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The 15 best online dating sites in the UK
Below you’ll find a detailed list of comparisons between the very best online dating sites in the UK so you can make the best possible choice for your unique needs!
To present the best dating sites to you, we have tested more than 60 dating sites and apps based on the following criteria:
- User-friendliness
- Features
- Activity
- Seriousness
- Price
For each criterion, we assigned a rating between 0 and 5. A dating site receives a score of 5 stars only if it leaves nothing to be desired in that particular aspect.
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Bad
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Poor
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Good
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Excellent
Additionally, we provided an overall rating for each dating site, reflecting the average of the scores in the various criteria. Therefore, the overall rating considers all five parameters.
Learn more about how we score here.
Below is our overview of the 15 best dating sites. The overall rating is available directly below the logo. If you want to learn more about the evaluation in a specific aspect, simply click “Read review.”
In addition to our own experiences with the respective dating site, our reviews also take into account the experiences of others. We also read reviews from external sources such as Trustpilot to provide a nuanced and credible picture of the user experience.
This article contains affiliate-links.
- 20+ years of experience
- 1.6M people have met their partner on Match
- Leading online matchmaking agency
Target audience:
Everyone
Activity level:
Very high
Largest age group:
18-60 year olds
Target audience
Everyone
Activity level
Very high
Largest age group
18-60 year olds
Match.com is an absolute behemoth with over 1.5m people on the platform. And even though they’ve been around for years, their interface still feels fresh and modern. There’s a reason why they are one of the foremost brands when it comes to online dating.
Their philosophy is to focus on longer, more-detailed profiles where you go into depth about who you are and what you are looking for. Every component of the registration process is designed to pull out different aspects of who you are to create a nuanced summation of who you are as a person. This makes for much richer and rawer experiences because its slightly less superficial than some of its peers. In addition, the extra information allows the algorithm to perform advanced filtering and search capabilities which match people according to meaningful criteria that make them who they are. It’s the most in-depth platform out there.
As such, effort and honesty get rewarded. The more depth you can display on your profile, the more attractive you’re going to be to other singles on the site. If you’re looking for a quick and easy option – then this isn’t for you. But if you’re willing to be authentic and share honestly about who you are, there are a large proportion of like-minded singles who are waiting to meet you. It’s not an opportunity you get often, so take advantage of it!
Pros
- Perfect for finding love
- More than 20 years experience with online dating
- Offers great smartphone app
- Lots of members
Cons
- The profiles are quite in-depth and can take some time to fill out properly
How much does a membership at Match.com cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 1 month | £29.99 / month | £29.99 |
| 3 months | £19.99 / month | £59.97 |
| 6 months | £9.99 / month | £54.94 |
- Intuitive and simple layout
- More than 20 years of experience
- Focuses on lasting, long-term relationships
Target audience:
Serious singles
Activity level:
Very high
Largest age group:
25-54 year olds
Target audience
Serious singles
Activity level
Very high
Largest age group
25-54 year olds
eharmony has been around for 20 years and they are still one of the best online dating sites on the market. They claim that they create a harmonious match every 14 minutes and it’s hard to bet against that statistic with the vast scale they’ve been able to build.
Their profile set up uses various personality and compatibility tests which aim to quantify those quirks and preferences that make you who you are. These tests help to determine and categorize how you think, what you care about, and what you’re looking for. All this information is then fed into the system and out the other side pops like-minded singles who you should have some connection with. Forget those boring conversations that go nowhere, you’ll have points of commonalities immediately. And this works wonderfully for people who are looking for real, authentic partnerships.
The long registration process helps to self-select for those who are serious and are looking for something real. If you’re looking for a long-term relationship with an equal, then you’re in the right place. They might just be around the corner. The only way to find out, is to dive in.
