Simply put, online dating is challenging, just like in-person dating. Thankfully, dating apps have made it a little less difficult to locate a potential spouse without the vibe of a serial killer (ahem, Facebook dating, Craigslist, and outdated). non-public announcements).
While many mainstream dating apps offer free downloads and basic features such as creating a profile and browsing through potential candidates, some stand out as the most productive free dating apps in 2023. Unfortunately, the word “loose” has a problem. And to add insult to injury, most dating apps require some sort of paid club to use “premium” features, such as messaging. For this review, we only thought about apps that allow you to create profiles and fit in with users without revealing your credit card numbers.
From free trials to feature-limited runs, we tested dozens of dating apps (including the most productive dating apps for introverts, students, and sexting, to name a few) to find the most productive way to meet new people without emptying your account. . billfold. Think of us as your dating app guinea pig; done the research, so you don’t have to.
At the end of the day, dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge have a free edition that stands up to their paid counterparts. That said, there are also absolutely free and more specialized dating apps that are being tested, such as Archer and Lex.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of dating apps to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between without paying a dime.
Note: It’s almost very unlikely to find a dating site or app that doesn’t offer a paid upgrade feature, however, all of the dating sites below offer a flexible club option that gives you just about everything you want for a well-rounded experience. These apps like Match or eharmony, where you have to pay to do pretty much anything.
Tinder is the place you go to find someone to flirt with as soon as possible. Everyone and their moms are on Tinder, and the huge user base means it will work even if you don’t live in a big city. Tinder is wonderful for other people who need to temporarily connect with someone close to them. This is especially convenient if you’re on a vacation adventure or if a local shows you around a new place.
They’re online dating with no strings attached – you can use them when you’re bored, skip them for 3 weeks, and come back to locate new matches and a new crowd to explore.
That’s not to say that Tinder is only used to find a one-night stand or friends with benefits. Many other people have discovered genuine relationships on Tinder, and chances are you know at least one couple who met on Tinder (if not, just take a look at those Tinder good luck stories).
Tinder gets a lot of criticism for being shallow. But let’s be honest: photos are still the first thing we look for on any dating site, even ones designed for very deep and meaningful relationships. So, if you’re looking for a casual hookup, Tinder’s quick and sensible procedure is the most productive position to start with.
We can’t communicate about online dating without communicating about Tinder. As much as we complain about this easy-to-swipe app, it’s too popular and works too well to be left off the list. Plus, it’s quite better for singles on a budget (if you only use its single version).
Tinder has its obvious disadvantages, but its ease of use, instant connection, and wide set of matches make it the first choice for most people to download when they want a quick hookup or a confidence boost. It also offers several premium club features (Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum) if you’re looking for more.
That said, every time you open Tinder, it’s a gamble, meaning your next match could be your future wife, or just a walk wondering if you’re DTF. It’s simply the unpredictability of modern love.
Read our full AdultFriendFinder review.
OkCupid and its user base are quite liberal. Ads depicting same-sex couples are apparently a hint, however, OkCupid has brought other small features that leave out more conservative people. For example, they’ll ask you questions about whether you’re for or against defunding Planned Parenthood or gay marriage, all to determine early on whether your potential spouse leans left or right. (This can help you avoid awkward conversations in the future. )Of course, all of this means that OKCupid is arguably not the best dating site for conservatives looking for love.
Liberal women found that this worked in their favor, as OkCupid published statistics showing that liberal answers to those questions made it much more likely (more than 80% more likely) to find love on the site. Monogamy will also be satisfied knowing that once you set this preference, the site will only show you other people who are interested in non-monogamy, which is one hundred percent more revolutionary than it is.
OkCupid is a very modern LGBTQ app that has captured the hearts of millennials and mature singles. Its profile creation procedure is much more fun than other apps as it almost looks like an online quiz. He asks a variety of questions, ranging from undeniable things. Like smoking and drinking, to more intimate things, like how many dates you wait before you sleep with someone.
Pro Tip: The app says that the more questions you answer, the higher your matches will be. The deeper you go, the more accurate your profile will be, and in turn, OkCupid will have plenty of time to locate matches for you.
Although OkCupid has a very physically powerful user base, you will get the most productive effects in well-populated areas. For city dwellers, this is great, but small-town singles may need to opt for another app.
All in all, OkCupid is the perfect happy medium for progressive people who don’t want anything to do with trendy swiping apps but don’t want to feel like they’re desperately looking for marriage, either. OkCupid genuinely wants dating to be a good experience for you, and its multi-faceted matchmaking and modern vibe help you have fun talking to people online.
Read our full OKCupid review.
If you’re a gay man, this app is your place to shine: a haven for queers who can’t stand the heteronormativity of apps like Tinder or Bumble and for those looking to have some no-strings-attached fun.
Let’s face it: Grindr users aren’t afraid of anything. It’s an NSFW gay paradise, and if you think you already know all the gay men in your area, Grindr can possibly show you some newbies you didn’t know. (Unless you live in a small town, in which case you’ll most likely see the same people recycled in your feed, but wait until you go on vacation. )
Grindr is the world’s largest social media app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, helping singles connect since 2009. With over 3 million users, it’s clear that it has earned its position among the most popular dating apps. .
