8 Best Dating Apps For Seniors Over 50, Recommended By Experts (2024)

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October 08, 2024

By Kesiena Boom, M.S.

mbg Contributor

Kesiena Boom, M.S., is a sociologist and writer. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Manchester and a master’s degree in Gender Studies from Lund University.

October 08, 2024

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My picks for the best senior dating sites and apps for 50+:

Finding love and companionship online can feel like a daunting task, but the best senior dating sites and app make it easier for people over 50 to get back into the dating game—and there's good reason to find love.

Research shows that the quality of our relationships at age fifty isthe greatest predictor of our health and well-being at age eighty—and there's a directcorrelation between loneliness and cognitive decline1.

Ready to make meaningful connections? I tapped dating and relationships experts for input on the best dating sites for people over 50. Along with testing these dating apps, i enlisted seniors who are actively dating to provide honest feedback on their experiences with every app.

Below, find my top picks for the best senior dating apps, along with a full rundown of my testing criteria.

My selection process

Online dating can be overwhelming at any age, but people over 50 have the added variables of a smaller dating pool and a lot of changes to the dating landscape.

I gathered feedback from experts to narrow our choices to dating apps that actually cater to a demographics over 50. Then I had people over 50 put our selections to the test to rate them on the following criteria:

Active users

To set our testers up for success, we prioritized apps that were either designed specifically for people over 50, or that have a fairly large user base overall—because no one wants to spend time setting up an awesome dating app profile just to have no one see it.

Ease of use

As a generation that wasn't born with phones in their hands, our over-50 testers gravitated toward dating apps that are easy to use, with simple interfaces that don't require calling your children or internet-savvy friends for help.

Sign-up process

Some of our testers preferred a lengthier signup process because they felt it gave them better matches in the long run, while others would rather get onto the swiping quickly.

Match compatibility

I believe in quality over quantity when it comes to being successful on dating apps, so I emphasized compatibility with my suggested matches. I asked also senior testers to give feedback on their matches to help determine the best algorithm.

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View on eHarmony

Dating App by eHarmony

Best overall

Compatibility

IOS, Android

Where to browse

Mobile app, Desktop site

Pros & Cons

Pros

Extremely thorough matching process

Less likely to encounter flaky people

Cons

Expensive for those on smaller budgets

A little outdated

Cost

Free basic profile; Premium membership starts at $12 per month with a 2-year subscription and increases up to $60/month with a 6-month subscription.

You won't find time-wasters or people looking for casual flings on eharmony. Every member must fill out extensive questionnaires about themselves and what they're looking for, and eharmony does the work of vetting who you're most compatible with—and the app even provides compatibility scores for each match.

I find this approach to be particulary beneficial in finding compatible partners with similar life experiences and perspectives for seniors seeking meaningful connections.

eharmonyalso comes recommended by certified sex therapistHeather Shannon, LCPC, CST, who notes that many of her clients have had success with it. Now add that to the two million people (and counting) to have found love—it's an impressive stat!

What a 64-year-old tester says:

"While, the profile set up does take about 20 minutes, it's worth the extra time. It weeds out people who are less serious about dating, and the personality tests seem to help eharmony provide more compatible matches.

I went out on dates with men from eharmony and felt more confident knowing they had similar interests, preferences, and dating intentions—plus, I didn't get caught in the "pen pal" stage trying to learn if they would be compatible."

Check out ourfull eharmony review.

Nervous about signing up?

Let these online dating success stories for people over 40 be your inspiration.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Designed for people over 50

Premium membership unlocked read receipts & unlimited matches

Cons

You can sign up even if you're not over 50

No video-chatting feature

Limited features available without paying

Cost

$300 for 12 months; $210 for six months; $135 for three months

Silver Singlesis targeted at daters aged 50 and older. Its user-friendly interface and emphasis on creating a supportive community make it an appealing option for folks of this demographic.

I like that it's a cheaper option than OurTime. You pay a lump sum of $25 per month for 12 months, $35 per month for six months, or $45 per month for three months.

You'll have to pay extra for all the best features, but I recommend signing up for free and looking around before deciding if you want to continue with a subscription.

Silver Singles was mentioned by several experts mindbodygreen reached out to as one of the most well-known sites for older daters.My favorite feature is that you can "like" a specific parts of another user's profile, which is a helpful gateway to making conversation, especially for older daters who might not be used to online dating.

