Best Dating App for Over 40: 10 Alternatives To Try

You might have heard that online dating is primarily for tech-savvy young people. However, love knows no age limits, and the dating world is open to everyone, regardless of age.

Whether you're reentering the dating scene after a divorce or venturing into it for the first time, online dating can be an exciting adventure. The best dating sites are your ticket to a smooth and enjoyable experience, where you can break the ice, start conversations, and connect with like-minded singles seeking love and companionship.

In this article, we'll explore the top 10 dating sites and apps for individuals in their 40s and beyond, along with tips for a successful online dating journey. Let's get started and find your match today.

What Is The Best Dating Site For Over 40

1. eHarmony: Best for Serious Relationships
2. SilverSingles: Best for Senior Dating
3. Seeking: Best for Luxury Dating
4. Ashley Madison: Best for Discreet Extramarital Dating
5. OurTime: Best for Finding Love Later in Life
6. Hinge: Best for Quality Matches
7. AdultFriendFinder: Best for No-Strings Sexual Dating
8. Tinder: Best for Casual Dating
9. Dating.com: Best for International Relationships
10. Elite Singles: Best for Educated Singles

Related Read: Top Christian Dating Sites

eHarmony: Best for Serious Relationships

eHarmony is a well-known player in the online dating scene. It was founded by Dr. Neil Clark Warren, a clinical psychologist, to help online daters find long-lasting love. Dr. Warren's expertise in relationship psychology laid the foundation for the site's unique approach to matchmaking.

What makes eHarmony stand out is its Compatibility Matching System. This system uses scientific research and psychology to match people based on their personalities, values, and preferences.

eHarmony is best for those seeking a serious, long-term relationship and lasting love. If you're interested in casual flings or quick hookups, eHarmony may not be the best choice for you.

Key Features

eHarmony's success lies in its unique Compatibility Matching System, which uses psychological research to create compatible matches. It emphasizes personality traits and values for a higher chance of meaningful connections.

Detailed member profiles also provide insights into personality traits and compatibility percentages, helping users find like-minded partners. eHarmony also offers a free online dating advice blog written by experts for valuable tips for successful online dating.

With a diverse user base spanning various age groups and locations, eHarmony offers a great dating site for people in their 40s, giving them lots of opportunities to connect with a wide range of potential matches, including those within the same age range.

To enhance security, eHarmony employs the RelyID verification service, which helps identify and filter out fake profiles.

Pricing & Plans

eHarmony offers three premium subscription plans. The Lite Membership is good for 6 months at $359.40 or $59.90 per month. The Plus Membership is the 12-month option, priced at $39.90 per month, adding up to $478.80. For a longer commitment, the Extra Membership is also available at $717.60 valid for 24 months, costing you $29.90 per month.

Read full eharmony review

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Science-backed Compatibility Matching System
• High success rates in forming relationships
• Efficient algorithm reduces the need to sift through numerous profiles
• User-friendly and suitable for beginners
• RelyID verification process

Cons

• The registration process can be a bit lengthy
• Messaging requires a premium subscription

SilverSingles: Best for Senior Dating

SilverSingles is a highly popular niche dating site designed for seniors, primarily catering to singles in their 40s to 60s. However, it's worth noting that there are some younger members on the site who may be seeking older matches.

This senior dating site offers an accessible and reliable gateway to companionship and love. Whether you're navigating life after loss or simply wanting to explore and find a serious relationship, this online dating site for senior dating may be for you.

However, note that SilverSingles is not the ideal choice for casual dating, as it is known as one of the best dating sites for mature users looking for a serious relationship.

Key Features

SilverSingles is known for meaningful matchmaking, with its thorough personality test that uses the Five Factor Model Theory. The dating site also suggests 3-7 compatible matches every day and provides a matching score, offering insights into your compatibility with promising partners.

Members can express interest by sending smiles or messages. There are also several customization options available for search filters based on age, height, and distance.

