand that not every free dating site is 100 percent free for everyone. It may just be free to join. Or free for single women. Or free during the first week or month of membership.

Pretty much all dating sites offer at least some free services (browsing, liking, matching, etc.), but only a few allow free members to access 100 percent of its features without a premium subscription plan. In our estimation, a dating site or app can only claim to be “100 percent free” if it’s possible for singles to pick up a date without paying a cent.

Are 100 Percent Free Dating Sites Safe to Use?

Meeting a stranger on a 100 percent free dating site is about as safe as meeting a stranger at a bar or club. The only big difference is you can’t look the person in the eyes, so you have to ask questions and be diligent to avoid fake profiles.

Online communication is perfectly safe because you can screen people while keeping them at a distance — just remember not to give out your personal details too quickly.

Online daters can build trust by engaging in a private chat and conducting a quick background search.

Endangering your personal safety is too high a cost to pay for online dating, so be wary about putting yourself in a risky situation just to save a buck. Free dating sites do not run background checks, and they can attract scammers and spammers looking to take advantage. The good news is that singles can usually spot online dating scams if they use good judgment and vet their dates.

How Do I Choose a 100 Percent Free Dating Site?

Experts estimate that there are more than 8,000 dating sites available worldwide, so finding the right one for you can seem like an awfully big task.

Fortunately, our dating experts have tested, reviewed, and ranked the most popular dating sites out there, so singles can save time by focusing on the best of the best. You can learn a lot about how online dating works and how particular dating platforms work by reading through best-of articles like these. Then it’s up to you to decide which dating site or app can meet you where you’re at in life.

If you’re having trouble deciding, don’t sweat it. You can create a free dating profile on the top three or four dating services to compare the user experience and get a better feel for what they have to offer.

Are Paid Dating Sites Worth It?

That depends on your priorities and budget. If you’re a college student looking for a casual hookup, it’s absolutely not worth paying for an online dating service. Tinder is free and perfectly capable of hooking you up on a Saturday night.

On the other hand, if you’re a single professional seeking love, then a free dating app full of flaky singles may not be enough to satisfy you. It may be worth it to you to upgrade to a premium membership on eharmony so you can connect with more quality people in your age range.

eharmony

• Relationships: Long-Term Relationships, Marriages
• Match System: Get daily match suggestions
• About the App: Responsible for 4% of marriages in the U.S., eharmony is among our top picks for relationship-minded heterosexual singles. To become a member, add the app to your phone (iOS or Android) and then take its 29 Dimensions® of Compatibility Matching Quiz. It's absolutely free to do both these things — as well as receive matches and communicate during other special events.
• Browse Free:View Profiles Now

Free dating sites and apps attract people who want to keep things casual, so it’s often more difficult to find dates with real relationship potential. That’s why some commitment-minded singles prefer to conduct their search in a more prestigious and discerning dating pool.

A paid membership on eharmony can instantly upgrade a single person’s online dating prospects and give them a better chance at finding true love.

Free Dating Sites Give Singles Free Rein to Meet Dates

Dating can be costly, so it makes sense to use 100 percent free dating sites to save yourself some cash to use on your first date. Free dating sites can help local singles explore the dating scene one swipe at a time, and it can build their confidence to receive likes and messages on a regular basis.

It’s absolutely free to create a dating profile on all of the dating sites and apps on this list, and new members can usually take advantage of some free communication features as well. However, if you’re serious about meeting a special person, it may be worth upgrading to a premium plan to see what the online dating world is truly capable of. Good luck!

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Joining free dating sites with no hidden fees is the dream for most singles out there, but can it be a reality? Our experts have done the research to make it happen.

My high school economics teacher loved the saying “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” It was her go-to response when students asked for pretty much anything. Can I go get a drink from the water fountain? Can I borrow a textbook? Could you give us a hint about when the pop quiz will be?

She’d make a wry smile and say “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” to mean “I don’t have to give you anything. You have to earn it.” If you could explain how it was in her best interest to let you do whatever it is you wanted to do, you could take as many trips to the water fountain as you wanted.

