Not everyone looking to hookup has money. There are plenty of people out there willing to give others a chance, but all too often they find that they can’t afford to take a chance. I’ve been in that position before and quite frankly, it stinks. The good news is that there are plenty of free dating sites that are legit and yes, totally free! If you’re trying to successfully date on a budget, then this list will do you good.
Before diving into the free dating sites, I want to make one thing crystal clear that if you can afford to pay for a premium membership, you’re far better off doing so. Chances are you’ll get better customer support, better connections, and better chances of hooking up, but that doesn’t mean free dating sites don’t work.
Give some of the ones listed below a try and let me know how things work out. Oh, and before diving in, please understand that going on dates does cost money. Make sure you set aside the average amount based on this article before trying any of the networks. Save coin to make sure you’ve got that covered or it’s going to be a boring date.
25 Free Dating Sites That Don’t Require A Payment
As previously stated, I’ve done my best to list out the top 25 free dating sites for those looking to keep their cash in their pocket. Keep in mind that some free dating sites may have upgrade options that do cost money, but everything listed below is 100% free to register and use.
Match
Match.com is one worth joining for many reasons. Aside from the fact that it’s free to join, the site has been around for nearly 25 years and the database of users is massive. The method of matching users seems to work well. Free users have the ability to browse profiles, even flirt with others by liking them.
You can even communicate both ways via messenger. An appealing feature, giving the lack of ability in many networks today. Now, if you’re looking to take full advantage, you can upgrade for a low $16.99 per month if you take the annual commitment. Again, not required to succeed here.
Pros
- Well established
- Massive user base
- Communicate free
Cons
- Mostly for serious relationships
POF
If you’ve searched for free dating, then you’ve run into Plenty of Fish. This site has the works and all for free. The Plenty of Fish website was started by Marcus Frind, a programmer with zero intentions of building a massive dating network. But it quickly became the go-to for many without cash. What attracts people to POF? It’s the anonymous browsing, the free chatting, free emailing, and rating that members are able to do.
The platform does have some relationship/personality tests to help weed out the dead weight and match you quicker. Search by personality and you might get lucky. I’ll add that the site recently had a makeover and it’s a slick, friendly look. There is an upgrade option to consider if you want to commit. That’s going to set you back $81.40 for 12 months of premium access. They’ve got a $35.40 off as well you might want to check out.
Pros
- Free email
- Free chat
- Test to match you better
- Anonymous use
Cons
- Tire kickers because it’s free
Fling
It’s not just mainstream dating sites that are free. In fact, one of the best hookup sites on the planet is free to join. The Fling.com dating network is a winner and one that anyone can join. It’s completely free to register with lots of perks in the secure member area.
Live chats, messaging, sending winks, and top-notch customer support. This decade-old network seems to have it all and it’s built for people looking to purely hookup and nothing more.
As I said, there are lots of perks here and it’s definitely on the list of worth checking out. Upgrading to premium costs less than a cup of coffee at the hipster cafe down the street. Put the latte on hold and join. You’ll thank me later.
Pros
- Very attractive members
- Hookups only
- Free registration
- Easy to use
Cons
- Must upgrade to get bonus offers
Elite Singles
This network is free and a top choice for those looking for a serious relationship. The network has over 2 million users and it’s a top choice for busy professionals looking for a dating platform at no cost. They are pretty strict here and need to be in order to maintain elite status while remaining free. Free members have limited experience here, but the quality of users is high.
If you’re not upgraded then you will not be able to view the profile details of others. This means you can match but not dig deeper. Hey, they protect member data, you can’t be mad at that right. As for who’s using this network, it’s professionals with degrees and goals in life. I guess that’s why they call it Elite Singles.
Pros
- Good security and safety
- Site values member data
- Nice user interface
Cons
- Cannot dig into members without upgrading
Zoosk
With Zoosk, you’ll get over 40M members looking to date. The site is safe and secure due to being connected with social sites like Facebook and Instagram. Free members are able to do a lot here, maybe not everything that they want, but a lot.
You’ll get free chat communications, free monthly messaging, sending smiles, likes, and more. However, if you want full unlimited access you’re going to have to upgrade today. The company offers various membership lengths.
Pros
- Easy to communicate with free access
- Clean site and easy to use
- Lots of members
Cons
- Must upgrade for all perks
AFF
Okay, we’re finally getting to the really good stuff. AFF.com also known as Adult Friend Finder, is one network that only caters to adults looking for a hookup. Now, that said, they’ve got a great free membership option worth talking about here.
You can communicate with members, you can even meet up for a local date, but in order to get the best of everything you need to upgrade. I mean all the deals, live cams, chat sessions, and more. That’s going to require an upgrade no doubt about it. However, it’s a free site that leads to free hookups if you play your cards right.
Pros
- Free to join
- Free to message
- Free to flirt
- Tons of casual members
Cons
- Must upgrade for the best stuff
Facebook Dating
I wanted to include Facebook Dating because it’s a new component of the platform and it’s entirely free. That said, I’m not 100% sold on using FB for dating purposes. It’s just too connected to everything and it rubs me the wrong way at times. Either way, I’ll mention why I’ve decided to include it here…
Pros
- Totally free at all times
- Easy to connect with people
- Familiar UI
- No restrictions
Cons
- Your personal information is exposed
Coffee Meets Bagel
A dating app that was first launched in 2012, Coffee Meets Bagel is responsible for creating millions of matches, literally! In fact, 50M matches and counting for daters that kick things off for free. I love that this is on Google and Apple, not restricting any users anywhere at all. Now free members are limited daily, but it’s still worth using.
