---
title: "Best Dating Sites &amp; Apps 2026: Reviewed and Compared | WhichDating"
description: "Expert-tested, data-driven dating site reviews and comparisons updated monthly. Find the right dating site with honest ratings, head-to-head comparisons, and safety guides."
lang: en
json-ld: |
  {
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
      {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "WhichDating",
        "url": "https://www.whichdating.com",
        "description": "Independent dating site reviews and comparisons. Expert-tested, data-driven, updated monthly.",
        "logo": {
          "@type": "ImageObject",
          "url": "https://www.whichdating.com/og-default.png"
        },
        "sameAs": [
          "https://twitter.com/WhichDating",
          "https://www.linkedin.com/company/whichdating",
          "https://www.facebook.com/WhichDating",
          "https://www.youtube.com/@WhichDating"
        ]
      },
      {
        "@type": "WebSite",
        "name": "WhichDating",
        "url": "https://www.whichdating.com",
        "potentialAction": {
          "@type": "SearchAction",
          "target": "https://www.whichdating.com/reviews?q={search_term_string}",
          "query-input": "required name=search_term_string"
        }
      },
      {
        "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
        "itemListElement": [
          {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://www.whichdating.com/"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "@type": "FAQPage",
        "mainEntity": [
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What is the best dating app right now?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Based on our testing across 50+ platforms, Hinge is the best overall dating app in 2026. It scored 9.2 out of 10 in our review, with top marks for conversation quality and second-date conversion. That said, the best app depends on what you're looking for. Bumble is better for women who want to control the conversation. eHarmony is better for people specifically seeking marriage. And Smooch is the strongest option for verified, scam-free dating in the UK."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Are paid dating apps worth the money?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "It depends on the app and what you're paying for. Premium tiers on Hinge and Bumble unlock useful features like seeing who's already liked you, which saves time. eHarmony's subscription is expensive but its match quality justifies the cost for people who are serious about finding a partner. Some apps charge a lot for features that barely make a difference. Our Dating App Pricing Index breaks down exactly what you get at each price tier across every major platform."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Which dating app is best for serious relationships?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Hinge and eHarmony are the two strongest picks for serious relationships, but they work differently. Hinge is better if you want to actively browse and engage with profiles. eHarmony is better if you want the app to do the filtering for you based on deep compatibility data. Both attract users who are looking for something real rather than casual hookups."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What is the safest dating app?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Smooch is the safest platform we've tested, thanks to its mandatory government ID verification through Yoti. No other mainstream dating app requires every user to prove their identity before they can message anyone. Beyond Smooch, Bumble and Hinge both have strong moderation and reporting tools."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Is Bumble or Hinge better?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Both are excellent, but they suit different people. Hinge is better for people who value deep conversations and want an algorithm that learns their preferences over time. Bumble is better for women who want to set the pace, and for people who like a more structured messaging window."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Are there any genuinely free dating apps?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "OkCupid is the best free option because it lets you send and receive messages without paying, which most free apps don't. Tinder and Bumble both offer free tiers, but messaging is limited in ways that push you toward upgrading. Hinge gives you a limited number of daily likes on its free plan."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What dating app do most people use?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "Tinder has the largest user base globally, with over 60 million downloads in the past year alone. Bumble is second with around 29 million, and Hinge is the fastest-growing at 21 million with 25% year-on-year growth. In the UK specifically, Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge dominate in major cities, while Smooch and OurTime have strong followings among over-40 daters."
            }
          },
          {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How do you score dating sites?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
              "@type": "Answer",
              "text": "We test every dating site by creating real profiles, using both free and paid features, and scoring across six weighted categories: Safety and Trust, Ease of Use, Features, Value for Money, User Base, and Match Quality. We pay for premium subscriptions ourselves, and no site can pay for a higher ranking. Scores are updated monthly."
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
---

[Skip to content](#main-content)

[Which Dating .com ](/)

[Reviews](/reviews/)[Compare](/compare/)[Directory](/directory/)[Guides](/guides/)[Blog](/blog/)[Find Your Match](/)

# Best Dating Sites & Apps 2026: _Reviewed_ and Compared

Which dating site is right for you? Independent expert reviews, honest comparisons, and the data you need to find the perfect dating app. Tested by real people, updated monthly.

