I feel you…
As it stands, it may look like everyone on dating sites is looking for something casual.
Right?
But what if I tell you there are millions like you looking for long-term serious relationships and love?
Yeah, the secret to getting a long-term relationship online is picking the best dating sites for serious relationships online.
Better yet, we did the heavy lifting and came up with the best dating websites to date with the goal of meaningful connections.
Jump in!
Best Dating Sites for Serious Relationships
The best dating sites for serious relationships are as follows. We’ll review each one of these more thoroughly.
- Eharmony – Top dating site for serious relationships overall
- Dating.com – Best dating site for a user-friendly online dating experience
- Zoosk – Unmatched behavior matchmaking algorithm
- FriendFinder – Nice for flexible serious relationships
- Silver Singles – Amazing free dating app for seniors
- Tinder – Best free dating site for young love
- Okcupid – 12 gender identities/ 20 sexual orientations
- Tawkify – Best dating site with a coach
- Bumble – All about the ladies
- OurTime – For 50+ people
- Christian Mingle – Leading Christian relationship sites
- JDate – Great Jewish online dating site
Top Dating Sites for Long-term Relationships
1. eHarmony – Best Free Dating App for Serious Relationships
Pros
- Impressive security features
- Balanced with 49% women and 51% men
- Smart algorithm for curated matchmaking
- Free premium services promos
- Proven success track record (20 years)
Cons
- Very limited free usage (has free premium use promos)
Pricing
- 6-month plan – $65.90/m
- 12-month plan – $45.90/m
- 24-month plan – $25.90/m
eHarmony is the sensei of dating sites for serious relationships.
To kick off, the best dating site has been in the game since 2000 and has helped more than 2 million singles find love. What a stat, eh?
One key thing that sets eHarmony apart from other online dating sites is its emphasis on compatibility matching.
The dating app claims to use somewhat scientific methods to help you find a perfect match based on personality traits, values, and interests.
To achieve this, eHarmony employs a comprehensive questionnaire known as the Compatibility Quiz. The questionnaire considers various aspects of a person’s life, including communication style, values, and relationship goals.
The results of this questionnaire are used to generate highly compatible matches, ensuring that users are connected with people who have similar beliefs and long-term aspirations.
One issue people might face is that the questionnaire might seem a bit long, but if you finish it carefully, you’ll get the highest quality of curated match suggestions.
Furthermore, eHarmony goes ahead to show you compatibility points to help you choose based on score if you don’t want to deeply analyze every match suggestion you’re sent.
We like that eHarmony encourages users to create detailed profiles that provide insights into their personalities and preferences. This approach not only helps in finding suitable matches but also sets the stage for deeper conversations.
Users can add information about their hobbies, interests, family values, and relationship goals, helping clear the air and pave the way for someone more aligned with your goals.
eHarmony understands that starting a conversation with a stranger can be intimidating, so they offer a unique feature called “Guided Communication” to help you gradually get to know someone.
>>Sign up to eHarmony and set the stage for a lasting relationship
2. Dating.com – Most User-friendly Dating Site for Something Serious
Pros
- Both on Apple and Android
- Large and diverse user base
- Verify if profiles are real feature
- In 37 countries
- Intentional matching feature
Cons
- Features on free profiles are limited
Pricing
- 150 credits – $49.99
- 600 credits – $149.99
- 1500 credits – $299.99
Dating.com is like eHarmony, but just toned down a little.
The app believes the secret recipe to having a satisfying online dating experience is creating a detailed profile.
With your profile, the sites takes in your interests, values, and relationship goals and recommends potential compatible partners who share your long-term vision.
Dating.com also employs detailed algorithms that read user profiles, preferences, and behaviors to suggest potential matches.
Additionally, the site focuses on long-term dating rather than casual flings, so you’ll only meet people with the same interests, saving your time.
You’d like to know that Dating.com takes user safety seriously and only has verified profiles, therefore reducing the risk of fake accounts or catfishing.
When compared to other dating sites for serious dating, Dating.com might be a little pricier. This said the app’s success rates make it worth every cent.
Even for those new to online dating, the site will be simple to use. The dating website and mobile app are both intuitive, making it easy for anyone to browse profiles, send messages, and engage with potential partners.
