Dating is tough; we get it. And dating while broke? That's a special kind of torture. From spending your hard-earned cash on overpriced cocktails, awkwardly splitting the check, or worse, dealing with that one date who asked you to Venmo them for your half of the guac (seriously?), we've all experienced the pains of dating on a budget.
Luckily, modern tech has made dating more accessible and affordable, and the best free dating apps promise to connect you with your potential soul mate — no credit card required. (We know, it sounds too good to be true.)
While you might have to pay for drinks, at least these dating apps let you start matching for free.
What is the best totally free dating app?
Dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge have a free version that holds its own against its paid counterparts. That said, there are also some completely free, more niche dating apps worth checking out too, like Archer and Lex.
Finding love (or a fun distraction) shouldn't cost a fortune. That's why we tested dozens of dating platforms to find the best free dating apps. Whether you're an introvert, a college student, or just looking for some steamy sexting action, we've got you covered.
Below, find our top picks for the best free dating apps. Use them to find your forever partner, a casual encounter, or something in between without paying a dime.
Note: All of the free dating sites below have a free membership option that gives you almost everything you need for the full experience. Though most offer paid premium memberships, these aren't apps like Match or eharmony, where you need to pay to do basically anything.