Best Online Dating Sites

Dating sites have come a long way from their humble beginnings to become the number one method to meet a partner these days. There are lots of reasons why online dating has become such a mainstream feature of 21st-century living. One reason is that we’ve all become comfortable relying on technology to help us to navigate through our increasingly hectic modern world. Another is the increased sophistication of today’s online dating sites, with their matching algorithms, special features, and mobile dating apps.

Recommended Dating Apps

These are some of the most recommended dating apps:

Benefits of Online Dating

It is now estimated that one in five relationships begin online, and one in three marriages found their start online. Various studies have come out touting the benefits of online dating. For example, a New-York based global brokerage company presented research that found that online dating actually saves you money. They found that online daters have an average of 18.5 months between dating and when they get married, versus an average of 42 months for people who meet offline. Not only does this save online daters time (more than two years!), but it also saves money by reducing the number of expensive dates. At an estimate of $130 per week spent on dates like dinner and movies, online daters save an average of $12,800 (or $6,400 per person in the couple) on dating before marriage as compared to their offline dating counterparts.

One of the main reasons dating websites have become so popular is because they simply work. A study out of the University of Vienna found that married couples who met online are less likely to divorce or separate within their first year of marriage than those who met offline. Another study from the University of Chicago found that couples who met online were also more satisfied in their relationships than those who met offline. Sites like eharmony can claim to be responsible for more than 600,000 marriages, and the online dating industry is massive and destined to continue growing.

Choosing the Right Dating Site

If you’re reading this there’s a good chance you have some experience in online dating, or you’re seriously interested in giving it a try. That’s great, but it’s just the beginning of the journey. While there are too many dating sites out there to count, the good news is that whatever you’re looking for, both in a dating site and a partner, you’ll be able to find it. Looking for a long-term partner who shares your values? A member of your religion? Something mostly for fun? Best dating sites for over 50? There’s a dating site out there, you just have to look. That’s the tough part, because who has the time to search through and try out every site?

That’s where we come in to help you out. We test out and review the most popular and effective dating sites on the market, and feature detailed dating site reviews to help you make the right choice and start meeting compatible singles who are looking for the same thing as you. Not only that, but we provide you with great dating articles to help enrich your online dating experience and learn the best tips and tricks for online dating.

Remember, when starting out most free dating sites don’t give you access to all of the functions, or allow you to exchanges messages with other members, unless you pay for a premium membership. That’s why it’s important to have a good idea of what a site has to offer before you commit. This is especially true when you consider that the monthly fee drops significantly if you sign up for a 6-month or annual subscription. Free dating sites are a dime a dozen, but many times you will find unsavory characters lurking on them joining for the wrong reasons. Purchasing a premium, high-quality dating site membership not only speaks of the kind of love you are looking for but other members who are there and take love seriously.

Things to Look Out For in a Dating Site

Profiles

The first thing you’ll be required to do when you join a new dating website is to create your online profile. Some sites will feature lengthy questionnaires designed to create an accurate picture of your personality, while others will only require the basics, such as your age, occupation, hobbies, likes, and dislikes.

Matching Algorithms

Good dating sites make a big deal about the matching algorithms that they developed to match your profile to other compatible members. In fact, it’s one of the best things about dating online. So, if you’re looking for something serious make sure you’re as honest as possible when you’re filling out your questionnaire in order to get the best possible matches. For example, if you’re looking for someone of an elder age, and you’re not on one of the over 40 dating sites, including age preference in your questionnaire is important. That way you’ll be sure to be matched with the people you’re really interested in.

Useful Special Features

Online dating is a highly competitive industry, so in order to stand out, many sites have introduced special features designed to help you out. Some offer relationship counseling, others organize offline dating events, some even allow you to purchase gifts for fellow members! Just remember, as great as some of these added extras may be, nothing beats a large and active membership base.

Messaging & Communication

One of the real advances in online dating has been in the sheer number of ways you can now communicate with other members. No longer are you restricted to just emailing. Now you can “wink,” send instant messages, use a virtual phone number for voice chats, even video chat. But the most useful new communication feature is the ability to use companion mobile apps to chat while you’re on the move. It’s never been easier to make a connection!

Get started with your online dating journey today. Check out our recommended sites in the table above, read in-depth reviews of your favorites, and use our comparison tool to easily check which sites have the features you want.