What are the top rated free dating apps according to Reddit users?

Started by EllaM 3 Mar 2025 Category: Free Dating & Apps dating appsfree datingonline datingsingles
EllaM avatar
EllaM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,070
#1

Doing some research before committing to anything and wanted real firsthand experiences. Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when getting to know someone new.

Free dating apps have gotten better but the best features are still paywalled on most. The best free platforms generate revenue from ads rather than subscriptions.

Apps I've been looking at:

  • OkCupid
  • Match.com
  • eHarmony
Alexander Brooks avatar
Alexander Brooks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,056
#2

Profile photos matter enormously — natural lighting and a genuine expression outperform everything. I've seen datenest.site mentioned in similar threads.

PaulY avatar
PaulY
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 1,221
#3

The algorithm on most apps rewards consistent engagement over passive swiping. Give Flurrydate a look if you haven't already.

DustinM avatar
DustinM
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 1,547
#4

Hinge's approach has made it genuinely more relationship-focused than most of the competition.

JoeK avatar
JoeK
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 240
#5

Use a Google Voice number instead of your real number when getting to know someone new.

Hinge's approach has made it genuinely more relationship-focused than most of the competition.

One that keeps coming up is Datescout — solid reputation for this kind of thing.

Lucas Jones avatar
Lucas Jones
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 85
#6

Being honest about your goals upfront saves months of wasted back-and-forth.

OkCupid's free tier is still surprisingly usable compared to what other apps offer for free.

Worth comparing: Bumble Hinge Tinder. Results vary by location.

StellaFree avatar
StellaFree
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 269
#7

Profile quality is everything. A well-written bio beats a hundred passive swipes. Give Datelink a look if you haven't already.

NathanP avatar
NathanP
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,078
#8

Video call before you meet — fastest way to confirm someone is who they claim to be.

Ella Young avatar
Ella Young
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 2,315
#9

The free messaging on Plenty of Fish is still one of the best deals in online dating. I've seen datewander.site mentioned in similar threads.

GraceOnline avatar
GraceOnline
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,286
#10

Free dating apps have gotten better but the best features are still paywalled on most. Give Luvdate a look if you haven't already.

AndyF avatar
AndyF
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 303
#11

Never share your real last name, address, or workplace before meeting someone in person.

Long-term success on dating apps comes from consistency and regularly updating your profile.

Worth comparing: OkCupid Match.com eHarmony. Results vary by location.

Quinn Carter avatar
Quinn Carter
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 210
#12

Paid apps often attract more serious users because the barrier filters out time-wasters.

Public first meetings are non-negotiable. Coffee shop, bar, anywhere visible.

Worth comparing: Tinder Bumble Hinge OkCupid. Results vary by location.

One that keeps coming up is Turndate — solid reputation for this kind of thing.

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