COVID-19 has made online dating sites even more essential for the single set in the recent year. Because going out and being social is discouraged during the pandemic, it’s been difficult for singles to meet prospective significant others. However, you may use an online dating website to try to get to know someone through emails, messaging, and video chat. Then, if both of you felt confident that the other was secure, you may try to meet.
According to Amy Schoen, a professional life, dating, and relationship counselor in Rockville, Maryland, and the founder of the website Motivated to Marry, you can still meet that special someone during a pandemic. Schoen says, “You can meet people through socially distant gatherings.” “Outdoor sports like archery and axe throwing have helped my clients meet new individuals. You can visit parks, hike, play tennis, or participate in some of the less socially acceptable sports.” Schoen, on the other hand, supports attempting to connect digitally. “As part of your dating strategy, I advocate using online dating services,” she explains.
But where should you look for online dating sites? Choosing the correct type of online dating website is similar to choosing the right companion. Others may despise what you consider to be a fantastic dating service. Continue reading for a list of some of the greatest free dating services to try. Keep in mind that not all of these websites are completely free; some do, however, include free features worth considering. The following are some of the most well-known free dating sites:
- Tinder.
- Bumble.
- Match.
- OurTime.
- OKCupid.
Tinder
You may easily swipe through profiles with this popular software (also available on desktop) – albeit with limited information on each possible match. You can select a heart icon or an X while looking at images, or swipe to the right if you like a profile and swipe to the left if you don’t. If you like someone who loves your photo, you’ll be notified that you’ve found a match and can message your possible date. While the app is free, you can upgrade to Tinder Plus (about $9.99 per month if you’re under 30, or $19.99 if you’re older) or Tinder Gold (approximately $29.99 per month, depending on your location and age), which include extra features like a rewind button.
Bumble
Bumble, like Tinder, allows users to find a match by swiping right if they like someone and left if they don’t. The main difference is that in heterosexual relationships, the woman must send the first message. In same-sex partnerships, on the other hand, either partner can initiate contact. A premium service can additionally screen your matches for certain attributes or criteria, such as education level. The premium service costs $7.99 per week to $32.99 per month, or you can pay $199.99 for a lifetime subscription.
Match
While Match.com’s complete services aren’t free, it’s a well-known website that offers a free 72-hour trial period. You can create a profile and search through profiles for free, but unless you’re still in the free three-day trial period, you’ll have to pay to contact the person. Even if you do pay for the service, you can at least select who you might want to contact rather than paying for a service and then hoping to meet some people you’d like to meet. The prices, on the other hand, vary. You’ll have to pay $35.99 for a month’s access to the site. Longer options, ranging from three to six to twelve months, are available.
OurTime
OurTime, as represented in their numerous television advertising, is for persons aged 50 and up. OurTime, like Match.com, is a paid service. While it isn’t free, you may explore profiles for free, which is valuable in the world of online dating. The last thing anyone wants to do is pay for a dating site, create a profile, and then look around to discover that the closest prospective match is 300 miles away. Prices vary, but you could expect to spend around $35 per month, with a significant discount if you sign up for the six-month plan.
OKCupid
This popular dating website and app are both free to use, allowing you to view profiles and contact anybody you choose. Premium services, on the other hand, can be purchased for a fee, and these premium services can make the site a little easier to navigate. For example, the paid version includes unlimited likes and no external adverts. Before you like someone, you may check who “likes” you. However, until you also “like” them, you won’t know who has hit “like” on your profile if you use the free version. The cost varies.