Pros
- Only for singles who are serious about dating
- Great matchmaking
- Simple and easy to use
- Lots of members in the UK and across the world
Cons
- Registration takes a while
How much does a membership at eharmony cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 6 months | £29.90 / month | £179.40 |
| 12 months | £23.90 / month | £286.80 |
| 24 months | £17.90 / month | £429.60 |
- 85% of members are highly educated
- Advanced matchmaking algorithm
- Only for serious singles
Target audience:
Educated singles
Activity level:
High
Largest age group:
30-55 year olds
Target audience
Educated singles
Activity level
High
Largest age group
30-55 year olds
Elite Singles is exactly as the name suggests – focused on those who have been through higher education. To get onto the site you have to be well-educated which means that every conversation is immediately elevated as you’re dealing with intellectuals through and through. Their process is different to others as they focus on quality over quantity, only showing you 3-7 potential matches per day, curated from their growing user base. This helps to keep things manageable and give you time to invest in a few different conversations rather than trying to keep up in open season.
It’s likely that the people you’ll meet here will be curious, ambitious, driven, and serious about looking for a long-term partner. If intelligence is important to you and you’re tired of playing games – then this is a great place to try. It’s not for everyone, but for some – it is a game changer.
Pros
- Most members are university educated
- Members are serious about dating
- Profiles are manually verified
- Personality-based matchmaking
Cons
- Not suitable for those who didn’t go through traditional education
How much does a membership at EliteSingles cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £39.95 / month | £119.85 |
| 6 months | £21.95 / month | £131.70 |
| 12 months | £19.90 / month | £238.80 |
- Mature dating for singles over 50
- Hosts real life events
- Profiles are validated manually
Target audience:
Mature singles
Activity level:
Very high
Largest age group:
50+ year olds
Target audience
Mature singles
Activity level
Very high
Largest age group
50+ year olds
Dating as a senior is never easy, but with a site like Ourtime, it’s become that much more viable and enjoyable. Their platform matches singles above the age of 50 with others who have similar interests and outlooks on love and relationships. What they’ve been able to build, very intentionally, is a safe space, both online and in-person at their events, for authentic connections and genuine companionship.
They believe that the best of your life is still to come, and we couldn’t agree more. When you use Ourtime, it can open up your eyes to new people, new conversations, and new experiences that you will take you out of your comfort zone and into exciting new territory. And who knows – perhaps that turns into a wonderful long-term relationship. That’s the hope anyway. There’s a level of empathy here that dwarfs a lot of other options. It’s hard to explain in words, but if you go on the siter, you’ll find that the culture encourages open and honest communication, and a really wholesome community of people looking to connect with others in a similar age bracket.
This one is going to set your wallet back a bit, but we think that the value is there. The paywall helps to dissuade those who aren’t serious, and you’re left with those who are willing to dedicate the time and effort needed to facilitate deep connections. What have you got to lose? We think it’s worth a go, at the very least.
Pros
- Profiles are verified
- Members are all 50 years and above
- Hosts real life events
- 14-day money back guarantee
- Lots of members
Cons
- The price is above average
How much does a membership at Ourtime cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 1 month | £39.99 / month | £39.99 |
| 3 months | £24.99 / month | £74.97 |
| 6 months | £19.99 / month | £119.94 |
- Dating site for singles over 50
- Matchmaking based on personality
- Safe and secure to use
Target audience:
Mature singles
Activity level:
High
Largest age group:
50+ year olds
Target audience
Mature singles
Activity level
High
Largest age group
50+ year olds
If you’re looking for a vibrant community of singles over 50, then look no further than Silver Singles. They are one of the best places to go if you’re looking to find love and companionship because they’ve nurtured the most endearing group of users that you could ever imagine.
The platform doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that are present in others, but instead just focuses on the few features that make all the difference. Once you’ve filled out your profile and let the site do its thing, you’ll be shown a list of carefully created matches which you can work through however you’d like. These matches are determined through personality compatibility assessments and a bit of magic so that you can be assured that you won’t be wasting your time. They do an excellent job in matching people together in a way that encourages vulnerability and authenticity – both of which are key components of a senior dating experience.
If you do give it a go, we think that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you experience. The interface is simple, and you’ll be up and running before you know it. We’ve heard from so many seniors who really appreciate how easy it is navigate the app and use it effectively. There really is no good reason not to try it out – because it might just be the secret weapon you’ve been searching for.