Instead of swiping right or left to match, get an endless collage of other people nearby in terms of location, and honestly, it’s very confusing and scary to watch. This can be a fairly quick procedure if you need to, and the maximum number of users who are simply looking to log in will immediately inform you that they are not looking to chat. That’s not to say it’s not for relationships, however, on the surface, it’s wonderful for quick and casual hookups.
Be warned, however: Grindr is hella NSFW. Messages will be freaky, and you’re 100% going to receive a ton of unsolicited (or solicited, if you asked) dick pics, so messaging on Grindr while you’re on the train or in line at the store isn’t quite as casual as other dating apps might be. You’ll also get badgered for pictures, so steer clear if you’re uncomfortable with that.
For those who need to locate their spouse in a more classic and romantic way, other apps (such as Archer) may be a better option; For gay men who strictly need to have sex, it’s the Holy Grail.
Hinge is the best position for singles who need a genuine date but don’t need to engage in a dating site complete with detailed quizzes. Hinge is called the app “designed to be deleted” because its goal is to locate a date. so you can avoid dating apps (and subsequently boost your phone’s memory, once and for all).
Forget about awkward confrontations between friends on Facebook. Hinge’s set of rules has become increasingly intelligent, making connections beyond shared interests. It deepens, activates and gives you the opportunity to show your personality. Deep and authentic FTW connections.
Here at Mashable, we’re kind of in love with Hinge. It’s a step up from hookup apps while being the perfect level of serious for 20- and 30-somethings who want something real — but don’t need anyone asking how many kids they want just yet.
It has the trendy feel and patience of Tinder, but with the relational (rather than hookup) mindset offered by sites like eharmony or Match. Almost everyone is on the same page and knows that this app is only for sex, but it doesn’t exist. Nor should we strive to rush into marriage.
Hinge only allows you to send 8 likes per day, which is a bit disappointing, but that means you want to be a little more selective and considerate about who you like, which is more conducive to finding a compatible relationship. If you want to see each and every one of you who likes or send unlimited likes, Hinge offers several tiers of premium clubs, but having endless potential matches is overwhelming (and it’s reminiscent of Tinder, which causes more anxiety). If you’re looking to find someone, you’re in touch with, there’s no point in brutally attacking each and every user within a radius of 80 kilometers.
It’s the best position for queer, bisexual, trans, and lesbian women when they’re done with men posing as women online or are tired of being asked for a threesome through straight partners. Queer women were a much-needed addition to the world of online dating, and knowing that it’s a safe area is good. Another refreshing facet is that SHE goes far beyond a hookup app, i. e. , without adding tension to finding a romantic partner. While it can be used to contact you and locate local events you didn’t know existed, you can also get involved in local LGBTQ events, read LGBTQ news, and make friends through its social network-like feed.
Touting itself as the app that “introduces you to every lesbian you’ve ever wanted to meet,” HER is the award-winning dating and social media combo that lets you meet women you know are women, since it’s just for lesbians. Bisexual and queer women. The language is inclusive: it’s not a lesbian site meant for a male fantasy, thanks to the fact that it was created by queer women, and it will expand your dating pool beyond the circles you’re already familiar with in real life.
Keep in mind that HER’s user base is rarely as gigantic as that of client apps like Tinder, so it possibly doesn’t have as many features as you’d like (especially if you live in a small town). Many queer women still use apps like Tinder and Bumble, and unfortunately, on those platforms, you might come across women directly who say they’re “interested” in women just to find friends or a threesome. For now, you just have to decide between the non-violent lack of direct communication of HER presence and smaller variety of users or the heteronormativity of Tinder and its unbeatable number of users.
Either way, HER is making big strides toward becoming the overall boss of an app (and driving a bunch of queer users away from Tinder). The low-pressure vibe is very appealing, and the fact that you can locate a queer friend or girlfriends or attend an LGBTQ movie night through the app makes it exclusive for a number of reasons. It’s just wonderful, in a lighthearted and fun sense, okay?
Because women want to make the first move, Bumble is wonderful for women who are tired of unsolicited messages from creepy guys and for men who are tired of having to start a conversation. It’s also for other people who want transparency about types of relationships. Potential partners are looking.
While the time limit on the chat feature may seem a bit pressing, it helps eliminate who might be using the app to “build trust” in correspondence without intending to move forward.
If you combined Tinder and Hinge and then required women to make the first move, you’d get Bumble. Starting the app is pretty simple: you create a profile with a bio, non-public features and what you’re for, etc. People know if you are for a date or something casual.
