In the past few years, online dating has proliferated and become one of the leading ways to find a significant other. But with so many apps and sites to consider, it can be tricky to choose the right one. Luckily, here’s a list that can help you.
Although most of them use the same algorithm, each dating site has something unique to offer. Some are designed for users over 50, some make women feel empowered by letting them initiate conversations, while others are inclusive for people of all genders and sexualities. Without further ado, here are the 6 best free dating sites in the USA without payment.
1. Tinder
Image source: Tinder.com
It’s only right to start the list with Tinder, the most popular dating app in the world. Available for Android, iOS, and desktop, Tinder allows you to meet and connect with a wide range of users.
What draws most people to this app is how easy it is to use. You just set up a profile listing your personal info, from your age and profession to some hobbies and tastes.
Next, you choose the age group and the sex you are interested in. The algorithm then suggests people according to those criteria and gives recommendations relative to your area and similar interests.
You have two options for what to do with those suggestions — you can either swipe right or swipe left. If you and the other person both swipe right, the app will match you for 24 hours, and you can start chatting. On the other hand, swiping left on a person won’t match you with them, and the app will continue giving you other suggestions.
While the app is free, you can also purchase premium versions: Tinder Plus ($9.99 a month if you’re under 30, $19.99 if you’re older) and Tinder Gold ($29.99 per month). These versions offer you special features, the most popular of which is the Rewind button. It allows you to go back and change your decision after you’ve already swiped left or right.
2. Bumble
As the second most popular dating app in the world, Bumble also takes the runner-up position on our list. Like Tinder, it allows users to swipe right if they like someone and left if they don’t.
However, what makes the app stand out is that women are calling the shots in heterosexual matches. Namely, only female users can start a conversation with men. Conversely, either person can initiate contact in same-sex matches.
This feature brings girls and women more empowerment, something Whitney Wolfe heavily focused on when creating the platform. In addition, it makes them feel safer on the app, as no one can message them without their consent.
Bumble also offers a premium version, which can screen potential matches for different criteria. They can include taste in books or movies, level of education, and so on. Bumble premium costs $7.99 a week or $32.99 a month. Alternatively, you can opt for a lifetime subscription for $199.99.
3. OurTime
Image source: Ourtime.com
OurTime was founded in 2017, and it is aimed at people over 50. The goal was to create a safe environment for older singles where they can be themselves and find like-minded friends and partners.
This site is quite safe to use. Each profile picture and description goes through a thorough verification system, ensuring that there is no catfishing. Moreover, the site uses an interface that flags harassment and inappropriate behavior and bans those engaging in it.
If you are over 50, this app gives you a perfect opportunity to continue exploring the dating waters. You can spark new relationships with people in your area based on mutual interests and start conversations immediately. Through talking in the platform’s safe message space or video chatting, finding new love is effortless.
While creating a profile and looking at other users’ activity is free, you need a paid subscription to send messages and gain mobile access. To be able to do it, you’ll have to pay around $29.96 a month or $90 for six months.
4. Hinge
Image source: Hinge.co
Hinge is a platform that took an interesting approach to matchmaking. Namely, it compares your Facebook friend list to those of potential partners. That way, the profiles you are matched with in the app are people with whom you have mutual friends. And when you first start chatting, it will be in a group chat with your mutual friends.
Hinge also offers many other great features. For example, someone can’t just like your profile and leave it at that. Instead, they have to like a specific part of your profile, and they also have the option to leave a comment. If they choose to do so, these comments can serve as great conversation starters that help you connect.
The app also reminds you to reply to the people you are talking to. That way, it’s harder for you to miss someone’s message, and it also lowers the chances of someone ghosting you. This feature is what separates it from the other entries on this list.
As with most dating apps, Hinge also has a premium version. Subscriptions start at $19.99 for one month, $39.99 for three months, and $59.99 for six months. Becoming a premium member lets you use special matching features and makes navigating the site easier.
5. OkCupid
Image source: Okcupid.com
Over the years, OkCupid has proven to be one of the absolute best matchmaking platforms out there. There are over 91 million connections annually, and it is the most mentioned dating site in the New York Times wedding section.
This app is the most inclusive dating app out there. It is the first app to have 22 gender and 13 orientation options for you to select. Additionally, when creating a profile on OkCupid, you have to answer a long list of questions.
There are thousands of them, and it’s up to you to choose which ones you want to answer. They can range from something ordinary like your favorite meal to questions about climate change, politics, and many more. And having the opportunity to voice your opinion on so many issues can give you a better chance at finding the right person for you.
The free version of the app contains ads and only lets you like a limited amount of pictures and users. That is not a problem in the premium version, which costs $39.99 per month.
6. Match
Image source: Match.com
You could say that Match.com is a pioneer in the dating sites business. It was created in 1995, but it has continued to evolve and adapt to the dating trends. The platform works like almost every other. You select the age group and sex you are interested in. After you also provide your location, the algorithm does the rest.
However, Match also offers something intriguing to its users. They give dating advice that you can find on their blog. These are articles written by experts in matchmaking that will help you better understand the dating game.
Match lets you create a profile and browse through users for free. But if you want to interact with them, you will have to become a paid member. The monthly fee is $35.99, but you can save money if you go for the six or twelve-month plans.