Pros
- Senior dating for people above 50
- Safe and secure site
- Matchmaking based on personality
- Simple and easy to use
Cons
- Photos are blurred for non-paying members
How much does a membership at SilverSingles cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £24.95 / month | £74.85 |
| 6 months | £14.95 / month | £89.70 |
| 12 months | £13.95 / month | £167.40 |
- One of the biggest casual dating sites
- Free premium trial
- Perfect for casual hook-ups
Target audience:
Casual daters
Activity level:
High
Largest age group:
18-44 year olds
Target audience
Casual daters
Activity level
High
Largest age group
18-44 year olds
When it comes to casual dating, C-Date is the undisputed leader. Their platform has the most advanced safety and anonymity mechanisms in the business so you can focus on the excitement of finding casual dating partners without worrying about your activities leaking out in any way. You can let go of the societal expectations and connect with other like-minded individuals who want the same thing as you.
You avoid the awkwardness that exists on more general apps, and instead of playing games – you can get straight down to business because everyone knows why they’re on the site. Casual hookups are so much more fun as a result. C-Date have built an environment that celebrates spontaneity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to push boundaries. This liberation could just be the source of your next adventure if you’re willing to take the leap.
This site is not for long-term relationships, there are plenty others that deliver in that department. This is for those who want no-strings attached fun that will live in their memory bank way longer than the experience actually lasted. If this sounds like you, then click off this review and get straight to it – your partners await your call.
Pros
- Perfect for casual hookups
- Free premium trial
- Fairly cheap to use
- Free to use for women
Cons
- You probably wont find your soulmate here
How much does a membership at C-Date cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 1 month | £9.90 / month | £9.90 |
| 3 months | £13.30 / month | £39.90 |
| 6 months | £4.98 / month | £29.90 |
- Casual dating site
- Easy and quick registration
- Mainly for people seeking an affair
Target audience:
Casual daters
Activity level:
Medium
Largest age group:
18-44 year olds
Target audience
Casual daters
Activity level
Medium
Largest age group
18-44 year olds
Simply put, Victoria Milan is the best place to go if you’re looking for a discrete affair. It’s built specifically for married and attached people who want something private and casual on the side of their relationship. It’s not for everyone, for sure, but for those who are looking – you won’t find a better spot. They have done a truly professional job, building systems and processes that protect anonymity, verify profiles, and champion privacy – so that you can have complete peace of mind as you connect with others who are also looking for an affair.
We’ve heard many stories about how the site has revived love lives and breathed fresh air into people who just haven’t been able to make it happen in their marriage anymore. There is no judgment on the site, it just focuses on reigniting that passion by connecting people for casual fun. And boy, is it fun. Everyone involved is there for the same reason and this means that there aren’t any wires being crossed in the process. Victoria Milan delivers discrete affairs in a way that no other site does, cutting through the nonsense and being unapologetic about what it is and who it’s for. It’s the market leader for a reason.
While many are uncomfortable with the idea of affairs, there are just as many who rely on services like these to spark what has gone dull and find connection that they have since lost. The passion and spontaneity shines through here making it one of the most exciting online dating experiences on the market.
Pros
- For people looking for an affair or a casual hookup
- Registration is quick and easy
Cons
- Promotes adultery
- Not ideal for finding the love of your life
How much does a membership at
Victoria Milan cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £19.99 / month | £59.97 |
| 6 months | £14.99 / month | £89.94 |
| 12 months | £9.99 / month | £119.88 |
- Dating for Christian singles
- 10 day free trial for new members
- Active since 1999
Target audience:
Christian singles
Activity level:
High
Largest age group:
18-55 year olds
Target audience
Christian singles
Activity level
High
Largest age group
18-55 year olds
If you’re a devout Christian and you’re looking to find a partner who shares your faith, then Christiancafe.com is for you. The site is designed for Christians, by Christians, and the values and ethos shine through in every part of the process.
The site has been operational for over 20 years by now and it continues to connect people looking to fate for marriage. Thanks to the focus, you’ll never have to doubt the intentions of someone you’re speaking to because you know that your faith is going to make sure that you are aligned. Everything from the back end to the front-end is built with this in mind and you get a carefully curated experience that you just won’t find elsewhere. It’s a breath of fresh air, to be frank, and is one of the best ways for a Christian to find love in today’s crazy world.
