Dating after 40: The 10 dating apps that'll make you believe in love again (2024)

Read our full review of eharmony.

Who it's for:

If you're 40 or older and ready to commit, like really commit, eharmony is where you want to be. It's known for pairing people for life and has a strong reputation for its thorough matching process.

Most eharmony users are between 30 and 44 years old and are looking for a serious relationship or marriage — which is exactly why we ranked it as the No. 1 dating app for marriage-minded individuals over 40 (it's also our top pick for finding serious relationships, period).

Why we picked this:

Founded in 2000, eharmony has quite a reputation, especially for its in-depth compatibility matching system. (It was actually the very first dating app to introduce the concept of compatibility testing.)

Instead of relying on algorithms that think a shared love of cat memes is the key to compatibility, eharmony takes a more scientific approach. You'll fill out a comprehensive compatibility quiz about your values, interests, and personality quirks — think of it like a Myers-Briggs test for your love life. It might take you 20 minutes to get through the quiz, but trust us; it's worth it to filter out the potential dating disasters and find someone who actually gets you.

Although eharmony is historically known for catering to heterosexual couples, the company has been making headlines for its efforts to become more inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. However, not everyone is happy about this change.

Some religious groups have come after eharmony for their decision to allow same-sex matching, and have criticized the platform for straying from their traditional values. There's a petition circulating online demanding that eharmony remove its LGBTQ+ advertisem*nts.

Christian Mingle may be a better fit if you're looking for a more religious or Christian dating site. Other religious dating sites include JDate for Jewish singles and Muslima for Muslim singles.

GET IT

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

GET IT

Read our full review of Match.

Who it's for:

Match is a reliable dating site (with receipts) for singles of all ages, with a large user base that includes a significant number of people in their 40s and 50s. According to Match's website, 48.6 percent of Match members are between 30 and 49, and 26.5 percent are 50 and up. So, for 40-year-olds tired of casual dating, a paid Match membership can help you connect with likeminded singles.

Match is also a good option for folks who are divorced or widowed and interested in dipping their toes back in the dating pool.

Why we picked this:

Match isn't just about throwing up a selfie and hoping for the best. It's about creating a profile that showcases your unique personality, interests, and passions. You can share up to 26 photos (including your profile photo), craft a bio that gives potential matches insight into who you are, and answer a variety of questions to help the algorithm understand what you're looking for in a partner.

Something else we love about Match is its commitment to a more intentional dating experience. In June 2024, Match partnered with Jay Shetty, a renowned author and life coach (and now Match's Relationship Advisor), to launch new features focused on core values and deeper connections. Members can now highlight their top values on their profile (family, communication, faith, etc.), explore Shetty's in-app content hub for dating advice, and get inspired by his unique first date ideas and conversation prompts.

Match also provides a safer environment for online dating. Fake profiles get flagged and removed quickly, and the site has a team dedicated to reviewing and approving new profiles to ensure people are who they say they are. Once a phone number is flagged, it's banned from the site, protecting users from potential scams or harassment.

GET IT

Who it's for:

Hinge is a popular dating app known for its focus on meaningful connections. While the app is popular with Gen Z and young professionals, it's equally suitable for older singles looking for a compatible partner and prefer to steer clear of the casual hookup culture of other apps.

Hinge's detailed profiles and conversation-starting prompts make it easy to get to know potential matches on a deeper level before meeting in person. And with its free membership option, you can start exploring without commitment.

Why we picked this:

Hinge's "designed to be deleted" philosophy means that the app is focused on helping users find love and eventually get rid of the app for good. (But you can use it for casual dating, too.)

Unlike Tinder (which is seeing declines in paying users, according to TechCrunch) and other swipe-based dating apps, Hinge incorporates fun prompts and personal information to help users get to know each other better. Hinge also continuously learns your preferences and follows up on your dating experiences to provide better recommendations in the future.

While Hinge may appeal to the younger generation, its emphasis on meaningful connections and rejection of endless swiping might be refreshing for those over 40 who are tired of superficiality. Plus, Hinge is making strides to cater to everyone, not just the young folks. Their recent LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. report shows they're paying attention to what different people want in dating, like taking things slow and building real emotional intimacy.

GET IT

Related Stories

Read our full review of Bumble vs. Tinder.

Who it's for:

With its women-first philosophy, Bumble empowers women and non-binary individuals to take the lead and initiate conversations. This women-first philosophy creates a less skeevy space that's easier to navigate than Tinder.

If you're a woman or non-binary individual over 40 who's tired of receiving unsolicited messages, Bumble is the app for you. It reduces unwanted advances, allows outgoing people to take control of their dating experience, and is a pretty good way for shy men to meet women, too.

Why we picked this:

Bumble's laid-back environment is a major draw. Profiles feature witty and personalized bios that you write yourself (here are some tips to help your profile stand out), eliminating the need for lengthy compatibility quizzes to get started.

The app operates on a swiping system that's similar to Tinder. If both individuals swipe right, it's a match, and in straight pairings, it's up to the woman or non-binary individual to initiate the conversation.

This unique feature is what Bumble has been known for since its inception in 2014. However, in April 2024, the company revamped its "First Move" feature with something it's calling "Opening Moves," a function that gives women and non-binary users the option to set a question for their matches to respond to. (They can also write their own.)

The app also added to its "Dating Intentions" badges to include "fun, casual dates," "intimacy without commitment," "life partner," ethical non-monogamy," and "marriage," so you know who's interested in settling down and who's ready to get down.

