Top 10 Best Free UK Dating Sites and Apps in 2024
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Rapid digitalization has moved many aspects of life online, and dating is no exception. If you’re located in the United Kingdom and want to try online dating, take time to check out the best free dating sites UK has to offer to see if something catches your attention. There’s always something for everyone!
Last Updated: February 13, 2024
1. Match
With 25 years of experience, Match.com has gathered enough experience to become one of the best free dating sites in the UK. Match and meet in person using the app's extensive features, video chat, ice-breaker games, and in-person events. Full Review
- Comprehensive profiles
- Filtering tools
- Video chat feature
Show More
With 25 years of experience, Match.com has gathered enough experience to become one of the best free dating sites in the UK. Match and meet in person using the app's extensive features, video chat, ice-breaker games, and in-person events. Full Review
4/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
2. eHarmony
According to eHarmony, someone finds love through their site every 14 minutes. Whether it's through a free or premium account, you can use many of eHarmony's features and well-trained algorithm to find your match. Full Review
- Comprehensive profiles
- Compatibility determined by algorithms
- Focus on lasting relationships
Show More
According to eHarmony, someone finds love through their site every 14 minutes. Whether it's through a free or premium account, you can use many of eHarmony's features and well-trained algorithm to find your match. Full Review
5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
3. OurTime
With a goal of connecting like-minded singles, OurTime is a tried-and-true matchmaker in the mature dating scene. It boasts an easy sign-up process, a high success score, and specialised events for singles. Full Review
- Search function
- Daily matches
- Audio and video uploads
Show More
With a goal of connecting like-minded singles, OurTime is a tried-and-true matchmaker in the mature dating scene. It boasts an easy sign-up process, a high success score, and specialised events for singles. Full Review
4/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
4. OkCupid
OkCupid is a high contender among the top free dating sites in the UK. The site allows you to meet other people with the same interests with its advanced search filters and free features. Full Review
- Extensive profiles
- Inclusiveness
- Advanced search filters
Show More
OkCupid is a high contender among the top free dating sites in the UK. The site allows you to meet other people with the same interests with its advanced search filters and free features. Full Review
5/5
4/5
5/5
5/5
5. SilverSingles
SilverSingles is perfect for those over 50 with a desire to spice up their love life. Answer a simple personality test and unlock the possibility of companionship through their user-friendly and interactive interface. Full Review
- Intuitive interface
- Well-designed profiles
- Frequent discounts for the paid version
Show More
SilverSingles is perfect for those over 50 with a desire to spice up their love life. Answer a simple personality test and unlock the possibility of companionship through their user-friendly and interactive interface. Full Review
4/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
6. Parship
Parship is great for meeting someone with similar interests, opinions, and education levels. You can use their wide array of features to find a lifelong partner on the site! Full Review
- Well-organised interface
- Variety of features
- A scientific approach to matchmaking
Show More
Parship is great for meeting someone with similar interests, opinions, and education levels. You can use their wide array of features to find a lifelong partner on the site! Full Review
5/5
5/5
5/5
3/5
7. Telegraph Dating
Among free cougar dating apps, Telegraph Dating stands out as one that can help you find everything you’re looking for - it's totally free, easy to use, and customisable. Full Review
- Very secure dating platform
- No fake profiles
- Customised search
Show More
Among free cougar dating apps, Telegraph Dating stands out as one that can help you find everything you’re looking for - it's totally free, easy to use, and customisable. Full Review
5/5
5/5
4/5
4/5
8. Tinder
Whether it's a one-night stand, a committed partner, or just experimentation you seek, Tinder gives you the opportunity to get it. There's a reason it's the most talked-about dating app in the world - it's simple, effective, and widespread. Full Review
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Numerous free features
- Video chat
Show More
Whether it's a one-night stand, a committed partner, or just experimentation you seek, Tinder gives you the opportunity to get it. There's a reason it's the most talked-about dating app in the world - it's simple, effective, and widespread. Full Review
5/5
5/5
5/5
4/5
9. Bumble
Bumble is revolutionary with its policy - the woman makes the first move. This makes it one of the top free dating sites, along with its excellent security, ease of use, and efficacy. Full Review
- Fun, intuitive interface
- Empowering for women
- Excellent security features
Show More
Bumble is revolutionary with its policy - the woman makes the first move. This makes it one of the top free dating sites, along with its excellent security, ease of use, and efficacy. Full Review
5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
10. Hinge
With an emphasis on long-term connections, Hinge plans to build them through a sophisticated matching algorithm, free access, and customisable features. Full Review
- Comprehensive profiles
- Good photo-text balance
- Free download and access to the app
Show More
With an emphasis on long-term connections, Hinge plans to build them through a sophisticated matching algorithm, free access, and customisable features. Full Review
5/5
5/5
4/5
5/5
Our Methodology
This article discusses a selection of the best dating sites and mobile apps available to UK citizens. These apps and sites were carefully chosen based on our tried and true categories:
- Features — the number and quality of offered features.