While free users have limited access to communication, the platform's premium membership unlocks all the features available on the site, including messaging and profile viewing.

Furthermore, since SilverSingles is made for senior dating, it boasts a user-friendly interface that guides users through the signup and matching process for a seamless experience.

Pricing & Plans

SilverSingles offers flexible pricing plans for its premium memberships. The pricing tiers include the Premium Light plan for 3 months at $22.95 per month, the Premium Classic for 6 months at $13.95 monthly, and the Premium Comfort plan good for 12 months at $11.95 per month. Premium members get access to messaging, profile photos, and the exclusive mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices, enhancing their dating experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface
• Quality daily matches
• Tailored personality-based matchmaking
• Flexible pricing plans offered at different durations
• Mobile app for both Apple and Android users

Cons

• The personality test can be time-consuming, lasting around 25 minutes
• Free plan members cannot view profile photos of other users

Seeking: Best for Luxury Dating

Seeking is a unique dating site made for elite singles looking for connections within exclusive circles. The site caters to individuals who appreciate the finer things in life and want to find partners who share their tastes.

While its user base is mostly dominated by those in their 30s, it still makes a great site for singles over 40 looking for luxury dating.

Seeking is dedicated to fostering genuine connections and has established a reputation as an exclusive dating site, catering to those seeking matches within a similar upscale lifestyle.

Key Features

One standout feature is its advanced matching algorithm, which goes deep into users' preferences, interests, and lifestyles. This ensures only highly compatible matches will be made for more genuine connections. Users have the flexibility to create detailed profiles as well.

Seeking also offers privacy controls, allowing members to hide their status and location. It also features a seamless and secure instant messaging system, custom search filters, and paid features such as message read receipts and boosted profile visibility.

Moreover, the Vibe post feature allows users to share snapshots and videos from their daily lives for added profile authenticity. Plus, a 60-day UrSafe trial is also available for member security, with features like virtual location tracking and emergency alerts.

Pricing & Plans

Seeking's Premium tier provides flexibility with pricing, offering a one-month plan at $90, a three-month plan at $80 per month, and a six-month plan at $70 per month. For those seeking a more elevated experience, the Diamond membership is available at a rate of $274.99.

Read full Seeking Review

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exclusive user base for high-end matches
• Availability of advanced search filters
• Verification process in place for safety
• User-friendly design with a touch of luxury

Cons

• The site has a lot of young members, mostly in their 30s
• Higher prices may be limiting for some budget-conscious users

Ashley Madison: Best for Discreet Extramarital Dating

If you're in a committed relationship but want to explore passionate connections discreetly, Ashley Madison is the perfect site for you. Founded by Darren Morgenstern in 2001, the site has evolved to become the go-to destination for those over 40 looking for extramarital affairs and casual encounters.

The site accommodates diverse relationships, from casual dating to hookups. Its accessible and user-friendly platform has attracted over 24 million members, offering them a discreet space to explore their desires.

The majority of users are between the ages of 25 and 34, but a considerable chunk of its members are in their 40s and 50s. Whether you prefer to connect with people around your age or even younger singles, there's a match for you on Ashley Madison.

Key Features

Ashley Madison is specially designed to facilitate discrete connections. One standout feature is the ability to send discreet messages and gifts to potential partners. Women enjoy the privilege of sending messages for free, while men can access this feature by purchasing credits.

The convenient Traveling Man/Woman feature caters to those on the move, allowing users to send messages to up to 30 potential partners in their destination city before arriving. The Priority Man/Woman feature gives your profile a boost, increasing your visibility in search results and making it easier to find promising matches.

Ashley Madison prioritizes privacy, so the site offers features such as discreet photos. Members can upload images with blurred or masked faces, granting access only to those they choose. Additionally, the site's "Message Plus" option lets users read, reply, and collect messages without spending their credits for a monthly fee.

Pricing & Plans

Women on Ashley Madison can enjoy certain messaging features for free, but men are encouraged to purchase credits to access them fully. The dating site uses a credit-based system, which allows users to only pay for the features they use rather than committing to monthly subscriptions.

