Best dating sites for over-40 singles: 10 apps to flirt and fall in love
Overview
Best eharmony alternative
Match
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Best dating site for 30s and 40s
Hinge
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Table of Contents
Deciding to get back into the dating game can be nerve-wracking at any age. But the stakes may feel a little higher if you’re in your 40s.
You may assume that people in your demographic either aren’t interested in dating or are already settled into long-term relationships. However, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data, as of 2021, nearly 25 percent of 40-somethings in the U.S. have never been married. Additionally, only 22 percent of unmarried adults ages 40 to 44 were cohabiting couples.
So, have people in their 40s given up on finding love? Not at all. In fact, according to the Pew Research analysis, approximately one in four 40-year-olds who weren’t married in 2001 tied the knot by age 60. But unlike people in their 20s and 30s, single people over 40 know what they want and aren’t afraid to wait a little longer to find the right person.
How to start dating again at 40Now, after that speech and spew of statistics, you’re probably wondering what our grand plan is to get you out on the dance floor. The answer? Online dating. Before you scoff, hear us out.
Online dating is a great way to meet new people in a low-pressure environment. The best dating sites for people over 40 make it so easy to connect with potential partners. You can filter through profiles and find matches who share your interests and values. Imagine if you could do that when scanning the room at a party — it would save a lot of time and effort.
But before you download a bunch of apps, Kiana Reeves, Somatic Sex Educator, Intimacy Coach, and Chief Education Officer at Foria, recommends taking a moment for self-reflection: “We join dating sites because we’re looking for connection, whether in the form of a serious relationship, a casual fling, or something in between. With that in mind, it’s important to identify the kind of connection you’re looking for before you join any dating sites, apps, etc.”
Next, consider your approach to online dating, Reeves says. “Are you looking for a casual swipe-through site to meet people in a new city? Are you someone who likes to make the first move? Are you looking for someone who is only interested in a serious relationship? Are you looking for someone who shares your same faith? How much time are you planning to devote to making a connection?”
Once you’ve clarified your dating goals, Reeves recommends “joining a couple [apps] to start out with, so you can feel out what kind of user experience makes the most sense for you.” She adds, “Of course, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s totally fine to just join one to start.”
Ready to find love after 40? Or maybe you’re looking for a no-pressure friend with benefits? We’ve got you. As data nerds, we’ve done the research, sourced expert advice, and did a lot of hands-on testing to find the best options for forty-something singles. Our comprehensive guide to the best dating apps for over-40 singles is here to help.
Our Pick
Read our full review of EliteSingles.
Who it’s for:If you consider yourself ambitious and driven and want a partner who shares those values, EliteSingles (a sister site to SilverSingles) is worth checking out. This dating app is tailored to professionals who are serious about their careers and want to connect with someone on the same wavelength.
EliteSingles is targeted toward a community of intelligent, sophisticated, and successful people who aren’t just looking for a fling but for someone who understands their lifestyle and aspirations. Over 90 percent of users are 30 or older, and most hold advanced degrees.
So, if you’re over 30 and are looking for a partner who’s equally ambitious, EliteSingles might be your best option.
Why we picked this:We chose Elite Singles as the best overall dating app for this age group because it focuses on quality over quantity. The detailed personality test and smart matching system go beyond the superficial to find people who truly get you, your interests, your values, and what makes you tick.
Elite Singles isn’t just for snobs with degrees — although it is great for professionals who value education and ambition. It’s for any adult over 40 who’s tired of the games and wants to connect with other mature singles who are ready for real relationships.
“What I liked about EliteSingles was the fact all members had to complete a long questionnaire assessing their personality traits, which admittedly takes a while, but it was obvious the information was put together by qualified psychologists, so I knew it would lead to better matches,” Mila Smith, a certified dating and relationship coach who met her current husband on the app, told Mashable. “My now husband was in the top five matches which came up,” Smith adds. “I seem to recall our compatibility rating, according to EliteSingles, was between 95 and 98 percent — remarkably accurate. Although we may not share all our interests, we do share key life values, which is the foundation of any healthy longterm relationship.”