- Ease of Use — whether or not the site/app is accessible and quick to understand.
- Free of Charge — because who wants to pay to get a date? That’s why we’ve selected only the best free dating apps in the UK (or at least those offering a free version).
- Reach — we’ll tell you if the dating service is available throughout the entire UK or just in certain areas.
Top Free Dating Sites and Apps in 2022
- Filtering tools
- Comprehensive profiles
- Video chat feature
- Easy to use
- Waiting for profile approval
- Expensive premium services
Match.com is the most popular and widely used dating website in the world – and it’s very popular in the UK, with 3 million users. You can find it on anyone’s list of top 10 free dating sites in the UK since anyone can get lucky.
How It Works
Dating profiles on Match.com are extensive – you need to input a lot of information besides just photos so people can find your profile via criteria search. You can also select preferences such as height or body type, so you’ll be matched only with those that fit your boundaries. Although it’s free to become a member, you need to be a paid subscriber to send and receive messages.
Features
Match.com is not one of those absolutely free dating apps, but it offers some free features like viewing user profiles, matches, and sending winks. The paid version offers more features, including a smart search to help you find a match based on location and personality traits. Other aspects include ice-breaker games and in-person events, which can help people figure out how to get into dating!
Is It Easy to Use?
The interface is intuitive and makes viewing profiles easy; you can enter full-screen mode to get a closer look at a potential date and you’re given a lot of information on the person. You don’t have to judge people on looks alone!
Who Is It For?
Match offers free adult dating for straight and same-sex couples, and it’s popular among older generations that are looking to get back out there, although it’s suitable for people of all age groups.
- Focus on lasting relationships
- Comprehensive profiles
- Video dating
- Compatibility determined by algorithms
- Lengthy registration
- Expensive paid membership
Even though eHarmony is not one of the 100 percent free dating sites out there, it offers a lot for the money it needs. According to the dating app, every 14 minutes someone finds love there – and you can’t put a price on love. Even though the more advanced features are paid, the eHarmony free plan offers many exciting features, such as personality profiles and compatibility scores to find the best possible match for you; it also offers relationship advice!
How It Works
Creating dating profiles on eHarmony is simple: you enter basic information, take a few tests, upload a few pictures, and you can start browsing your matches. The app is free to download and register an account, making it one of the top free dating apps for UK citizens. However, if you want the full experience the app can provide, you need to get a membership for a monthly fee of £9.95.
Features
One of the most striking eHarmony features includes the 29-dimension personality quiz to determine long-term compatibility. The app doesn’t offer a search function or a swipe feature – instead, it highlights users’ profiles that are compatible with yours, and you get daily matches based on your preferences. With the eHarmony free plan, you get unlimited matches, and you can send and receive smiles, greetings, and icebreakers!
Is It Easy to Use?
Registration at eHarmony is slightly more complicated than other dating apps, but once you go through with it, the app (and the desktop version) is very easy to navigate and can be used on the go.
Who Is It For?
eHarmony is among the best dating apps in the UK for free use with 5 million UK users. Its main targets are straight men and women between 35 and 55, looking for a real relationship. This is not the place for a casual hookup!
- Audio and video uploads
- Daily matches
- Search function
- User friendly
- A paid membership is needed for advanced features
- Limited features
- No personality test
OurTime is designed to help people over 50 meet someone in real life – they even organise events where you can meet people looking for similar things. If you’re too shy, you can bring your friends with you! This is one of the most widely used free dating sites for those over 50, with over 3 million UK members!
How It Works
The signup process is simple: all you need to do is create a username and password, specify a location, select your gender, and list what you’re interested in. Once you complete the process, you can use the search now function to find what you’re looking for. You can even search for people based on their Zodiac sign!
Features
OurTime is one of the several good free dating sites owned by the Match group, meaning that your profile will appear on other dating sites owned by the mother company. The in-person singles events are also an exciting feature – they’re perfect if you’re tired of online chatting, and a good way for mature people to find love.
Is It Easy to Use?
The dashboard is very accessible, designed in such a way that people with little or no tech expertise can easily find their way around that is perfect for older generations.