[A Serious Relationship ](/compare/best-dating-apps-serious-relationships/)[Casual Dating ](/reviews/)[New Friends ](/reviews/bumble/)[Something Premium ](/compare/best-dating-apps-serious-relationships/)

or

![Happy couple at a cafe](/hero-1.jpg)

![Woman smiling at phone](/assets/hero-2-BUJKuFu4.jpg)

![Couple walking in city](/assets/hero-3-7BfVub2e.jpg)

0+ Dating Sites Reviewed 

✓ Updated Monthly 

100% Independent (no sponsored rankings) 

0k+ Monthly Readers 

Last updated April 2026

## How We Pick the Best Dating Sites

Every dating site claims to be the best. We actually test them to find out.

The WhichDating editorial team creates accounts, builds profiles, and uses each platform the way a real person would. We score every site across six categories: Safety and Trust, Ease of Use, Features, Value for Money, User Base, and Match Quality. Each category is weighted based on what matters most to real daters, not what looks good in a press release.

We pay for premium subscriptions out of our own budget so we can review features that free users never see. We check whether the profiles are real, whether the matching actually works, and whether the pricing is fair for what you get. Sites that use dark patterns, make it hard to cancel, or inflate their user numbers get called out.

Our rankings are updated monthly. When apps ship major updates or change their pricing, we re-test and adjust our scores. No site pays for placement in our rankings, and we make our full scoring methodology public on our How We Review page.

We've reviewed over 50 dating sites and apps so far. Whether you're looking for a serious relationship, something casual, or a platform that caters to your specific community, the rankings and guides on this page will help you find the right fit without wasting time or money on the wrong one.

[Read our full methodology →](/how-we-review/)

![Couple holding hands on a romantic walk](/assets/category-serious-DjuR7bWL.jpg)

### Serious Relationships

Find your forever person

[Hinge](/reviews/hinge)[eHarmony](/reviews/eharmony)[Bumble](/reviews/bumble)[Match](/reviews/match)

![Mature couple enjoying a coffee date together](/assets/category-over40s-BDlSvFSG.jpg)

### Over 40s & 50s

Real people, real connections

[Smooch](/reviews/smooch)[OurTime](/reviews/ourtime)[Match](/reviews/match)[Silver Singles](/reviews/silver-singles)

![Young woman browsing dating apps on her phone](/assets/category-free-GdCjYkth.jpg)

### Free Dating Sites

Great dates, zero cost

[OkCupid](/reviews/okcupid)[Hinge](/reviews/hinge)[POF](/reviews/plenty-of-fish/)[Bumble](/reviews/bumble)

[LGBTQ+](/reviews)[Christian](/reviews)[Jewish](/reviews)[Muslim](/reviews)[UK Only](/reviews)[Professional](/reviews)[Over 50](/reviews)[Casual](/reviews)[Full Directory →](/directory)

## Top Dating Sites 2026

Independently reviewed and rated by our expert team. Last updated April 2026.

**How do we score?** Every site is tested with real profiles across six categories: Safety, Ease of Use, Features, Value for Money, User Base, and Match Quality. No site pays for ranking. [Read our full methodology →](/how-we-review/)

# Site Score Best For Price 

1 

1  Editor's Choice 

![Hinge logo](https://img.logo.dev/hinge.co?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### Hinge

Serious relationships, 25–45

Hinge earned the top spot for its prompt-based profiles that drive real conversation, a smart algorithm that improves with use, and the highest rate of second dates among all the apps we tested.