If the price of EliteSingles is holding you back, Coffee Meets Bagel is another great, budget-friendly option. And if you’re looking for a dating app with a more exclusive vibe, The League might be a better fit.
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Read our full review of eharmony.
Who it’s for:If you’re 40 or older and ready to commit, like really commit, eharmony is where you want to be. It’s known for pairing people for life and has a strong reputation for its thorough matching process.
Most eharmony users are between 30 and 44 years old and are looking for a serious relationship or marriage — which is exactly why we ranked it as the No. 1 dating app for marriage-minded individuals over 40 (it’s also our top pick for finding serious relationships, period).
Why we picked this:Founded in 2000, eharmony has quite a reputation, especially for its in-depth compatibility matching system. (It was actually the very first dating app to introduce the concept of compatibility testing.)
Instead of relying on algorithms that think a shared love of cat memes is the key to compatibility, eharmony takes a more scientific approach. You’ll fill out a comprehensive compatibility quiz about your values, interests, and personality quirks — think of it like a Myers-Briggs test for your love life. It might take you 20 minutes to get through the quiz, but trust us; it’s worth it to filter out the potential dating disasters and find someone who actually gets you. Keep an eye out for promotions too, as eharmony often runs discounts of up to 50% off.
Although eharmony is historically known for catering to heterosexual couples, the company has been making headlines for its efforts to become more inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. However, not everyone is happy about this change.
Some religious groups have come after eharmony for their decision to allow same-sex matching, and have criticized the platform for straying from their traditional values. There’s a petition circulating online demanding that eharmony remove its LGBTQ+ advertisements.
Christian Mingle may be a better fit if you’re looking for a more religious or Christian dating site. Other religious dating sites include JDate for Jewish singles and Muslima for Muslim singles.
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Match
Best eharmony alternative
Read our full review of Match.
Who it’s for:Match is a reliable dating site (with receipts) for singles of all ages, with a large user base that includes a significant number of people in their 40s and 50s. According to Match’s website, 48.6 percent of Match members are between 30 and 49, and 26.5 percent are 50 and up. So, for 40-year-olds tired of casual dating, a paid Match membership can help you connect with others who are also looking for serious relationships.
Match is also a good option for divorced or widowed people who are interested in re-entering the dating pool.
Why we picked this:Match isn’t just about throwing up a selfie and hoping for the best. It’s about creating a profile that showcases your unique personality, interests, and passions. You can share up to 26 photos (including your profile photo), craft a bio that gives potential matches insight into who you are, and answer a variety of questions to help the algorithm understand what you’re looking for in a partner.
Something else we love about Match is its commitment to a more intentional dating experience. In June 2024, Match partnered with Jay Shetty, a renowned author and life coach (and now Match’s Relationship Advisor), to launch new features focused on core values and deeper connections. Members can now highlight their top values on their profile (family, communication, faith, etc.), explore Shetty’s in-app content hub for dating advice, and get inspired by his unique first date ideas and conversation prompts.
Match also provides a safer environment for online dating. Fake profiles get flagged and removed quickly, and the site has a team dedicated to reviewing and approving new profiles to ensure people are who they say they are. Once a phone number is flagged, it’s banned from the site, protecting users from potential scams or harassment.
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Hinge
Best dating site for 30s and 40s
Who it’s for:Hinge is a popular dating app known for its focus on meaningful connections. While the app is popular with Gen Z and young professionals, it’s equally suitable for older singles looking for a compatible partner and prefer to steer clear of the casual hookup culture of other apps.
Hinge’s detailed profiles and conversation-starting prompts make it easy to get to know potential matches on a deeper level before meeting in person. And with its free membership option, you can start exploring without commitment.
Why we picked this:Hinge’s “designed to be deleted” philosophy means that the app is focused on helping users find love and eventually get rid of the app for good. (But you can use it for casual dating, too.)
Unlike Tinder (which is seeing declines in paying users, according to TechCrunch) and other swipe-based dating apps, Hinge incorporates fun prompts and personal information to help users get to know each other better. Hinge also continuously learns your preferences and follows up on your dating experiences to provide better recommendations in the future.