Depending on what you like, you can either send live messages, voice chats, or video chat if you wish for something more intimate.
For more user-friendliness, it’s awesome that Dating.com is available on both Android and Apple, so all singles with a smartphone can use it. The dating app is also available all over America, Europe, and other regions for even wider accessibility and opportunities for international dating.
To give you some assurance, Dating.com boasts thousands of success stories from couples who have met on the platform and gone on to build solid and lasting relationships.
>>Date verified people within your area and across the world
3. Zoosk – Unique Matchmaking Tool for Serious Arrangements
Pros
- Supports 25 languages
- Choose the serious relationship of your wish
- Matches based on site behavior
- Easy app/site usage
- Over 35 million singles
Cons
- Premium has credit and monthly subscription
Pricing
- 1 month – $34.95/m
- 3 months – $24.95/m
- 6 months – $14.95/m
- 12 months – $14.95/m
Zoosk evolution has been something of awe.
The dating service originated as a Facebook application back in December 2007.
Zoosk has since grown into one of the biggest free dating sites for serious relationships, boasting over 40 million users worldwide.
With its Facebook roots, Zoosk treads a nice balance between a free dating site and a social network platform.
On top of making relationships on the site, you can also make serious and enduring friendships.
For serious relationships, the app lets you clearly state what you’re looking for to attract people who want a similar thing.
Because of its laid-back and vibrant vibe, Zoosk mostly attracts a younger audience of singles. While it might not be the most natural option for older people, it has a relatively wider age range if you want a more colorful app.
Zoosk is also unmatched by how far-reaching it is. The dating app covers 80 countries, creating an active and diverse user base for you to explore.
Along with the above, the app supports over 25 languages, and is one of the most accessible dating apps for people who don’t speak English.
You’ll also find people of all orientations, making it inclusive for both straight and queer people.
The site also has an almost equal dating pool at 48% men and 52% women, hence giving nice success
Zoosk’s Behavioral Matchmaking technology is also quite brilliant as it relies on your site behavior to provide match picks. This can be particularly helpful if your taste and preferences have changed, but you haven’t updated them.
You can further check who’s currently online, so you don’t waste time texting an inactive profile.
Other cool features include seeing who’s viewed your profile, which can help you discover some secret admirers.
>>Join the most versatile dating app today
4. FriendFinder – Longest-standing App for Serious Stuff
Pros
- 80M+ users
- Almost 30 years online dating industry experience
- Plenty of free features
- Balances online and traditional dating
- Open-minded user base
Cons
- The interface is dated
- You can’t send messages without paying for a subscription
Pricing (Gold)
- 1 month – $34.94/m
- 3 months – $19.98/m
- 6 months – $15.82
Launched in 1996, FriendFinder is the most experienced and one of the most reputable dating sites for serious relationships.
Although it started as a casual dating platform, the app has grown to accommodate all types of people, including those looking for serious relationships and friendships.
For one, the app is keen on connecting you to people who share the same ideas, therefore giving you a better footing to get a long-term relationship from the site.
Coming in at about 80M users globally, FriendFinder has something and someone for everyone, so don’t hesitate to be direct with what you want.
Liked someone far away? Well, the site has a live video call tool to help you connect with a match more engagingly wherever they are.
There are also public chat rooms and online forums of users sharing the same interests, and this can also be a good place to strike something up with someone.
Only, FriendFinder doesn’t have the most modern website. It still rocks a classic retro website look which tech-savvy people might not find that appealing. Other than that, there’s not really much to gripe about.
Another thing is that FriendFinder goes beyond traditional dating by organizing local events for its members where you can interact and maybe land a love interest and build a real relationship. You never know, right?
FriendFinder encourages users to be honest and open about their intentions and expectations. Better yet, you’ll find open-minded people who won’t judge you for what you’re after no matter what it is.
>>Join one of the most popular dating sites now
5. Silver Singles – Top Serious Dating Service for Seniors
Pros
- Available on both iOS/Android
- Niche 50+ site
- Just enough features (nothing too crazy)
- Cutting-edge security
- Access messaging icebreakers
Cons
- Can get pricey
Pricing
- 3 months – $44.95/m
- 6 months – $34.95/m
- 12 months – $24.95/m
Tired of dating sites thronging with young people and just want something simpler?
