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Best dating sites for 2017

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The world of dating doesn’t operate how it used to. Although there’s still the offline method for mixing and mingling, dating sites have become the go-to for dating in the digital age. But just like the potential matches, finding the right site can be a daunting task. Check out the best dating sites for 2017!

The best online dating sites in 2017

When finding the best dating site, there are several considerations. Demographic is key. For instance, OurTime concentrates on seniors, while Tinder is more hook-up focused. There’s a ton of segmentation in the dating app space.

However, what platform you use might dictate what sites you’re able to utilize. Although many dating sites are cross-platform, some like Tastebuds are iOS only. Finally, whether or not you’re willing to pay further narrows the pool. Many sites employ a freemium model with optional payments for premium features. But others such as Match are pay-only.

Why you should listen to me: I don’t seem to have a ton of luck with online dating. But hey, my loss, your gain! That means I’ve tried pretty much every app available. So check out the top dating sites for 2017.

Bumble (Android, iOS)

best dating sites for 2017 - Bumble

In the dating realm, Bumble is a revolutionary concept. It’s something of a feminist dating app. When a match is made, ladies go first. There’s a 24-hour window to receive a message, but that can be extended. For same-sex dating, either party may make the first move. There’s a friendship mode as well.

Because of its ladies first model, matches tend to be higher quality than the freeform barrage of messages on other apps. There’s a simple right- and left-swipe interface.

Why it’s one of the best dating apps: Lots of matching options, from opposite and same sex to just friends. Ladies make first contact.

Hinge (Android, iOS)

The premise of Hinge is that matches “hinge” on real-world connections. After a major overhaul, Hinge shed its swiping interface for a unique, polished Instagram-esque layout.

It’s a pleasing departure from the monotonous swiping. Plus, having pictures and text all on the same page is a neat touch. Prompts encourage rather fun talking points, such as favorite Disney movie and “two truths and a lie.”

Why it’s one of the best dating apps: The Insta-style layout and engaging profile prompts.

Coffee Meets Bagel (Android, iOS)

A major trend in the online dating space is avoiding mass swiping. In theory, this fosters higher quality matches. As such, Coffee Meets Bagel gives guys a set of curated matches each day at noon. These, known as “Bagels,” are either liked or passed. When liked, a Bagel gets the option to pass or like.

Like Bumble, this puts the decision-making onus on the ladies. Yet CMB takes this principle a step further by not even allowing a match without ladies’ consent.

Why it’s one of the best dating apps: Curated matches and the ladies’ choice model shapes a culture of quality over quantity.

Happn (Android, iOS)

Depending on how you view it, Happn is either brilliant or creepy. Since dating apps utilize several aspects of phone hardware, including GPS, Happn presents location-based matches. The idea is that if you frequent the same places as others, you therefore make a solid pairing. Luckily, there’s the standard fare of profiles and bios so you’re not only relying on crossing paths.

Why it’s one of the best dating apps: The notion of sorting matches by location is a neat premise.

BeLinked (Android, iOS)

Best dating sites for 2017 - belinked

This takes complaints from the business world that LinkedIn isn’t a casual social media platform like Facebook, and subverts that concept. BeLinked requires a LinkedIn profile to create a dating profile. No, nothing is posted to your LinkedIn, so your business side doesn’t mix with your personal life. BeLinked concentrates on young professionals. This site prioritizes credibility, match quality, and an intuitive interface.

Why it’s one of the best dating apps: Its focus on young professionals offers safe space for substantive dating.

OkCupid (Web, iOS, Android)

best dating sites for 2017 - OKC

If you’ve even thought about online dating, you’re probably familiar with OkCupid. It might not be the first dating site, but it’s arguably the best known. Unlike other sites, OKC delivers a free-for-all landscape where you can message anyone you please.

However, its robust filtering and lack of limitations such as messages or matches per day makes it a solid choice. Moreover, OkCupid instituted moderators and removed the feature where users could see who viewed their profile. Tweaks like these seek to improve quality matches.

Why it’s one of the best dating apps: In addition to the Android and iOS apps, there’s a web app. Plus, its robust filtering is unrivaled.

Project Dragonfruit (Web, iOS, Android)

If you’re into geekdoms, Project Dragonfruit is the app for you. It targets the demographic seeking to cosplay and coffee together. Like OKC, there’s a web app in addition to Android and iOS versions.

Among its best features, profiles include sections called “Origin Story” instead of something vanilla like “About Me.” Plus, you can select your favorite fandoms and even sort potential matches by fandoms. However, unlike most other apps on this list Project Dragonfruit has a pretty sparse userbase. Additionally, it’s a bit rough around the edges and buggy. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a geek partner, Project Dragonfruit is a go-to.

Why it’s one of the best dating sites: It’s one of the few geek-centric dating apps.

The best dating sites for 2017: Final thoughts

There’s no comprehensive dating site which you need to be on. Instead, which online dating app you pick depends on what you’re looking for. Geeks may consider Project Dragonfruit, while social media savvy users might appreciate Hinge’s polished UI. If you’re purely looking for a relationship, OkCupid is a best bet and balances quality with quantity, shedding many restrictions of other sites.

Of course, finding the right dating site isn’t guaranteed to land you a date. While it’s not a site, the offline method works too, and contrary to popular opinion, it’s still a viable way to meet.

Your turn: what dating sites do you recommend for 2017?

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