But OkCupid’s biggest lure is its free plan. You can post a profile with numerous photos, see other members’ profiles and photos, send and receive messages, and use the companion app for Android and iOS without paying a penny.
There are a couple of ‘A-List’ plans too, if you want advanced features such as incognito mode, message-read receipts (A-List basic) and the chance to see everyone’s questionnaire answers (A-List premium).
GayParship is the sister site of a mainstream dating site (Parship), and uses a lengthy questionnaire to match you to compatible potential partners, with a focus on long-term relationships.
GayParship clearly understands the challenges of LGBT dating. It’s careful to filter out time-wasters and protect your privacy. The questionnaire is even longer than eHarmony’s how to find a real sugar daddy in aubrey, with soul-searching multi-choice questions such as ‘How would you feel attending a wedding with your new partner?’. You get to see your full results for free, with a breakdown of your personality and relationship type.
You can see photos of your matches (and they can see you) before you subscribe. However, you must subscribe to send and receive messages.
5. Muddy Matches: Best dating site for lovers of the countryside
Muddy Matches offers the best user experience of all the niche dating sites we tested, with a fast and fuss-free joining process that fills you with confidence. And you don’t have to be muddy to use it: country-curious townies are welcome, too.
The site is less conservative than you might assume. The ‘seeking. ‘ dropdown menu includes ‘man seeking either’ and ‘woman seeking either’ as well as straight and gay, and you can specify friendship and casual dating as well as relationships.
It’s free to search profiles and receive messages, and to read the impressive choice of articles such as ‘Online dating after divorce’ and profile tips. You have to subscribe to send messages, though. A Premium upgrade lets all your recipients reply, even if they’re not subscribers.
The main site has sub-sections including Gay Farmers Dating and Lonely Farmers, and Muddy Matches’ sister site Maverick Matches is aimed at adrenaline junkies.
6. EnableDating: Best dating site for disabled people
Disabilities don’t exclude you from mainstream dating sites, of course. But EnableDating’s strong community spirit makes you feel especially welcome and understood, whether you’re looking for love or new friends.
You’re invited to state your disability from a list (which includes less visible conditions such as epilepsy and asthma), but you can skip if you want, and you don’t have to be disabled to use the service.
There’s no questionnaire to wade through, and most features are free, including adding videos to your profile. Gold membership lifts email limits, adds online chat tools and lets you view full photo and video galleries. The VIP upgrade lets you chat with all members, including non-subscribers.
7. My Single Friend: Best dating site for instant browsing
My Single Friend was co-founded by TV presenter Sarah Beeny back in 2004, when the idea of roping in a mate to write your profile was a brilliant wheeze to get around the stigma of online dating. But the stigma has faded and My Single Friend is now very much «my single me», with a profile-creation process similar to the other sites we looked at.
The main difference now is the ease of diving in. You have to create a profile before contacting anyone, but you’re free to search and browse profiles without creating a profile or even an account. The site even reveals its fees up-front, including the extra ?10/month that lets anyone you contact � including non-subscribers � write back for free.