You’d rather spend your well-earned money on a romantic first date instead of paying a monthly fee just to chat with someone. We get it! Lucky for you there are many totally free dating sites and completely free dating apps to choose from, all of which allow you access to the base functions required to make a real connection with someone new.


Deciding which site or app to use will depend on what you are looking for. You could say that finding the right dating site for you is a lot like finding the right partner. Let’s break down the 10 best sites so you know exactly where to start your search.



The Top Free Dating Sites In General


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OkCupid


Yes, OkCupid offers paid-for extras, but the basic account includes everything you need to use it. On the free version, you can see matches, send and receive likes, and send and receive messages.


The only drawback might be the limited amount of likes you are allowed to send each day. But could it be a blessing in disguise not to be inundated with tons of matches to reply to each day? We think so.



POF (Plenty of Fish)


If you are tired of the normal set-up that requires you to filter through a deluge of selfies and five-word bios, then POF is for you. Here a connection is based on more than just physical attraction, with users having to complete a thorough questionnaire when signing up.


There is a paid option which gives you some extra features, but using a free account will let you view others’ profiles, and send and receive messages which is all you really need to make that connection.



Mingle2


With Mingle2 it doesn’t all need to be romantic. Many people use this site purely to make new friends. A bonus is that profiles get monitored, and you can block someone quite easily if you don’t feel a vibe with them. Most online dating sites only give limited-time free access, but not Mingle2.


The site is a completely free-to-use platform. Being able to send unlimited messages with a high level of security is why Mingle2 is rapidly becoming one of our favourite websites for online dating.



The Best Free Dating Apps In General


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Hinge


If there was a prize for the best free dating site for serious relationships, we would most probably award it to Hinge. Their slogan says it all: “The dating app designed to be deleted”. On Hinge, the aim is to find your forever person. Instead of overwhelming its users with a flood of possibilities, Hinge aims to pinpoint one or two matches that could result in a genuine connection.


The profile set-up phase is somewhat more extensive than most sites and requires you to fill out a detailed questionnaire first. But all this information gets used in their detailed matchmaking system that actually uses a Nobel-Prize-winning algorithm to find your perfect partner.



Tinder


Probably the most famous dating app right now. Tinder boasts 1.6 billion swipes per day according to their published Tinder statistics for 2022! It’s an extremely easy and simple setup, and its ever-popular swiping feature makes it one of the most fun apps to use. Getting a date has never been easier.


Tinder also boasts some of the best features around - like video chatting without the need to exchange any contact details. The app is primarily geared towards singles looking for exciting encounters, but many right-swipes end up in long-term relationships.



Happn


Happn has a unique approach to online dating. It uses your location and connects you with people who cross your path in real life. Perhaps someone who visits the same coffee shop as you or someone who is also out for a walk. But don’t worry, they will only be able to message you if you show interest in them too. Happn has brought a more organic feel back into 2022’s dating world.



Free Dating Apps Specific For LGBTQ+


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HER


As the name states, HER is an app for women, specifically for those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, or queer women. The app comes with a plethora of features. You can go as far as to add your dietary choices, star sign, and preferred pronouns to your profile. HER also operates as a social media platform that shows you the latest queer events in your area. To us, that sounds like the perfect way to find a first-date idea.



Grindr


Grindr has become a staple for most gay men! Perfect for both singles or those wanting to explore other possibilities, we don’t shame a ménage a trois. In 2022 Grindr is, by far, the best place for gay, bi, trans, and any other queer singles to find a quick match. The app offers a premium subscription, but you can get just as lucky on the free version. Use its location-based technology to find who is online in your area and meet some potential matches quickly and without hassle.



XOXO


By far the best gender-inclusive dating app that steers clear of being boxed in by gender identities. XOXO is unique in the sense that the app is for open-minded people of any background, gender, or appearance. A safe space free of biases and preconceived ideas.


The platform is a fun gamified version of online dating, where a quiz (basically a personality placement test) highlights similarities between users with totems, XP, badges, etc. So, take a chance and go for that “victory”!



The Best New Free Dating Site


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The Sauce


With the increase in short video format (just look at TikTok, YouTube shorts, and Instagram reels) it’s no surprise that there’s a dating app that feels like a TikTok-dating app hybrid. The Sauce is purely video-based! Yes, photos aren’t even allowed besides your profile pic.


This video format gives the app a more authentic feel as you scroll through videos of potential matches singing karaoke at 4 am or hiking up a mountain. A video format allows for the users (the majority of whom are between 21 to 28) to show their quirky, funny, and cool personalities, not always possible with mere photos.



We’ve made sure to only list 100 percent free dating sites here. Sites like Match and eHarmony might be the OG places for online dating, and while they are free to register and browse, they did not make the list as paying for a subscription is a requirement to send messages. But be sure to check them out if you feel like parting with a few bucks to find the perfect match.


So, whether you prefer a dating site or app, something new or one of those oldies but goldies, now you know the best of the best dating sites you can use without spending a penny!