Bumble is a dating app with a twist. In heterosexual dating, women will have to make the first move within 24 hours, otherwise the match disappears. (For same-sex dating, either user can start the conversation. )If you’re short on time, you can expand the chat by purchasing Bumble Boost, a premium feature that allows you to recondition expired fits, undo accidental swiping left, and create bigger fits for 24 hours. (This feature is only available had in certain regions. )
Bumble’s free version is a solid choice for anyone who wants a straightforward dating app without dealing with the traditional ick of the dating scene. It lets you be upfront about your dating goals, making it suitable for casual encounters and serious relationships. While we’ve also checked out Bumble’s paid option, we’ve found that the free version works just fine. However, a paid membership might be worth considering if you’re looking for the best possible results (and are super serious about finding a partner).
Archer is a free dating app for gay, bisexual, and queer men. It’s a relationship-focused option for apps like Grindr and Tinder, providing a “celebration venue” for gay men to form meaningful bonds.
If you’re a bisexual guy or someone who is HIV-positive and you’re tired of tiptoeing around imaginable hate and discrimination, Archer is your most productive option. (In fact, even the stunning Brooklyn biboy and writer of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, Zachary Zane, swears by it. )
Launched earlier this year, Archer is a social-first dating app aimed at gay and queer men. Unlike its sassy competitor (Grindr), Archer focuses on creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for its users.
It’s one hundred percent free to download and use (no incomplete in-app purchases or hidden fees) and has exclusive features like Smart-Blur to prevent you from watching NSFW content until you’re fit and Selfie-Verify for added security.
Not only that, but Archer is committed to making STD/STI, PrEP, and sexual fitness awareness a priority for its users. It provides comprehensive resources, education and users through Health Hub, making it a safer and more informed platform for the LGBTQ network than other dating apps.
And since October 2023 it has been available nationwide through Google Play and the App Store. (Previously only available in select cities. )
This is the position where seniors can avoid other people who are not serious and locate other singles of their own age. Chemischeck out is the call of the game here, and the multiple tests are no joke. It’s not a quick five-second setup like other apps, but that’s only because Plenty of Fish needs you to dig a little deeper in order to give you the most productive quality fits. Not only does POF try to connect you with other people you statistically get along with (based on how well you answered their questions), but it also needs to connect you with other people who are looking for the same thing as you.
In the “Achieve Goals” section, specify if you’re looking for something long-term, if you’re looking for a date but it’s nothing serious, etc. , and then Plenty of Fish will look to attach you. with other people who have responded in the same way. The concept is to eliminate the “What are we?” It sets you up for good luck by connecting with others who influence your priorities. Once you’re set up, this app needs you to be able to talk to and connect with those out there, which is why users can send other people nearby via a like or message to see if there’s chemistry beyond physical attraction.
While it doesn’t have the most attractive (or user-friendly) setup, Plenty of Fish is an underrated pick for other people just starting out in online dating. As an option shown to have been around for over 15 years, those 35 and older are likely more familiar with Plenty of Fish than newer apps. The advertising, long questionnaires, and profiles are incredibly traditional, making them a safe bet for non-millennials, divorcees, and single parents who feel like wasting time. Plenty of Fish is part of the Match group, so you know they take their algorithm seriously.
In terms of actual app usage, unlimited messaging can be nice, but other people can message you without matching, so if that’s not your vibe, this app is probably for you. It can also contribute to a more connection-based app culture. , so be prepared for that too.
At the end of the day, if you don’t mind a site’s quirky aesthetic (and peruse a few fake profiles), POF offers a wide variety of potential partners. Whether you’re very picky about your type or have no idea what you want, it’s impossible for you not to meet other people you find interesting.
Mashable shopping reporters, editors, and freelancers regularly test and review the best online dating apps for our readers. We’re also human, which means many of our team members actively use apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble in our personal lives. As a result, we’ve extensively tested all of the top free dating apps for this and other reviews.
When we come across a dating app that our business hounds haven’t personally used, we download it, create a profile, and check the waters. We check the strength of the user base, the types of features available to lose users, and the profile creation process.
For this specific review, we focus on apps that offer flexible club levels. Specifically, we wanted to see if we could simply create a profile, locate matches, and chat with potential dates without upgrading to a paid club.
Leah Stodart is a senior grocery shopping journalist founded at Mashable in Philadelphia, where she covers a generation of household must-haves like vacuums and TVs, as well as the sustainable industry and travel. Her growing experience in those categories comes in handy when she makes recommendations on how to spend her money shopping for groceries on holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.
Leah graduated from Penn State University in 2016 with dual degrees in Sociology and Media Studies. When she’s not writing about shopping (or shopping online for herself), she’s almost definitely watching a horror movie, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” or “The Office.” You can follow her on X at @notleah or email her at [email protected].
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer, copywriter, search engine optimizer, and content strategist. In addition to writing for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO, an online magazine written through other people with endometriosis, for others. people with endometriosis. She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from the New School of Social Research and is a graduate of the Sextech School. You can find more of his paintings in online publications, adding National Geographic, Insider, Kinkly, and others.
Stacia Datskovska has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from New York University (she will graduate in December). Her paintings have been published in USA Today, Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, HuffPost, Bustle, and more. When she writes anything, you can see Stacia crying. poetry, cooking a home-cooked meal, or walking along a New York pier. For your maximum combined thoughts: @staciadats on Twitter.