The 20 best dating apps and websites
As the internet plays an ever greater part in our social lives, with sites such as Facebook helping us to keep in touch with our friends, it's inevitable that we use it to help run our love lives as well.
Online dating and dating apps are one of the most popular ways to meet a new partner and there are more than 1,400 sites in the UK alone, catering for people from all walks of life and interests.
So whether you’re mad about dogs, passionate about green issues or a connoisseur of fine wines you’re sure to find someone who shares your interests.
Here is the pick of the best dating apps and sites - not forgetting our very own website dating.telegraph.co.uk.
The 20 best dating sites and apps in the UK
Match.com
Match.com claims its site has led to more dates, marriages and relationships than any other. With millions of members, its large user base should mean there is someone for everyone, although you may have to trawl through a LOT of profiles to find them!
My Single Friend
The place for those well-meaning types who can't believe their best friend is single. They push your qualities so you don't have to.
Eharmony
Taking a scientific approach to love - eHarmony matches singles based on key dimensions of compatibility proven to be the foundation for a long-term relationship, like character, intellect and values.
JDate
The net's biggest Jewish dating service, with often hilariously self-deprecating personal descriptions.
Gay.com
Probably with the broadest reach of the hundreds of lesbian and gay sites on the net, plus news, features, travel tips, fashion and gossip.
Christian Connection
Launched in September 2000, Christian Connection is the largest, and longest established subscriber based UK Christian dating site.
Muddy Matches
If you’re partial to the country life – then this rural Online Dating Site for Single Farmers, Rural Singles, Equestrian Singles and Country Friends could be the place for you.
Zoosk
The romantic social network that found its feet through Facebook, it helps people create and share their romantic journeys, with a multitude of members from around the globe enjoying the service each month.
Telegraph Dating
With over 140,000 members - it's THE place for people aged 40+ to meet. It’s easy to use with a sophisticated system that matches you and your partner on a multitude of likes and interests.
Lovestruck.com
Fancy a date in your lunch hour? If you’re in London you can search for members by tube station.
Parship
Dating with a scientific approach - finding "the perfect match" through online psychometric testing.
Shaadi.com
Claiming to be the world's largest online matrimonial site - it was founded with one simple objective - to provide a superior matchmaking experience to Indians all over the world.
Saga Connections
Because dating's not just for the youngsters....The over 50s are one of the fastest groups of online daters these days...
Dating Direct
Newly merged with Meetic, the giant of the dating scene, giving access to nearly 20 million users across Europe and with plenty of high-tech ways to find them.
Love Arts
Matching singles who love the arts.
Dating For Parents
Where you don't have to worry about mentioning the little nippers.
OkCupid
OkCupid is one of the biggest and most popular dating sites out there. It's famous for matching potential soulmates through a gigantic list of questions, designed to increase compatibility.
Bumble
Bumble works on a similar basis to Tinder. It's free, easy to set up and simple to use, and a right swipe indicates a like. A key difference, however, is that women have to begin the conversation, thus avoiding the countless cringey messages of Tinder. There's also a 24-hour time limit to start chatting, so if you find your soulmate you'd better move quickly.
Happn
If you've crossed paths with another user, they'll show up at the top of your Happn page, and it'll tell you how many times too. This inevitably means half your work colleagues will show up, but it also ensures you meet people with similar interests or living nearby.
Tinder
One of the most popular dating apps out there. It's free, unless you opt for in-app purchases, incredibly easy-to-use, and has a wide enough membership to never run out of potential matches. A website version of the app is also launching soon.
For more tips and advice on successful dating after 40, visit our Mature Dating section.