Some are turned off by the price, but it’s probably a worthwhile investment for those who are serious about finding someone to marry. If you’re on the fence, be sure to make use of their generous free trial which allows you to use the platform for a while to see how things go. We think that if you give it a try, you might just discover that the price is worth it because of the kinds of people you can be connected with. Quality over quantity.
Pros
- Singles share same Christian values and beliefs
- Generous free trial to test-drive the platform
- Self-selects for people looking for serious relationships
Cons
- Expensive monthly subscription
- Only suitable for believing Christians
How much does a membership at ChristianCafe cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 1 month | £32.83 / month | £32.83 |
| 3 months | £17.02 / month | £51.07 |
| 6 months | £13.38 / month | £80.27 |
- For singles who are serious about dating
- Personality based matchmaking
- Available in 38 different countries
Target audience:
Serious singles
Activity level:
High
Largest age group:
30-55 year olds
Target audience
Serious singles
Activity level
High
Largest age group
30-55 year olds
Matchmaking has both its supporters and its critics, but what Be2 are doing in the space is something new entirely. They have found a way to bring traditional matchmaking principles to scale in a major way. Their in-depth personality assessments feeds information to advanced algorithms that helps singles find others who have the right intentions and are the kind of people that they likely to get along with. You only have to look at the success they’ve enjoyed, to see that Be2 represents an exciting development in the space.
Before you even get to matching with someone else, the onboarding process guides you through a period of self-reflection so you can clarify exactly what matters to you and what you’re looking for. This helps you to clear out the list of things that we often look for in a partner and forces us to reckon with what really matters at the end of the day. In order to be in a meaningful relationship, we have to first understand who we are and what makes us tick. The personality tests on the Be2 platform are a great way to start on this journey.
You’ll pay more here than some other options but all that goes into the technology itself. It’s much more than just a mere dating site and that’s why you’re paying top prices for it. Even if you don’t find the right person, you might just learn something about yourself that can help you in the future. And if you do find the right person, then you can thank your lucky stars that you gave it a go.
Pros
- Algorithm based matchmaking
- Members are serious about their search for love
- Partner suggestions are based on personality
Cons
- The price is above average
- Profile pictures are blurred unless you become a paid member
How much does a membership at Be2 cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £39.99 / month | £119.97 |
| 6 months | £29.99 / month | £179.94 |
| 12 months | £19.99 / month | £239.88 |
- Dating site for academics
- Personality test
- High success rate
Target audience:
Ambitious singles
Activity level:
Medium
Largest age group:
35-55 year olds
Target audience
Ambitious singles
Activity level
Medium
Largest age group
35-55 year olds
Launched in 2018, Academic Singles is a place for heterosexual, gay, and lesbian singles to meet and fall in love. Most of the members you’ll find on Academic Singles are 30 years and older and are “well-educated singles with a high disposable income.” Academic Singles uses a scientific personality test to help match like-minded singles with each other. According to them, this results in higher conversion rates. Profiles on the site are also verified with approved photos and data protected for your peace of mind.
While most members do come from the United States, there are nearly 200,000 UK-based users on Academic Singles. For a niche dating site dedicated to matching up intelligent singles together, we’d say that’s a good-sized member base. If you’re interested in signing up for the premium membership plan to enjoy all the features they offer, you’ll have to commit to 3,6, or 12 months. Just make sure you thoroughly read the cancellation policy because it can be challenging to discontinue your subscription.
In addition to the desktop version, Academic Singles also has a solid application that’s easy to use. Both versions allow you to browse the long list of possible matches, search based on criteria, and use direct messaging and video chat features. Considering the gender ratio is even and the site boasts a 40% success rate, we think Academic Singles is worth considering if you’re an intellectual in your 30s or 40s interested in long-term companionship.