9.2 /10 

Serious relationships, 25–45 Free / from £29.99/mo [Visit Site](/go/hinge/)

2 

2 

![Bumble logo](https://img.logo.dev/bumble.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### Bumble

Women, safety, 22–40

Bumble's women-message-first design creates a safer, more balanced experience. Strong safety features, solid moderation, and the BFF/Bizz modes make it the most versatile app on the market.

8.8 /10 

Women, safety, 22–40 Free / from £12.99/mo [Visit Site](/go/bumble/)

3 

3 

![Eharmony logo](https://img.logo.dev/eharmony.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### eHarmony

Marriage, deep compatibility, 30–55+

eHarmony's deep compatibility questionnaire does the hard work of filtering for long-term potential. It's the best option if you want fewer, better-matched introductions rather than endless swiping.

8.6 /10 

Marriage, deep compatibility, 30–55+ From £17.99/mo [Visit Site](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7773860-2484316)

4 

4 

![Smooch logo](https://img.logo.dev/smooch.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### Smooch

Verified dating, UK, 30–65+

Smooch is the only major platform that requires government ID verification for every user. If you're tired of fake profiles and want to know the person you're talking to is real, this is the one.

8.5 /10 

Verified dating, UK, 30–65+ £19.99/mo [Visit Site](/go/smooch/)

5 

5 

![Match logo](https://img.logo.dev/match.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### Match.com

Search control, 30–55+

8.3 /10 

Search control, 30–55+ [Visit Site](https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-7773860-10407225)

6 

6 

![Okcupid logo](https://img.logo.dev/okcupid.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### OkCupid

Free messaging, inclusive, 22–45

OkCupid remains the best free option for thoughtful daters. Its detailed question system surfaces compatibility on politics, lifestyle, and values in a way that photo-first apps simply can't.

8.1 /10 

Free messaging, inclusive, 22–45 Free / from £7.49/mo [Visit Site](/go/okcupid/)

7 

7 

![Datingpartners logo](https://img.logo.dev/datingpartners.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### DatingPartners

DatingPartners offers a modern white-label dating experience with a focus on transparency and fair pricing. A strong choice for users who want a fresh alternative to the legacy platforms.

8 /10 

Free to join [Visit Site](/go/datingpartners/)

8 

8 

![Tinder logo](https://img.logo.dev/tinder.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### Tinder

Volume, casual to serious, 18–35

Tinder's unmatched user base means more potential matches than anywhere else, full stop. Best for people who want volume and variety, whether that's casual dates or something more serious.

8 /10 

Volume, casual to serious, 18–35 Free / from £8.49/mo [Visit Site](/go/tinder/)

9 

9 

![Christian Mingle logo](https://img.logo.dev/christianmingle.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### Christian Mingle

Christian faith, marriage-minded

Christian Mingle is the go-to for faith-focused dating. Profile filters for denomination and church attendance help surface genuinely compatible matches for marriage-minded Christians.

7.8 /10 

Christian faith, marriage-minded From £19.99/mo [Visit Site](/go/christian-mingle/)

10 

10 

![Coffee Meets Bagel logo](https://img.logo.dev/coffeemeetsbagel.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=36&retina=true&format=png)

### Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel limits you to a handful of curated matches each day, which forces you to be intentional. Great for busy people who don't have time to endlessly browse and swipe.

7.8 /10 

Free / from £15.99/mo [Visit Site](/go/coffee-meets-bagel/)

Rankings last updated April 2026.

[All Reviews →](/reviews/)

## Best Dating Apps by Category

Quick picks based on what you're looking for

### Best Dating App for Serious Relationships

If you're done with casual swiping and want dates that actually go somewhere, Hinge is the strongest pick right now. Its prompt-based profiles push people to show personality rather than just photos, and its algorithm gets noticeably better the more you use it. Hinge users are 3x more likely to want a committed relationship than users on swipe-first apps.

