Best dating sites: Dating experts share which 5 to try now
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Lockdown has been lifted, which means dating is now again possible.
Even with all of the lockdown limitations lifted, dating in real life is proving to be difficult. Some people are understandably nervous about finding love after lockdown and dating in person after a year indoors, while others simply want to get to know someone online before meeting them in person – which is where our roundup of the best dating services comes in.
According to new data, searches for dating app Bumble have increased by 3,350 percent in the previous seven days, and more than half of all single people are now using some type of matchmaking service to find love (see our guide to the top sex apps here—hi, Tinder). The days when Internet dating was frowned upon are long gone. E-dating is becoming almost as common as online banking (just way more fun).
However, identifying the finest dating sites among a sea of *meh* options can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the scene. So, what exactly is a sure-fire win?
We enlisted the help of online dating specialist Sloan Sheridan-Williams, who provided her top twelve dating sites for finding your ideal partner. While you’re here, check out our guide to what to chat about on a first date – and if all else fails, know that the greatest sex toys will always be your buddy.
5 best dating sites to try now
1. Best dating site for over 40s: eHarmony
This is the site for you if you’re serious about finding that unique something called love. eHarmony takes this matchmaking business extremely seriously, making it one of the best sites to check out. The eHarmony Compatibility Matching System is even patented. That’s correct. They developed a Relationship Questionnaire after 35 years of research and take pride in matching users with people who are truly compatible with them.
This is one of the greatest dating sites for those who want to match their personalities. eHarmony does the legwork for you by delivering compatible dates to your email instead of sifting through hundreds of photographs. This site prioritizes quality over quantity, making it ideal for long-term relationships.
2. Best dating site for over 50s: Lumen
Lumen is a modern dating app for adventurous over 50s looking to connect with real like-minded singles. Every profile has at least three photographs and a thorough bio, all of which are meant to inspire meaningful conversation with your matches.
There is no better location to go if you want to have a decent chat with people your age. This app focuses on good conversation and shared interests, so it’s perfect for folks who want to chat without feeling embarrassed.
3. Best dating site for over 60s: match.com
With approximately 1.8 million members, match is the most popular dating service in the world. It operates like any other dating site: establish a profile, look through your possible matches, send them a few messages, and then set up a date. Match.com also has microsites for gay and lesbian dating, Asian dating, Christian dating, and Polish dating, among other things. Match’s love-gods also organize singles events and offer online dating advise, so it’s easy to understand why they’re one of the best dating sites around.
This is one of the finest dating services for those who are scared about dating since it puts the power in your hands by giving you access to thousands of profiles and the option to interact with possible partners at your own pace. It is well-known and hence attracts a diverse audience, allowing you to broaden or narrow your dating pool using their smart matching feature.
4. Best dating site for busy people: Lovestruck
Lovestruck allows you to find potential companions based on their location, and it covers many of the world’s main cities. It’s geared at time-crunched professionals who simply don’t have the time to date owing to their busy work and social lives. Lovestruck connects you with individuals in your area – whether it’s where you work or live – so you don’t waste time traveling to and from dates. Regular activities are also held on the site, which are a fun and relaxed opportunity to meet new people.
If you’re looking for love in the city and want to start dating with a casual first meeting during your lunch break or after work, here is the place to be. With its tube station search parameter, it takes the hassle out of dating.
5. Best dating site for beginners: DatingDirect.com
With DatingDirect, there are no gimmicks or unique selling points. In fact, it’s a lot like our old pals Match, who we mentioned earlier. You can browse possible dates for free, but once you like someone’s appearance and want to strike up a discussion, you must subscribe. It also features a convenient instant messenger tool, which makes communicating with your matches easy and breezy, much like a lot of these highly-rated dating sites.
This service, which is owned by MEETIC, allows you access to 20 million members from all across Europe, and it combined with Match.com in 2009. A daily email proposes six people you might like, which is a helpful tool that doesn’t feel like you’re being inundated but gives you enough options to find a matching date.