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Love and friendship are important at all stages of life, and online platforms are now a common way to make new social connections. For people considering dating after the age of 50, online dating sites can be a great resource.
New York-based psychotherapist Kristie Tse said she often suggests online dating sites to older adult clients. “Many older adults find online dating to be an effective way to expand their social circles, especially if they find themselves isolated due to retirement or the loss of a spouse,” she said. “I have seen many clients find meaningful companionships and relationships through these avenues.”
Still, many of the best online dating sites for older adults come with a price tag. For older adults on a budget, or not ready to pay for online dating without testing it first, free online dating sites—or sites with free basic memberships—are a good option.
For this article, our Reviews Team explored the best options for free online dating. Find out which platforms offer the best options for the least amount of money.
Free online dating sites and free basic memberships should include enough features for users to filter their preferences, chat with other users, and find good matches.
Good matching systems help you narrow your choices to others who share your values and interests. Sites that ask users to create complete profiles, often with detailed questionnaires, can make it easier to find a partner.
Your online dating experience should be simple and stress-free. We look for easy-to-use sites with attractive, uncluttered websites and mobile apps.
Even free online dating sites and free basic memberships should have safety and privacy features for their users. We look for profile verification, background checks, and a built-in way to report fake profiles or scams.
Signing up for Facebook Dating is easy, especially if you already have a Facebook account. Our testers liked the privacy controls, which allowed them to separate Facebook Dating from their regular Facebook account (avoiding matches with friends or mutual friends, if that’s your preference). It’s easy to personalize a Facebook Dating profile, and we like that it has features to help matches better understand each other’s intentions. In both our June 2024 Online Dating survey and our September 2024 LGBTQ+ Online Dating Survey, Facebook Dating was one of the top three dating sites preferred by older adults.
If you don’t have a Facebook account, you’ll need to create one before you can get started on Facebook Dating. If you already have a Facebook account, the sign-up process for Facebook Dating is as easy as downloading the Facebook app and hitting the dating icon on the bottom right. For your privacy, Facebook Dating has a default setting that prevents matching you with any of your current Facebook friends. If you also don’t want friends of friends to be suggested as matches, go to the settings icon in the top right corner, then go to Privacy Settings and toggle the “Suggest friends of friends” button off. You can change your settings if you want friends, or friends of friends, to be suggested as matches.
Now, you just need to build your Facebook Dating profile. Your name, age, and gender will be the same as your Facebook profile and cannot be edited. Your hometown, high school, and college will also be visible to other users, but you can remove these personal details. Then, you’ll be asked to add the following details:
It took our testers about five minutes to create their Facebook Dating profiles. You can edit your profile anytime. Users can choose to add more photos (the app says that profiles with three or more photos are shown to more people), add any songs you like, and link to your Instagram account. Users can also add a “match guide,” which is a quick start guide your matches can use to understand the best way to start a chat with you. You can set guidelines by answering the match guide questions, which include:
“I like that match guides are offered because sometimes it is hard to get a read on your match and understand their intentions online. This might offer some added clarity and support.”
You can edit filters for your ideal match in the Facebook Dating settings. Users can filter for location, age range, what kind of relationship they’re looking for, height range, languages spoken, education levels, how often they smoke or drink, and religious views. Our testers were impressed with these options, as these more advanced filters are typically only available in paid versions of other apps. We also like that each filter view has a toggle switch for a statement that says, “I’m most interested in people who match this preference.”
Facebook Dating is a swipe-based app. This means you can move quickly through profiles, swiping right if interested and left if not. If you don’t want to swipe, you can tap each profile’s heart or X button instead. There’s also a section called “Liked you,” where you can see who has already liked your profile, a feature usually only available on paid premium apps. When you match with someone on Facebook Dating, you have seven days to send them a message before the match expires.
While we like Facebook Dating privacy features, we wish the safety features were easier to access via the app. This page tells you how to report suspicious profiles or block anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Finally, while Facebook Dating doesn’t have the visual appeal of some other apps we’ve tested, it is a 100% free app with features that are usually only available for a fee.
Online dating on Bumble offers an easy sign-up experience and an easy-to-use website and app. Our testers were impressed with the app’s customization options and built-in safety features. Although paid plans are offered as upgrades, you can create a full profile and connect with other users using the Bumble free plan.
It may be helpful for older adults to know that online dating users in their 50s are more likely than their older peers to use Bumble, so people in their 60s and older may have fewer opportunities for matchmaking on this app. We like that this app—designed by women to help other women learn to make the first move—helps all of its users feel more confident reaching out to potential partners.