Silver Singles is a sweet dating platform for people aged 50+.
Because of this user base, most people here are looking to get into committed relationships. Moreover, these are people who have or have had good careers, so it’s a place to find some of the most high-quality singles.
Seeing that people here are aged 50+, Silver Singles is quite simple to use. There are also not too many features that can be overwhelming.
Upon signing up, you’ll be required to complete an extensive personality test. This will also touch on values, and relationship goals.
The information you give is then used to match you with other personable potential partners, giving you a leg up to a devoted relationship.
Silver Singles prides itself on maintaining a high-quality user base. Unlike some other dating apps that prioritize sheer numbers, it is committed to fostering meaningful connections.
Furthermore, Silver Singles makes sure all profiles are filled out well, and locks out any half-baked user profiles that may not be as invested on the platform.
On the same breadth, Silver Singles puts a strong emphasis on safety and security. The platform uses photo and email verification to see that profiles are genuine. To add, the site is also monitored for any inappropriate activity.
If you don’t want to send a first text, you can send someone you like a simple smiley to let them know you like them.
There are also icebreakers to help start a conversation with someone that catches your eye.
>>Discover other seniors looking for serious dating
6. Tinder – Best for Young People Seeking Long-term Dating
Pros
- Register in 5 minutes or less
- Available in over 190 countries.
- Over 80 million users
- Great for travel dating
- Mostly free
Cons
- Swiping can be too time-consuming
Pricing
- From $4.50 – $27 per month depending on country
Everyone, their aunt, grandma, and uncle, has been on Tinder.
Although it is a little recent compared to many dating sites, Tinder has risen fast, especially for its fast swipe-style dating.
In recent years, the platform has undergone a wild transformation, even including an option for people to clearly mention that they’re looking for a serious relationship.
The reason why Tinder has been so big is that it’s free. Unlike other apps that limit messaging, you can text, receive messages, browse profiles, and even edit your profiles without spending anything.
Premium features however give you unlimited usage. A premium user won’t be limited to the number of swipes they can make.
You can also browse people in other areas, which is massive if you are one for travel dating.
Tinder now lets people have more information on their profiles, e.g. more photos and longer bios, encouraging people to be more keen as they browse profiles.
This said, the profiles aren’t the most detailed. This means you might need more information directly from a match rather than getting hints from their profile.
To increase trust and authenticity, Tinder has implemented verification tools like photo verification and social media linking to keep you safe.
In response to the changing user needs, Tinder introduced ‘Tinder U’ to connect college students looking for meaningful relationships.
>>Join 80M+ other Tinder users
7. OKCupid – Most Inclusive App for Deep Relationships
Pros
- Send some messages for free
- Tailored premium memberships
- Over 12 gender identities and 20 sexual orientations
- Comment on profiles
Cons
- App has a casual vibe
Pricing
- 1 month – $34.99/m
- 3 months – $29.99/m
- 6 months – $24.99/m
OKCupid has become a go-to platform for those looking to build meaningful connections, more so with its commitment to personality- and preference-based matching.
When you sign up for OKCupid, the platform will ask you about your preferences in a partner and relationship type. If you’re looking for serious dating, the app will only suggest other people who have also stated that they’re seeking similar relationships.
The preference settings are so deep that you can even add the physical appearance you’d want your future long-term partner to have.
You can also add your beliefs to make sure that you match with someone with whom you share the same religious beliefs for some spiritual compatibility.
Like eHarmony, OkCupid also shows you compatibility scores between you and other possible matches for easier choosing.
Another thing is the level of detail provided in user profiles. Users have the opportunity to showcase their goals, family info, drinking habits, personal stats, and more to give you more knowledge about a potential connection.
The only issue is that OkCupid isn’t exclusively a serious dating website; therefore, you might need to be super explicit that you’re pursuing a relationship that may lead to marriage.
OKCupid allows you to choose from a wide array of gender and sexual orientation options, including non-binary and queer identities, too.
On top of everything, you can send messages based on specific aspects of a person’s profile, making it easier to start conversations based on shared interests or beliefs.