Along the same lines, dating sites don’t have to offer free services, but many do because it benefits them to allow singles to see how the site works. That way, hopefully, they’ll decide it’s worth it to stick around and maybe even upgrade to a paid membership. If you’re looking for a free and reliable dating site with no hidden fees, you should definitely check out the following upstanding and low-cost platforms that are all 100% free to join. Enjoy!

1. Match

Putting Match.com at the top of our list is a no-brainer. This dating site is the best of the best and has been connecting relationship-minded singles since 1995. Anyone can join Match for free and explore the advanced search features, sending winks to users who stand out. Match even offers free communication between free members in each other’s Top Picks list, so it’s possible to read and respond to some messages in your inbox.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Friends, Dates, and Relationships

Match System:Browse by zip, age, appearance, more

Our Experts Say:“Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Match pretty much wrote the book on online dating, and its matchmaking algorithm is the result of years of careful study and gradual improvements. This website and app has led to more relationships and marriages than any other dating service, so it’s definitely for the price of admission — which is $0.

You are under no obligation to upgrade your free membership on Match, but, if you do, you’ll be able to see who’s viewed your profile, send messages to anyone, and get special deals on local Match Events. What’s not to love!

2. Elite Singles

Something Elite Singles does better than any other dating website or app is target the upper crust of the dating world. This network appeals primarily to a worldly and sophisticated single person who has a solid career and relationship goals.

Over 80% of Elite Singles members have graduated from college, and over 90% say they’re ready to find a relationship. If that sounds like the dating pool for you, then create a free account and give it a whirl.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Serious Relationships

Match System:Search, Receive Partner Suggestions

Our Experts Say:“EliteSingles is a leading dating site just for busy, single professionals. More than 80% of members have earned a college degree, and most are looking for a serious commitment...” Full Review»

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The upscale dating site comes with no hidden fees — only quality members and simple features.

You can always upgrade your membership on Elite Singles if you like what you see and want to start meeting single men and women online. “I was impressed with the quality of my partner suggestions,” Mark, a user in Boston, said in a testimonial. “I have to admit I have been pleasantly surprised.”

3. Zoosk

Zoosk has become the number one grossing dating app in the Apple App Store because so many single people have decided the dating platform is a worthwhile place to spend their time and money. While it’s totally free to join and browse on the website or app for an unlimited period of time, you can always upgrade to get extra features, including premium messaging.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Fun Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search and get match recommendations

Our Experts Say:“Zoosk is integrated with social media sites, like Facebook and Google+, so it's very popular with singles on the go...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

With its global membership, Zoosk has satisfied daters of all ages and backgrounds. Over 40 million singles have joined so far, and these friendly members send over 3 million messages per day.

The best part is that you don’t need a credit card to find a perfect match on Zoosk because the online dating site and app offer many free communication features to help online daters break the ice and spark a romance.

4. eharmony

On eharmony, single men and women can benefit from the 32-dimension matchmaking system free of charge. The site’s famous match algorithm is rooted in psychological principles and has proven successful for the past few decades. You can review all the profiles of your matches for free and send icebreaker quizzes or greetings to local singles who catch your eye.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Casual Dates, Deep Relationships

Match System:Personality test suggests matches

Our Experts Say:“Accounting for 2% of U.S. marriages, eharmony's compatibility-based system and commitment-minded user base are ideal for those seeking a serious relationship...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

What singles on a budget enjoy most about eharmony is how it keeps free members involved in the flirtatious fun by offering some free communication features, including icebreakers, winks, and a limited number of free messages.

All in all, this relationship-driven website has plenty of free feature and premium perks to make online dating more exciting and fruitful. Over 2 million couples in the U.S. met on eharmony, and you could add your name to its success stories if you meet the right person.

5. OurTime

General dating sites often don’t suit more mature daters who tire of swiping through date prospects half their age. That’s why OurTime launched. The seniors-oriented dating network is ideal for online daters of a certain age.