Who Is It For?
OurTime is aimed at anyone over 50, and its main purpose is to bring people together so they can form a long-term commitment or relationship that leads to marriage.
- Advanced search filters
- Extensive profiles
- The most important features are free
- Inclusiveness
- No video chat is available
- The free version includes ads
OkCupid makes every match matter: it asks numerous questions and based on your answers an algorithm finds the most suitable matches for you. It’s generally considered one of the best free dating websites and was among the first to create a mobile app and add numerous choices for gender and sexual orientation.
How It Works
Creating a profile takes a while since you have to answer a series of questions about your personality and your attitude. After these, you need to choose what you’re looking for: the type of relationship you want, the most important features of your prospective partner, and more so you’ll be matched properly.
Features
OkCupid is always on lists of top ten free dating sites in the UK, and for a good reason. It allows you to message only those you’ve matched with and shows a percentage of how much you have in common. Other cool features include an auto-boost that’ll promote your profile, message Priority, and the advanced search filter option.
Is It Easy to Use?
Although registration can be extensive and time-consuming, once you’ve created your account the site is easy to navigate. You are shown matches and can immediately start sending and receiving likes and messages.
Who Is It For?
OkCupid is one of the best free dating apps in the UK in 2022 – it has 2.5 million users and is global. Members’ age ranges from 25 to 40 and all genders and orientations are welcome; anyone can look for significant others on this dating site.
- Daily matches
- Intuitive interface
- Frequent discounts for the paid version
- Well-designed profiles
- Limited free version
- Lengthy signup
SilverSingles is one of the totally free dating sites for over 50 in the UK – the only requirements are that you’re single and over 50. The site can help you meet new friends, start dating casually, or even find your soulmate, depending on what it is you’re looking for.
How It Works
The SilverSingles signup process is comprehensive – you need to answer 125 questions for the personality test and 7 additional essay questions. You can use the desktop version of the site or install the app on your mobile device. If you’re an app user, you can scroll through user profiles and receive push notifications for new messages.
Features
SilverSingles is one of the free to browse dating sites – everything is located on the home page. You will also receive daily matches and get professional coaching for a profile makeover. If you’re a premium member, you can see everyone that’s visited your profile.
Is It Easy to Use?
Both the SilverSingles website and app are very easy to use; everything you need is available on the home and profile pages.
Who Is It For?
SilverSingles caters to anyone over 50 – men, women, straight and gay people alike. With more than 70.000 users in the UK, it’s easy to find someone for anyone!
- Functional mobile apps
- A scientific approach to matchmaking
- Variety of features
- Messaging is not available with the free version
- Long registration process
Parship is not one of those completely free dating sites with no sign-up in the UK – it requires you to create a comprehensive account so your profile can be fed to the matching algorithm; the site uses this to find the best match for you. If you want to browse more privately, you can install the mobile app, and there’s a separate site for gay people looking for committed relationships. The free Parship version lets you register, evaluates your questionnaire, and allows you to browse through user profiles!
How It Works
The signup requires either an email address or a Facebook account. After that, you’ll need to fill out an extensive questionnaire. Answering all 80 questions takes approximately 20 minutes, after which you can start matching with potentially compatible partners.
Features
Among 100% free dating sites in the UK, Parship stands out with its wide array of features. You can take a compatibility test to ensure better matches for yourself, and see compatibility levels between you and your matches. You can send a smile or an icebreaker, which is a short questionnaire both parties have to answer.
Is It Easy to Use?
Parship’s interface is simple and very neatly organised. Users rated the website as very appealing and easy to use, enticing new members to sign up.
Who Is It For?
Parship is aimed at heterosexual people looking for a lifelong partner (although there’s a free gay dating site) and anyone that’s over 18 can create an account.
- Well-designed interface
- Customised search
- No fake profiles
- Very secure dating platform
- Pop-up ads
- Lengthy registration
The Telegraph Dating website is one of the best totally free dating sites where you can meet people with similar interests. The site allows you to describe your ideal match and then pairs you up with those that meet the description. Most importantly, there are no fake profiles, thanks to the various security measures the site implements.
How It Works
New users can create an account with an email address or with their Facebook account. They need to fill in the details about themselves and list what they’re looking for. Based on this, the site suggests matches – you can message them, but customised messages are available only to paying users for a monthly fee of £12. The site is also available as a mobile app you can use on your phone.
