What are the best free and paid dating sites?

Since I got divorced years ago, I have made a serious effort to try online dating and experimented with a number of different dating sites. From experience, I now know that this process can be intimidating and confusing for someone who is new to it.
You may be wondering which dating site is best for you and whether it is worth paying for a membership or not. Keep the following in mind to help answer that question: free dating sites tend to attract information daters and people looking for quick hookups, while paid dating sites are usually designed for people seeking a serious relationship.
Of course, it is not always that simple and there are exceptions. But the key to finding the right site (or sites) for you depends on the kind of relationship you are looking for. On free dating sites people are also more likely to pretend to be someone else – the screening process is much looser – and you will also find more annoying types there; after all, it is free, so there is no real filter.

Free online dating sites

If you just want to get a feel for how everything works and gain some basic experience with online dating, then the free environment can be an excellent test ground to explore. You might even find that online dating is not for you at all, and in that case it is better to discover that here without having to invest too much in the process.
Free sites generally offer more flexibility for different kinds of relationships, including casual encounters and same-sex relationships. In fact, they are not even exclusively about dating, as there are plenty of sites that allow extramarital dates such as second love, or that are specifically intended for people who are looking for friendship. Free sites can also work better for people who are separated but not yet officially divorced. It is often a bit more anonymous and fleeting.

Paid dating sites

If you are not interested in casual dating or fleeting contacts but are looking for a more meaningful relationship, you may want to subscribe to a paid dating site. Keep in mind that many paid dating sites often run promotions such as free weekends or discounts on subscriptions. If you are interested in a particular site, keep an eye out for these offers. Take the time to really look into the paid dating websites, read other people’s experiences and reviews, and only then make a decision. It is definitely worth investing some time in this so that you find a dating site that matches your needs. Also check the different subscription options.

Group-specific sites

In recent years there has been an explosion of group-specific sites aimed at people from particular age groups, religions, belief systems, ethnicities and even income levels. If you browse a group-specific site, you may have more luck finding like-minded people.

Online dating safety tips

Regardless of which online dating site you choose, there are four things you should always keep in mind:
1. Be careful when sharing personal information about yourself and your family members.
2. Always meet in a public place.
3. Do not expect everything you read in a profile to be true, and do not just assume that the photo is recent.
4. Never send money to someone you have never met, especially if they are in another country – it is a scam.
 
Finally, as someone who now speaks from experience – I have been active in online dating for over 5 years – I would like to add one positive tip: a good photo is essential!

In conclusion

Most online dating sites do not perform background checks or verify information. You may come across people with a criminal record, married people and people who may be mentally unstable.
The key to success is to trust your instincts. If you like, check their profile on well-known sites such as LinkedIn.com, Facebook and/or Instagram. Then get to know someone first via email before you talk to them on the phone, and take a few phone calls before you set a date for a first meeting. Enjoy the process, but stay cautious.