According to our testers, the Bumble sign-up process only takes about five to 10 minutes. You’ll be asked to fill out your basic information, including name, age, gender identity, and who you would like to meet (men, women, nonbinary people, or “I’m open to dating everyone”). There were a few features of the sign-up process our testers liked, such as:
You’ll need to upload at least four photos to your Bumble account, which some users may not like. Our tester tried uploading a photo without her face in it and was flagged by Bumble, so users should know the app is strict on this feature. Before completing your profile, you must agree to the Bumble community guidelines. Once your profile is complete, you can edit it at any time.
Like Facebook Dating and Tinder, Bumble is swipe-based. You keep swiping—declining or liking profiles—until there is a mutual match. Two people must swipe on each other for a match to be made. Once you match with someone, you have 24 hours to send them a message. You can also extend the match if you need more time. Compared to other online dating sites we’ve tested, Bumble stands out in making it easy to reach out to new matches. In addition to written messages, you can also send audio recordings and videos. The Bumble app also has a question game, which allows you to send one of 10 pre-written questions to your match (or you can write your own). Your answers will be shown to your potential match once you’ve both answered them. “I love that the app really tries to implement features that make starting the conversation easier,” our tester said.
“When you are scrolling [through profiles], a box sometimes pops up that says, ‘Things you can bond over.’ This includes similar interests you both highlight on your profile and share. So, it may highlight that you both like running or hiking trips. If you integrate your Spotify account, it will tell you the artists you both like. I have found this feature so nice when I am trying to find topics to bring up with my match via chat. I immediately feel more confident when I know there are a few things we already have in common and can bond over.”
Safety is an important feature of any online dating platform. Here are two safety features we appreciated on Bumble:
With the free version of Bumble, users can swipe through other users’ profiles, make matches, and send messages. You can also take advantage of some bonus features, like video or audio calls and extending one match daily (as you have limited time to contact potential matches). With the free version, the filters you can use to search for matches are limited, but you can adjust for the following:
Upgraded paid plans on Bumble offer more features, including extra filters like height, education level, political views, and astrological signs. Premium and Premium+ plans also offer unlimited likes, seeing who likes you (whether or not you’ve liked them), incognito mode, and unlimited backtracks (correcting your mistake if you swiped left by accident).
Here’s the breakdown of fees for Bumble paid plans:
Bumble Premium:
$25 for one week
$12/week for one month
$8/week for three months
$6/week for six months
$250 for a lifetime membership (no subscription)
Bumble Premium +:
$35 for one week
$17/week for one month
$11/week for three months
For more information, read Bumble community guidelines.
Our Tinder testing experience was positive overall, especially during the sign-up process, which took just a few minutes. The Tinder app offers choices about what users want to share on their profiles to find suitable matches, although testers noted that some choices seem tailored to a younger audience. Our testers found that many people on this dating site seek short-term or casual relationships. If you’re seeking a long-term relationship, you may want to consider a different dating site or invest in the paid version so you can filter results to people with serious intentions.
With a user base of 50 million users per month, you’re likely to find matches with similar intentions. Our September 2024 Online Dating survey of 500 older adults found Tinder to be one of the respondents’ most popular dating apps. A June 2023 analysis by the Pew Research Center also showed Tinder to be popular among LGBTQ+ people, with six out of 10 gay and bisexual women reporting they’ve used the app.
You can sign up for Tinder on its website or through its app. Users create an account by connecting to their Apple or Facebook account or by entering their phone number. After you’ve created your account, you can start building your profile. You’ll be asked to share your first name, birth date, gender, sexual orientation (you can select up to three, including gay, queer, or questioning), and who you’re interested in meeting (men, women, or everyone). Other elements of creating a profile include sharing the following information:
According to our tester, this profile can easily be created in just a few minutes. You can make your profile very brief and then go back later to customize it and add more details. Customizations include writing an About Me bio (500 characters max); responding to provided prompts, such as “My hidden talent is…”; and sharing up to five interests (with options like hot yoga, self-care, and sushi). Our tester noted that some prompts and potential answers seemed geared toward younger audiences. For example, some prompts were about the user’s relationship with their parents, and some of the interests you can choose from include Harry Potter, skateboarding, and K-Pop.
Tinder also has filters that help you find better matches. Although Tinder will attempt to match you with people who have similar interests and preferences no matter what version of the app you have, the free version only allows you to adjust for the age of potential matches and geographic distance (you can go down to one mile).
