No.1 UK dating site with 20+ years success
Dating sites have come a long way from their humble beginnings to become the number one method to meet a partner these days. There are lots of reasons why online dating has become such a mainstream feature of 21st-century living. One reason is that we’ve all become comfortable relying on technology to help us to navigate through our increasingly hectic modern world. Another is the increased sophistication of today’s online dating sites, with their matching algorithms, special features, and mobile dating apps.
Recommended Dating Sites
These are some of the most recommended UK dating sites:
Our top picks for May 2025
9.8
9.8
For ages 25 to 50+
Benefits of Online Dating
It is now estimated that one in five relationships begin online, and one in three marriages found their start online. Various studies have come out touting the benefits of online dating. For example, across the pond, a New-York based global brokerage company presented research that found that online dating actually saves you money. They found that online daters have an average of 18.5 months between dating and when they get married, versus an average of 42 months for people who meet offline. Not only does this save online daters time (more than two years!), but it also saves money by reducing the number of expensive dates. At an estimate of $130 per week spent on dates like dinner and movies, online daters save an average of $12,800 (or $6,400 per person in the couple) on dating before marriage as compared to their offline dating counterparts.
One of the main reasons dating websites have become so popular is because they simply work. A study out of the University of Vienna found that married couples who met online are less likely to divorce or separate within their first year of marriage than those who met offline. Another study from the University of Chicago found that couples who met online were also more satisfied in their relationships than those who met offline. Sites like eharmony can claim to be responsible for more than 600,000 marriages, and the online dating industry is massive and destined to continue growing.
Choosing the Right Dating Site
If you’re reading this there’s a good chance you have some experience in online dating, or you’re seriously interested in giving it a try. That’s great, but it’s just the beginning of the journey. While there are too many dating sites out there to count, the good news is that whatever you’re looking for, both in a dating site and a partner, you’ll be able to find it. Looking for a long-term partner who shares your values? A member of your religion? A quick fling or casual hook-up? Best dating sites for over 50? There’s a dating site out there, you just have to look. That’s the tough part, because who has the time to search through and try out every site?
That’s where we come in to help you out. We test out and review the most popular and effective dating sites on the market, and feature detailed dating site reviews to help you make the right choice and start meeting compatible singles who are looking for the same thing as you. Not only that, but we provide you with great dating articles to help enrich your online dating experience and learn the best tips and tricks for online dating.
Dating sites and the social scene
So how has online dating really changed over the years and how does the world of online dating look like in 2020? To start, you can look at this list of well-researched sites in the United Kingdom. You can trust us to deliver the best online dating sites around that will no doubt end up in real life dates should you wish to pursue it! We even have great tips to help you navigate the world of online dating.
Today’s society is no longer shy about using the help of a website to find true love. Online dating no longer has a negative connotation attached to it. In fact, it seems strange not to be on at least one online dating site if you are single. Why limit your choice and chances of finding real love? Gone are the days where fake pictures and fake names were used to hide the true identity of those venturing into an online dating site. These days, people are checking their dating accounts almost as much as their social networking accounts. There’s no hiding away anymore. On the contrary, it’s common practice that friends will share chat print screens of their dating shenanigans with their friends. The use of location identification apps is another clear sign of how out-in-the-open online dating has become as it forces the merging between online and offline dating.
Advanced and effective matching systems
The basis of modern matchmaking compatibility systems is foremost based on common interests. With the wide use of social networking platforms, there is no shortage of personal information up for grabs, and this is the very pool that mobile dating apps tap into. Forget about dating for a couple of weeks before finding out all about common passions or hobbies you share, or whether you have similar views on various topics. The matchmaking compatibility system does it all for you and presents you with several suggestions of potential suitors based on the online data it has gathered.
A match for every type
Which are the best dating sites that UK singles have to choose from? Niche dating sites are becoming more and more popular. Not so long ago, such sites were based on things like religious beliefs or sexual orientation. These days, you can find a niche dating site for almost any group within our society. Sites range from dating for those who are looking for a partner with similar interests, to dating sites specifically for older singles. There are dating sites for dancers, literature lovers, food junkies, pet owners, science fiction enthusiasts, astrology lovers, and even hikers. Each circle has its own special virtual meet-up place where they can chat and flirt with people who they share a common interest with. Right now, the top dating sites are Zoosk, Elite Singles, Match, eHarmony, Our Time as well as Silver Singles. We have saved you the footwork and we have intensely researched and reviewed them for you. Should you wish to join any of them, you can do so easily right here. Let us help you find your perfect match this 2020!
How to get the most out of online dating
- First, read our reviews of different online dating websites so you can be certain to choose one that’s right for you.
- Fill out your profile completely and honestly. This gives you a better chance of getting good matches through the matching algorithms. Check out this article for more advice on how to write a great online dating profile.
- Be truthful and upfront about what you’re looking for, whether it is a long-term relationship or something casual.
- Include more than one picture. It’s a good idea to show one profile that is a closeup of your face and one that is a full-body photo.
- Read the profiles of those who you match with. Don’t base whether you like someone on looks alone. Search deeper to find out if there is a chance for a meaningful connection before you send that first message. Match has a special matching algorithm that it uses to send you profiles that they think you’ll most like.
- Message those people who you’re interested in. Don’t just say “hi” or “hey” though! Ask thoughtful questions related to what they reveal in their profiles.
- Don’t overwhelm yourself! With so many options available, you may be tempted to contact all of them. Keeping up with that kind of messaging, however, can be overwhelming. Imagine having 25 messages going back and forth, all with people wanting to plan dates for the same week. It’s too much in terms of time constraints and you’re likely to get confused about the details of who is who. Instead, contact a few people who you’re attracted to so that you can really focus on those conversations and deciding whether you want to pursue the possibility of meeting.
- Plan your first date! Dress nicely, meet somewhere in public, and spend time chatting and getting to know each other while grabbing a cup of tea or appetizers!
