The best dating sites for finding love in 2024
The popular dating site is known for its impressive success rate, with someone finding love on the platform every 14 minutes.
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Modern dating can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to swiping left and right. With so many apps and websites available these days, it can be difficult to know which online dating sites you should be on, and how they all operate.
Thankfully, you have me! I’m the co-host of dating podcast Jeans and a Nice Top, and have years of experience using dating apps. To help you out, I’ve covered off my favourite apps and sites – how they work, who they are good for and what to expect.
HOW WE CHOOSE DATING SITES
To help you find the best dating site for you we asked Melissa Mason for their expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when signing up to a dating site. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews to find the best dating apps and sites in Australia.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST DATING SITE FOR GETTING SERIOUS
eHarmony has been around for a while – it’s one of the longest-running dating sites in Australia, in fact. Unlike most dating apps you have to pay a subscription, but it’s well worth it – the site requires you to input a lot of information about your likes, dislikes, and relationship needs, which means your matches are far more likely to align with your values, beliefs and interests. That’s why I feel it’s the best choice if you want to find a serious relationship.
According to Forbes Health, eHarmony is responsible for two million people falling in love in 125 countries. And every 14 minutes, someone finds love on eHarmony. That’s a whole lot of love!
To see real-life success stories from real Australian women, check out our dedicated eHarmony review.
Still not convinced? eHarmony’s TikTok profile is filled with even more real-life success stories like this sweet viral video that racked up over 95,000 views. In it, Stephanie shares she had given up on love, unsure if she’d ever meet anyone. But once she tried eHarmony, she met Jared and now they’re married and expecting their first baby together. We love a success story!
BEST DATING SITE FOR FIRST TIMERS
Tinder has gotten a bad rap in the past for being a “hook up app” but it’s really not. Instead, it’s one of the most popular dating apps in Australia, which means there are plenty of people to swipe right on, making it perfect for first timers. It’s also very easy to set up and use, and features additional paid options like Platinum, Plus and Gold which will give you more insights into your dating pool, like giving you unlimited “rewinds” (going back to someone you accidentally rejected) and profile boosts.
BEST FREE DATING SITE FOR SERIOUS DATING
I met my now-boyfriend on Hinge, and I still feel it’s one of the best free dating apps for serious relationships. Because you are encouraged to start conversations, not swipe for appearances, it means you’re more likely to begin meaningful connections with people. The fuller profile that includes convo starters helps, too. The app gives you a more well-rounded idea of each potential match – what makes them tick, their personality and interests, all of that stuff.
BEST DATING SITE FOR THOSE TIRED OF DATING
If you’re feeling a bit exhausted from swiping and chatting, Bumble is the best dating app for you. Because women get to make the first move, this means you’re in control of who you chat to, and who you don’t. It definitely made me feel more confident in the online dating world and helps to start genuine conversations – none of that “how was your weekend” business.
MOST EXCLUSIVE DATING SITE
Raya is truly a mystery to anyone who isn’t elite enough to be invited onto it. The most popular dating app among celebrities, Raya exists in Australia but you’ll have to be really lucky to make it onto this invite-only app. Unlike other dating apps, you need to be referred by someone else on the app first, then Raya itself has to accept you – I never made it, but friends I have who did say it’s a lot of influencers and TV stars.
BEST DATING SITE FOR FINDING LOVE NEARBY
Ever had the same person catch your train every day, and wished you had the courage to strike up a conversation? Happn is all about tracking those people who could be love interests down – if they also use the app, you will see their face pop up as “near you”. People you see often – like, say, that person on the train – will come up more often, so this online dating site is a great choice for meeting people in your area.
WHAT TO DO ON YOUR FIRST DATE
Keen to make your first date one they won’t soon forget? Red Balloon has you sorted. The experiences site specialises in collating unique activities from a range of top vendors. You can search by experiences like flying, animal, driving, adventure sports and more. Everything you need to know about the experience is listed on site – the hardest part is choosing which one to try.
SHOULD I TRY DATING SITES?
In my opinion? Absolutely yes! The dating site world has become one of the foremost ways people find love these days. In fact, I can’t think of a single couple I know who have gotten together in the last five years who didn’t meet on an app or dating site. You’ll have a wonderful opportunity to meet other like-minded single people from all over your city (or the world, on some apps!) which beats being set up by friends with the same people all the time, right?
CAN I BE ON MORE THAN ONE DATING SITE?
Some people feel like being on more than one dating site makes them look “desperate”, but it’s absolutely not the case, and in actual fact, it’s wise to have a few different sites and apps in the mix to widen your dating pool. As you’ll see below, different dating sites and apps will give you different ways to get to know people, so you may find it beneficial to have a few different ones you switch between. It’s definitely smart single behaviour to have more than one site or app on the go. But just keep in mind to use a mix of free dating sites and paid dating apps - so your wallet isn't too drained.
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