If you’re over 50 and want to meet new people in your age bracket, then OurTime is the free dating service for you.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Dates and Relationships

Match System:Search by profiles by zip and more

Our Experts Say:“OurTime is just for men and women who are 50 or older, and it's one of the most popular dating sites in this niche because of its size...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

Things that are free on OurTime: Signing up, adding photos, searching for a date, downloading the app, and having a good time. It takes less than two minutes to join, and many new users are so wowed by the user-friendly interface that they take the plunge to full-fledged membership.

6. ChristianMingle

Since it launched in 2004, ChristianMingle has gathered a loyal following of singles throughout the world. Sparks Network, a highly regarded dating network, designed the site to serve singles of faith with a streamlined matching process. Today, ChristianMingle has more than 16 million members.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Dates and Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by gender, age, education, more

Our Experts Say:“ChristianMingle is among the largest dating sites in the industry that only caters to single Christian men and women, and the site has some of the best search filters and safety features...” Full Review»

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Anyone can sign up to ChristianMingle using a valid email address or a Facebook account. It’s free to get started, and you won’t find any hidden fees standing between you and thousands of attractive Christian singles.

7. BlackPeopleMeet

Without a doubt, BlackPeopleMeet is among the best free dating platforms for black singles in the U.S. It boasts having the largest online community for African American and biracial singles seeking love and friendship.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates

Match System:Search by location, age, more

Our Experts Say:“BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month...” Full Review»

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Over the years, BlackPeopleMeet has introduced countless singles to short-term and long-term dates. Oftentimes, singles find upgrading and engaging with people on the site is well worth it.

“Thanks so much for the ease and flexibility of the BlackPeopleMeet site,” wrote an anonymous user in Pittsburgh. “I met a wonderful man named Eric on this site only a few days after subscribing to this service.”

8. SilverSingles

SilverSingles uses a tried-and-true network to bring together daters over 50. Sometimes it’s hard for senior singles to meet one another, but not on this niche dating site.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion

Our Experts Say:“SilverSingles caters to relationship-minded singles over 50 with simple, safe, and effective online dating tools...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

As with every dating website on our list, joining SilverSingles is completely free. There’s no rush to upgrade and no need to pay for any feature on the site. Online daters can create a profile and browse for matches without providing any credit card information. Sounds like a great deal to me.

9. BeNaughty

Sometimes sex-oriented dating sites can feel shady, but BeNaughty makes an effort to put everything above board. From the free signup process to the customized nudity filters, the online dating site empowers all members to have a fun, safe, and easy dating experience. You can let go of your inhibitions in this growing community of naughty singles.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups, Chats

Match System:Search by encounter, location, and more

Our Experts Say:“BeNaughty is a premier hookup app where you can feel comfortable expressing your desires. Plus, it's free to join, browse, and flirt...” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

BeNaughty is a free dating site where single people can send private messages or mass texts without paying anything. The free membership never expires, and it includes enough chat features to sext with local singles.

Want extra security, all-inclusive app access, unlimited chatting and a host of premium features? Then BeNaughty’s Extra Security, Premium Dater, or Chataholic packages will sate your appetites for online connection.

FAQs: Is Tinder a Good Free Dating App?

Free Dating Sites Chat

Yes, Tinder is actually one of the best dating apps on the market in terms of sheer size and reach. Since its launch, Tinder has been downloaded over 430 million times and created over 60 billion in 190 countries.

Like it or not, Tinder is the dating app of the future, and it’s been embraced by young singles in their 20s in particular. Over half of Tinder users are under 25, and over 80% are under 35. If you’re a young single person looking to chat up as many local singles as possible, then Tinder will be your jam. If you’re older and more relationship-minded, then it may not be such a good thing.

Tinder offers completely free swiping and matching, so you can always create a profile and explore your options without getting too invested in the online dating process.

Is Plenty of Fish Free to Use?

If you want to join dating sites for free with no membership fees, then Plenty of Fish (POF) is definitely a good option because it provides free communication to all of its users.