>>Explore serious relationship matches based on all preferences
8. Tawkify – Best Coaching to Date Seriously
Pros
- Human-centric approach
- Quality over quantity on connections
- Thorough profile screening
- Plans dates for you
Cons
- Joining can be expensive
- Finding a match takes longer
Pricing
- 3 months – $499/m
- 6 months – $449/m
- 12 months – $424/m
New to dating sites, Tawkify makes its bones by offering you one-on-one help as you try to find a date and a serious arrangement online.
As you start, you will get a personal client relationship specialist from the site to guide on how to get started on the s platform.
After that, Tawkify will assign you another personal dating helper to help you navigate online dating.
As you browse profiles, meet people, and go on dates, you can give the dating coach feedback, and they’ll use this information to provide you with better match suggestions.
Tawkify’s commitment to quality over quantity sets it apart from many other dating platforms. Instead of bombarding you with an endless stream of potential matches, Tawkify focuses on curating a select number of introductions tailored to each client’s preferences.
Should I mention that this app is therefore a cool option for older guys and those who have busy lives and careers too?
Because of how picky the app is with matching, it can take some time before getting a match. This said, the quality of matches you receive is top-notch, maximizing your chances of forging a genuine and serious connection.
It’s important to mention that most people here are aged 30+, and generally, people who are here to date seriously and not play games.
Lastly, Tawkify also emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interaction.
It encourages clients to step away from their screens and engage in real-world dates with the connections they make on the app.
>>Get your ideal relationship with the help of a 1-on-1 dating coach
9. Bumble – Safest Serious Dating App for Women
Pros
- Plenty of free features
- Premium version is pretty inexpensive.
- Users are encouraged to complete conversations fast.
- The app bans users who send offensive messages
- About 60% of matches result in conversations
Cons
- Free version only allows limited daily swipes.
- Women starting conversations might not be appealing to some
Pricing
- 1 month – $29.99
- 3 month – $59.99/m
- 6 month – $99.99/m
- Lifetime – $149
Taking a feminist approach to online dating, Bumble is all about creating pleasurable, tailored, and safe online dating experiences for women.
To begin, the app only lets women text first, giving you control over who you want to talk to. It also helps women reduce the number of unsolicited messages most usually receive on dating apps.
In terms of relationships, Bumble has people of diverse needs. However, you can say that you’re only looking for something serious, and the app will bend over backwards to help you find a relationship that satisfies your desires.
Bumble’s matching algorithms have evolved over the years to enhance the likelihood of finding compatible long-term partners. Users are asked to complete detailed profiles, including information about their interests and relationship needs.
Also, the app is free for women to use, even for premium features. For men to use premium features, they’ll need to upgrade to a paid account.
The free usage for women also means there are more women than men, which is quite rare to find on a dating app.
To push up message rates, Bumble has a 24-hour expiry on matches. This means that you have 24 hours to send a message and for one to reply after a match is made. Still, you can bump up the expiry limit with a premium subscription.
This data is used to make more accurate matches, enhancing the odds of finding someone who shares your desire for a committed, long-lasting relationship.
>>Join Bumble today and get high reply rates
10. OurTime – Best Silver Singles Alternative for Serious Dating
Pros
- Wide access, even with free version
- Date people of the same age range
- Affordable premium subscriptions
- Moderators to remove fakes
Cons
- Free members can only send limited messages
- Weekly payments may not be cheap
Pricing
- 1 month – About $34.96/m
- 6 months – About $15.96/m
OurTime is unique in its focus on catering to a more mature demographic.
Like Silver Singles, it is designed for people aged 50 and over who are looking for meaningful companionship.
This niche focus ensures that you’ll be connecting with other users who share similar life experiences and companionship needs. Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or have never been married, OurTime creates a welcoming and supportive environment for mature singles.
Navigating the dating platform is easy, even if you aren’t a tech person. OurTime has a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to everyone.
The website’s layout is also intuitive, and the signup process is straightforward. Within a few minutes, members can easily create a profile, upload photos, and start browsing through potential matches.
OurTime employs leading matchmaking algorithms to help members find compatible partners. These algorithms consider factors like needs and location to provide highly tailored match suggestions.
