The best free dating apps for budget-conscious singles

Match with someone who's cool with going Dutch.
By Leah Stodart, Miller Kern, Bethany Allard, Tabitha Britt, and Stacia Datskovska  on 
Editors and writers independently select products unless marked Sponsored or Promoted. Sponsored content is a paid ad, while content marked Promoted is chosen by Ziff Davis leadership. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Promoted cards do not include input from individual authors.

Overview

Best free dating app

Tinder

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PROMOTED
For those simply looking for sex

AdultFriendFinder

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Best free dating app for left-leaning singles

OkCupid

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Best free dating app for queer men who want to get laid

Grindr

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Best Tinder alternative

Hinge

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Best free dating app for queer women

Her

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Best dating app for millennial women

Bumble

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Best free dating app for queer men who want a relationship

Archer

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Best dating app with free chat

Plenty of Fish

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See 4 More

Dating isn't just hard; it's expensive, especially if you're trying to search for love in places where you're more likely to score a restraining order than a second date. Luckily, modern tech has made dating more accessible and affordable.

Thanks to advanced filters, matching algorithms, and location-based features, dating apps have made it easier to connect with others without worrying about your wallet or whether or not they're an axe murderer (we're looking at you, Craigslist).

Is there a dating app that is completely free?

Remember those gym trials that lure you in with "free" access, then lock you in with hidden fees and iron-clad contracts? Some dating apps pull the same stunt with "free" features.

That's why we scoured the internet for legit, free dating apps — where you can create a profile, browse matches, and even message others without needing a second mortgage.

From free trials to working with limited features, we've tested dozens of dating apps (including the best dating apps for introverts, college students, and sexting, to name a few) to find the best way to meet new people and spark a meaningful connection.

Think of us as your dating app lab rats — we've done the research so you can focus on finding your perfect match without handing over your credit card digits.

What are the best free dating apps?

When it comes down to it, dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge have a free version that holds its own against their paid counterparts. That said, there are also some completely free, more niche dating apps worth checking out, like Archer, Lex, and heybaby.

Below, we've compiled a list of dating apps to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between without paying a dime.

Note: It's almost impossible to find a dating site or app that doesn't have some sort of paid upgrade feature, but all of the dating sites below have a free membership option that gives you almost everything you need for the full experience. These aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to do basically anything.

Our Pick
tinder dating app

Tinder

Best free dating app

Who it's for:

Craving a quick flirt or a nearby connection? Tinder's got you covered. With its massive user base, you'll find matches even in the tiniest town.

This app is all about no-pressure fun — use it when you're bored, then come back weeks later to a fresh batch of singles.

Why we picked this:

You can't talk about online dating without talking about Tinder. As much as we bitch about this swipe-happy app, it's just too popular and works too well to leave it off the list. Plus, it's kind of perfect for singles on a budget (if you only use its free version).

Tinder has its obvious negatives, but the user-friendliness, instant connecting, and massive match pool make it most people's first download choice when they need a quick hookup or confidence boost. It also offers several premium membership options (Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum) if you want more.

That said, each time you open Tinder is a gamble, meaning your next match could be your future spouse — or it might just be some rando asking if you're DTF. That's just the unpredictability of modern love.

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AdultFriendFinder logo
PROMOTED

AdultFriendFinder

For those simply looking for sex

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OkCupid dating app screenshot

OkCupid

Best free dating app for left-leaning singles

Who it's for:

If you're tired of getting into lame-ass arguments on first dates or swiping endlessly past the misogynistic profiles on other dating apps, OkCupid might be the best dating app for you. OKC and its user base are super liberal and open-minded — it's unlikely you'll find anyone advocating for a wall or wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat here.

People interested in non-monogamy will also be happy to know that once you set that as a preference, the site will (gasp!) only show you other people interested in non-monogamy. 

Why we picked this:

Owned by Match Group, INC., OkCupid is a seriously hip LGBTQ-friendly app that has won the hearts of millennials and mature singles alike. Its profile-building process is much more fun than other apps since it almost feels like an online quiz. It asks a range of questions, from simple stuff like if you smoke and drink to more intimate things like how many dates you typically wait before sleeping with someone. (Bonus points for answering them all – the more you share, the better your matches!).

Though OkCupid has a super robust user base, you'll have the best results in well-populated areas. For city dwellers, this is fine, but singles in smaller towns may want to opt for a different app. 

All in all, OkCupid is the perfect happy medium for progressive people who don't want anything to do with trendy swiping apps but don't want to feel like they're desperately looking for marriage, either. OkCupid genuinely wants dating to be a good experience for you, and its multi-faceted matchmaking and modern vibe help you have fun talking to people online. 

Read our full review of OKCupid.

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Grindr screenshot

Grindr

Best free dating app for queer men who want to get laid

Who it's for:

Grindr is the hookup app for gay men and queers who can't stand who can't stand the heteronormativity of apps like Tinder or Bumble and for those looking to have some no-strings-attached fun.

Let's be real: Grindr users have no chill. It's an NSFW gay paradise, and if you've been thinking that you've met every gay man in your area already, Grindr might be able to show you some newbies who you never knew existed. (Unless you're in a small town, in which case you'll probably see the same people recycled on your feed — but just wait until you go on vacation.)