As soon as you create your POF account and upload a profile picture, you can start messaging anyone you encounter in your search results or match features. No credit card, in-app purchases, or mutual matching necessary.

Every day, more than 4 million people browse on Plenty of Fish in search of love and romance.

Plenty of Fish offers a completely free dating service where local singles can get to know each other without paying fees or subscription prices. This has been wildly popular among single people in North America, Europe, and Asia, and the POF network currently encompasses over 150 million users in 20 countries.

What’s the Best Dating App for Android Users?

Most popular dating apps are available for iOS and Android users, and they work well on both types of devices, so you really can’t go wrong with any of the big names out there. However, if we absolutely had to pick a favorite dating app for Android users, we’d say it’s Tinder.

Tinder has been Google Play’s top dating app for years now, and it has an impressive 3.7 star rating from Android users. Over 100 million people have downloaded Tinder on Google Play, and over 3 million of them have taken the time to leave a positive review.

“Thank you for this awesome app,” said one Google user. “I’m in a relationship now with a girl!”

Which Dating Site Has the Highest Success Rate?

A lot of dating websites have some pretty impressive stats and success rates. For instance, the Hinge dating app boasts being the best at facilitating second dates because over 70% of its first dates lead to second dates. However, that doesn’t mean that every Hinge swipe, match, or conversation leads to an actual date, so some singles could still be frustrated by this app.

When it comes to success, no dating site or app can compete with Match.com, which has been in the online dating industry the longest and led to more happy marriages than any other matchmaking service. Match is now available as a dating app so it’s more convenient than ever to practice your flirting and pick up dates in this free network.

Match.com

• Relationships: Fun Dates, Serious Relationships
• Match System: Browse by location, age, interest, and more
• About the App: Available via the App Store and Google Play, Match is a fantastic app for dates and relationships. With a user base of 30 million singles, Match is where you'll have a high chance of success. It's free to download, create a profile, search for date prospects, and receive compatible matches based on personalized preferences. Free members can also chat with select members and send unlimited likes.
• Browse Free:View Profiles Now

As you can see, Match has a lot of pros and not a lot of cons. This time-tested dating service has been a pioneer in the online dating scene, and it remains one of the most successful dating sites for building real friendships and relationships.

Whether you’re looking for a new friend or a perfect match, you can trust Match to curate a list of compatible singles worth getting to know a little better.

Are Paid Dating Sites Better Than Free Dating Sites?

That really depends on what you’re looking for. Someone who just wants to chat, flirt, and see where things go probably doesn’t want to spend money on a dating site or app, but singles who are serious about finding love and building a family may see a premium subscription fee as an investment in the future.

A paid dating site can offer a most sophisticated and mature dating network where everyone is genuinely looking for a first date that leads to a long-term relationship or marriage. It can give singles a lot of peace of mind to know that everyone in their inbox has paid a cover charge and made that commitment to their dating lives.

However, a potential downside on paid dating sites is that they often have smaller dating pools for the very reason that they’re competing against free services that are more popular among casual daters and people on a budget. Paid dating sites typically attract singles with high incomes and serious relationship goals, so they’ve not for everyone by definition. It’s possible to find love on either a free site or a paid service, but you have to have the patience and persistence to make these platforms work for you.

Feel Free to Explore These Affordable Dating Websites

Whenever I hear about a free service or free trial, I think about my economics teacher and start wondering what the catch is. A profitable business can only offer customers 100% free services if it’s making revenue some other way — on the internet, that typically means through ad revenue, data mining, or hidden fees.

Dating websites compete for single people’s attention (not to mention their personal information) and often offer free communication weekends or free browsing, for example, to entice singles to become active online members.

As a result, singles have a lot of free tools at their disposal, including free dating sites with no hidden fees.

Whether you’re looking for a hookup, a hot date, or a serious relationship, your best bet is to sign up for as many free reputable dating sites as you can find and see which ones fit your preferences and desires. We hope our list has made your choice a little easier. Good luck!

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