Pros
- Prioritizes intellectual curiosity above looks
- Personality test provides well-curated matches just for you and your personality
- Free trial can give you a sense of what you’re getting into
Cons
- Expensive monthly subscription
- Ignores those who don’t have traditional educational qualifications
How much does a membership at
Academic Singles cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £39.99 / month | £119.97 |
| 6 months | £29.99 / month | £179.94 |
| 12 months | £19.99 / month | £239.88 |
- Nearly 1 million members
- Uses a scientific personality test
- Personality based matchmaking
Target audience:
Serious singles
Activity level:
Low
Largest age group:
35-55 year olds
Target audience
Serious singles
Activity level
Low
Largest age group
35-55 year olds
Are you a single in your 40s or 50s and looking to share those special moments with someone special? Welcome to Single40sDating.com, a niche dating site specifically designed for singles in the middle of life. It’s a platform for people that are serious about finding long-term companionship and love. And with the help of a virtual assistant, you can be registered in just a few minutes and scroll through like-minded singles in your area.
The best part about Single40sDating is that it’s a UK-based dating site, which means there are almost 1 million members on the platform right in your area. They also employ a scientific personality test to ensure you get fixed up with singles that are compatible with your lifestyle and character. Instead of swiping through endless profiles that you have nothing in common with, you’ll find matches that meet your expectations. You can do all this before even deciding if you want to purchase a subscription plan.
Once you do sign up for a plan, you can unlock blurred photos of other members, send unlimited messages, read every message, see who visited your profile, and add other members to your favourites list. And if you’re unfamiliar with online dating, don’t sweat it. When you first sign up for Single40Dating, the first thing they do is send you a message with clear instructions on how to use the site. They also give you tips and tricks along the way so that you don’t feel alone navigating the site.
Pros
- Designed for over 40s seeking something long-term
- Scientific matching process based on personality
- Offers advice and tips to help you find dates
Cons
- No application available yet
- Minimum 3-month membership plan
How much does a membership at Single40sDating cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £39.99 / month | £119.97 |
| 6 months | £29.99 / month | £179.94 |
| 12 months | £19.99 / month | £239.88 |
- For open-minded singles in their 30s
- Intelligent matching based on personality
- Anonymous, reliable and safe searching
Target audience:
Serious singles
Activity level:
Low
Largest age group:
25-45 year olds
Target audience
Serious singles
Activity level
Low
Largest age group
25-45 year olds
Looking for a dating site for singles in their 30s? Single30sDating is a fairly new dating site that specializes in finding tailor-made matches based on your personality traits and lifestyle. For the most part, everyone on the platform is in their late 20s and 30s and looking for a long-term commitment. As long as you live in a populated city, the site should be able to find you plenty of like-minded singles that you can contact.
If you want to send a message or request a video call, you will have to become a premium member of Single30sDating. With the basic plan, you are limited to browsing matches and sending icebreakers, emoji faces, or likes. For this reason, it’s necessary to pay for the premium service if you want to increase the chances of meeting people and going on dates. We would recommend signing up and browsing singles before committing to the paid subscription.
One of the best parts of Single30sDating is that you can fill out your profile as much as you want. You can write a personal message, choose icebreaker questions, and customise your profile by adding various topics to it. There is also the option to share your views and values regarding family/friends, relationship, and personal care.
Pros
- Easy to sign up and navigate the site
- Reveals your top match
- See who’s currently online
Cons
- Pricey premium package
- Requires premium plan for top features
- Fewer members than mainstream dating sites
How much does a membership at Single30sDating cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £39.99 / month | £119.97 |
| 6 months | £29.99 / month | £179.94 |
| 12 months | £19.99 / month | £239.88 |
- Dating for singles 50 years and above
- Scientific personality test
- Offers video calls
Target audience:
Mature singles
Activity level:
Medium
Largest age group:
50+ year olds
Target audience
Mature singles
Activity level
Medium
Largest age group
50+ year olds
Out of all of the senior dating sites, TrueLifePartner is one of our favorites because they’ve been able to maintain a somewhat intimate community even as their user base has expanded well past the 1m mark. They are without doubt one of the safest and most reliable ways to find singles above the age of 50 who share your interests and worldview. Their success is no accident.
