It doesn’t matter who you’re into — dating as a guy can be rough. Whether you’re typically introverted or are a pro socializer, getting to know someone you’re interested in (or even finding someone to get to know, for that matter) is intimidating. It takes the perfect balance of confidence and chill, and if it’s a lady you’re pursuing, chances are she’s received more than a few unsolicited messages already.
But if you sit back and play it too cool, you risk getting beelined into the friend zone or chalked up to “not that interested.”
It’s easy to give up, blame it on being too busy with work, or have a date with some THC instead, but but online dating is a clutch way to avoid the meat market hell hole at the corner bar or nightclub. That doesn’t automatically make it easy, but it’s easier when different sites serve different purposes. Not all singles on Tinder want to be approached the same way as a single on Match.com, which can get confusing — but knowing who’s on what ups your chances of finding someone who wants what you want, whether that’s a hookup or a real life relationship. Read more…
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MOST USERS
Match
By numbers, Match is the most popular online dating site and offers a fun, organized experience.
- Free version: Free
- 3-months: $23.99/month
- 6-months: $20.99/month
- 12-months: $19.99/month
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BEST FOR HOOKING UP
AdultFriendFinder
Just looking to get laid or get off? AdultFriendFinder is where you want to be.
- Free version: Yes
- 1-month of GOLD: $30/month
- 3-months of GOLD : $20/month
- 12-months of GOLD: $15/month
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BEST FOR LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS
eharmony
Founded in the year 2000, eharmony is the direct rival of Match. Although they have similar features, eharmony is a more focused experience.
- Free version: Yes
- 3-months: $54.95/month
- 6-months: $36.95/month
- 12-months: $18.95/month
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BEST FREE OPTION
OkCupid
This OG dating site recently got a brand makeover and is now home to millions of fun, woke singles.
- Free version: Yes
- 1-month of A-List: $9.95/month
- 3-months of A-List: $7.95/month
- 6-months of A-List: $6.95/month
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BEST FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS
Elite Singles
Turned on by career goals? This site is aimed at successful working professionals looking for other successful singles.
- Free version: Yes
- 3-months: $57.95/month
- 6-months: $44.95/month
- 12-months: $31.95/month
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BEST FOR MEANINGFUL MATCHES
Hinge
It’s less hookup-based than Tinder, less serious than Match, and is extremely popular in big cities.
- Free version: Yes
- 1-month: $12.99/month
- 3-months: $6.99/month
- 6-months: $4.99/month
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BEST FOR HAPPY-GO-LUCKY GUYS
Happn
Ah, serendipity — Happn allows you to connect with people you see every day.
- Free version: Yes
- One month: $20.00
- Three months: $16.00
- Six months: $12.00
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BEST FOR MEN SEEKING MEN
Grindr
Forget straight-centric apps: Grindr is a gay-geared app home to millions of gay, bi, and trans profiles.
- Free version: Yes
- 1-month of Grindr XTRA: $14.99/month
- 3-months of Grindr XTRA: $10/month
- 6-months of Grindr XTRA: $8.50/month
- 12-months of Grindr XTRA: $6.50/month
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BEST FOR SHY MEN
Bumble
Shy guys new to online dating will dig how Bumble requires women to make the first move.
- Free version: Yes
- One-week: $8.99/week
- One-month: $24.99/month
- Three-months: $16.66/month
- Six-months: $13.33/month
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REDDIT’S FAVORITE
Zoosk
It’s super to use and has a decent rep on the internet, but dead profiles make giving up look easier than searching.
- Free version: Yes
- 1-month: $29.95/month
- 3-months: $19.98/month
- 6-months: $12.49/month
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BEST FOR FINDING A REGULAR FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
Tinder
Tinder is the first dating app to use swiping to find an ideal match, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to meet someone.
- Free version: Yes
- 1-month of Tinder Plus: $14.99/month
- 6-months of Tinder Plus: $10/month
- 12-months of Tinder Plus: $6.67/month
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BEST FOR GUYS NERVOUS ABOUT PHYSICAL STUFF
Cams.com
Need a confidence boost? Cams.com pairs you with models and lets you test out Bluetooth sex toys.
- 100 tokens: $12
- 250 tokens: $26
- 500 tokens: $50
- 1,000 tokens: $99
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BEST FOR PLANNING REAL DATES
Coffee Meets Bagel
Dating should be about quality, not quantity. Instead of swiping, this app encourages you to meet up.
- Free version: Yes
- 1-month: $34.99/month
- 3-months: $24.99/month
- 6-months: $19.99/month
- 12-months: $14.99/month
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BEST FOR INTERNATIONAL SEXTING
iHookup
Get off without leaving the house.
- Free membership: Yes
- Silver membership: Starts at $29.99/month
- Gold membership: Starts at $34.99/month
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BEST FOR GUYS WITH KINKS
ALT
Bond over bondage on this BDSM site.
- Free version: Yes
- One month of Silver: $19.95/month
- Three months of Silver: $11.99/month
- One year of Silver: $8.95/month
- One month of Gold: $29.95/month
- Three months of Gold: $19.95/month
- One year of Gold: $13.43/month