Why we picked this:

Grindr is the world's biggest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, helping singles get it on since 2009. At over 3 million daily users, it's clear it has earned its place as one of the most popular dating apps out there.  

Instead of swiping right or left to match, you'll get a borderline infinite collage of people who are close location-wise, and honestly, it's super jumbled and scary to look at. It can be a pretty speedy process if you want it to be, and most users just looking to hook up will let you know right off that they're not trying to make small talk. That's not to say it's not for relationships, but at the surface level, it's ideal for quick, casual encounters. 

Be warned, however: Grindr is hella NSFW. Messages will be freaky, and you're 100% going to receive a ton of unsolicited (or solicited, if you asked) dick pics, so messaging on Grindr while you're on the train or in line at the store isn't quite as casual as other dating apps might be. You'll also get badgered for pictures, so steer clear if you're uncomfortable with that.

For those who are all about finding a partner in a more traditional, romantic way, other apps (like Archer) might be a better choice; for gay men who strictly want to hook up, this is the Holy Grail.

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hinge dating app

Hinge

Best Tinder alternative

Who it's for:

Hinge is the place for singles who want a real relationship but don't want to commit to a full-fledged dating site with extensive questionnaires. Hinge calls itself the app "designed to be deleted" because you're meant to find a relationship so you can stop using dating apps (and subsequently increase your phone storage, once and for all).

Why we picked this:

Here at Mashable, we're kind of in love with Hinge. It's a step up from hookup apps while being the perfect level of seriousness for 20- and 30-somethings who want something real but don't need anyone asking how many kids they want just yet.

It has the modern feel and no-patience-required matching of Tinder but with the relationship (rather than hookup) mindset that sites like eharmony or Match offer. Hinge only lets you send eight likes per day, which is a slight bummer. But it means you have to be a little more selective and thoughtful about who you like, which is more conducive to finding a compatible relationship.

If you want to see everyone who likes you or send unlimited likes, Hinge offers multiple premium subscription options, but having endless potential matches is overwhelming (and reminiscent of the more anxiety-provoking Tinder). If you're trying to find someone you genuinely connect with, there's no point in viciously rushing through every person in a 50-mile radius. 

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HER dating app

Her

Best free dating app for queer women

Who it's for:

HER is the best free dating site for queer, bisexual, trans, and lesbian women. (It's particularly useful if you're over men pretending to be women online or you're just tired of being asked for a threesome by straight couples.) The fact that it's made by queer women for queer women was a much-needed addition to the online dating world, and knowing that it's a safe space is really nice.

HER goes way past being a hookup app — that is, without adding pressure to find a romantic partner. While it can be used to couple up and find local matches that you never knew existed, you can also get involved in local LGBTQ events, read LGBTQ news, and make friends through its social-media-like feed.

Why we picked this:

Claiming to be the app that "introduces you to every lesbian you've ever wanted to meet," HER is the award-winning mix of dating and social media that lets you meet girls you know are girls, as it is solely for lesbian, bisexual, and queer women. The language is inclusive — it's not a lesbian site aimed at a male fantasy, thanks to the fact queer women created it — and it'll help you widen your dating pool beyond the circles you already know IRL.

Note that HER's user base isn't as large as that of mainstream apps like Tinder, so you might not have as many options as you'd like (especially if you live in a smaller town). A lot of queer women are still on apps like Tinder and Bumble, and unfortunately, on those platforms, you might run into straight girls saying that they're "interested" in women to find friends or a threesome.

Regardless, HER is making serious strides toward becoming a total boss of an app (and toward taking a ton of queer lady users away from Tinder). The low-pressure atmosphere is super inviting, and the fact that you can find a girlfriend or queer friends or attend an LGBTQ movie night, all thanks to the app, makes HER unique for multiple reasons. It just rocks — in a really gay and really fun kind of way — OK?

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Bumble dating app

Bumble

Best dating app for millennial women

Who it's for:

Because women and non-binary people have to make the first move, Bumble is ideal for females and non-binary individuals who are sick of unsolicited messages from creepy dudes and for men who are tired of always having to initiate convo.

It's also for people who want transparency in what kinds of relationships potential matches are looking for.

Why we picked this:

Tired of stale swiping and indecisive matches? Bumble's here to shake things up. If you combined Tinder and Hinge and then required women and non-binary individuals to make the first move, you'd get Bumble. Starting on the app is quite simple: You create a profile with a bio, personal traits, and what you're looking for so people will know whether you're after a relationship or something casual.

In heterosexual matches, women have to make the first move within 24 hours, or the match disappears. (For same-sex matches, either person can start the conversation.) If you're running out of time, you can extend the chat by purchasing Bumble Boost, a premium feature that lets you rematch with expired matches, undo accidental left swipes, and extend matches for 24 hours. (This feature is only available in certain areas.)

Bumble's free version is a solid choice for anyone who wants a straightforward dating app without dealing with the traditional ick of the dating scene. It lets you be upfront about your dating goals, making it suitable for casual encounters and serious relationships. While we've also checked out Bumble Premium, we've found that the free version works just fine. However, a paid membership might be worth considering if you're looking for the best possible results (and are super serious about finding a partner).