Hinge started out as a popular app for younger folks, but it’s actually great for anyone over 40 who’s tired of mindlessly swiping through profiles and wants to find something real. Hinge is all about meaningful connections, not just hooking up. Plus, they’re making an effort to be more inclusive, which is super refreshing. Their recent LGBTQIA+ report shows they get that different people want different things out of dating, like taking things slow and building a genuine connection.
Hinge has also unofficially become one of the best apps for self-discovery. It’s helped some people realize they’re on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. That can be a big deal, especially for folks in their 40s and older who might be exploring these things later in life.
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Bumble
Best dating site for women
Read our full review of Bumble Premium.
Who it’s for:With its women-first philosophy, Bumble empowers women and non-binary individuals to take the lead and initiate conversations. This women-first philosophy creates a less skeevy space that’s easier to navigate than Tinder.
If you’re a woman or non-binary individual over 40 who’s tired of receiving unsolicited messages, Bumble is the app for you. It reduces unwanted advances, allows outgoing people to take control of their dating experience, and is a pretty good way for shy men to meet women, too.
Why we picked this:Bumble’s laid-back vibe is a big plus. You get to show off your personality with witty, custom bios (check out these tips for making your profile pop), so there’s no need to slog through seemingly endless compatibility quizzes to get started.
The app uses a Tinder-style swiping system, but with a twist: In straight pairings, women and non-binary folks get to make the first move. This unique feature has been Bumble’s claim to fame since 2014, but they’ve recently stepped it up with “Opening Moves.” Now, women and non-binary users can choose a question for their matches to answer, or they can just start the conversation themselves.
Plus, Bumble has expanded its “Dating Intentions” badges. You’ll see options like “fun, casual dates,” “intimacy without commitment,” “life partner,” “ethical non-monogamy,” and even “marriage”— so you’ll know who’s looking for something serious and who’s not.
And if you’re worried about fake profiles, they’ve just added a feature to report profiles using AI-generated photos, making it easier to spot catfish and keep things real.
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OkCupid
Best dating app for LGBTQ folks
Read our full review of OkCupid.
Who it’s for:OkCupid is a dating platform that embraces diversity and inclusivity, making it a great option for singles over 40 who value open-mindedness and thoughtful conversations. It has a more liberal-leaning user base and puts a focus on thought-provoking conversations over endless swiping.
OkCupid’s algorithm helps you find your match by looking into core topics (such as your views on feminism and other important social issues) and matches you with singles who share these key values.
Why we picked this:Owned by Match Group, OkCupid is a popular dating website that’s credited with making 91 million connections annually. It’s also highly inclusive, offering profile options for 22 different gender identities and 12 different sexual orientations.
While swiping is still part of the OkCupid experience, it’s not the main event. OkCupid prioritizes true matchmaking with in-app matching questions that ask about the important stuff, like how you balance your needs with your partner’s and your stance on important social and political issues.
According to Michael Kaye, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at OkCupid, the company also started using generative AI in early 2023 to improve its matching algorithm. OkCupid used ChatGPT to write its matching questions, and so far, these questions have been answered almost 4 million times.
Though you can use OKC for free, you’ll need to pay to access certain features, including the ability to see all your likes at once.
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Who it’s for:SilverSingles is a mature dating site for singles 50 and above. Thanks to its minimum age requirement, SilverSingles is the perfect place to connect with older singles looking for love and companionship.
If you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond and ready to find love, SilverSingles could be the dating site for you.
Why we picked this:Mashable recently recognized SilverSingles as the best dating site for seniors, and for good reason. SilverSingles (a sister site of EliteSingles) is one of the best dating sites for people over 50 because of its focus on compatibility and its success rate. But don’t just take our word for it: One of our reviewers surprised their mom with a SilverSingles subscription, and now she’s happily partnered with someone she met on the platform.
Unlike superficial swiping, SilverSingles takes the time to understand you through a comprehensive personality test. It may take a bit longer, but it’s worth it for truly compatible matches who are also looking for a meaningful relationship. You’ll then receive three to seven matches each day.