What our senior tester says:

"Setting up a profile on Silver Singles is surprisingly fun! As someone with plenty of dating app experience, I found the questions were refreshingly unique, prompting you to share information about both yourself and the type of person you are hoping to meet. I also appreciated that the questions were clearly geared toward senior daters, but still lighthearted.

I love that Silver Singles considers what you want in a relationship overall, not just the type of partner you want. It asked me questions about how I resolve conflict, the amount of time I prefer to spend with a partner, and how likely I am to initiate a kiss.

As with eharmony, it was clear when testing Silver Singles that the algorithm prioritizes compatibility. My daily matches were almost always closely aligned with my preferences and interests—and most users are very responsive and eager to set up dates."

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OurTime

Best designed for seniors

Compatibility

IOS, Android

Where to browse

Mobile app, Desktop site

Pros & Cons

Pros

Designed exactly for the needs of singles over 50

Cheaper than many alternatives

Hosts events and mixers for meeting fellow singles in person

Cons

Limited age range of potential matches

Cost

Free basic profile; $30/month with no contract; $12/month with 6-month membership

OurTimespecifically caters to people over age 50 and comes highly recommended by Shannon from both personal and professional experience.

"I have had friends, family, and clients use it with success. My uncle met his long-term partner on OurTime, and a former client also met his partner on OurTime," she told me. When I swiped through the app, I was impressed by its interface and speedy profile setup.

What our senior tester says:

"While it was nice to be able to get up and running on the app in less than five minutes, I wished the app put a bit more into its intake process to make the matches more compatible.

My favorite part of using OurTime is that it’s exclusively designed for senior daters—meaning no one under 50 can join. I also love the focus on dating app safety and security.

When I tested the free version of OurTime, it was enough to search for potential matches and message back and forth."

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Match

Best for serious relationships

Compatibility

IOS, Android

Where to browse

Mobile app, Desktop site

Pros & Cons

Pros

Many features and filters

One-on-ones with dating experts

Personalized match recommendations

Cons

Free version is very limited

Cost

Free basic membership; Standard plan costs $19 with a 12-month subscription or $46 when paid monthly

Match.comis suited to those who are looking for long-term love because its focus is much more weighted to the answers you fill out on your profile rather than the instant swipe culture of apps like Tinder (although you can feature up to 26 photos in your profile).

I found setting up these robust profiles could be a lengthy (but worthwhile!) process, so I recommend setting aside ample time for it.

Match.com's growing demographic is the 50+ age group, pera 2018 brand report—and it's not hard to see why. Sexologist and love coachSuzannah Weisssays that it's "one of the more established dating sites out there" and "is generally regarded as a place for people to find love rather than hook-ups."

What a senior tester says:

"After using Match on and off for decades, it's one of my tried-and-true favorites—and the setup takes less than 10 minutes (about half as long as eharmony).

The match recommendations are a little hit or miss in terms of compatibility, but I appreciate that there seems to be a large pool of daters over 50 and that the profiles are detailed enough to learn quickly if the person could be a fit.

I've found a handful of serious relationships on Match.com, and it's a great option for seniors who want to date with intention."

Check out our full Match.com review.

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OkCupid

Best for shared interests

Compatibility

IOS, Android

Where to browse

Mobile app, Desktop site

Pros & Cons

Pros

Forces you to consider what's important to you

Very inclusive

Free version works well

Cons

Paid versions are pricey

Some say there aren't as many active users as other apps

Cost

Free basic membership; $17/month with a 6-month subscription; $35/monthly sans contract

OkCupidis one of the most fun dating sites in my opinion. Seniors or individuals over 50 may find OkCupid appealing for its inclusive and diverse user base, allowing them to connect with people of various ages and backgrounds.

The basic concept is that you answer a lot of questions about your interests and values, and then the all-knowing algorithm shows you how compatible you are with other users.

You can also rate how important each question is to you so that you don't accidentally miss the love of your life due to a trivial disagreement about pineapple on pizza (for example).

What a senior tester says:

"I've had more success on OkCupid than any other app. After trying the free versions of Bumble, Hinge, and OkCupid, I think OkCupid is the most comprehensive of the three.

With other apps, you feel the need to chat back and forth a lot before feeling comfortable enough to set up a date; With OkCupid, it was much easier to identify whether someone is a good match, given the focus on shared interests and values.