[Read our full Hinge review →](/reviews/hinge)

### Best Dating App for Over 40s and 50s

Most mainstream apps are designed for people in their 20s and 30s, which makes them frustrating for older daters. Smooch stands out with compulsory ID verification through Yoti, which means every profile is confirmed as a real person. That one feature alone eliminates the fake profiles and scam accounts that plague other platforms in this age group.

[Read our full Smooch review →](/reviews/smooch)

### Best Free Dating App

OkCupid is one of the last major dating apps that still lets you send and read messages without paying. Its detailed questionnaire system helps surface compatibility on values and lifestyle, not just looks. The trade-off is a smaller user pool than Tinder or Bumble, but the people who are there tend to be more intentional about what they want.

[Read our full OkCupid review →](/reviews/okcupid)

### Best Dating App for Women

Bumble's women-message-first model was designed to reduce the flood of unwanted messages that women deal with on most other platforms. It works. Conversations tend to be more respectful, and the 24-hour reply window keeps things moving rather than letting matches go stale. Bumble also offers BFF and Bizz modes if you're looking for more than just dates.

[Read our full Bumble review →](/reviews/bumble)

### Best Dating App for Marriage

eHarmony has been focused on serious, long-term relationships since day one, and that focus shows. Its compatibility questionnaire is the most in-depth of any platform we tested, and the user base skews heavily toward people who are actively looking for a life partner. It's not cheap and it's not quick, but the match quality reflects that.

[Read our full eHarmony review →](/reviews/eharmony)

### Best Dating App for Professionals

Hinge has quietly become the default choice for working professionals in their late 20s through 40s. The profiles feel more polished than Tinder, the conversations go deeper than Bumble, and the user base in major cities skews educated and career-oriented. If you're short on time and want quality over volume, this is where to start.

[Read our full Hinge review →](/reviews/hinge)

### Best Dating App in the UK

For UK-based singles, Smooch offers something no other platform does: mandatory ID verification for every user. That means no catfishing, no bots, and no fake profiles. It's particularly popular with daters over 30 who are tired of wading through low-quality matches on the bigger global apps.

[Read our full Smooch review →](/reviews/smooch)

### Best Dating App for Christians

Christian Mingle remains the largest faith-based dating platform, with a user base that takes shared values seriously. Profiles include denomination, church attendance, and how important faith is in your daily life. If finding someone who shares your beliefs is non-negotiable, this is the most focused option available.

[Read our full Christian Mingle review →](/reviews/christian-mingle)

## Head-to-Head Comparisons

See how the top apps stack up against each other

[](/compare/bumble-vs-hinge/)

[](/compare/bumble-vs-hinge/)[![Bumble logo](https://img.logo.dev/bumble.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/bumble/)

VS 

[![Hinge logo](https://img.logo.dev/hinge.co?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/hinge/)

### Bumble vs Hinge (2026): Which Is Better for Real Connections?

Bumble vs Hinge compared for 2026. Hinge wins for conversation quality; Bumble wins for safety and versatility. Full feature, pricing, and verdict comparison.

Read Comparison → 

[](/compare/christian-mingle-vs-jdate/)

[](/compare/christian-mingle-vs-jdate/)[![Christian Mingle logo](https://img.logo.dev/christianmingle.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/christian-mingle/)

VS 

[![Jdate logo](https://img.logo.dev/jdate.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/jdate/)

### Christian Mingle vs JDate (2026): Faith-Based Dating Compared

Christian Mingle vs JDate compared for 2026. Both are faith-first dating platforms owned by Spark Networks. Full comparison for Christian and Jewish singles seeking marriage.

Read Comparison → 

[](/compare/eharmony-vs-match/)

[](/compare/eharmony-vs-match/)[![Eharmony logo](https://img.logo.dev/eharmony.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/eharmony/)

VS 

[![Match logo](https://img.logo.dev/match.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/match/)

### eHarmony vs Match (2026): Which Is Better for Finding Love?

eHarmony vs Match.com compared for 2026. eHarmony wins for compatibility matching; Match wins for search control and value. Full feature, pricing, and verdict comparison.