Features
Telegraph Dating is among the best free dating sites in the UK due to the many fun commitments offers. For example, you can conduct a customised search with parameters such as location, gender, or whatever it is you consider important. You can invite other people to view your private photos and search for conversations by keywords.
Is It Easy to Use?
The web design is simple and functional, making it ideal for beginners in online dating and users from all age groups.
Who Is It For?
Telegraph Dating caters to people who are looking for a relationship at a later stage in life; the average user is 40 years old. Anyone who’s over 18 is welcome to register at this free dating site in the UK with no fees.
- Simple, intuitive interface
- Numerous free features
- Video chat
- More suitable for casual dating
- Lots of in-app purchases
Tinder is one of the best free UK dating apps – and it’s one of the most popular dating apps in the world. Most people turn to Tinder whenever they want to get a taste of online dating; whether they’re looking for a real relationship or just a casual hook-up, people of all genders and orientations can find something through the app.
How It Works
Tinder is an app-focused platform, although it’s possible to access it via a web browser. Registration is very simple – you can sign up through Facebook or a text message sent to your phone. You enter the verification code and as with other completely free dating apps, you need to enter your name, age, and gender, upload some photos and write a short bio (here’s how to write a good one).
Features
The app has plenty of features – you can adjust the swipe location to where you are or where you plan on being. The ‘Super Like’ feature and one called ‘Loops’ allow you to see GIFs of potential matches. You can also hide your profile from the Card Stack, so it doesn’t show you to new people, but you can still chat with people you’ve already matched with. You can also integrate your Instagram and Spotify accounts.
Is It Easy to Use?
Besides being one of the best dating apps in the UK for free, Tinder is also one of the easiest to use. The app’s design is very intuitive and lets you get to swiping right away.
Who Is It For?
Tinder is an app for everyone – there are no restrictions regarding age, gender, or sexual orientation. Everyone is welcome on this diverse app!
- Virtual dating
- Empowering for women
- Excellent security features
- Fun, intuitive interface
- Men can’t initiate conversations
- Less comprehensive profiles
Bumble is one of the best free dating sites in the UK, and women call all the shots there! Once two people match, women have 24 hours to initiate contact; if they don’t, the person disappears from their list of matches. Dating profiles on Bumble aren’t very detailed, but you can schedule a video call and check out your match before you meet in person.
How It Works
The Bumble platform can be used on a desktop, iOS, and Android. You can log in through Facebook or just by using your phone number before building your profile! You must add a photo and some basic information about yourself before you can start swiping through profiles.
Features
Bumble is often ranked among the free hookup sites that work for UK audiences, but you can choose the type of dating you’re comfortable with. Some filters allow you to weed out deal-breakers, and the site lets you have a virtual date. Although the site is free, you can get the Bumble Boost feature for £6.99 that prioritizes your profile from the large dating pool.
Is It Easy to Use?
Both the Bumble app and the web interface boast a sleek design, and users can easily find their way around regardless of whether they’re using the app or website.
Who Is It For?
Bumble primarily targets women that like to make the first move, as well as shy men who have difficulty approaching first. However, this is also one of the free dating sites in the UK without payment that caters to same-sex couples – and in such cases, anyone can make the first move!
- Comprehensive profiles
- Good photo-text balance
- Free download and access to the app
- Several unique features
- No desktop version
- Limited likes for free users
Among free no pay dating sites and apps, the Hinge app stands out with its slogan ‘designed to be deleted‘. Unlike other apps, this one shows you everyone that liked you so you can choose whether to match or not. You’re also shown which matches would be most compatible, and you can like and comment on people’s photos and prompts.
How It Works
You can create a Hinge account by connecting it to your Facebook profile or with phone verification; you can only do this using the app since the website only offers merchandise. To create an account, you have to fill out the standard questionnaire and answer three additional questions that can be used as conversation starters.
Features
Among the best free UK dating apps, Hinge stands out with cool features – you can display your deal breakers, for example. There’s also a customisation feature where you can add three key pieces of information about yourself to your profile. Their latest feature ‘Date from Home’ allows you to flag your matches when you want to have a virtual date.
Is It Easy to Use?
The Hinge app is extremely easy to use because of its trendy and modern design, and registration is extremely quick and easy as well.
Who Is It For?
Hinge offers more than 50 gender options, and it’s open to both straight and same-sex couples, although it’s often been considered a dating app aimed at Millenials.
Best Free Dating Sites and Apps in the UK – A Guide
When choosing a dating website you want to make sure that you choose the one that best suits your dating needs and requirements, so there are several things you need to take into consideration.
