Best Online Dating Sites 2024

Dating is not for the faint-hearted…

You go out of your comfort zone to try and meet someone. You hit the bars, join a running club, and attend local events. Heck, you even tried volunteering in a soup kitchen and bringing extra fabric softener to the laundromat.

And then you meet someone who makes your stomach flip. Could this person be your soulmate?

You go on your first date, and everything feels natural. Conversation flowed easily, you laughed as if you've known each other for a long time, and you even kissed at the end of the night. You start thinking, "Hey, this could turn into something!"

But the second date never came.

Imagine going through this scenario over and over again, and you can understand why some people have kissed traditional dating goodbye.

• It's awkward;

• time-consuming;

• requires constant socializing;

• your options are limited;

• .. and it can feel like a never-ending series of trial and error.

Fortunately, the digital age is changing the dating landscape. Welcome to the exhilarating world of online dating!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is online dating?

Also known as internet dating, online dating refers to a new way of meeting people in the 21st century. Instead of hanging out in bars, grocery stores, or the gym, you sign up to a dating platform and browse profiles. See anyone you like? You can swipe right, send a flirty message, or a winky emoji to get the ball rolling.

How does it work?

While the process can differ depending on your chosen platform, the idea remains the same. You sign up and create a profile, browse other members' dating profiles, or let the platform's matchmaking technology pick out potential mates. You can then initiate contact, respond to messages, set up virtual dates, or even arrange to meet offline.

How is it better than offline dating?

Gone are the days when we had to rely on fateful encounters or blind dates set up by our well-meaning friends and relatives. Nowadays, online dating has become a widely accepted way of meeting potential life partners. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 3 out of 10 American adults have used a dating app, with 57% citing a positive experience. It is also estimated that there are now roughly 400 million active users on dating apps worldwide.

Why has it become so popular? As someone who has clicked and swiped her way to love, I can point out several reasons:

• It's convenient. Meet the love of your life without enduring endless awkward dates or hanging out in bars when you'd rather curl up in bed and read a book. Why bother to get dressed when you can simply swipe left or right in your sweatpants?
• It presents a broader network of potential romantic partners. Why limit yourself to finding Mr or Ms Right within a 10-mile radius? Online dating sites offer a larger pool of potential mates to suit all tastes, preferences, and relationship goals. If you want to date bearded car mechanics who must also be Star Trek fans, he's out there. Are you interested in dating singles aged 50 and above? There's an app for that. Connect with Christian singles only? You got it. With hundreds, if not thousands of options, you're bound to find someone who ticks every box on your list.
• Thanks to filters and intelligent matchmaking technology, you'll meet people you wouldn't normally cross paths with in your daily life. It is even possible to meet someone halfway across the world by changing your location!
• It's perfect for introverts, wallflowers, and those with low confidence or self-esteem. Dating is every introvert's personal hell, especially on first dates. With dating apps, you get to check a person out and ensure you have some things in common first before making a move. And if you get rejected? Well, it's still ten times better than in-your-face rejection, isn't it?
• You can find love later in life. Trying to get back into the dating game at age 50? Senior dating can be stressful and intimidating. Fortunately, dating sites like Silver Singles and OurTime are designed for mature singles trying to give love a second chance.
• It is more affordable than traditional dating. The old fashion way of finding the right partner or spouse can get expensive. All those Uber fees, bar tabs, movie tickets, grooming, and dinner expenses can quickly add up. In fact, studies show that single people spend roughly $1,700 per year on dates. Compare this with online dating, where all you need is an internet connection and the monthly subscription fee, which typically costs between $20 - $30 per month.

Okay, it sounds fun and promising, but is it safe?

If you choose the right dating platform, then it can be a safe and exciting endeavour. Fortunately, we've done most of the legwork for you and featured only sites and apps with built-in safety features. However, note that there are limits to what these dating platforms can check or verify. At the end of the day, your safety, both online and offline, is your responsibility. Observe the same safety rules that apply to in-person dating.

1. Before meeting your date in person, look them up on Google just to ensure they are who they say they are.
2. Meet up in a public place.
3. Don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Trust your intuition or gut feeling.
4. Don't reveal personal information like your home or work address.
5. Have your own transportation.
6. Stay sober.
7. Keep someone you trust in the loop. Inform one of your friends, roommates, or family members about your date — who you're meeting, where, and when you expect to be home.
8. Never send money or gifts to someone you have never met in person.

As you can see, online dating poses the same risks as meeting someone new in a bar. Just keep your wits and observe common-sense safety tips, and you should be fine.

Disclaimer


The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect dating sites and apps in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Top10online.dating does not feature all of the services available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in the industry. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the online dating services that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the service is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Online dating site and app listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.