Read Comparison → 

[](/compare/elite-singles-vs-zoosk/)

[](/compare/elite-singles-vs-zoosk/)[![Elite Singles logo](https://img.logo.dev/elitesingles.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/elite-singles/)

VS 

[![Zoosk logo](https://img.logo.dev/zoosk.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/zoosk/)

### Elite Singles vs Zoosk (2026): Which Is Better for Professionals?

Elite Singles vs Zoosk compared for 2026. Elite Singles wins for educated professionals; Zoosk wins for international reach and value. Both face Spark Networks insolvency risk.

Read Comparison → 

[](/compare/hinge-vs-match/)

[](/compare/hinge-vs-match/)[![Hinge logo](https://img.logo.dev/hinge.co?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/hinge/)

VS 

[![Match logo](https://img.logo.dev/match.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/match/)

### Hinge vs Match (2026): Which Is Better for Serious Dating?

Hinge vs Match.com compared for 2026. Hinge wins for conversation quality and younger daters; Match wins for search tools and 30+ demographics. Full comparison with verdicts.

Read Comparison → 

[](/compare/smooch-vs-ourtime/)

[](/compare/smooch-vs-ourtime/)[![Smooch logo](https://img.logo.dev/smooch.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/smooch/)

VS 

[![Ourtime logo](https://img.logo.dev/ourtime.com?token=pk_WyyjuGK3Ta-wai4_-4jeZw&size=48&retina=true&format=png)](/reviews/ourtime/)

### Smooch vs OurTime (2026): Which Is Best for Over 40s & 50s?

Smooch vs OurTime compared for 2026. Smooch wins for safety with compulsory ID verification; OurTime wins for user pool size. Full comparison for over-40 and over-50 daters.

Read Comparison → 

[All Comparisons →](/compare/)

## Expert Guides & Resources

In-depth advice from our dating experts

[

![Person walking on a sunlit path, fresh start](/assets/guide-dating-after-divorce-BeYmkmZL.jpg)

Guides 

### Dating After Divorce: How to Start Again (2026)

The complete guide to dating after divorce in 2026. When you're ready, how to navigate apps, telling…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-after-divorce/)[

![Mature couple walking together in golden light](/assets/guide-dating-over-50-BCpl135n.jpg)

Guides 

### Dating Over 50: The Complete Guide to Finding Love Again (2026)

The complete guide to dating over 50 in 2026. How to start again after divorce or loss, which apps w…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-over-50/)[

![Smartphone showing a dating profile](/assets/guide-dating-profile-tips-D_wPQDRR.jpg)

Guides 

### How to Write a Dating Profile That Actually Works (2026)

Expert guide to writing a dating profile that gets results in 2026. Photo tips, bio formulas, prompt…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-profile-tips/)[

![Laptop with suspicious dating profile](/assets/guide-dating-scammer-signs-DucWewEX.jpg)

Guides 

### How to Spot a Dating Scammer in 2026: The Complete Guide

How to spot a dating scammer in 2026. 12 red flags, AI deepfake warning signs, what to do if targete…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-scammer-signs/)[

![Phone showing safety shield icon](/assets/guide-online-dating-safety-DI2s3N_f.jpg)

Guides 

### Online Dating Safety: The Complete Guide (2026)

The complete guide to staying safe while online dating in 2026. Platform safety features, pre-date v…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/online-dating-safety/)[

![Financial planning with calculator and coffee](/assets/guide-singles-tax-BtRqCeL8.jpg)

Guides 

### The Singles Tax: What It Really Costs to Live Alone in 2026

The singles tax explained: how living alone costs 30-40% more per person than living as a couple. Ho…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/singles-tax/)[

![Two coffee cups on a café table](/assets/guide-first-date-tips-CeV_uJID.jpg)

Getting Started 

### First Date Tips: How to Make a Great Impression (2026)

Expert first date tips for 2026. What to wear, where to go, conversation starters, and how to handle…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/first-date-tips/)[