A note on inclusivity: While you can specify your preference for a same-sex match, the app currently doesn’t offer the option to receive matches from both genders.
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Who it’s for:If you’ve tried other dating apps and haven’t reeled in a catch, you may want to consider Plenty of Fish (POF). The site has over 150 million members worldwide, so it’s likely you’ll find a compatible match.
That said, POF also plays host to its fair share of shady accounts, including bots and catfish. So it’s essential to cast your net wide and watch for impostors. If you encounter any fishy business, be sure to report it.
Why we picked this:POF offers a vast sea of potential matches over 40, ensuring you’ll have plenty of options to explore. It also provides a range of communication features to keep the conversation flowing.
In March, Busch Light and POF partnered up to help singles who love fishing and beer find their perfect match. The campaign, called “Reel Love,” gives users the option to add a Fish Pic badge to their profile (a la OkCupid) to show off their angling skills and hook other singles who prefer to cast their lines in the great outdoors.
Whether you prefer video chat, private messaging, chat rooms, or even voice calling, POF has you covered. The app’s commitment to offering multiple avenues for connection makes it easier to get to know potential matches — if you can get past the fake bot accounts.
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Read our full review of Zoosk.
Who’s it for:Zoosk hasn’t kept up with modern dating apps. But if you’re scraping the bottom of the dating barrel on other platforms, consider this your last stop.
Why we picked this:Zoosk feels like a time capsule from the early days of online dating. Their idea of “matching” involves tossing winks and hearts around like it’s still 2007. And if you want actual conversation and meaningful connection, then get ready to open your wallet. Zoosk’s free version is like walking into a party and not being allowed to talk to anyone. It might have been the place to be back in the day, but now there are way better options that actually understand how modern dating works.
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Tired of swiping left on lackluster dating experiences? You deserve better. Mashable’s team of real testers has done the legwork to help daters over 40 find their match. We didn’t just create profiles – we actively engaged with each app to bring you an authentic, in-depth analysis. We compared the top dating sites’ and apps’ features, costs, user experience, and success rates to make your search for love easier.
Our Dating & Relationships experts focused on these key factors:
User experience: How easy is it to navigate the app, build a profile, and find potential matches?
Match quality: Does the app prioritize meaningful connections over superficial swiping?
Profile authenticity: Are you connecting with real people, or is the app filled with fake profiles?
Safety and security: We look into privacy policies, data protection practices, and reporting mechanisms to assess the safety of dating platforms.
Accessibility: We look for dating sites and apps with user-friendly interfaces and availability on Google Play and the App Store.
Inclusivity: Does the app create a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone, regardless of background or identity? We prioritize platforms that celebrate diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best dating site depends on what you’re looking for, but after doing some digging and talking to people who’ve been there, we think EliteSingles is a good option for most folks in their 40s, especially if you’re hoping to find something serious with another professional.
If tying the knot is top of mind, eharmony has a proven track record of helping people find their perfect match. Match is another solid choice with plenty of eligible singles over 40, but it will put a bigger dent in your wallet.
While Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are popular with younger folks, success is still possible for the over-40 singles. OkCupid has a higher percentage of 40+ users (compared to its competitors) and is a great option for the liberal and LGBTQ+ communities, offering a space to be your most authentic self sans judgment.
Wondering where the over-40 crowd is finding love online? Match is a popular (though pricey) option with a large user base, while eharmony is known for leading to marriages. Hinge might be worth a try if you’re a millennial at heart. Bumble is perfect for women and non-binary individuals who want to call the shots, and OkCupid welcomes a diverse community, especially those who lean left or identify as LGBTQ+.
While Hinge is popular among millennials, it’s not necessarily off-limits for 50-year-olds. Many users in their 40s and 50s have found success on Hinge, thanks to its focus on deeper connections and detailed profiles (it’s “designed to be deleted,” after all). However, the age range on Hinge does lean younger, so you might find more users in their 20s and 30s than on apps like OkCupid or eharmony.
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.
