Best Online Dating Sites

Can you remember life before the Internet or iPhones? What about Facebook and Instagram and Snapchat? We've definitely lived through a major technological revolution, no less transformative than the invention of the printing press or the combustion engine, and the one area of our lives most transformed by the tech storm has been dating. 

Need proof? Fully one third of marriages in the United States blossomed because of a match via the internet. That means, if you're looking to meet a lifelong partner and you’re not online, there's a good chance you're wasting your time. These days, you should consider online dating as one of the best and most effective ways to meet a romantic companion, find a meaningful relationship and live happily ever after with someone you could marry.

If you think you're too old to exercise your thumb, think again. Millennials aren't the only ones who are dating digitally right now. Studies indicate that there are two major growing demographics when it comes to online dating: people under 25, as well as those over 50.

How come? Well, look no further than marriage statistics, as people on average enter a first marriage around age 28, and given the divorce rate, often become single again later in life. In fact, a recent report indicated that while only 6 percent of "golden year" singles confessed to having online dating profiles in 2013, that number has doubled over the past five years, now teetering around 12 percent. As mobile phones and tablets become more user-friendly for all ages, the barriers that might have once prevented silver bachelors from swiping no longer apply.

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If you’re coming out of the messy aftermath of a divorce, mending your heart and wondering if there is anyone you could spend your life with, you might question the effectiveness of online dating. After all, if your "'til death do us part" partner couldn’t last, why would a fleeting match on your phone be any different?

Though the data surrounding the success of online dating is still new and ever-changing, some studies indicate meeting online paves the way for a happier relationship. Because swiping through profiles, striking up often long-winded conversations and connecting on mutual interests provides a different starting line, you naturally become pickier. Of course, this constant connection gives you the opportunity to explore what matters to you the most as you can always pick up your phone, find a date, and try it out again.

Unlike when you'd try your luck at a dingy bar, nowadays, you can go through potential matches at your leisure, focusing your energy on those you deem promising without any pressure.

For many singles, especially serial-monogamists or divorcees, signing up for a slew of online dating options and websites is an overwhelming and cumbersome process. Because there are hundreds of options readily available in your app store, deciphering which downloads will reap the most benefits requires research, trial-and-error and plenty of failed first dates. However, it doesn’t have to be.

With the right approach, a tried-and-true strategy, and an open heart and mind, finding love online can be fun, not stressful. To make it even easier for you, we’ve researched, tested and tried each of the top dating apps to give you the best insight on what to expect.

From industry legend Match to international favorite Zoosk, consider this your official guide to finding love online.

Best Overall Experience: Zoosk

Zoosk might not have the name recognition of a Match, but that doesn't mean it isn't a quality online dating platform. Zoosk is a bona fide star in the world of online dating sites, offering a fantastic experience for people who are looking to find a real love connection and get serious. Their site offers an extremely smooth and modern online dating experience, and it's packed with singles with real profiles and real potential.

Fee: None

Check out Zoosk

Most Trusted Brand: Match

Match is one of the most famous online dating sites, and for good reason. Running since 1995, Match really knows what it's doing in terms of pairing people looking for love and offering an extremely smooth user experience. While many singles these days opt for hookup apps and jumping from fling to fling, for those truly seeking committed relationships, Match is one of the best options for you.

Fee: Various subscription packages based off monthly rate ($20.99/month for 12 months, $23.99/month for six months, $26.99/month for three months)

Check out Match.com

Best for Single Professionals: EliteSingles

Looking for someone who's truly a cut above the rest? EliteSingles might be the place for you. The dating site is focused on attracting only the most beautiful and well-to-do members and helping them find similarly beautiful and well-to-do people. If that sounds like what you're after, look no further. Signing up means you'll be completing a fleshed-out questionnaire that'll aid in matching you with compatible people by looking at 29 unique character traits.

Fee: Various subscription packages based off monthly rate ($31.95/month for 12 months, $44.95/month for six months, $62.95/month for three months)

Check out EliteSingles.com

Best for Hookups: FriendFinder-X

When considering your options, it helps to identify what your intentions are for using an online dating site. If you're not looking to meet your future spouse, you're probably better suited for the adult dating site FriendFinder-X, a place where you can live out your sexual desires and find others looking for the same level of casual commitment. FF-X is a strictly hookup- and casual sex-oriented site that boasts millions of users around the world, so if you're looking to get lucky, your odds are high here.

Fee: Various subscription packages based off monthly rate ($15/month for 12 months, $20/month for three months, $20 for one month)

Check out FriendFinder-X

Best for Kinksters: XMatch

Another strong option if you're just on the hunt for no-strings-attached action is XMatch. As you'll clearly see if you visit the site, XMatch is all about giving you a taste of the "XXX action." With more than 75 million members, the hookup-centric site will serve up a ton of possible sex partners in your area, whether it's someone who shares your specific kinky desires, or other people also looking for no-strings attached sexy hookups.

Fee: Various subscription packages based off monthly rate ($15/month for 12 months, $20/month for three months, $20 for one month)

Check out XMatch

App photos from dating sites.

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