The best dating sites for finding serious long-term relationships

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Who it's for:

Match is a popular dating site and app for people in their 30s and 40s looking for a serious relationship. According to the Match website, 48.6 percent of members are between the ages of 30 and 49, which means this dating pool is filled with adults who are ready for a committed, meaningful relationship.

So, if you're not quite ready for the seriousness of eharmony or want a more inclusive dating experience, Match is a good alternative. It's a platform designed for people who are ready to take their dating journey seriously but without the immediate expectation of marriage.

Why we picked this:

Match (the OG app of Match Group) has become a popular dating app for singles looking for long-term relationships. With 25+ years of experience in the dating industry, it's no surprise this app comes out on top in most of our dating app guides.

Despite its age, Match is a platform that refuses to get left behind. Instead, it's evolved to become a more modern and sophisticated dating app for people of all ages. Its questionnaire focuses on shared interests and other important lifestyle factors like whether you want children or have pets, and dealbreakers such as smoking or drinking so you can find a compatible partner.

But even with its popularity and massive user base, Match has had its fair share of controversy and criticisms. In February, Match was involved in a class-action lawsuit in which six plaintiffs accused the app of negligence and violating consumer protection laws. The suit argued that Match Group makes its services game-like to "transform users into gamblers locked in a search for psychological rewards that Match makes elusive on purpose."

Of course, a Match Group spokesperson denied these allegations, claiming that the lawsuit was "ridiculous and has zero merit." And despite this negative buzz, it's still one of our top picks.

Read our review of Match.

Who it's for:

If you've been trying to find a dating app that sees you for who you are (instead of reducing you to just another profile to swipe left or right), Hinge might be the dating platform you've been looking for. Hinge is a hybrid of its rivals, Tinder and Match. It focuses on creating meaningful connections by giving you the chance to showcase your personality with an in-depth profile and offers multiple ways to engage with other users.

Why we picked this:

Young people looking to at least go on a few dates with the same person before staying the night was a major blind spot for dating sites — until Hinge blew up. The general appeal might be in the same realm as Tinder and Bumble, but Hinge's unique profile criteria and algorithms based on those criteria set the scene for long-term potential. By covering so many bases before the first message, Hinge lowers the chance of meeting someone you'd hate.

The app's motto, "designed to be deleted," reflects its commitment to helping users find genuine connections and potentially find someone worth leaving the app for. Hinge's real-world statistics speak for themselves, with many users reporting great first dates and expressing interest in second dates.

By limiting the number of likes per day, Hinge motivates users to be more selective and invest time and effort into potential matches. Plus, the app's sections for dating intentions and relationship types allow users to indicate their level of seriousness and interest in non-monogamy so you can specify what you're looking for from the get-go.

Despite its unique features and success stories, Hinge has been in the news lately for what many disgruntled users call an "attractiveness score," something Hinge CEO Justin McLeod says doesn't exist.

“We don’t really have an attractiveness score,” McLeod said in a video interview with Fortune, adding, "We look at who you like and who’s like you, and who you’ve passed on and who’s passed on you.”

Although we haven't encountered any issues with Hinge's matchmaking algorithm, we thought we should mention the buzz around it to provide a comprehensive overview.

Who it's for:

OkCupid is designed for individuals who prioritize social justice, equality, and progressive ideals in their search for love and meaningful connections. With robust profile customization options, users can proudly display their political affiliations, causes they support, and social issues they're passionate about right on their dating profile.

Why we picked this:

For young, progressive singles, politics aren't just a "well, if we agree, it's great" thing when looking for a partner — it's the make or break for a solid romantic foundation. OkCupid's 2017 redesign is more than just millennial aesthetics (though navigating their website and app is super easy): It's geared toward ensuring that you don't end up on a date with someone who doesn't pay attention. With a wide range of gender identities, sexual orientations, and pronoun options, OkCupid provides an inclusive space for non-binary and queer individuals to find love and express their authentic selves.

Users can weed out people they'd fight with on Facebook by answering inquiries like "Would you date someone who keeps a gun in the house?" or "Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases?"

As of 2023, OkCupid is also tapping into the powers of generative AI to improve its matchmaking questions.

“OkCupid matches people on what matters to them through in-app matching questions," Michael Kaye, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at OkCupid, said in a press release. "At the beginning of last year, we decided to have ChatGPT write our matching questions for us, and the chatbot-generated questions have been answered almost 4 million times."

Even free users can access some of OkCupid's best features, ensuring that individuals can connect with others who have put in the effort and are serious about finding meaningful connections. And you can say goodbye to swiping through faceless, potentially fake profiles, as OkCupid requires users' dating profiles to have actual photos of their faces, setting a baseline for genuine attraction.

Read our full review of OkCupid.