This means that you’re more likely to be introduced to people who align with your values and are looking for the same kind of lasting relationship.
OurTime goes beyond traditional online dating by offering various events and activities for members to participate in.
These gatherings can include everything from virtual happy hours to local meetups. They provide opportunities to connect with like-minded people in a relaxed and social setting. These events are a fantastic way to break the ice and build connections in a more organic way.
>>Join OurTime and meet singles both online and offline
11. Christian Mingle – Great for Faith-based Serious Arrangements
Pros
- Large and diverse user base
- Niche Christian dating site
- Wide free trial
- Respond to paid users for free
Cons
- Site might lag during peak hours
Pricing
- 1 month – $42.99/m
- 3 months – $24.99/m
- 6 months – $19.99/m
Christian Mingle stands as the premier Christian dating site in today’s dating landscape.
This faith-based platform boasts millions of members from diverse denominations and belief systems.
By focusing on spiritual chemistry and compatibility, Christian Mingle lays an incredible foundation in helping you start a long-term Christian relationship.
To demonstrate to you how good it is, a survey of American Christians revealed that 29% of all online-originated Christian marriages had their roots in Christian Mingle, which is quite assuring.
Christian Mingle offers a comprehensive Match System that allows you to set discovery preferences. You can specify your ideal match’s gender, age, religion, location, and relationship type.
The platform then provides you with daily curated match suggestions to guide singles toward compatible profiles.
Being that the platform is rooted in Christian values, everyone here is looking for a serious thing, which is a good start for common interests.
Free members enjoy the ability to browse the database and apply filters for new members, online status, distance, and match percentage.
The app also has a LookBook feature which is similar to Tinder’s swipe tool, allowing you to check out other users and show interest with a heart or an X.
Looking at the reviews, it seems that some users sometimes experience a lagging app, however, the cases seem to be quite scarce.
Back to profile browsing, you can track who has viewed and liked your profile, mutual likes, and profiles they’ve viewed.
Paid subscribers further gain the advantage of knowing when their messages have been read by other users.
Notably, free members can send winks to express interest, and a match percentage offers insights into compatibility based on provided information.
Standard subscribers can both send and receive messages from other standard subscribers, while premium subscribers can initiate conversations with anyone on Christian Mingle.
>>Start meeting matches that share your religious values
12. JDate – Top Serious Dating Platform for Jewish Dating
Pros
- Reply even with a free membership
- Has relationship advice as well
- Match on how religious you are
- Exemplary customer service
Cons
- Most members are in the United States
- You can’t initiate communication with a free membership
Pricing
- 1 month – $59.99/m
- 3 months – $44.99/m
- 6 months – $29.99/m
JDate is a niche best dating site catering to Jewish singles.
Founded in 1997 with the aim of bringing Jewish singles together, JDate has helped connect people based on shared Jewish principles.
Like most faith-based online dating sites, JDate only caters to people looking to date in a committed way, therefore everyone here will share your interests.
Over the years, the platform has evolved to cater to a diverse range of Jewish individuals, including various denominations, age groups, and backgrounds.
In fact, the dating site asks you to mention how devoted you are to Jewish principles so that people are matched by how religious they are as well. You wouldn’t want to date someone who’s not too devout when you are, right?
JDate employs advanced matchmaking algorithms that consider factors like personality traits, interests, and relationship goals. This approach increases the chances of finding someone genuinely compatible with you for a long-term commitment.
>>Find the most compatible Jewish dates to date
How Online Dating Apps Can Help You Find a Serious Relationship
Dating apps have revolutionized the way people approach romance today.
While they have earned a reputation for facilitating casual dating, these platforms can also be powerful tools for those seeking a serious and meaningful relationship. Here’s how the best free dating apps can help you find a serious relationship.
Matching Algorithms
Many free dating apps use sophisticated algorithms that consider your interests and preferences to match you with potential partners.
They help you find people who share similar traits and goals. These algorithms increase the likelihood of connecting with someone compatible, making it easier to find a partner who’s looking for a serious commitment rather than casual dating.
