Dating sites and dating apps remain one of the most popular ways to meet people in 2023. Of course, you may have imagined yourself bumping into your perfect match on a tube platform or down your local, but reality oftentimes prevails. The reality being?
That the pub serves up nothing more than creepy winks from old men, and that online dating services, dating apps (of which there are more than 1,400 in the UK) and social media can actually make things easier.
According to Match. com’s Dating Expert Hayley Quinn, free dating sites and dating apps can be really, genuinely effective – for both serious relationship and casual hookups. “If you’re looking to connect with people who want serious partnerships, then using a site that really focuses on compatibility is a real win,” she told us.
But with Match. com, eHarmony, Coffee Meets Bagel, Bumble and SilverSingles all promoting their success stories, how can you know which paid subscription will be home to the most appropriate dating pool for you?
Before you invest in said paid membership, GLAMOUR’s edit of tried and tested dating sites for queer women, heterosexual daters and LGBTQ+ singles should help you pluck up the courage to send the first message. We’ve even thrown in a bit of dating advice, too.
Which is the best dating site in the UK?
- Best dating site overall: eHarmony
- Best dating app: OkCupid
- Best dating site for serious relationships: Match. com
- Best app for hooking up: Tinder
- Best dating site for over 50s: Ourtime
How did we test the best dating sites?
Since GLAMOUR editors looking for love from their iPhone for the first time have marked these dating sites according to their real life experiences and trusted reviews. We’ve scored the sign-up process, in-depth questionnaires and compatibility matching systems – as well as offer features like unlimited messages or icebreaker video call options to help avoid scams.