Who it's for:

If you're crushing big goals in your career and personal life but swiping through endless profiles leaves you feeling, well, "meh," EliteSingles offers a fresh alternative to the more superficial apps (aka Tinder).

Sure, the price tag of this dating platform is a bit higher, but consider it an investment in your future happiness. An investment in finding someone who understands your hustle, celebrates your milestones, and fuels your journey to the top.

Why we picked this:

For those unwilling to budge when it comes to their partner's educational values and passion for success, EliteSingles attempts to create a space where you can find a range of people who you know off the bat share similar values when it comes to your professional life. The site's claim to fame is that 82 percent of members are college grads (most between 33 and 50).

This is the place for folks who have hit a comfortable stride professionally and are now pursuing a partner who's at the same point in their life. The site's questionnaire decodes 29 personality traits to suggest matches who not only have an income compatible with yours but with whom you'd mesh based on communication styles, ideal first dates, and whether you're one to make the first move.

Past users report a feed full of people living far away than they indicated in their preferences. It's borderline ironic, considering the whole conceit of the site is about showing you a specific pool of daters. Plus, the lowest distance you can filter your search to is 50 miles away, so there's built-in leeway for the reality that looking for a more specific type of person may require you to expand your physical location horizons some. And unfortunately, it's hard for any dating website to catch anyone lying about their job or income.

Read our review of EliteSingles.

Who it's for:

HER isn't just another dating app; it's a social hub and dating platform crafted exclusively for queer women and non-binary individuals.

If you've ever felt drained by mainstream options or encountered creepy predators, HER is the welcoming community you've been waiting for. It provides an inclusive space where you can be your truest self and connect with other queer people who share similar interests.

Why we picked this:

Apps like Tinder and Bumble are technically for *everyone,* but they'll be damned if they don't sneak some male profiles into feeds belonging to people who requested otherwise. Given the existence of Grindr and Scruff, the need for an online dating arena specifically for queer women was clear — thus, HER. 

The founders of the award-winning app are committed to cultivating a space that’s “so ragingly queer" that frustrated women can delete apps that don't feel like home. As the user base of over 4 million grows, HER could widen your dating pool beyond the queer women you already know. As the app grows, users online have complained that there does seem to be an increase in bot accounts, so if you do come across a profile that seems suspiciously sparse, you'll want to remain wary.

Still, HER remains a popular dating app for queer women, by queer women. Users can get creative in profile building with categories such as diet preferences (like veganism), star signs, and a "What does this mean?" field in the sex, gender, and pronoun categories to supply a more well-rounded understanding of identity. 

The traditional text bio is where you can flex your sense of humor or describe what kind of relationship you're seeking. Joining niche groups like "newly out" or "travelers" can introduce you to people using the app for similar reasons. The app also has a social media component for you to check out events going on in the queer community, either local to you or online, so you can make connections beyond romance. In addition to matching with people, you can also add them as friends if you're the type that likes to start things platonically and see where they go. To clarify your intentions about something serious (and know where others may lie), fill out the "Looking For" section.

Who it's for:

If you're fed up with the dated gender norms that plague most dating apps, Bumble may be your best bet. Bumble flips the script, putting the power in the hands of women and non-binary individuals to initiate the first conversation.

By giving the reins to this empowered group, Bumble creates a space where women and non-binary folks can feel more in control of their dating experience, and where unsolicited creepiness takes a back seat.

Why we picked this:

Bumble stands out as a refreshing alternative to the chaotic swiping culture in the world of dating apps. We've all encountered serial swipers, mindlessly liking every profile without genuine intentions. Bumble's unique approach, with its rule that women and non-binary individuals must initiate the conversation, effectively combats this behavior and encourages more meaningful connections.

However, the app's new CEO, Lidiane Jones, says she's rethinking the messaging-first approach and may implement features such as pre-written conversation starters to make it easier for users to break the ice and start talking. There's also talk of removing the women-message-first system altogether to provide more flexibility and inclusivity for users. Jones said this once-unique approach now "feels like a burden for a subset of our customers today."

With Bumble, matches have a 24-hour expiration, discouraging endless swiping and promoting timely communication. Women taking the lead in starting conversations eliminates the mass "hey" messages that often flood other platforms. While men may feel pressure to initiate, Bumble creates an environment where conversations can flow more naturally and authentically.

In addition to its emphasis on empowering women and non-binary individuals, Bumble is working hard to eliminate fake profiles with its newest feature, Deception Detector. This feature uses artificial intelligence to analyze profile photos and flag any signs of potential deception, such as fake or stock images.

Beyond that, the app is pretty similar to Tinder, with some prompts and filters that keep things a step up from finding a casual fling. Likely, you'll find a similar crowd here, but perhaps in this space, one more willing to chat and see where things go.