Expanded Pool of Potential Partners
Dating apps give you access to a vast and diverse dating pool of potential partners you might not encounter in your daily life. This broader reach increases your odds of finding a partner with whom you share a deep connection and who is also looking for a serious relationship.
Clear Intentions
Most dating apps allow users to specify their relationship intentions. You can specify whether you’re looking for something casual, a long-term commitment, or even marriage.
This transparency in dating websites helps you filter out people who are not aligned with your goals and focus on those who are genuinely interested in a long-term relationship.
Communication Tools
Dating apps offer various communication tools. They include messaging and video calls, which allow you to get to know your potential partner better before meeting in person. This helps create a strong emotional connection and ensures that you are both looking for a serious relationship.
Shared Interests
Many best dating apps include features that enable potential matches to highlight their interests and hobbies. This makes it easier to connect with people who share your passions and values. Common interests can be a solid foundation for a long-term relationship.
Safety and Privacy
Reputable dating apps prioritize user safety and privacy. They implement verification measures, report systems, and moderation to create a safer environment for users. This can be particularly important when you’re seeking a serious relationship.
If you need more tips, here’s more information on how you can make online dating work for you.
What Makes a Dating Site Great for Serious Relationships than Others?
A dating site’s effectiveness in fostering serious relationships depends on several key factors. First, it should demonstrate commitment to thorough matchmaking algorithms.
These algorithms consider compatibility on multiple levels, including values, interests, and long-term goals. It helps users find partners who align with their aspirations.
In addition, a dating platform’s emphasis on user verification and safety measures adds an extra layer of trust. It attracts individuals genuinely seeking meaningful connections.
A strong focus on communication tools is essential as well. This includes in-depth profiles and meaningful conversation prompts. These features encourage users to engage in meaningful dialogues rather than superficial exchanges.
Lastly, it should demonstrate dedication to promoting long-term commitment. This is possible through features like personality assessments or relationship advice resources.
Ultimately, the combination of these factors makes a best dating site stand out as a superior choice for those seeking genuine and lasting partnerships.
FAQs – Best Dating Apps for Serious Relationships
Which dating platform has the most successful relationships?
Christian Mingle has the most successful relationships.
The app has helped millions of people find relationships, especially those that are Christian-based.
Another honorable mention is eHarmony which is responsible for more than 2 million people finding love through the platform.
All the same, the online dating apps listed above have resulted in a plethora of long-term relationships, but they might appeal to different audiences and meet different needs.
Are paid online dating sites better?
The answer is yes and no.
Paid online dating sites might be better if the paid option offers you better accessibility to matching and communication features.
Seeing that the most serious best dating apps need premium subscriptions to access complete features, it might be better to upgrade your account if it means that you’ll be able to communicate without limits, check out complete profiles, and more.
This said, apps like Tinder and Bumble offer some of the most comprehensive free services. With sites like these, you can send a message, get replies, use search filters, and more for free.
Upgraded accounts might offer additional premium features, but they might not necessarily lead to much success on the platform.
Which online dating apps are best for serious relationships?
There are a lot of apps that are best for serious relationships. Some options include:
- eharmony
- dating.com
- Zoosk
- FriendFinder
- Silver Singles
These apps have large user pools of people looking for serious dating relationships, which is a nice advantage in helping you find someone.
They also have helpful matchmaking tools that take in what you want and suggest potential users that may be the best fit for you to start talking to.
Most assuring of all is that the dating services above have had numerous success rates and immense reputations that feed into their ability for user satisfaction.
Wrapping It Up – The Best Dating Sites for Serious Relationships
Yes! You got to the end, and the verdict is out.
There are a good number of dating sites that can help you find your dream committed relationship. You only need to know what you want in the online dating world and be clear on your interests and preferences, and the app will help you find what you wish for.
Moreover, these best dating apps also have different user points. For instance, eHarmony is known for its top-of-the-line matchmaking which has led to some of the most successful relationships today.
There’s also Dating.com, which has proven to be one of the best apps for people to date both locally or around the world.
Zoosk is another option that even goes ahead to study your in-app behavior to suggest the most suitable matches for you.
To conclude, all the best dating sites for serious relationships listed above have unique advantages. Do your research and find your best pick.
Have fun, won’t ya!