Pros
- Well established dating app
- Free and user friendly
- Tens of millions of members
Cons
- Limited matches daily unless upgraded
Grindr
Gay men love a great deal and why shouldn’t they! Grindr.com is perhaps the most commonly known gay hookup network and it’s 100% free to use. Yes, I said totally free.
The Google and Apple apps both offer some cool upgrades, but they’re not necessary really. If hooking up with gay men is your thing, then this is by far the best app for you.
Pros
- Millions of gay men
- In-app private chats
- Members willing to meet
Cons
- Can be risky
Bumble
This is touted as the better alternative to Tinder. The Bumble app was created by a former employee of Bumble and if you’re a female, then chances are you prefer this to Tinder. The security is top-notch and it’s free to join, no credit card needed. Whether you’re located in NYC, Boston, Vegas, Miami, or any other big city, it’s worth trying.
Pros
- Puts women in the driver’s seat
- Great user experience
- Lots of perks in the MA
Cons
- More difficult to make connections
Tinder
Yes, Tinder is free and can be used by anyone that joins. You’ll get messaging, live chatting, connections, and more all for free. The Tinder.com app works on any phone and it’s a solid economical option for anyone.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Man free features
- Swipe function
- A massive group of users
Cons
- Tire kickers
Uberhorny
Horny people out there that don’t have money, want to hookup. The infamous Uber related dating site and app called Uberhorny.com is an option. If you’re able to use a mobile phone or computer, then you’ll be able to join 100% free of charge. Sure there are premium options but this network is for the horny and for free.
Pros
- Works just like Uber
- Location-based dating
- A large number of users
- Superb customer service
Cons
- Upgrade required for all the features
Seeking Arrangement
The days of settling for someone your age are over. Many people are searching for younger girls and they’re willing to pay them for companionship. These are sugar daddies who pay for time with someone (one way or another).
Seeking Arrangement aka Seeking.com is a free platform for women to upgrade the quality of men they connect with. Lots of girls get what they want and men willing to pay the price get their fill too. It’s a win-win and free to join.
Pros
- Lots of beautiful girls
- Awesome support
- Quick messaging turnarounds
Cons
- Men, be ready to spend money
Snapsext
A 100% free alternative to Snapchat for those looking for something more adult-oriented. This is what you need to consider using if you want to send snaps without a care in the world.
Yes, you’ll be able to snap and connect with others for free at first registration. They do have an upgrade option, but that’s not required. However, I typically suggest going for it.
Pros
- Hot members
- Casual, anything goes
- Snapchat replacement
- Live chatting
Cons
- Upgrade costs money
Why Instagram? Well, it’s free and a platform that many people use to send messages to others. Instagram is a 100% free app that’s available to everyone. Now, direct messages can be invasive, but some people feel that they work great. It’s a free option that can lead to hookups.
Pros
- A massive number of members
- DMs are free to send
- Many people that meet on IG hookup
Cons
- Can get banned if not following rules
AssTok
The latest from the Global Personals Media company based in Miami, FL. They specialize in creating networks meant to connect people for casual-only fun.
AssTok.com is for the TikTok enthusiast and the site is free to join. There are not many members here but the free features are worth checking out and I know people are joining like crazy.
You’re able to check out all the hot photos and TikTok videos submitted to members. That’s probably the best perk of all.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good support team
- Hot TikTok videos
Cons
- No extra benefits until you pay
Alt.com
For the people looking for something edgy, kinky, taboo, and all free, the Alt.com site is a great option. The creators of Alt are the same people that created AFF and they know what taboo members want.
You do not need a credit card to join this site. You can message, view profiles, make connections, and more. All for free…
Pros
- Millions of kinky members
- Free to chat
- Meet quickly
Cons
- Best to upgrade for most features
Cougarlife
Cougarlife.com is a network that is free to join and abundant in mature women and men that want to connect with them. You’ll get plenty of messaging, chatting, and more without any credit card submitted. The company is run by Ruby Life Media and it’s a well-respected company.
Pros
- Lots of cougars and older women
- Run by a reputable company
- Messaging is easy
- Full access to profiles
Cons
- Complaints about the types of messages
There are seven other dating sites that are 100% free to join and worth checking out.
Mingle2 – A completely free hookup network owned by NextC, LLC with 39M members.
OkCupid – Dating deserves better and OkCupid claims to do that for consumers
eHarmony – 100% relationship-driven and matchmaking with free options for millions
Christian Mingle – A free Christian and catholic based dating network
OurTime -Free senior dating for all over 60
Chemistry – Heavy algorithm-based matchmaking network
Fdating.com – The “F” stands for free and it was created to provide free dating options for all.
If I missed a site, whether it’s mainstream dating or hookup, please leave a comment and I’ll add it to the list. Whatever you do, I suggest that you should definitely try one of these sites. Again, the approach that I’d take is joining one of the sites above for free then take the offer to upgrade. You’ll get way more out of them if you can, but it’s not necessary. Good luck hooking up!