Who it's for:

Plenty of Fish (POF) is an active online dating platform home to a diverse pool of singles searching for love, meaningful connections, and more. While it may not be tailored exclusively for serious relationships, its large user base provides a sea of possibilities (see what we did there) for individuals willing to cast their net a bit wider in the quest for their ideal catch.

Why we picked this:

POF has made a splash in online dating, not just because of its quirky name. With a proven track record of successful matches, POF has garnered a loyal following and has become a platform for many singles looking for love. (A close friend of mine found her husband on POF, and their journey from first message to "I do" is a testament to the potential for genuine connections found on the platform.)

What sets POF apart from other dating apps is its massive user base, which means you have an extensive pool of potential matches to explore. This diversity opens up endless possibilities, ensuring you can find someone who aligns with your dating preferences and relationship goals.

Once you connect with someone who catches your eye, the chat and messaging features make it easy to spark a conversation and build a real connection. Think flirtatious banter, meaningful messages, and endless possibilities to get to know someone deeper.

And if you're into fishing (like actual fishing), POF recently partnered with Busch Light to offer its users a Fish Pic badge to show their love for the good old outdoors — they're calling it the "Reel Love" campaign. According to a POF survey of 12,000 U.S.-based members, people are 25 percent more likely to message someone with a fish in their profile photo (the more you know).

“Just like our fans, we’re passionate about the great outdoors, and there's no denying that the best way to enjoy spring fishing season is with a rod in one hand and a cold, smooth Busch Light in the other,” Krystyn Stowe, Head of Marketing Busch Family & Natural Family at Anheuser-Busch said in a press release. “It’s all for the love of fish lovers! We hope to see our fans out by the lake soon with their perfect catch.” 

Who it's for:

Feeling frustrated with dating apps designed for a much younger demographic? SilverSingles, widely regarded as one of the best online dating sites for mature singles, is here to swipe you right into a fulfilling relationship.

SilverSingles understands mature adults' unique needs and desires. Focusing on compatibility and shared values, this dating app is designed to help you find a potential partner who's at a similar stage in life, ensuring a higher likelihood of sparking a long-term, meaningful connection.

Why we picked this:

Dating over 50 means that, more than likely, this is your second or third attempt at love. When match or eharmony's user bases still pose too much of a never-married, no-kids crowd, SilverSingles is here to let you know that putting yourself back out there during your golden years doesn't have to be scary. 

A sister site to EliteSingles, SilverSingles uses the same intense compatibility system that EliteSingles does, bringing in the popular big five personality traits to assess five levels of your being: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Rather than overwhelming users with an endless sea of profiles, SilverSingles presents a curated selection of five handpicked matches per day, saving time and energy. Just be sure to pay attention to the locations of potential matches, though (like its sister site, SilverSingles has a habit of ignoring location radius preferences). 

Who it's for:

Coffee Meets Bagel is designed for singles who appreciate a more curated and personalized experience. Instead of overwhelming you with hundreds of options, Coffee Meets Bagel delivers a limited number of highly compatible matches, or "bagels," daily. It's kind of like having a personal assistant but for dating.

Why we picked this:

Every day, CMB offers seven of its best matches (bagels) for you, chosen by your answers to prompts, how you swiped on yesterday's batch, and who have already expressed interest in you. This slow and steady approach is great for singles who are rusty, introverted, or don't feel like scrolling every free minute.

You're encouraged to get the ball rolling with matches disappearing in seven days. It's less pressure than Bumble's 24-hour time limit but still eliminates a list of people who don't care enough to respond or plan a meet-up. Like a few other apps, CMB won't show your profile to other users unless you have a clear picture, automatically filtering the whole section of faceless profiles you'll find on other apps. 

Another standout feature of CMB is the activity report at the bottom of everyone's profile. Though only available to premium users, it'll show a user's stats, like how often they're active and how long it takes them to reply.

Who it's for:

Tinder, the iconic dating app that ignited swipe culture, is the go-to platform for casual dating, fun encounters, and hookups. While you may not find someone looking to settle down, Tinder isn't a bad place to be if you don't mind dating around or taking things slowly at first. Plus, with the app's new "Relationship Goals" feature, it's easier to see whether or not a potential match would be interested in something long-term.

Why we picked this:

Let's just get this one out of the way. If you're thinking of dating apps, you're thinking of Tinder. This app pioneered the now-ubiquitous swiping function, revolutionizing the world of online dating and boasting 1.6 billion swipes per day. What started out as a niche hookup app has turned into a wingman that most of us have used at least once. As you're served a series of photos, swipe right if you like what you see and left if you don't. When you both indicate interest, it's a match.

Sure, you may not find someone looking to settle down for a while, but if you don't mind dating around or taking things slow at first, Tinder isn't a bad place to be. Plus, with the "Relationship Goals" feature, it's easier to suss out from a quick glance at someone's profile whether or not they'd be interested in something long-term or if they're just looking for a casual relationship.