![Solo traveller overlooking mountain vista](/assets/guide-solo-travel-CG1X9RQH.jpg)

Singles Lifestyle 

### Solo Travel Guide for Singles (2026)

The complete solo travel guide for singles in 2026. Best destinations, safety tips, meeting people o…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/solo-travel-guide/)[

![Desk with laptop, notebook and coffee](/assets/guide-financial-planning-B_k4kAcN.jpg)

Singles Lifestyle 

### Financial Planning for Singles: Build Wealth on One Income (2026)

Complete financial planning guide for single people in 2026. Budgeting, saving, investing, insurance…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/financial-planning-singles/)[

![Phone face-down on wooden table](/assets/guide-dating-app-fatigue-CvTJDQr3.jpg)

Relationships 

### Dating App Fatigue: Signs, Causes & How to Reset (2026)

Feeling burnt out on dating apps? You're not alone. How to recognise dating app fatigue, when to tak…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-app-fatigue/)[

![Couple holding hands in golden sunlight](/assets/guide-when-exclusive-FYHwJIAw.jpg)

Relationships 

### When to Become Exclusive: The DTR Conversation Guide (2026)

How to know when to have the exclusivity conversation. Signs you're ready, how to bring it up, and w…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/when-to-become-exclusive/)[

![Laptop showing video call](/assets/guide-long-distance-C3Ah3Fh9.jpg)

Relationships 

### Long-Distance Dating: How to Make It Work (2026)

Complete guide to long-distance relationships in 2026. Communication strategies, visit planning, man…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/long-distance-dating/)[

![Parent and child walking hand in hand](/assets/guide-single-parent-DOrBo8fS.jpg)

Relationships 

### Dating as a Single Parent: The Complete Guide (2026)

Complete guide to dating as a single parent in 2026. When to start, managing logistics, telling your…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-as-single-parent/)[

![Data dashboard with charts and statistics](/assets/guide-dating-statistics-OchXXL3Q.jpg)

Dating Industry 

### Online Dating Statistics 2026: The Data You Need to Know

Comprehensive online dating statistics for 2026. User numbers, revenue data, demographic breakdowns,…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/online-dating-statistics-2026/)[

![Dating guide](/assets/guide-dating-after-divorce-BeYmkmZL.jpg)

Research 

### The State of Online Dating 2026: Annual Report

WhichDating's State of Online Dating 2026 report. Market data, user demographics, platform rankings,…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/state-of-online-dating-2026/)[

![Dating guide](/assets/guide-dating-after-divorce-BeYmkmZL.jpg)

Research 

### Dating App Pricing Index 2026: What Every App Costs

Complete pricing comparison for every major dating app in 2026. Free tiers, premium costs, hidden fe…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-app-pricing-index-2026/)[

![Dating guide](/assets/guide-dating-after-divorce-BeYmkmZL.jpg)

Research 

### Dating App Safety Audit 2026: Which Platforms Protect You?

WhichDating's safety audit of every major dating platform. Identity verification, moderation, scam p…

Updated Thursday 5th March 2026 

](/guides/dating-app-safety-audit-2026/)

## City Guides

Find the best dating apps for singles in your area. Each city guide covers which platforms have the most active users near you, local dating culture, and first date spot recommendations.

[![Birmingham city centre](/assets/city-birmingham-new-w-_6AGv8.jpg)

#### Birmingham

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-birmingham/)[![Bristol harbourside and colourful houses](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1588888689244-1f24c30f5419?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Bristol

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-bristol/)[![Chicago skyline and river](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1477959858617-67f85cf4f1df?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Chicago

US 

](/guides/dating-in-chicago/)[![Edinburgh castle and Old Town](/assets/city-edinburgh-C--Rvom-.jpg)

#### Edinburgh

US 

](/guides/dating-in-edinburgh/)[![Leeds city centre](/assets/city-leeds-Dwy3CmF9.jpg)

