Been mulling this over for a while and this seemed like the right community to ask. OkCupid's free tier is still surprisingly usable compared to what other apps offer for nothing.
Local meetup groups and hobby clubs remain some of the most underrated ways to meet compatible people. Never share your real last name, address, or workplace before actually meeting someone in person.
Profile photos matter enormously — natural lighting and a genuine smile outperform everything else.
Apps I've already looked at or heard recommended:
- Grindr
- Scruff
- Jack'd
- Hornet
- Recon