Online dating and dating apps are now one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner and there are more than 1,400 sites in the UK alone, catering for people from all walks of life and interests. Take comfort in the fact that almost one fifth of the UK now uses dating apps, according to a recent Statista study.
If you’ve never tried, now is the perfect time to log on. More than 10 years since the launch of Tinder, which redefined relationships for a whole generation, the range of dating apps has never been bigger – or more specialised. Whether you’re mad about dogs, passionate about green issues or a connoisseur of fine wines, you may just be a few clicks away from someone who shares your interests.
We’ve reviewed the 26 best dating websites and apps, including our very own Telegraph Dating, weighing up their pros and cons to help you decide which one is right for you. You’ll find the full details of popular dating apps further down this feature but, if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five:
The best dating apps and sites at a glance
- Best dating app/site for serious relationships – eharmony
- Best dating site for over 50s – Silver Singles
- Best dating app for professionals – EliteSingles
- Best free dating app/site – Hinge
- Best dating app/site for casual dating – Tinder
How we chose the best dating apps and sites
To start with, we looked for the most popular dating apps with the most users and the best reviews on app stores and sites, which included Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, eharmony and Plenty of Fish. Then we looked at the best dating apps for different categories, including serious relationships, casual dating, free and paid. We also looked at the cost of subscriptions and features that made sites and apps unique, like Thursday only working on certain days of the week, Bumble making girls send the first message and security measures to prevent catfishing.
There are so many dating apps and sites on the market now that each has to have a USP to survive. So you should find one to suit your individual needs below. All the dating apps below are LGBT inclusive, but our guide to the best gay dating apps and sites has much more focused advice for LGBT singles.
The best dating sites and apps
Best for serious relationships, 10/10