On Ashley Madison, the Basic package includes 100 credits for $49, the Classic package grants you 500 credits for $149, and the Elite package provides 1000 credits for $249.

The credits are used for actions like sending messages, initiating chats, and sending virtual gifts. The credit system offers flexibility, allowing users to choose the features they value most. Always be on the lookout for promotions, as Ashley Madison often offers discounts on credit packages.

Read full Ashley Madison review

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Perfect for discreet dating
• Large dating pool with millions of diverse users worldwide
• Unique features such as Traveling Man/Woman
• Quick and easy signup process
• Free messaging for women

Cons

• Men are required to purchase credits to access messaging features
• The credit-based system might not be favored by everyone

OurTime: Best for Finding Love Later in Life

OurTime is an online niche dating site created in 2011 for seniors, particularly individuals aged 50 and above. The site creates a safe, accessible, and easy-to-navigate space where older mature daters can find love, companionship, and mature relationships.

OurTime has millions of members on the platform, with a gender distribution of roughly 40% women and 60% men. The online dating site welcomes senior people with different dating goals, including pen pals, friendships, long-term relationships, and even marriages.

Key Features

OurTime offers helpful features that make online dating enjoyable, easy, and secure for seniors, such as profile promotion, virtual gifting, and ConnectMe, which is a feature that allows voice calls while safeguarding personal phone numbers.

OurTime also features video dating, adding a personal and more genuine touch and allowing users to see and talk to each other virtually. Robust search filters are also in place so that users may refine their search based on preferences like body type, location, religion, and more.

The dating site also provides ProfilePro, a service where professional writers help older users create appealing profiles. Another advantage of OurTime is the detailed information available on each profile, offering insights into users' personalities and preferences.

Pricing & Plans

OurTime offers a range of subscription plans for different needs and budgets. These include a Standard subscription offering a 1-month plan for $34.96 and a 6-month plan for $96.76 or $15.96 per month. The Value Subscription is priced at $119.76 for 6 months or $19.96 per month and includes additional perks like read message notifications and different profile backgrounds.

Aside from subscription plans, OurTime also uses a token system, allowing users to purchase credits for specific online dating services. Credit packages are priced at $2.99 for 55 credits, $5.99 for 110 credits, and $9.99 for 280 credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface, ideal for mature singles
• Caters to seniors seeking serious relationships
• Diverse communication features, including ConnectMe and video dating
• Profile promotion options available
• Detailed profiles

Cons

• No identity verification system in place
• Possibility of younger users seeking older partners

Hinge: Best for Quality Matches

The popular dating app Hinge is known for its catchphrase "designed to be deleted" and is dedicated to fostering long-term, meaningful relationships rather than promoting mindless swiping. It's exclusively available as a mobile app for Android and Apple devices, with no desktop access. Hinge encourages users to uninstall the app once they've discovered a deep and compatible connection.

Hinge has a contemporary app design and a simple, user-friendly interface. It has grown steadily with a whopping 23 million members with a nearly balanced gender ratio of 45% female and 55% male. This platform caters primarily to singles aged 18 and above, but its core demographic is young professionals between the ages of 24 and 32, with a fair mix of older singles in their 40s and beyond.

Key Features

Hinge's features are designed to facilitate only high-quality interactions and help users discover the most compatible partners.

Members complete detailed profiles that showcase their personalities and interests through both text and images. Instead of mindless swiping, Hinge uses a roulette-type matchmaking system, where users can view different profiles and receive notifications on mutual interests.

What's great is that sending likes and comments is free for all members, but preferred members can enjoy unlimited likes. The app also offers advanced filters according to preferences, allowing users to set dealbreakers to help narrow down their matches.

To help promote meaningful conversations, Hinge offers "Video Prompts" and "Prompt Polls" as icebreakers for video dates. Another unique feature on Hinge is "We Met," which encourages users to privately provide feedback on their real-life dates that then help the app recommend better matches.