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Archer dating app

Archer

Best free dating app for queer men who want a relationship

Who it's for:

Archer is a free dating app for gay, bisexual, and queer men. It's the relationship-focused alternative to apps like Grindr and Tinder, providing a "celebratory place" for gay men to connect and find meaningful connections.

If you're a bisexual man or someone who is HIV positive and you're tired of tip-toeing around to avoid potential hate and discrimination, Archer is your best option. (For real, even Brooklyn's oh-so-gorgeous resident bi-man and author of Boyslut: A Memoir and Manifesto, Zachary Zane, swears by it.)

Why we picked this:

Launched earlier this year, Archer is a "social-first" dating app for gay and queer men. Unlike its raunchy competitor (Grindr), Archer focuses on creating a more inclusive and respectful space for its users.

It's 100% free to download and use (no sketchy in-app purchases or hidden fees), and it has some unique features like Smart-Blur to keep you from seeing NSFW content until you're ready and Selfie-Verify for added security.

Not only that, but Archer is determined to make STD/STI, PrEP awareness, and sexual health a priority for its users. It provides comprehensive resources, education, and support for users via the Health Hub, making it a safer and more informed platform for the LGBTQ+ community than other dating apps.

And, as of October 2023, it's available nationwide via Google Play and the App Store. (Before, it was only available in select cities.)

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plenty of fish dating app

Plenty of Fish

Best dating app with free chat

Who it's for:

If you're over 35 and looking for love, Plenty of Fish (POF) might be worth a try. POF has a large user base and offers tons of ways to communicate with potential matches, making it a good option for budget-conscious singles looking for meaningful connections.

Why we picked this:

Chemistry is the name of the game here, and the multiple questionnaires are no joke. This isn't a quick five-second setup like other apps, but that's only because Plenty of Fish truly wants you to dig a bit deeper so that they can give you the best quality matches.

In the "meeting goals" section, you can specify whether you're looking for something long-term, looking to date but nothing serious, etc., and then Plenty of Fish will try to match you with others who answered similarly. The idea is to eliminate the awkward "What are we?" conversations and set you up for success by pairing you with people who share your priorities.

In terms of the actual app use, unlimited messaging can be nice, but people can send you messages without matching, so if that's not your vibe, this probably isn't the app for you. This can also contribute to a more hookup-dominant culture of the app, so prepare for that as well. 

Ultimately, if a site's janky aesthetics (and sifting through a few fake profiles) don't bother you, POF offers a wide variety of potential mates. Regardless of whether you're super picky with your type or have no idea what you want, there's no way you won't come across a few people you find interesting. 

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Topics Dating Sex

How we tested

Mashable shopping reporters, editors, and freelancers regularly test and review the best online dating apps for our readers. We're also human, which means many of our team members actively use apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble in their personal lives. As a result, we've extensively tested all of the top free dating apps for this and other reviews.

When we encounter a dating app that our shopping reporters haven't used personally, we still download the app, create a profile, and test the waters. We check to see how robust the user base is, what kind of features are available to free users, and what the profile-building process is like.

For this particular review, we focused on apps that offer free membership tiers. Specifically, we wanted to see if we could create a profile, find matches, and chat with potential dates without upgrading to a paid membership.

Frequently Asked Questions


Facebook Dating, Plenty of Fish, and OkCupid offer free messaging features, so you can chat and communicate with your matches without paying extra. Other free dating apps that offer messaging features include Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge.


Tinder is the ultimate hookup app. It has a reputation for being a "hook-up" app and is widely used for casual encounters. If you're a gay man, Grindr is also a popular free dating app specifically designed for hookups. Looking for more options? Check out our roundup of the best dating apps for hookups and casual sex with no strings attached.


SilverSingles is the best dating app for seniors. Although it does have several premium subscription options, you can still download and use it for free and access basic features.

Leah Stodart
Leah Stodart
Senior Shopping Reporter

Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers essential home tech like vacuums and TVs as well as sustainable swaps and travel. Her ever-growing experience in these categories comes in clutch when making recommendations on how to spend your money during shopping holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.

Leah graduated from Penn State University in 2016 with dual degrees in Sociology and Media Studies. When she's not writing about shopping (or shopping online for herself), she's almost definitely watching a horror movie, "RuPaul's Drag Race," or "The Office." You can follow her on X at @notleah or email her at [email protected].

Mashable Image
Tabitha Britt
Freelance Writer

Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer, editor, SEO & content strategist. Aside from writing for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School of Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online pubs, including National Geographic, Insider, Kinkly, and others.

Mashable Image
Stacia Datskovska
Mashable Shopping Intern

Stacia Datskovska is an NYU journalism major (graduating this December). Her work has appeared in USA Today, Boston Globe, Teen Vogue, HuffPost, Bustle, and more. When she's not writing something or other, Stacia can be spotted crying over poetry, making a home-cooked meal, or walking on an NYC pier. For her more half-baked thoughts: @staciadats on Twitter.


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