To find matches on Tinder, you swipe left or right; left if you’re not interested, and right if you are. You have a limited number of likes with the app’s free version, although our testers felt it was still enough to find matches. We like that messaging with matches is not limited in the app’s free version.
“The database of Tinder users is so large, and the app’s free version has great features. I do see a lot of people looking for short-term relationships on the app, but there are some looking for long-term, too. With so many users and free communication, I think it is a great free platform.”
Our testers always pay close attention to online dating sites’ safety and privacy features. On Tinder, you have the option of linking to the contacts on your mobile phone and blocking some of them from being matched with you on the app. You can also tap the safety shield image in the app to learn how to report suspicious users or block a profile.
We also like that Tinder has a traveler alert for LGBTQ+ users who may be traveling to countries with specific laws targeting LGBTQ+ people. In countries where Tinder knows of such laws, users will be alerted of the risks and given the option to hide their profile.
The free version of Tinder allows you to create a profile, like a limited number of profiles each day, and message your matches as often as you like. You’ll also be able to filter for age range and geographic location.
The upgraded plans on Tinder offer more features, including unlimited profile likes, the ability to “go incognito,” and the option to message someone before you’ve matched with them. The paid version also offers more advanced filters, which means you’ll only see profiles of people who are looking for a certain type of relationship (long-term versus short-term).
We like that Tinder has weekly plans (instead of just monthly) and that users with the free version can opt to pay for a one-time “boost,” making your profile one of the top profiles in the area for 30 minutes.
Here are the details on Tinder paid plans:
Tinder +:
$10 for one week
$6/week for one month
$4/week for six months
Tinder Gold:
$14 for one week
$10/week for one month
$6/week for six months
Tinder Platinum:
$18 for one week
$12/week for one month
$7/week for six months
Boosts:
$8 for one boost
$35 for five boosts
$60 for ten boosts
You can read Tinder community guidelines here.
While our testers thought it was easy to sign up for Match, the process takes about 15–20 minutes, which is longer than the sign-up process for the other dating apps reviewed here. But the intake questionnaire was more detailed than other apps we’ve tested, a feature our testers thought may have helped with the quality of their matches. While Match is for adults 18 and older, our testers had no trouble finding matches in the 55–75 age range they requested in their profile.
To sign up for Match on its website or mobile app, enter what you’re looking for (for example, a woman seeking a woman), your ideal age range for a partner, and your ZIP code. From there, you’ll enter your name, birthday, and email address. Then it’s time to create your profile. The Match profile offers several opportunities for personalization, and you have more room to write your bio than on other dating sites we’ve researched.
Our testers appreciated the wide range of options provided on questions like “What interests you?” We also like that the personal bio section offers bullet points to guide your writing, with suggestions like “Tell us where you grew up,” “Discuss your schooling and career,” and “Ask your closest friends to describe you.” You’ll also have the chance to include the following details in your profile:
You can also use this same criteria to adjust who you’re searching for. The free version allows you to filter for appearance (height and build), religion, language spoken, degrees, race, drug and alcohol use, and marital status (divorced, widowed, or never married). The paid version provides more filters.
After creating your profile and uploading at least one photo, you can start looking for matches. Match uses an algorithm based on the details of your profile to match you with other people. You’ll be shown one profile at a time and can either “skip,” “message,” or “like” their profile. The free version allows you to message and like profiles, but you can’t see who has liked you without a paid account. If you like a profile that also likes you, it’s a match.
Match also offers in-person events for singles, such as art tours, group hiking, and dating mixers. While our testers saw several upcoming events in their area, people in less populated rural or remote areas may see fewer options. Match also has a weekend messaging option you can join to message and meet other members during the weekend. Match sends out a message on Thursday for people to sign up to message other people who have also signed up and meet that weekend in your area. It can be a quick way to get a date for the weekend. No subscription is required.
“The database of Tinder users is so large, and the app’s free version has great features. I do see a lot of people looking for short-term relationships on the app, but there are some looking for long-term, too. With so many users and free communication, I think it is a great free platform.”
Safety is an important feature of any online dating platform. Here are a few safety features we appreciate on Match:
In 2019, Match was sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for using love interest emails, likes, and instant messages from fake accounts to lure people into signing up for a paid subscription. Although most of these claims were dropped after a judge’s ruling that Match is a publisher and not a creator of profiles, it’s wise to be wary of fake profiles on this platform.