To enhance safety, Hinge offers "Selfie Verification" to verify members' identities. Also, a "Relationship Type Tool" gives users the option to express their intentions upfront.

Pricing & Plans

Hinge offers a membership called Hinge+ for users who want access to more premium features. The 1-month membership costs $29.99. They also offer membership good for 3 months priced at $59.99, equivalent to $19.99 per month. For a longer duration, a 6-month plan is available for a total cost of $89.99 or $14.99 monthly.

While a premium subscription offers perks like unlimited likes and a grid view of users who liked your profile, note that the free version still allows functions like sending messages and swiping profiles.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ideal for serious, long-term relationships
• High-quality profiles
• Video dates and free messaging are available
• Unique features like "We Met" for feedback and setting dealbreakers

Cons

• No desktop version
• Optional Selfie Verification; stricter verification measures may be preferred by most users

AdultFriendFinder: Best for No-Strings Sexual Dating

AdultFriendFinder, often referred to as AFF, is a major player in adult dating. Established in 1996, it has become one of the largest online dating sites, boasting over 80 million users worldwide, spanning various backgrounds and age groups, including those over 40.

AdultFriendFinder is open to all kinds of dating arrangements, mostly to adventurous adults looking for sexual connections. Whether you're interested in swingers, threesomes, monogamy, or polygamy, AFF is a playground for adults to connect with strangers and engage in consensual, no-strings-attached sexual relationships.

Key Features

AdultFriendFinder offers a dedicated mobile app, making it easy to connect with others on the go.

It also provides an extensive toolkit for interaction, including chat rooms, private messaging, and group discussions, making sure that members have multiple options to strike up conversations and build connections.

Also, the unique "Hot or Not" feature offers a roulette-style matching experience that allows users to express their interest and potentially connect with others who catch their attention.

Pricing & Plans

AdultFriendFinder offers flexible pricing plans to accommodate the preferences and needs of its users. Gold Membership, the premium subscription, offers various durations, including 1 month at $39.95, 3 months at $26.95 per month or a total of $80.85, and 12 months at $19.95 per month or $239.40 in total. The Standard Contacts option is also available, with 1 month at $16.99 and 3 months at $10.00 per month, billed as $29.99.

Some basic features are accessible for free, but premium subscriptions unlock advanced communication features, such as reading and sending messages, viewing full profiles, and adding friends.

Read full AdultFriendFinder review

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Diverse and wide user base
• Free registration
• Offers different ways to interact, including chat rooms, live streaming, and more
• Open to various sexualities, kinks, and fetishes

Cons

• Male-dominated user base
• Not ideal for serious relationships

Tinder: Best for Casual Dating

Tinder is one of the most popular dating sites in the United States and has grown to be a household name in today's world of online dating. The app has revolutionized the way people connect and find potential matches.

Launched in 2012, Tinder popularized the concept of "swiping" to approve or reject potential matches, making it a go-to platform for singles seeking relationships, hookups, and more. With over 75 million members worldwide, Tinder offers a diverse pool of potential connections of different ages and backgrounds.

The leading dating platform is also known for its user-friendly mobile app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making online dating much more convenient.

Key Features

Tinder's most iconic feature is the "swipe" mechanism, where users can swipe left to reject or swipe right to show interest in a suggested profile. Once there's a mutual interest, members can then communicate freely.

Tinder also offers premium subscription options, including Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum. These subscriptions offer benefits such as unlimited likes, rewind, boost, and the ability to see who has liked your profile first. Tinder Gold specifically offers the unique feature of instantly knowing who has shown interest, encouraging faster initiation of communication.

The popular dating app continues to innovate with features like Passport, which allows users to change their location to connect with people worldwide. Swipe Night provides an exciting and interactive storytelling experience that eventually leads to matches, and Face-to-Face video calling allows for more personal interactions.