#### Leeds

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-leeds/)[![London skyline with Tower Bridge](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1513635269975-59663e0ac1ad?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### London

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-london/)[![Los Angeles skyline at sunset](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534430480872-3498386e7856?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Los Angeles

US 

](/guides/dating-in-los-angeles/)[![Manchester city centre canals](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1562274419-949e955f11e3?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Manchester

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-manchester/)[![New York City skyline at dusk](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1496442226666-8d4d0e62e6e9?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### New York

US 

](/guides/dating-in-new-york/)[![San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1501594907352-04cda38ebc29?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### San Francisco

US 

](/guides/dating-in-san-francisco/)[![Glasgow city architecture](/assets/city-glasgow-C9jYKf74.jpg)

#### Glasgow

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-glasgow/)[![Liverpool waterfront](/assets/city-liverpool-NbsH-s87.jpg)

#### Liverpool

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-liverpool/)[![Cardiff Bay waterfront](/assets/city-cardiff-CFk86902.jpg)

#### Cardiff

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-cardiff/)[![Belfast city centre](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1573155993874-d5d48af862ba?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Belfast

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-belfast/)[![Southampton harbour](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1467269204594-9661b134dd2b?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Southampton

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-southampton/)[![Houston skyline at sunset](/assets/city-houston-BQ1gadY7.jpg)

#### Houston

US 

](/guides/dating-in-houston/)[![Miami Beach oceanfront skyline](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1533106497176-45ae19e68ba2?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Miami

US 

](/guides/dating-in-miami/)[![Boston harbour skyline](/assets/city-boston--7T2hH3f.jpg)

#### Boston

US 

](/guides/dating-in-boston/)[![Seattle skyline with Space Needle](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1502175353174-a7a70e73b362?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Seattle

US 

](/guides/dating-in-seattle/)[![Denver skyline with mountain backdrop](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1546156929-a4c0ac411f47?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Denver

US 

](/guides/dating-in-denver/)[![Philadelphia city hall and skyline](/assets/city-philadelphia-CPe2um5v.jpg)

#### Philadelphia

US 

](/guides/dating-in-philadelphia/)[![Austin Texas skyline](/assets/city-austin-jsQrIL2I.jpg)

#### Austin

US 

](/guides/dating-in-austin/)[![Washington DC monuments at sunset](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1501466044931-62695aada8e9?w=300&h=140&fit=crop)

#### Washington DC

US 

](/guides/dating-in-washington-dc/)[![Brighton seafront and pier](/assets/city-brighton-B_oxxdXf.jpg)

#### Brighton

UK 

](/guides/dating-in-brighton/)

## Dating App Questions, Answered

Straight answers to the questions we get asked most

### What is the best dating app right now?

### Are paid dating apps worth the money?

### Which dating app is best for serious relationships?

### What is the safest dating app?

### Is Bumble or Hinge better?

### Are there any genuinely free dating apps?

### What dating app do most people use?

### How do you score dating sites?

#### Major Apps

-   [Hinge](/reviews/hinge/)
-   [Bumble](/reviews/bumble/)
-   [eHarmony](/reviews/eharmony/)
-   [Match.com](/reviews/match/)
-   [OkCupid](/reviews/okcupid/)
-   [Tinder](/reviews/tinder/)
-   [Coffee Meets Bagel](/reviews/coffee-meets-bagel/)

#### Over 40s & 50s

-   [Smooch](/reviews/smooch/)
-   [OurTime](/reviews/ourtime/)
-   [Silver Singles](/reviews/silver-singles/)
-   [60Plussingles](/reviews/60plussingles/)
-   [A Later Date](/reviews/alaterdate/)
-   [Fifties Connect](/reviews/fiftiesconnect/)
-   [Flirty 50s](/reviews/flirty50s/)

#### Industry & White-Label

-   [DatingPartners](/reviews/datingpartners/)