While the over-50 pool does feel slightly smaller than apps designed specifically for seniors, I think OkCupid would be great in a major city (and you wouldn't be likely to run out of matches)."

Check out our full OkCupid review.

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Tinder

Best for casual dating

Compatibility

IOS, Android

Where to browse

Mobile app

Pros & Cons

Pros

Huge active userbase

Free version is excellent

Simple app UX is easy to use

Cons

Can be superficial

May encounter lots of time-wasters

Cost

Free basic membership; Tinder Plus costs $9.99/month with no contract, Tinder Gold costs $24.99/month with no contract; Tinder Premium costs $29.99/month with no contract.

Tinderis actually a very viable option for daters over 50, according to Weiss. While the dating app is not specifically geared toward seniors, it's unbeatable when it comes to sheer numbers.

Everyone and their hot mom is on Tinder, as the app boasts over 50 million users.

What a senior tester says:

"I tried dating on Tinder specifically due to its larger user base. While there are more options than on other apps, the vast majority of them are not looking for anything serious.

Since I'm looking for a serious relationship, Tinder doesn't quite land on the top of my list—but I do recommend it for those who are just hoping to have fun and meet new people."

Check out our full Tinder review here.

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Hinge

Best for people of color

Known for

Serious relationships

App rating

4.5/5.0

Compatibility

IOS, Android

Where to browse

Mobile app

See all specs

Pros & Cons

Pros

Fresh interface

Voice-note feature

Cons

The "made to be deleted" tagline assumes monogamy as the goal

Cost

Free basic membership, $34.99/month with no contract

Check out our full Hinge review.

Hingewins the distinction of being the best app for people of color over 50 because of its ability to filter by race for free. Some other sites offer this option, but it's usually behind a paywall.

However, Hinge offers this for all members and even includes a little prompt that explains why it might be important for people of color to not want to date white people. The race options listed include options such as Black/African descent, East Asian, Pacific Islander, and white.

You can select as many or as few of them as you like, and then you'll only be shown matches that fall under those categories.

Aditi Paul, Ph.D.,a researcher who specializes in how our relationships are affected by online dating, notes that Hinge is led by a mainly female team who have spent a lot of time listening to their user base about features they'd like to see.

What a senior tester says:

"I've been on "many" dates from this app. Since I live in Westchester County, most of my matches are in Long Island and New York City, which does bring down the convenience factor, as the senior dating pool is much less vast in smaller cities.

As is the case with most swipe-based apps, the profiles are less in-depth than your eharmony, Match.com, or Silver Singles—but I think it's a "pro" for the app. It's easy to tell who's serious or not based on how unique their profile is.

I also like to use Hinge to date while traveling because you can easily change your location to check out the options in a new area even before you're there."

Comparing the best dating sites and apps for seniors

ProductPrimary age demographicKnown forPremium membership costApp store ratingUnique features
eharmony30-49Serious relationshipFrom $60/month4Compatibility scores
Silver Singles50+Serious relationshipsFrom $25/month3.3Designed for seniors
OurTime50+Serious relationshipsFrom $30/month3.9Designed for seniors
Match.com30-49Serious relationshipFrom $46/month3.8Mutual & reverse matching
OkCupid30-49Serious relationships & hookupsFrom $45/month4.3Compatibility scores
Hinge18-30Serious relationships & hookupsFrom $30/month4.5Limited likes per day; voice prompts

RELATED: 100+ Questions To Ask A Guy To Get To Know Him Better

How to choose the best dating sites and apps for you

It's important to choose the right app for you, especially if you're navigating the realm of online dating for the first time.

When selecting the perfect dating app as a senior, consider these factors:

  • Easy-to-navigate user interface
  • Cost
  • Safety features

Safety tips for dating over 50

Dating app safety is crucial for all ages, but it's especially important for older people who are often the target of scammers.

Unfortunately, these sneaks have gotten incredibly good at delivering convincing performances. As you begin your online dating experience, there are a few important rules you should adhere to:

1.

Never give anyone your personal or financial information

This includes your bank account, social security number, home address, work address, or phone number. Although we often like to assume the best in people, scammers can be especially manipulative toward those seeking a romantic connection, so stay on your guard.

2.

Be wary of love bombers

Look, we love love! But if someone is showering you with affection way too early in the conversation, it should raise an eyebrow or two about their motives, especially if you haven't yet met in person.

Read more about how to spot love bombing.