With matches expiring in 24 hours, Bumble encourages active engagement and prompts users to make a meaningful connection before the opportunity disappears. The one downside is that you might find a lot of the same people on Tinder on Bumble.

GET IT

Who it's for:

The Stir is for any single parent who's ready to jump back into the dating scene. It's perfect for connecting with people who totally get how hectic life can be with kids. Whether you're newly single or have been flying solo for a while, it's a place to connect with other parents who understand the juggling act of raising a family and finding time for romance.

Share a laugh about spilled juice boxes and missed bedtimes, and maybe even find that special someone who understands that date night has to wait until after soccer practice.

Why we picked this:

Single parents deserve to have fun, too. That's why the company is asking them to "break every single rule" and rethink how they view themselves and their dating lives. This new campaign came with a design refresh as well, which includes a more user-friendly interface, a new logo, and a new color scheme.

"At Stir, we want to break the rules of what people think dating as a single parent should be," Jennifer Spector, VP of Brand at Stir, said in a press release. "Most importantly, we're asking that people give themselves a well-deserved break on Stir because having kids isn't a dealbreaker; it's a conversation starter."

This app is specifically for single parents (and people open to relationships with single parents) who've been out of the dating scene for a while and are ready to start again. The app provides a nonjudgemental and supportive environment filled with other parents who just get it. That said, as a newer, niche dating app, the user base will be smaller than other apps, so manage your expectations.

GET IT

Read our full review of OkCupid.

Who it's for:

OkCupid is a dating platform that embraces diversity and inclusivity, making it a great option for singles over 40 who value open-mindedness and thoughtful conversations. It has a more liberal-leaning user base and puts a focus on thought-provoking conversations over endless swiping.

OkCupid's algorithm helps you find your match by looking into core topics (such as your views on feminism and other important social issues) and matches you with singles who share these key values.

Why we picked this:

Owned by Match Group, OkCupid is a popular dating website that's credited with making 91 million connections annually. It's also highly inclusive, offering profile options for 22 different gender identities and 12 different sexual orientations.

While swiping is still part of the OkCupid experience, it's not the main event. OkCupid prioritizes true matchmaking with in-app matching questions that ask about the important stuff, like how you balance your needs with your partner's and your stance on important social and political issues.

According to Michael Kaye, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at OkCupid, the company also started using generative AI in early 2023 to improve its matching algorithm. OkCupid used ChatGPT to write its matching questions, and so far, these questions have been answered almost 4 million times.

Though you can use OKC for free, you'll need to pay to access certain features, including the ability to see all your likes at once.

GET IT

Who it's for:

SilverSingles is a mature dating site for singles 50 and above. Thanks to its minimum age requirement, SilverSingles is the perfect place to connect with older singles looking for love and companionship.

If you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond and ready to find love, SilverSingles could be the dating site for you.

Why we picked this:

Mashable recently recognized SilverSingles as the best dating site for seniors, and for good reason. SilverSingles (a sister site of EliteSingles) is one of the best dating sites for people over 50 because of its focus on compatibility and its success rate. But don't just take our word for it: One of our reviewers surprised their mom with a SilverSingles subscription, and now she's happily partnered with someone she met on the platform.

Unlike superficial swiping, SilverSingles takes the time to understand you through a comprehensive personality test. It may take a bit longer, but it's worth it for truly compatible matches who are also looking for a meaningful relationship. You'll then receive three to seven matches each day.

A note on inclusivity: While you can specify your preference for a same-sex match, the app currently doesn't offer the option to receive matches from both genders.

GET IT

Read our full review of EliteSingles.

Who it's for:

EliteSingles (a sister site to SilverSingles) caters to those who value their professional pursuits and are looking to make a meaningful connection with potential partners who are similarly driven and successful.

With a focus on maturity and sophistication, EliteSingles attracts a more discerning and established audience. Over 90 percent of users are 30 or older, and most hold advanced degrees. EliteSingles is a community of intellectually curious individuals who value personal, financial, and career development.

Why we picked this:

Elite Singles caters to singles interested in serious relationships with educated and successful partners (however you define success). Their in-depth personality test and tailored matching system are designed to connect you with people who share your interests and drive. You'll receive a limited number of daily matches, allowing for more focused attention, and you can even filter by profession to find your ideal type.

If the cost of Elite Singles is a concern, Coffee Meets Bagel offers a similar focus on quality matches without the high price tag. And, if you're looking for a dating app that offers a more exclusive, executive-level dating experience, The League might be a better fit.

GET IT

Who it's for:

If you've tried other dating apps and haven't reeled in a catch, you may want to consider Plenty of Fish (POF). The site has over 150 million members worldwide, so it's likely you'll find a compatible match.

That said, POF also plays host to its fair share of shady accounts, including bots and catfish. So it's essential to cast your net wide and watch for impostors. If you encounter any fishy business, be sure to report it.

Why we picked this:

POF offers a vast sea of potential matches over 40, ensuring you'll have plenty of options to explore. It also provides a range of communication features to keep the conversation flowing.

In March, Busch Light and POF partnered up to help singles who love fishing and beer find their perfect match. The campaign, called "Reel Love," gives users the option to add a Fish Pic badge to their profile (a la OkCupid) to show off their angling skills and hook other singles who prefer to cast their lines in the great outdoors.

Whether you prefer video chat, private messaging, chat rooms, or even voice calling, POF has you covered. The app's commitment to offering multiple avenues for connection makes it easier to get to know potential matches — if you can get past the fake bot accounts.

GET IT

How we tested