How to Choose the Best Free Dating Site or App in the UK
Get Personal
Do what’s best for you – this means that you need to choose the site that will satisfy your specific preferences. For example, you need to choose a site that welcomes your gender and sexual orientation and whether or not it offers the people there meet your criteria. The apps on this list cater to all sexual orientations, but there’s also a more catered list of apps specifically for gay people.
If you’re a bit older and don’t feel comfortable using these apps, try using a dating platform that caters to 50+ daters.
Possibly the most important thing you need to do is ensure that the site is safe and that your personal information will be secure while browsing there.
Website or App?
When you’re contemplating which of the best free dating websites in the UK you should choose, one thing to keep in mind is whether or not it offers a mobile app, since you may want to use both the site and app. If you’re more comfortable with a website, you don’t have to choose one that has an app, but if you want to date on the go, just find a platform that offers a well-developed app.
Set Your Dating Goals
One of the first things you need to do when starting to date online is outlined what you’re looking to get out of your online dating experience – whether it’s a hook-up, casual dating, or a serious, committed relationship.
Avoid Time-Consuming Sites and Apps
Although there aren’t any totally free dating sites with no sign-up required, you need to create an account for all sites whether they’re free or paid; some sites are more time-consuming than others. Make sure that the site you choose doesn’t take up too much of your time and energy – dating should be a fun experience after all!
How Do Dating Sites and Apps Find Matches?
The majority of dating sites/apps employ algorithms that match people based on certain criteria. Usually, the first thing the best free dating websites take into consideration is the physical location of users – it’s pointless to match two people that are on opposite sides of the world. Age, gender, and sexual preferences are also extremely important aspects in matchmaking, and some sites allow you to set more specific criteria such as height, political leanings, or even Zodiac sign.
Dating Apps and Mental Health – What’s the Connection?
The rising popularity of online dating brought along some concerns regarding the mental health of people who engage in this practice. Free dating sites for men and women have been the reason for several studies that have shown that dating app overuse can be detrimental to the mental well-being of users since it might cause low self-esteem, which then leads to feelings of rejection, stress, and anxiety.
That’s why it’s important to limit the use of dating sites/apps and remember that you are more than just your dating profile – you should also seek out apps that focus on more than just physical appearance.
Are Completely Free Dating Apps Worse Than Paid Ones?
If something comes at a price, it must be better than what’s offered for free, right? Well, that’s not the case with dating sites – free sites and apps are more popular than paid ones and they produce great results. Using a free app removes the pressure from dating – you can leave anytime without having to cancel any subscriptions and without feeling like you wasted your money.
Best Free Dating Sites UK at a Glance
| Dating Sites | Features Offered | Success Rate | Best For | Our Rating (1-5) |
| Match | Filtering options; Video chat | Excellent | Getting back out there | 4.8 |
| eHarmony | Daily matches; Profile highlights | Excellent | Serious relationships | 4.8 |
| OurTime | Daily matches; Audio and video uploads | Great | Anyone over 50 | 4.5 |
| OkCupid | Advanced searches; Profile boost | Excellent | Open-minded people | 4.8 |
| SilverSingles | Profile makeover; Daily matches | Great | Single people over 50 | 4.5 |
| Parship | Compatibility tests; Smiles; Icebreakers | Good | People looking for a long-term commitment | 4.5 |
| Telegraph Dating | Private photo viewing; Keyword search | Great | Meeting like-minded people | 4.5 |
| Tinder | Swipe Location; Super Like; Loops | Great | Casual dating | 4.8 |
| Bumble | Deal-breaker filter; Bumble Boost | Excellent | Empowered women | 4.8 |
| Hinge | Customisation features; Date from Home | Excellent | Customisation | 4.8 |
Wrap Up
If you’ve set your mind on trying online dating, there are a lot of apps and sites available for you to choose from – and you don’t even have to pay for them! Before committing to one platform, consider the top 10 free dating sites for UK daters and see which one offers what you’re looking for. Remember, the main goal is to have fun and stay safe in the process!
FAQ
There are several dating apps you can choose from the list of top free dating apps in the UK – these include OkCupid, Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OurTime, and others that allow you to use most features for free.
There are many quality dating apps available – some of the best ones are: Match.com, eHarmony, OkCupid, and OurTime, and SilverSingles for the over 50 population.
When discussing the best free dating sites UK, you probably want to know which one is the most successful of the lot. Match.com is the leader in success rates regarding long-term relationships, followed by eHarmony and OkCupid. For more casual dating and hook-ups, Bumble and Hinge are wildly successful.