3.

Meet in a public place

Always plan to have your first meeting at a public place. Pick a busy spot where you know you won't be alone and always let a friend or family member know where you'll be and who you're seeing.

4.

Trust your gut

If someone's giving you the "ick," trust it. You might not be able to put your finger onwhyyou feel uneasy, but if you get the feeling that a prospective date has ulterior motives, you can typically report them to the dating platform who will take the investigation into their own hands.

Dating tips for successful connections over 50

We've got a full checklist of online dating tips for seniors, but here are a few key ones to keep in mind:

1.

Be patient with yourself

"Online dating is different from the type of dating you may be used to," says Paul. "So if you find yourself struggling to understand online dating norms, go easy on yourself. You're learning how to navigate a completely new terrain." If you find it hard at first, don't give up immediately. There's a learning curve, but sticking it out could really pay off.

2.

Be decisive

People expect you to be decisive and direct. So when others ask you "What are you looking for?" be honest. Whether you're looking for a serious relationship, casual companionship, just looking for friends, or just sex—say it, recommends Paul.

“The more upfront you are about exactly what you're looking for, the more success you'll have finding matches who appreciate and accept you as you are," Weiss adds.

3.

Verify identity before meeting up

After matching and messaging with someone you're interested in, it might be tempting to head straight to meeting up. However, it's best to organize a video chat first so you can make sure that the person matches the pictures. If the app you're using has a video chat feature built in, then make use of that, as it's the most secure and easy way to connect.

4.

Enlist a friend

Get a trusted friend to help you select the photos you use on the app/site, and ask them to scan your profile to see if it's a good reflection of you. An outside perspective can help your profile to really pop, and they can also be a good gut check to make sure anyone you're chatting with seems safe to meet up with.

5.

Don't give out personal details or send money to anyone

Be wary of anyone who doesn't want to meet in person but who asks you lots of personal questions. Similarly, you should absolutely never send money to anyone you've connected with through a dating app. Scammers will reel you in by appealing to your best nature and heaping you with flattery. If someone starts to ask you for money, block them and report them to the app or site you're using. They all have different mechanisms for doing this, which are usually well signposted.

RELATED:

Benefits of dating as a senior

Dating as a person who's 50 and up comes with numerous benefits besides companionship. According to the National Council on Aging, benefits include lower stress levels, better healing after surgery, healthier behaviors, and even a longer lifespan.

A different study found that older daters had better health, better driving ability, and greater involvement in extracurricular activities than older non-daters.

The link between dating & longevity

Longevity is always top of mind at mindbodygreen—and dating plays a larger role in this than you might think.

In fact, one recent study from 2023 indicated a direct correlation between loneliness and cognitive decline1.

When used with intention, dating apps can be a great way to bring connection into your life, thereby enhancing your well-being and improving your longevity.

RELATED: Best Dating Apps For Introverts To Make Connections

FAQ:

What are the most honest dating sites for people over 50?

As mentioned above, it is important to always verify the person's identity before making a plan to meet in person and to be mindful of potential scammers.

Many of these apps have safety features built in, such as in-app video chat capabilities or photo verification.

Are there any free dating apps for people over 50?

Most dating apps are free, such as Hinge, Bumble, Tinder, and OkCupid. However some sites limit the number of potential matches you can see in a certain timeframe, but you will be able to match and message with people without spending any money.

Others, such as eHarmony, have a required membership fee in order to message with people--but you get what you pay for, with a more thorough matching process and additional features.

Is 50 too old for Bumble?

No! Dating apps like Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder have larger databases with a range of users in all age demographics. You'll find people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond on these apps.

Just remember to set your age preference! If you do want an app targeted directly to people over 50, we recommend checking out other options like OurTime.

What dating site do like minded singles over 50 use?

If you want to find other singles in their 50s and beyond with similar interests, we suggest avoiding the typical dating apps—like Bumble and Hinge—for apps that require more curated dating profiles.

If you''re willing to pay, we suggest eHarmony. Otherwise stick to apps like Silver Singles or OurTime.

The takeaway

Dating apps aren't just for 25-year-olds. Anyone can find love and companionship online, as long as you know what you're looking for and have some patience. Based on my firsthand experience a lot of testing from those who are 50+, I strongly believe these are the best dating apps for seniors.

8 Best Dating Apps For Seniors Over 50, Recommended By Experts (2024)
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