#### City Guides

-   [Birmingham](/guides/dating-in-birmingham/)
-   [Bristol](/guides/dating-in-bristol/)
-   [Chicago](/guides/dating-in-chicago/)
-   [Edinburgh](/guides/dating-in-edinburgh/)
-   [Leeds](/guides/dating-in-leeds/)
-   [London](/guides/dating-in-london/)
-   [Los Angeles](/guides/dating-in-los-angeles/)
-   [Manchester](/guides/dating-in-manchester/)
-   [New York](/guides/dating-in-new-york/)
-   [San Francisco](/guides/dating-in-san-francisco/)

#### Resources

-   [How We Review](/how-we-review/)
-   [Affiliate Disclosure](/affiliate-disclosure/)
-   [About](/about/)
-   [All Reviews](/reviews/)
-   [All Comparisons](/compare/)
-   [All Guides](/guides/)

## About WhichDating

WhichDating is an independent dating site review platform run by a team with over two decades of experience in the online dating industry. We've reviewed more than 50 dating sites and apps, published head-to-head comparisons, safety audits, and pricing guides, and we update our rankings every month.

We're reader-supported. When you click links and sign up through our site, we may earn a commission. This never influences our ratings, and we make our review methodology fully transparent. Our goal is simple: help people find the right dating site without getting ripped off, catfished, or stuck on a platform that's wrong for them.

Last updated: April 2026

## Get Dating Insights Weekly

New reviews, comparison updates, and expert tips, straight to your inbox every Thursday.

Subscribe

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click. Read our Privacy Policy.

[Which Dating .com ](/)

Independent reviews & comparisons to help you find the right dating site. Expert-tested, data-driven, updated monthly.

#### Top Reviews

-   [Hinge](/reviews/hinge/)
-   [Bumble](/reviews/bumble/)
-   [Tinder](/reviews/tinder/)
-   [Match](/reviews/match/)
-   [eHarmony](/reviews/eharmony/)
-   [Plenty of Fish](/reviews/plenty-of-fish/)
-   [OkCupid](/reviews/okcupid/)

#### Top Reviews

#### Directory

-   [Hinge](/directory/hinge/)
-   [Bumble](/directory/bumble/)
-   [Tinder](/directory/tinder/)
-   [eHarmony](/directory/eharmony/)
-   [Match](/directory/match/)
-   [OkCupid](/directory/okcupid/)
-   [All Sites](/directory/)

#### Directory

#### Compare

-   [Tinder vs Bumble](/compare/tinder-vs-bumble/)
-   [Hinge vs Match](/compare/hinge-vs-match/)
-   [eHarmony vs Match](/compare/eharmony-vs-match/)
-   [Bumble vs Hinge](/compare/bumble-vs-hinge/)
-   [Smooch vs OurTime](/compare/smooch-vs-ourtime/)
-   [All Comparisons](/compare/)

#### Compare

#### Guides

-   [Dating Safety](/guides/online-dating-safety/)
-   [Profile Tips](/guides/dating-profile-tips/)
-   [Dating Over 50](/guides/dating-over-50/)
-   [Singles Tax](/guides/singles-tax/)
-   [Dating After Divorce](/guides/dating-after-divorce/)
-   [All Guides](/guides/)

#### Guides

#### About

-   [About WhichDating](/about/)
-   [How We Review](/how-we-review/)
-   [Advertise](/advertise/)
-   [Affiliate Disclosure](/affiliate-disclosure/)
-   [Contact Us](/contact/)
-   [Privacy Policy](/privacy/)
-   [Terms of Use](/terms/)
-   [Sitemap](/sitemap/)

#### About

Published by Ambervine Inc, 56 Broad St STE 14074, Boston, MA 02109, USA.  
Editorial enquiries: [editorial@whichdating.com](mailto:editorial@whichdating.com)

© 2026 WhichDating.com. All rights reserved.

[Privacy](/privacy/) | [Terms](/terms/) | [Cookies](/cookies/) | [Affiliate Disclosure](/affiliate-disclosure/) | [RSS Feed](/feed.xml)