Safety features include Noonlight integration, which adds a discreet panic button for users to use during dates that they want to get out of. Also, the platform offers Photo Verification to combat catfishing and a Traveler Alert feature to keep LGBTQ+ members safe in areas where there may be discrimination.

Pricing & Plans

Tinder offers a range of subscription tiers like Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Premium, and you can choose your preferred subscription duration. The longer the duration, the less it costs you on a monthly basis.

Tinder Plus allows you to send as many likes as you want and is available at $17.99 for a month, $53.99 for 6 months, equivalent to $9 per month, and $71.99 for 12 months or $6 per month.

Tinder Gold allows you to see who likes you instantly and is available at $26.99 per month, $80.99 for 6 months or $13.50 per month, and $107.99 for 12 months or $9 monthly.

Tinder Platinum allows you to send messages before even matching with every Super Like you send. You can get it at $35.99, good for a month, $107.99 for 6 months or $18 monthly, and $134.99 for 12 months or $11.25 per month.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Massive membership base
• User-friendly mobile app
• Convenient swiping and messaging
• Innovative features like Passport, Swipe Night, and more

Cons

• Relies heavily on appearance and less on showcasing personalities and interests
• Users cannot manually search for matches based on interests

Dating.com: Best for International Relationships

Dating.com is a global dating platform for singles looking for meaningful connections. Their user base spans across the United States, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. This site is perfect for individuals of all ages who want genuine relationships with other singles from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The website focuses on helping its members find lasting love and commitment from its diverse user base. Its straightforward and user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free experience for mature adults who are ready to take the next step in their romantic journey.

With Dating.com, you have the opportunity to explore the possibility of finding your soulmate without any hassle.

Key Features

Dating.com's communication tools include instant chat and email, both being convenient ways to connect with promising matches. The site also offers a video chat feature for those who prefer face-to-face virtual interactions.

A unique feature is the digital meeting space called Decentraland, where users can engage with each other through virtual reality avatars, adding an exciting and innovative dimension to online dating.

Pricing & Plans

The pricing structure at Dating.com is designed to offer flexibility to users. Instead of traditional premium memberships, standard members can purchase monthly credits. These credits serve as the currency that members can spend when accessing various site features, such as chat, email, video calls, and sending thoughtful gifts to other users.

Pricing options include 150 credits for $19.99, 600 credits for $149.99, and 1,500 credits for $299.99.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Diverse global membership base
• Great site for interracial dating
• Personalized match recommendations based on preferences
• Detailed member profiles
• Wide age range of users worldwide

Cons

• No traditional monthly subscription option
• Limited premium features for standard members

Elite Singles: Best for Educated Singles

Elite Singles is a popular dating site for intellectual and educated individuals, with 80% of its members holding university degrees. It's a go-to destination for singles looking for serious, committed relationships to meet mature and stable adults who want to settle down, making it perfect for singles over 40. The users of Elite Singles are mostly aged between 25 and 49, with many members in their 50s and up as well.

Elite Singles differentiates itself with its meticulous personality-matching system, which involves a comprehensive personality test that analyzes 29 distinct personality traits. This detailed matchmaking approach helps the platform match you with only the most compatible profiles.

Furthermore, its commitment to security is shown through its strict verification processes to make sure that suspicious accounts are removed.

Key Features

At the core of Elite Singles is a comprehensive personality test that refines match suggestions based on your personal attributes, ensuring a highly personalized and compatibility-focused experience for connecting with like-minded singles.

The 'Have You Met?' feature allows you to evaluate potential matches through a familiar swiping function found in other popular dating apps. Users can also interact with others by sending winks and likes, while premium subscribers enjoy unlimited messaging for initiating interactions.

Pricing & Plans

Elite Singles offers a completely free registration option that provides access to basic features like personality test results, match recommendations, and the ability to send likes and winks. However, sending and reading messages requires a premium subscription.

You may choose among three subscription options, Light, Classic, and Comfort, equivalent to subscription periods of 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The Light option costs you $37.95 per month or a total of $113.85 for 3 months. The Classic option is priced at $131.70, good for 6 months at $21.95 per month. Lastly, the year-long Comfort package is at $19.95 per month, totaling $239.40.

