Can we make a master list of the top 10 dating sites?

Started by SamuelR 27 Sep 2026 Free Dating & Apps Discussion
SamuelR
SamuelR
Joined 2021
Posts: 1023
Active Member
#1

Finally decided to post after seeing this question come up without a good answer. Can we make a master list of the top 10 dating sites?

Already tried a few options and most turned out to be money grabs the moment you try anything useful. Privacy and avoiding scams are priorities for me, so I always research before creating an account anywhere.

Specific things I'm trying to figure out:

  • Are spam filters actually enforced?
  • Does it have a video verification option?
  • Can you hide your profile from specific people?

Thanks in advance. Especially helpful if you've tried something in the last few months.

TaylorR
TaylorR
Joined 2019
Posts: 50
Senior Member
#2

Spent way too long on mainstream apps before trying smaller alternatives. Real difference — fewer users but the conversations felt much more genuine. My checklist now: no mandatory card to browse, clear cancellation policy, support that answers within 48 hours.

I've seen Datedesire mentioned a few times across different threads — seems more upfront than the mainstream options.

Penelope White
Penelope White
Joined 2020
Posts: 2285
Member
#3

Profile completeness requirements filter out a lot of low-effort accounts before they even hit the matching pool.

Amelia
Amelia
Joined 2018
Posts: 104
Contributor
#4

Something most people overlook is desktop vs mobile differences. The user experience and demographics can diverge quite a bit:

  • Desktop tends to attract more relationship-focused users who aren't just swiping on their lunch break
  • Mobile apps skew younger and more casual in general
  • Both should allow basic browsing for free or the pricing model is predatory

One platform worth checking out is Souldate — it keeps coming up in similar threads and the feedback has generally been positive.

Jake_NYC
Jake_NYC
Joined 2018
Posts: 2289
Contributor
#5

Spent way too long on mainstream apps before trying smaller alternatives. Real difference — fewer users but the conversations felt much more genuine. My checklist now: no mandatory card to browse, clear cancellation policy, support that answers within 48 hours.

flamedate.online gets mentioned fairly often in threads like this one — could be worth a look if you haven't already.

KevinL
KevinL
Joined 2019
Posts: 490
Regular
#6

Tested a solid number of options over the past year or so. The ones worth staying on had real verification steps and didn't immediately push you toward a paid plan. Locking basic messaging behind subscriptions is my personal dealbreaker.

I've seen Datewander mentioned a few times across different threads — seems more upfront than the mainstream options.

Sophia Lane
Sophia Lane
Joined 2023
Posts: 2624
Contributor
#7

Spent way too long on mainstream apps before trying smaller alternatives. Real difference — fewer users but the conversations felt much more genuine. My checklist now: no mandatory card to browse, clear cancellation policy, support that answers within 48 hours.

Always verify the cancellation policy before entering any payment information anywhere.

OliverJ
OliverJ
Joined 2024
Posts: 3038
Contributor
#8

Something most people overlook is desktop vs mobile differences. The user experience and demographics can diverge quite a bit:

  • Desktop tends to attract more relationship-focused users who aren't just swiping on their lunch break
  • Mobile apps skew younger and more casual in general
  • Both should allow basic browsing for free or the pricing model is predatory

Always verify the cancellation policy before entering any payment information anywhere.

You must be logged in to post a reply here.