Meeting singles in person has been tricky for a while now but the pandemic has dramatically changed how people meet and interact with each other these days. With the pandemic-related shifts in everyday behavior, dating apps are more popular than ever before. Unfortunately, selecting the best dating apps in Seattle isn’t easy, especially with the vast selection available.
On top of that, new apps are constantly popping up promising to help everyone from Madison Park to Georgetown find their perfect match with the help of the latest algorithm or artificial intelligence.
Sadly, it is rarely that easy. We can quickly tell you not all dating apps have been created equal. With over 750,000 people living in Seattle, finding real connections takes some effort. It’s not like living in Burlington, where there is a limited dating pool, similar to some of the other rural parts of Washington.
There are some great dating app options out there. Whether you’re a busy professional or a college student at UW or Seattle U, using the right app can help you weed through the crowded, sometimes messy dating field. Whether you have a particular preference or you want an app that offers you a variety of potential partners, there’s one that’s right for you.
That said, it is far too easy to pick one that looks great only to wind up with one that will do little more than waste your time and money. So if you’re worried about choosing the wrong app — the one that will bring you unwanted results — don’t be. We’ve done all of the work for you. We’ve tested a spectrum of dating apps to give you the lowdown on which will best suit your needs.
If you want to know the Seattle dating apps that have brought locals the most success, check out our list and give them a try. With more than 36 percent of Seattle’s population currently single, your chances of finding someone great is pretty high. So let us know in the comments how they worked for you.
#1 – Lovoo is great for Seattle singles on the go (Android; iOS)
Lovoo is one of the fastest-growing dating apps on the market, with more than 70 million members worldwide. Over the past few years, it’s become one of the go-to’s for singles in Seattle thanks to its super quick sign-up process and easy-to-use features.
Lovoo’s main matchmaking feature is called “Play,” a roulette-type of matching system where you can send a heart or pass on the profile. You can also filter members according to your preferences or use the “Radar” feature to see suggestions near your current location. The app is simple to navigate and with the release of Lovoo Live, you can host or watch live video streams for an even more interactive experience.
What makes Lovoo great:
- The app has a high user activity, with over 2 million active users daily
- Connecting with members by sending hearts is free and Lovoo credits toward paid features are easy to earn
- Interactive, easy to use app and features
What we don’t like:
- Profile questions are optional, so some profiles aren’t very detailed
- The search filters are pretty basic
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is the only app you need for relationships
eHarmony is one of the dating sites out there that everyone has heard about in Seattle. If you don't know someone who’s met their SO on it, you've undoubtedly seen their commercials (they're everywhere these days).
It's extremely popular with over 33,000,000 active users and, in our experience, has been the best performing dating app in Seattle when it comes to finding a real relationship (not just a night of fun). Of course, there are a couple of other options out there that have nearly as many members, but eHarmony makes things so much easier for you.
What really stands out, though, is their success rate locally. They're so good at actually helping people connect after they match you up that 75% of all marriages that start online began with eHarmony. You just don't see success rates like that anywhere else. So if you want a real relationship, this is the app for you.
Why eHarmony is probably the best dating app in Seattle:
- 70% of users meet their future spouse if they use the app for a year
- They are very good at actually finding compatible matches
- It’s extremely popular in Seattle
What we don’t like about it:
- There is a system you have to follow, which can feel a bit constricting at times
- It’s definitely one of those apps where you get out what you put in
#3 - Elite Singles (Android; iOS) is for the smarties out there
Elite Singles is the app specifically for those who put a big value on education. With universities like UW and Seattle U in its borders, it’s no surprise that 37 percent of Seattle residents have college degrees. Not only is that a statistic to be proud of, but it also makes it easier for Seattle grads to find a well-educated date.
If you’re single and looking for someone who has earned a college degree, Elite Singles is your best shot. It’s relatively new to the dating scene but membership is growing quickly, and it’ll save you from sorting through the mass of people on other apps who don’t meet your standards. If you know you want to date a college grad, Elite Singles can quickly help you find the best matches. You might not read about it on SeattlePI, but it really is great!