Read full Elite Singles Review

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Detailed personality analysis for more precise matchmaking
• Profile verification procedures in place
• Community of educated professionals
• Comprehensive user profiles

Cons

• No option for a one-month subscription
• Most of the users are in major metropolitan areas

How to Choose the Best Dating App for Over 40

Selecting the best dating site or app is a critical first step when venturing into online dating. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Reputation and User Base

Opt for dating sites and apps with a strong reputation among a diverse and active community of singles seeking love. Quality often trumps quantity when it comes to finding lasting matches. Additionally, consider the size and diversity of the user base for a broader pool of potential matches, especially if you're interested in connecting with local singles who share your interests.

Matching Algorithm

Search for reputable dating sites that have advanced matching algorithms, going beyond surface-level attributes. These algorithms take into account shared interests, values, and life goals, increasing the likelihood of deeper compatibility.

Privacy and Security

Choose dating sites that offer strict verification processes that weed out fake profiles. Additionally, consider how much control the dating app provides you over your personal information. Look for options to limit who can view your profile and contact you. Lastly, choose apps that provide safe and secure payment options to protect your transactions for paid subscriptions.

Features and Usability

Choose dating sites and apps with user-friendly interfaces for easy browsing, connecting, and customizing your preferences. Additionally, consider platforms that offer advanced search filters, video chat capabilities, and personality tests for added convenience and functionality.

Pricing and Subscription Options

Evaluate the pricing structure. While some dating apps provide free versions with limited features, premium subscriptions often offer advantages such as unlimited messaging and better profile visibility. Ensure that your selected plan aligns with your dating objectives and budget.

User Experience and Support

Review user feedback and assess the responsiveness of customer support. Opt for a dating app with an intuitive interface to improve your overall online dating experience.

How to Be Successful on Over 40 Dating Apps

Worried about finding a match? Here are some dating tips for success on over 40 dating apps:

Create an Attractive and Honest Profile

To create an attractive and honest profile, start by using recent photos and writing a bio that reflects your personal interests and what you're seeking in a relationship. Remember to be yourself, but avoid sharing overly personal information to ensure your safety.

Set Realistic Expectations

Keep in mind that finding the ideal match may take time. Stay patient and open to possibilities without putting too much pressure on yourself or your matches.

Be Kind and Open to Communicate

Approach conversations with respect and empathy by asking questions and actively listening to your potential partner. This creates a positive atmosphere that encourages genuine connections.

Take Safety Precautions

Always safeguard your personal information. When arranging in-person meetings with your online dates, choose public locations and inform a trusted friend or family member of your plans. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to utilize reporting options or safety features if you sense anything is amiss.

Read More: Background Check For Dating

Dating Site for Singles Over 40 FAQ

Is 45 Too Old for Tinder?

No, 45 is not too old for Tinder or other dating sites. These dating platforms cater to a wide range of ages, including people in their 40s and beyond. After all, dating is about connecting with people who share your interests and values, whether they're the same age as you or not.

How to Start Dating at 45?

Starting to date at 45 begins with taking the initial step of joining a dating app that suits your preferences. Create an engaging profile that highlights your personality and interests. Embrace new experiences, actively participate in conversations with potential matches, and approach dating with a positive outlook.

How Do I Find a Partner in My 40s?

Finding a partner in your 40s starts with self-discovery and using the right dating platforms. Focus on understanding your interests, values, and relationship goals. Utilize a dating app that caters to individuals in your age group and share your interests.

What Age Should a 40-Year-Old Woman Date?

There is no specific age that a 40-year-old woman should date. Dating is a personal journey, and age should not be a limiting factor. Instead, focus on connecting with individuals who share your interests, values, and goals. Be open to a wide range of potential matches, as compatibility transcends age. Embrace the opportunity to explore genuine connections with people who appreciate you for who you are. After all, age is just a number.