If you’re over 50, you’re going to find a wide range of people on the site who want to inject new life into the dating scene and are looking for like-minded people to connect with. When you start conversations, you’ll find that there’s something special about this community that’s hard to put into words. And if text isn’t working for you, they’ve got a really innovative video calling feature which can bring you face to face with your match. This is a wonderful way to test for chemistry and compatibility before committing to a real in-person date. When you combine this with the personality compatibility features that come as part of the profile setup process, you’ve got yourself a really powerful combination. It’s a great example of what modern online dating can look like when it’s done the right way.
If you want to send any messages, you need to sign up for the premium membership but that’s something that’s well worth doing because it opens up the whole community to you and allows you to jump on your first video call in no time at all. Before you know it, you could be chatting it up with someone who takes your breath away. Don’t hesitate on this one – get involved!
Pros
- Perfect for singles over 50 looking for love
- Matchmaking is based on a scientific personality test
- Video calls
Cons
- Premium membership is required to send messages
How much does a membership at TrueLifePartner cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 1 month | £19.99 / month | £19.99 |
| 3 months | £39.99 / month | £119.97 |
| 6 months | £29.99 / month | £174.94 |
- Behavioral Matchmaking technology
- More than 12 years of experience
- High member activity
Target audience:
Everyone
Activity level:
High
Largest age group:
25-34 year olds
Target audience
Everyone
Activity level
High
Largest age group
25-34 year olds
It’s hard to imagine what a platform of over 40m people might even look like, but Zoosk manages to sidestep any preconceived notions with an agile and exciting interface that attracts young singles of all types to be a part of the fun. Their data-driven matching technology on the back end is just as effective in finding you a more casual short-term relationship as it is with a more serious long-term one. There is something for everyone here.
Their biggest strength is undoubtedly the mobile app which is the hub through which everything goes. They have fully embraced a mobile-first philosophy and the user experience is fast-paced and filled with novelty. It’s clear that they’ve applied some of the key design principles from the most addictive apps in the world and brought that power to the world of online dating. As a result, they’ve created a very high-activity conversational ecosystem that rivals some of the bigger players who have been around much longer.
It’s worth noting that the main focus is on young singles in their 20s and 30s who are living on their phones, but we wouldn’t want to discourage anyone here because the userbase is growing so fast. If you’re looking for a truly modern approach to online dating, then you wouldn’t go wrong with Zoosk. It’s breathtaking, when done right.
Pros
- Great for finding short-term or long-term relationships
- 40 million users worldwide
- Unique features and a great mobile app
Cons
- A bit superficial
- Mostly targets young people
How much does a membership at Zoosk cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 1 month | £29.99 / month | £29.99 |
| 3 months | £20.00 / month | £60.00 |
| 6 months | £15.00 / month | £90.00 |
- 52% of users are graduates
- Compatibility-based online dating service
- Basic membership is free
Target audience:
Serious singles
Activity level:
Low
Largest age group:
28-55 year olds
Target audience
Serious singles
Activity level
Low
Largest age group
28-55 year olds
The ‘Parship’ Principle this proprietary matchmaking algorithm that sets this particular site apart. By analyzing 32 different traits using 136 different rules, they can form a data-driven profile that boasts a really incredible success rate. Even if you’re skeptical, it really is worth a try. Whether we like it or not, love is an art and a science, and this particular site goes above and beyond on the science side.
In a world where data is. a huge buzzword, why not see what is possible when you apply it to online dating? The most exciting part of this is that it might just introduce you to someone who you typically wouldn’t consider as ‘your type’ and show you that your preconceived notions are getting in the way. It’s your own personal matchmaker in your pocket, working for you to find that special someone.
It’s a young site and a relatively new concept, but the growth has been staggering. We wouldn’t bet against it becoming a huge name in the next few years. If you believe in the power of data, then Parship is the place to be. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inviting the algorithm to your wedding ceremony in the not-too-distant future.
Pros
- Great for finding a serious and long-term relationship
- Matching based on a unique system called 'Parship Principle'
- Available in 13 countries worldwide
Cons
- Few members when compared with Match.com and eharmony
How much does a membership at Parship cost?
| Duration | Price | Total |
| 3 months | £29.90 / month | £89.70 |
| 6 months | £19.90 / month | £119.40 |
| 12 months | £14.90 / month | £178.80 |
FAQ – Online Dating
How do I succeed with dating online?