Do not pay extra by signing up for a paid plan to read emails that come from Match profiles, as there’s a possibility some of the emails could be coming from fake profiles. To avoid fake profiles on Match, be wary of anyone who asks to connect off the dating site (via email or text, for example) or who won’t make plans to meet you in person, even after several weeks of communication. Always ask for something public (such as their Facebook or LinkedIn profile or work website) about the match before agreeing to meet in person.
Read the Match community guidelines here.
With the free version of Match, you can see profiles and matches, chat with matches, and even send messages to a few people you don’t match with. You can also use the Search function with the site’s free version, but it will only allow you to see a limited number of results. Compared to the free versions of other online dating sites with upgrade options, the free version of Match offers more filters to refine who you’re looking for.
Upgraded paid plans on Match offer more features, including the ability to see who likes you (even if they haven’t yet liked your profile), access to advanced filters, access to private mode (so you can browse privately), and the ability to see if someone has read your message. Here’s the breakdown of fees for Match paid plans:
Bronze Plan:
$7/month for a three-month subscription
$5/month for a six-month subscription
$3/month for a 12-month subscription
Silver Plan:
$30/month for a three-month subscription
$23/month for a six-month subscription
$15/month for a 12-month subscription
Platinum Plan:
$40/month for a three-month subscription
$30/month for a six-month subscription
$20/month for a 12-month subscription
If you want to learn more about other online dating sites exclusively for older adults, read our reviews of OurTime and SilverSingles.
Our Reviews Team researched more than 20 online dating sites and personally tested 10 and their accompanying apps. Our testers didn’t go on dates, but we can evaluate the online experiences that lead up to a date or connection. Based on independent research and consultation with experts, we determined the following factors to be the most important when evaluating online dating sites:
To better understand the online dating landscape for older adults, we hosted focus groups, conducted surveys, and spoke to experts.
Our June 2024 Online Dating for Older Adults Survey asked 500 adults age 50–85 which online dating sites they preferred, what motivated them to use an online dating app in the first place, and more. In September 2024, we surveyed 500 LGBTQ+ adults about their online dating preferences.
We learned that 40% of older adults used online dating sites to find a long-term romantic partner. The top motivators for pursuing online dating instead of in-person dating were the following:
While 67% of respondents have met in person with someone they connected with through an online dating site, 38% of respondents report encountering fake profiles or someone trying to scam them. This prompted us to pay close attention to each site’s safety guidelines and privacy policies.
In July 2024, we sat down with nine adults (age 51–77) to talk about their experiences with online dating sites. We gathered helpful insights to inform our testing, including the following:
From our July 2024 Online Dating for Older Adults Focus Group Participants:
“I met quite a few people, went on some dates, and some were fun. And I actually have some people that I am good friends with now to this day—it was more of a friend thing than a relationship thing. But you know, if you need a date to go somewhere, I have people now that I can call on.”
— Female focus group participant, age 55
“I’ve had nothing but positive benefits from online dating as far as meeting people that I would’ve never met otherwise. And whether it was a new friendship or a new relationship, it’s definitely been a good experience.”
— Female focus group participant, age 53
We spoke with eight experts on online dating, including a licensed sexologist, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and a neuropsychologist. We asked about the value of connectedness for older adults, the benefits and drawbacks of online dating, and how people can choose an online dating site that’s right for them. We used expert insights to inform our recommendations for the top online dating sites for older adults.
“Online dating can increase self-esteem, build social circles, and lead to intimate relationships. The quality of one’s relationships directly impacts one’s mental and physical health outcomes, so even if dating only leads to more quality friendships, it’s worthwhile. And, of course, dating could lead to an incredible romantic relationship, perhaps the best of your life!”
— Jessican Ann Engle, LMFT, dating coach, and founder of The Relationship Center
Choosing an online dating site is personal and depends on what you’re looking for. For example, people seeking long-term relationships may want to opt for sites with longer compatibility quizzes and intake questionnaires, which may help create more value-based matches. If you’re seeking friendship, casual dating, or just want to explore, it might be best to start with swipe-based apps like Bumble or Tinder. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing an online dating site:
Consider the user base when choosing an online dating site. Some older adults may enjoy online dating sites for users who are 18 and older, while others may prefer a site that serves only older adults. Similarly, LGBTQ+ older adults may want to choose an online dating site that’s popular among other LGBTQ+ users, such as Tinder or Facebook Dating.
Your budget is an important factor when choosing the right online dating site. Some can cost as much as $50 per month, which may not be reasonable for some. The sites in this review are either free or have free versions with robust features. People who have more to spend may want to invest in a site like eHarmony, which is more expensive but offers advanced features and filters for fine-tuning your matches.
