What are the best dating sites to use in 2021?

Have you recently become single and are tempted to play the dating game once more? It could also be that you'd like to mix things up a bit in your relationship.

Either way, the dating site world out there is huge, filled with a lot of people and difficult decisions.

Before you even start “building” an awesome, witty bio, or choose your hottest photos that make you look sexy but at the same time approachable, there is yet another choice to be made: which dating site to use! Whether you’re looking to tie the knot or just a hook up, there’s a service to suit your needs.

To help you with that we’ve rounded up the best dating sites, so you can meet your match—whether that’s for one night or forever.

BEST DATING SITE FOR MARRIAGE:

If the Devil himself can find his other half then so can you!

Match Made In Hell

As one of the oldest dating sites and one of the best at helping you find a long term relationship, Match is a great choice for those looking for something serious.

There is a reason why Match is still one of the top dogs in the online dating industry! As users have to pay for a membership, it shows that those who join are focused on commitments.

With its easy-to-use interface, Match will show you one profile at a time where you can decide whether to connect with like minded people or not. To prevent you from judging a book by its cover, additional information will be displayed on your potential match.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up to find your true love!

BEST FREE DATING SITE:

One thing is for sure. If you use this site you will be struck by Cupid's arrows!

Considering that OkCupid is one of the most established dating sites, you can expect lots of messages, within a few seconds of joining.

A personality test is available to tailor your experience on the site. Due to a large number of active users, it’s easier to find people who share similar values and interests.

The free plan of OkC is pretty great, but there are several subscription options as well. With free registration, users can view other profiles, chat, and much more.

Sign up and let Cupid do the rest!

BEST DATING SITE FOR CONVERSATION:

Don't cry over Pierre. There is “Plenty of Fish”....in the sea!

As one of the most popular free dating websites, POF has a huge variety and number of users. You can find daters looking for just about anything, from long term relationships to casual hookups.

Don’t worry about the icebreakers because you can send them for free! An upgraded membership isn't required for basic features like unlimited messaging. Also, the advanced search feature offers lots of filtering options, such as “profession”, “income” and “education”.

With Plenty of Fish, it’s your choice if you want to go with the flow or swim solo!

BEST DATING SITE FOR HOOKING UP:

Including the app that started it all makes sense, doesn't it?

Tinder with its revolutionary swiping function is still considered one of the heavy hitters of the online dating industry.

Possibly the best-known dating app, Tinder was once the place for users to meet their other half. Nowadays, it’s more of a tool for casual dating and for swiftly finding a one night stand regardless of your gender.

So If you’re in the mood for a one-nighter you can’t ignore Tinder!

BEST DATING SITE FOR WOMEN:

Ladies, you are the ones with all the power!

When it comes to Bumble, women have to make the first move. Upon matching with a guy, you have 24 hours to send a message or it is game over for both of you. The same goes for men as they need to respond within 24 hours.

It's basically Tinder for women….but with a countdown. So for all the ladies out there, if you want to feel like a Queen Bee this is the site for you!

BEST DATING SITE FOR CASUAL DATING:

Badoo holds its place as a top contender in the online dating industry due to its cool design, features as well as its large user base.

If you're sick of Tinder but still love casual dating apps, Badoo might be the best fit. It has a similar approach to dating as other sites, but with added features that help it stand out from the competition.

Meeting people on the site is done through "Encounters" and "People Nearby."

In the Badoo Encounters section of the app, you're matched with singles based on shared interests. In the People Nearby section, you will see a grid of profiles who share your interests and are located close to you. If you click on any of the pictures, you can like their profile or chat with them instantly.

Badoo’s main features are actually favoured by many users in other countries over the known “Tinder swipe right feature”. It is a great place to begin your online dating journey if you are new to it!

BEST DATING SITE FOR PEOPLE INSTERESTED IN A SERIOUS RELATIONSHIP:

Brunching alone may be over for you!

Eharmony, with its user-friendly interface has become the go-to site for people who are in need of a serious relationship. Users don't just want to hook up, so it is easier for a genuine relationship to blossom.

You can create an account and send messages for free, but if you opt for a paid membership, you will gain access to more features such as unlimited messaging and viewing photos.

Think carefully before you join because e-harmony may be the reason you walk down the aisle!

BEST DATING SITE FOR PEOPLE INSTERESTED IN A QUEER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY:

Show off your true colors through HER!

HER is a custom-made site for all the lesbian, bisexual, non-binary and queer women out there.

It functions not only as an online dating site but as a social media platform as well, providing you with access to the latest LGBTQ+ communities, highlights and a calendar of upcoming events.

Two of the features that stand out the most are the Rewind Profiles and Incognito Mode. By using Rewind Profiles, you can check out users you didn't swipe right the first time, while using Incognito Mode you can search for singles without anyone knowing.

HER is the app that the LGBTQ+ community can call its own.

BEST UP-AND-COMING DATING SITE:

Pin-flirt is on its way to becoming the new Kingpin of the online dating industry!

With Pin-flirt, you get an easy-to-use platform to meet local singles. It combines the concept of Pinterest with online dating. A UK dating website like this one, allows you to browse for people near you and “pin” their profiles to your favorites. Keeping track of profiles this way makes it easy to start or continue a conversation.

With only a few questions to answer, you can sign up for free in no time. Instead of the common subscription-based online dating service, Pin-flirt is a freemium service that makes use of the “coin” system. Once you top up your account, your online dating journey can start!

So what are you waiting for? Pin this one to your favorites!

BEST DATING SITE FOR PERSONALISED MATCHES:

You can't go wrong with Zoosk!

Bringing like minded singles together is its core mission. With users in more than 80 countries around the world, this site guarantees matches due to its active and large member base. So, this may be the right site for you if you're looking for something serious or even just a quick fling.

Rather than using conventional personality tests, Zoosk gets to know each member through their use of the dating site. Then it uses its SmartPick feature to match you with compatible singles.

As an all-rounder and often hailed as one of the best and most widely-used dating sites, give Zoosk a shot if you haven't done so already.

BEST DATING SITES: THE TAKEAWAY

When it comes to online dating, it is important for a person to know what they want and need in a relationship before they even click the Sign up button.

Registering for an online dating site for singles can seem daunting at first. The most important thing is to stay optimistic and patient as you search for the best option for you.

The dating sites mentioned above offer many possible kinds of relationships, depending on your niche. So, use them with caution, an open mind and don't forget to enjoy the journey in the meantime!