Why Elite Singles is a great site:
- Does a good job of attracting educated users
- Pretty in-depth profiles and good matching
- You don’t have to filter out a lot of people who don’t match your ambition
What we don’t like about it:
- Still pretty new with a smaller but growing userbase
- Kinda feels like a smaller eHarmony
#4 - AFF actually makes finding a fling easy
AFF is what so many apps in Seattle try to be. An app that actually makes it easy for people (even guys who aren't great looking) to find a little fun in bed. There are so many bad apps out there it can be super frustrating.
AFF is one of those rare apps that actually has a lot of users (over 50 million) but still kind of flies under the radar, probably because it's ALL about finding a quick fling. We've seen more guys find success using it than anywhere else (unless you're super hot, then Tinder is for you). When you want the fun without the commitment, there isn't a better option right now. Check out their free trial with the link above.
Why AFF works so well:
- A huge number of active users in the Seattle area
- Gets right to the point without going through weeks of messaging
- Everyone on this site is there for the same thing, so nobody is pretending
What we don’t like about it:
- Not a big fan of the overall site design
- You have to signup through the website, not the app
#5 - Tinder (Android; iOS) is great for the younger, hotter crowd
Tinder is the dating app everyone knows but only a select group actually like. Most often used by singles looking for quick fun, it’s an effective tool for finding some casual fun. So when you're looking at the solid dating apps out there that are free for adults, you should check it out.
While Tinder can be a great way to find a quick romp, it does take a bit of effort for guys to land a date unless they have a really eye-catching profile photo. Women are propositioned non-stop on Tinder, so if your picture doesn’t make an impression, you’ll have a pretty hard time standing out from the other men barraging women with messages.
Tinder, admittedly, is a great way for a woman to boost her ego but it’s unlikely she’ll find a man looking for more than a fling. That’s because men who are popular with the ladies use Tinder as a way to score some action on nights that they don’t have a date. So if you are not interested in keeping it casual, you’d be better off looking somewhere else.
Why Tinder is worth trying:
- Very popular with the younger crowd
- Very effective if you’re young and hot
- Easy to use (almost a game)
What we don’t like about it:
- Lots of women just looking for an ego boost
- Plenty of guys end up striking out completely
#6 - Zoosk is the best app for younger Seattle singles (Android; iOS)
With over 35 million members and 30 million new downloads each day, Zoosk is easily one of the most popular options for Seattle singles right now. It’s currently the #1 dating app on the App Store, and with so many active users, you’re bound to find someone you really connect with.
Zoosk was originally built as a Facebook app and it retained a lot of its social media inspiration. Thanks to the app’s social media feel, the interface is intuitive and perfect for younger singles. With over three million messages sent over the platform every day, it’s perfect for young college singles looking for a real relationship without resorting to Tinder.
Most Zoosk members are between 18 and 24 years old, with a nearly even ratio of male and female users. However, even with such a large user base, finding and connecting with the right people is easy with the app’s SmartPicks matchmaking technology. It analyzes your behavior while using the site and helps you find the most compatible matches, saving you lots of time in the long run.
Why we love Zoosk:
- Its SmartPicks technology makes finding quality matches easier than ever
- Perfect for singles between 18 and early-20s who want a real relationship without having to deal with Tinder
- The interface is easy to use and feels familiar
What could be better:
- Singles older than their mid-20s probably won’t have much luck on here
- No member screening, so you’ll have to deal with some bots and spammy accounts
#7 - OkCupid (Android; iOS) is the best Seattle dating app to practice on
OkCupid is the largest and most popular free dating app in Seattle. It's been around for a long time and is often the first app that people try when dipping their toes in the online dating pool. As a result, it's a great place to get acclimated but not known for getting the best results.
There are a fair number of quality people using OkCupid, but the response rates are low and there are a lot of abandoned profiles. We really like it when we're trying out new opening lines or profiles since it's a free way to test things out.
If you want to get the most for your time, there are better options out there, though.
Why OkCupid is a great dating app in Seattle:
- Lots of users and a free platform
- Good environment to try new things out
- There are some fun quizzes and matching options
What we don’t like about it:
- Response rates are really low and there are a lot of abandoned profiles
- As a free app, it’s super competitive, with lots of thirsty guys messaging every woman they see
#8 - Our Time (Android; iOS) is another solid app for those 50+
Our Time is for the significant number of singles in Seattle that fall into the over-50 age group. Finding them, however, is difficult unless you have the right dating app.