The best way to be successful with online dating is to be yourself. This sounds cliché but it’s the one thing that will stand you in good stead, regardless of what site you’re on. When you’re authentic, both in your profile and in your conversations, you can make real connections and keep the conversation flowing in a genuine way.
Once you’ve found someone with whom you have chemistry, focus your efforts on showing as much interest in the other person as possible, and then sharing the things that you are passionate about when appropriate. If you follow these simple principles, you can have great success with online dating and who knows, maybe you find the love of your life…
How do I start a conversation?
The tried and tested method is to make a comment referring to a mutual interest. Often you can find these details on their profile and use it to kickstart a conversation.
Alternatively, ask them a question about themselves. This is a great way to get people to open up as long as you show genuine interest in their answer.
The final way to get things started is to use a joke or an intriguing one-liner of some sort. This is definitely the more risky option and is not for everyone, but if that’s your personality, go for it and let that lead into the conversation. A sense of humour is a large part of online dating so by going there first, you set the precedent for the fun that is to come.
What is online dating?
Online dating refers to the use of online websites and apps to connect with other singles over the internet. Instead of hoping to bump into that special someone at a bar or a party, online dating creates a virtual environment filled with eligible singles for you to meet. The industry for this has boomed in recent years and every online dating site has its own philosophy and way of doing things – but the general principle remains the same.
You match up online, chat a bit to confirm that you are compatible, and then hopefully you transition that into a real in-person date. In today’s modern world, online dating has lost the stigma it once has and is now the facilitator of millions of relationships and dating experiences worldwide.
What is the best way to date online?
The first thing you need to figure out is exactly what you’re looking for. There are a range of different dating options out there but unless you have some clarity on what’s important to you, it’s going to be hard to wade through the noise.
Once you know what you’re looking for, do your research and pick the right platform(s) for you. Our comparisons above should be very helpful in this regard and it will ensure that you concentrate your efforts in the right places.
Once you’re on the sites, it’s all about showing your true self and putting yourself out there. Don’t take things too seriously and keep your sense of humour intact as you connect with various people. It’s tempting to be impatient here, but just stick it out and eventually you’ll find someone that you find compelling. This take time and patience, but it’s well worth it in the end. Invest in it and you’ll get your reward.
Why is online dating so hard for guys?
Unfortunately, as a male, the numbers are always going to be against you. On every platform available the ratio of men to women is very skewed towards men, so online dating is significantly harder for men. Every woman is bombarded with messages which they struggle to keep up with, and on the other side of the equation, men can get a bit disillusioned by a lack of responses even though they see plenty of women on the platform. This mismatch is something to be aware of so that you can understand the dynamics of this game.
Don’t be discouraged. Focus on bringing value to the conversations you’re a part of and know that with a little creativity in your messaging, you can stand out from the rest. When the right person comes along, you’ll forget about all the hardships you went through to find them. Trust us.
What online dating sites in the UK are the best?
This is not an easy question to answer. Every site has its own pros and cons and your experience is going to vary based on your circumstances and expectations.
The reviews above represent our opinions on the various options and hopefully that should give you enough information to make an informed choice that is right for you. But, regardless of what site you go on, you are going to get out what you put in. Your attitude matters, first and foremost. Every site we’ve reviewed here has a strong network of people for you to meet and as long as you are authentic and real, while staying true to the values you care about, you can make it work.
Don’t fall into analysis paralysis. Pick a site and get started as soon as possible. You can always move around later.
What are the pros and cons of online dating?
The pros of online dating are that you can access vast numbers of potential matches from the comfort of your own home, you can chat to them and get to know them before meeting them, you are able to narrow down your selection on various meaningful criteria, and you can avoid the awkwardness of approaching people in real life when you’re not sure if they’re single. The cons are that online dating sites are sometimes used by scammers, they can be a bit superficial in some instances, some of them require a paid monthly subscription, and you don’t know how many other people your chosen match is talking to while they are talking to you. All in all, the pros really do outweigh the cons and online dating represents a key component of courting in the modern world.