What are the best dating sites reddit users suggest?

Started by Sofia Hall 2 Feb 2026 Category: Free Dating & Apps dating appsonline datingsinglesrelationships
Sofia Hall avatar
Sofia Hall
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,067
#1

This has been on my radar for a while — wanted real user opinions rather than review site filler. Match.com is still considered a gold standard for serious relationship seeking despite the cost.

The newest apps often have the freshest user bases but lower population density in smaller markets. Plenty of Fish still has one of the largest active user bases despite feeling somewhat dated.

Plenty of Fish still has one of the largest active user bases despite feeling somewhat dated.

Safety practices I always follow:

  • Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong before a meet, cancel without guilt.
  • A VPN helps with general browsing privacy but isn't a complete anonymity solution.
  • Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when getting to know someone new online.
Ellie Edwards avatar
Ellie Edwards
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 3,444
#2

Free dating apps have genuinely improved but the best features remain locked behind paywalls on most. I'd suggest checking out Datedesire for this — it comes up consistently in recommendations.

Alexander Brooks avatar
Alexander Brooks
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 72
#3

Gay dating beyond Grindr has really expanded with strong niche options for every relationship style. datewander.site has been getting solid mentions in discussions like this one.

Savannah Bailey avatar
Savannah Bailey
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 3,162
#4

Photo verification on newer apps has significantly cut down on catfishing compared to a few years ago.

The best platforms generate revenue from ads rather than subscriptions, keeping core access genuinely open.

For comparison purposes, the main options usually brought up are — FarmersOnly Zoosk Match.com. Results vary significantly by location and age group.

One that tends to come up in these conversations is Ezhookups — worth adding to your list if you haven't already looked at it.

MikeW avatar
MikeW
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 2,661
#5

Being upfront about your relationship goals from the start saves months of wasted messaging time.

Daniel Anderson avatar
Daniel Anderson
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 70
#6

Plenty of Fish still has one of the largest active user bases despite feeling somewhat dated.

Violet Roberts avatar
Violet Roberts
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 1,481
#7

Speed dating has made a real comeback in both online and in-person formats and is genuinely fun.

Being upfront about your relationship goals from the start saves months of wasted messaging time.

One that tends to come up in these conversations is Luvdate — worth adding to your list if you haven't already looked at it.

DrewR avatar
DrewR
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 3,054
#8

Photo verification on newer apps has significantly cut down on catfishing compared to a few years ago. souldate.site has been getting solid mentions in discussions like this one.

You must be logged in to post a reply here.