If you are in the 50+ crowd in Seattle and are looking to date someone of a similar age, Our Time is perfect for you. Don’t sweat it if you’re not super tech-savvy; Our Time offers a simple sign-up process and is easy to use. Whether you are good with new technology or not, this app will increase your chances of finding you a fantastic date in Seattle.
Why Our Time is worth downloading:
- Only seniors use it so matching is easier
- Easy to use even for the non-technical
- A safe way to meet other singles in Seattle
What we don’t like about it:
- Not as many people using it as other apps
The Best Dating Sites in Seattle for Long-Term Relationships
Now that we’ve gone over our top dating sites and apps, we want to give you a few specific recommendations. While some sites are geared toward meaningful relationships, some are for casual dates and hookups. If you’re looking for a real, long-term relationship, not every dating site will do the trick. Here are our top picks for users looking for something long-lasting:
eHarmony is the best site for making meaningful connections
We covered eHarmony in more detail above, but we can’t stress enough how great it is for Seattle singles looking for a long-term relationship. With over 33 million active users, many of whom live in Seattle, it’s one of the most successful dating sites out there. Over 70% of members who use the site find their future spouse within a year.
The sign-up process is super much more in-depth than other sites out there but the lengthier process is worth it. The site takes a lot of the guesswork out by using your answer to determine exactly what you’re looking for in a partner and – better yet – who out there is looking for someone like you.
Zoosk is great for younger Seattle singles looking for real love
Zoosk is the #1 dating app on the app store for a reason! With over 35 million members, you’ll have luck finding a great match no matter what type of relationship you’re looking for. But with that said, Zoosk has proven to be very successful for younger singles between 18 and 24 looking for a genuine, long-term relationship.
Its app is simple and easy to use and Zoosk’s matchmaking algorithm goes a long way toward finding the best, most meaningful matches. While older singles might not be as successful on here, Zoosk is a great option for younger singles who want to avoid the casual hook-up culture of Tinder.
The Best Hookup Sites in Seattle
With so many hookup sites to choose from, figuring out which ones you’ll have success with can be tough. Some Seattle hookup sites are absolute garbage for regular guys, but luckily, a few do actually work. Here are our top picks for the best casual dating sites in Seattle:
AFF is where normal guys can find success
AFF is fully dedicated to one thing: casual dating. There’s no room for miscommunication here, so it’s easy to see why this site is such a popular site for Seattle singles looking for a fling. Also, since AFF isn’t as appearance-focused as other options like Tinder, it’s great for regular dudes who haven’t had a lot of luck elsewhere.
There are a huge number of users active in the Seattle area, so if you’re in the market for some casual fun, start with AFF first. Check out their free trial to see for yourself!
If you’re really hot, Tinder is also an option
Lots of people still think of Tinder as the best free hookup site in Seattle and with tons of people to connect with on there, it’s easy to see why. But did you know that only the top 10% of men on the app get over 80% of the responses from women? It may be unfair, but it’s true. So unless you’re one of the best-looking guys in Seattle, you should try AFF first.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Seattle
Can you find success on a free dating site? You wouldn’t be alone in wondering that. A lot of people are hesitant to spend money on a site that doesn’t guarantee love (or a casual fling, if that’s more your thing), so they gravitate toward free options and get frustrated when they don’t connect with anyone they like.
After trying out over 100 different dating sites and apps, we’ve found that paid sites consistently get much better results. If you’re new to online dating and just want to get familiar with how things work, give a couple of free sites a try. But once you’re ready to get serious, paid sites provide a lot more value.
If you 100% can’t afford to try a paid site right now, here are the best free dating sites in Seattle worth looking at:
- OkCupid
- OurTime
- Tinder
While paid sites tend to offer better results overall, users should manage to find some success using these free solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions on Dating Apps in Seattle
What is Seattle's most used dating app?
The most used dating app in Seattle is definitely Tinder just because of how popular it is in the city. However, we do recommend that you try AFF and eHarmony as well.