Always read the safety tips and community guidelines of dating sites you use. Reputable dating sites should have clear community guidelines, a system for reporting suspicious behavior, and built-in guardrails to protect against fake profiles. If you’re not clear about a site’s safety policies, reach out to its customer support team for clarity.
A free online dating site may be worth considering if you’re on a budget and want to meet new people. Free online dating sites are also a great way to test the waters of online dating and decide which sites are best for you. By creating free accounts on a few websites, you can get a feel for which dating sites best match your needs and comfort levels. You can always upgrade to a paid plan with more features if you decide it’s worth the investment.
Romance scams, also called romance fraud or sweetheart scams, are not uncommon on online dating sites. In these situations, a person might use a fake online identity (such as a fake profile on an online dating site) to gain a person’s trust and then ask for money. In our June 2024 Online Dating survey, 38% of respondents had encountered a fake profile or someone trying to scam them.
It’s important to be aware of romance scams when using online dating platforms. Romance scams, or “sweetheart scams,” are when someone creates a fake online persona to build a romantic relationship with a victim, with the goal of tricking them into sending money or personal information.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S. government, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warn online dating platform users about romance scams and their impact. In 2022, almost 70,000 people lost $1.3 billion collectively.
People using online dating platforms can report suspicious profiles and activity to the platform, the FTC, or the FBI.
Fraud-monitoring technology platforms can help keep you or an older adult you care about safe from romance scams, identity theft, and other predatory online activity. NCOA readers can get a free trial and 20% off for EverSafe.
Learn more about how to stay safe from sweetheart or romance scams when using online dating platforms.
To protect yourself, always read and follow the safety guidelines of the online dating site you’re using. Be aware of warning signs like inconsistent information in profiles, a photo that looks fake or too professional (like an AI-generated image), invitations to communicate away from the dating site (via email or other social media platforms, for example), and avoiding meeting on video or in person, even after several weeks of messaging.
Licensed psychotherapist Kristie Tse warns against people who try to move the conversation off the dating platform too quickly. “This may be an attempt to avoid the platform’s safety measures.” It’s worth it to take your time and be cautious, she said.
“Trust takes time to build. Any effort to rush into a deeply personal relationship is suspect. It’s essential to rely on intuition and seek advice from trusted friends or professionals if there is any doubt about an individual’s authenticity.”
Connecting with someone online can be a convenient way to engage in meaningful social relationships. But people online can also be vulnerable to scams, fraud, or harassment. Here are a few essential tips on how to stay safe when messaging online, based on advice from our NCOA experts and our Reviews Team’s testing experience:
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, here are some resources to get help:
For some, dating and the risk (and reality) of rejection or exploitation can make symptoms of anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma worse. Treatment is available for any mental health concern. See these resources to get the support you need:
Call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
| Starting monthly price for paid version | $0 | $23 | $17 | $3 | $16 |
| Messaging included in free plan? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Match system | Algorithm based on profile (swipe-based) | Algorithm based on profile (swipe-based) | Algorithm based on profile (swipe-based) | Algorithm based on profile (swipe-based) | Personality test |
| Age range | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ | 18+ | 50+ |
Free online dating sites can help people on a budget find companionship or even love. They can also help you determine whether online dating is for you. The only 100% free online dating site we’ve researched is Facebook Dating. We like its easy sign-up process and the availability of features that are usually only accessible with a paid membership. Other online dating sites have free versions with the option to upgrade to a paid plan for more features. According to our testing, the sites with the best free versions are Bumble, Tinder, and Match. The built-in icebreakers on Bumble make it a good site for people who need help making the first move. Tinder is popular among LGBTQ+ users. Match, which tends to attract more people looking for serious relationships, is a good site for finding people with similar interests.
Online dating sites have many benefits, including a wider social network and the potential for meeting people with similar interests and values. Still, no online dating site is without risk. If you are trying online dating for the first time, take Tse’s advice about respecting healthy boundaries (for yourself and others) and trusting your instincts. “Personal boundaries are paramount, as well as taking time to know the other person thoroughly before meeting in person,” she said. “These strategies can make online dating a positive and enriching experience.”
Facebook Dating is the best free online dating site we’ve tested. It’s easy to sign up and has many features other dating sites charge for.
Our June 2024 Online Dating for Older Adults survey shows that eHarmony users encountered fewer fake profiles and scams than people who used SeniorMatch, SilverSingles, and other online dating sites for older adults.
Facebook Dating is the only 100% free online dating site we’ve found, but many other sites have free basic memberships with useful features.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
