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If you’re divorced, you may be hesitant to jump back into dating. It can be intimidating, but using dating apps and sites can help. They allow you to meet new people in a low-pressure environment. If you aren’t interested in someone, simply keep swiping until you find your match. So, the biggest challenge you’ll face is choosing the best divorced dating app and the best dating apps for married people going through a divorce.
Thankfully, we’ve done the work for you. Our team at BeyondAges has personally reviewed hundreds of dating apps, including niche ones for target audiences, like divorcees and married people going through a divorce. With so many great dating apps out there, it’s hard to narrow down our choice for the best one, but we’ve picked five for you to choose from. For a sneak peek, here are some of the top options out there:
Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
---|---|---|---|
Best For Relationships
|
Experience Highlights
|
9
|
Try eHarmony |
Best For Casual Fun
|
Experience Highlights
|
9
|
Try AFF For Free |
One of the top dating apps for married people
|
Ashley Madison Highlights
|
8
|
Try Ashley Madison |
Before we get into them, let’s discuss our criteria for choosing the best dating apps for divorced singles.
To avoid bias, we use the same photos, bios, and opening lines on all our dating profiles. We also try to match with similar demographics, in this case, divorcees, on each app to keep things consistent.
Our final review is based on how easy we found it to land dates with high-quality matches, as that’s typically the ultimate goal for anyone on dating apps. We also assessed how easy it is for divorcees to find matches on niche apps versus general ones.
With that being said, here are our top two choices of dating apps for divorced people:
Although Match and eHarmony are both general dating sites, they have such large user bases that make it easy for divorcees to meet new people. Keep reading for an in-depth look at each site to choose one that suits your needs.
Overall Our team rates each site objectively based on many hours of independent research, the features each site offers, and how it compares with other sites. The ratings are the opinion of our editors and their extensive experience. |
9.5 | 8.3 |
Quality of Women Our opinion of how attractive the typical woman is that uses this site and how easy they are to connect with compared to other sites. |
9 | 8 |
Popular How many people are using this site to actually meet people compared to other sites. |
9 | 7 |
Usability How easy is this site to use and how quickly can an average person begin meeting people compared to other sites. |
10 | 9 |
Privacy & Safety Does this site take proper precautions to safeguard its members, their identity, and their data. |
10 | 10 |
Effective Our opinion of how easily an average person will be able to achieve their dating goals with this site compared to other sites. |
9 | 9 |
Value Will the time and money spent using this site pay off for an average person based on the opinions and experience of our editors. |
10 | 8 |
The biggest name in the game of finding serious, long-term relationships is eHarmony. Since its inception, it’s helped over 600,000 couples get married, making it a great choice for divorcees looking to get remarried in the future. eHarmony stands out among the best divorced dating apps due to its focus on compatibility and long-term relationships.
One of the key advantages of eHarmony is its comprehensive approach to matchmaking. All users complete an in-depth questionnaire when they sign up, covering their interests, lifestyle, and preferences in a partner. This allows eHarmony to recommend other users based on how compatible they may be. As many divorcees don’t have a lot of time, this is a great feature that saves you from endless swiping. This detailed matching process is supported by research, with studies showing that couples who matched on the site had higher quality marriages than those who met through traditional means.
eHarmony is a paid dating app, which might deter casual daters, but it’s perfect for those looking for something serious. Membership gives you access to plenty of features and high-quality matches, ensuring that your investment is worthwhile. For those seeking a meaningful relationship, eHarmony’s robust and research-backed matchmaking system offers a significant advantage over other dating apps.
Moreover, eHarmony’s success is not just limited to those who have been divorced. It’s also one of the best dating apps for married people who are separated and looking to start anew. The site’s focus on long-term compatibility makes it a reliable choice for anyone serious about finding a lasting relationship.
In summary, eHarmony’s thorough matching process, focus on serious relationships, and proven success rate make it one of the best divorced dating apps. Whether you’re a divorcee or someone looking to move on from a previous marriage, eHarmony provides a trusted platform to find a compatible and meaningful connection.
Need more info on how eHarmony works for a regular guy? We’ve created an eHarmony review where you can see how the site works, how you can meet people, and how you might one day find love online!
throwndown1000 – Reddit
I have a friend that got married from that site, it’s definitely very “long term” relationship minded. 2nd marriage, still married.
No experience with billing issues, but nothing a chargeback can’t handle (if the merchant won’t do what’s right).
Match is also more relationship focused, but not as much as eharmony.
Paola A. Rojas – TrustPilot
I have not yet met my future husband, which is my intention. But I’ve had two of the most beautiful relationships found here. Great, amazing high-quality man, that unfortunately have not worked out yet we remain friends. Online dating Has been a challenge, A beautiful challenge that I intend to continue pursuing, because it’s my dearest dream to find true love. I hope it’s Through eHarmony.
Beth – Consumer Affairs
After years of being romantically alone, I looked at online dating sites and chose EHarmony. I am a 53 year old professional woman, with adult children and very independent. It took me over an hour to fill out the questionnaire profile and upload pictures. Within four weeks I had gone on 5 dates and within 2 months had been seeing one man only. Nine months later we are still together, serious, and in a monogamous relationship heading toward marriage. I never thought this site was a “meat market”-the matches given to me by the algorithm was right on the money.
The first online dating site ever created was Match.com, now known simply as Match, in 1995. Even though it’s been around for almost three decades, Match remains quite popular, especially among older individuals looking for something serious. While it may not have the same level of research-driven matching as eHarmony, Match offers a robust platform that caters to a wide range of users.
One of the significant benefits of Match is the three-day free trial it offers. Although it may seem short, this trial period provides enough time to explore the site and decide if purchasing a membership is the right choice for you. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to test the waters before committing financially.
Setting up your profile on Match may take some time, but it allows for extensive personalization. Users can upload up to 26 pictures, write a bio up to 4,000 characters long, and complete 10 sections about various aspects of their lives, such as political views, hobbies, and exercise habits. This thorough profile setup ensures that you can present a detailed and accurate representation of yourself, which can help attract like-minded individuals.
Once your profile is complete, Match makes it easy to find potential partners. You can scroll through profiles and message anyone you’re interested in without needing to match first. This open communication model sets Match apart from many other dating sites and allows for more proactive engagement.
Despite not being specifically designed for divorcees, Match’s extensive user base of over 21.5 million users means you’re likely to find someone who meets your criteria. The platform’s wide reach and user-friendly features make it a valuable option among the married dating sites we reviewed.
In conclusion, while eHarmony might be a better choice for those specifically seeking long-term, research-backed compatibility, Match.com offers a flexible and extensive platform that can cater to a broad audience, including those who are divorced and looking to start fresh. Its long-standing reputation and large user base make it a solid choice for serious relationships.
Lawrence – Consumer Affairs
Following my divorce after 17 years of marriage, I was hesitant to try any type of site for dating, particularly worried for my privacy and safety. But utilizing Match.com I’ve been able to meet quality people, despite not yet meeting my long-term partner yet. The dating site is simple and easy to navigate, giving me the ample amount of information and insight to the persons I’m interested in meeting or speaking to. It gives me a few way to send flirts and list secret crushes, which is somewhat fun! 🙂
Matthew Oakley – Trust Pilot
Perhaps luck or perhaps application, I’ve had two very short spells on match this year and dated some really nice, mostly compatible ladies as a result. The site works well for me, yes you have to pay and I’ve removed a star to reflect the OTT and innocent notifications regards profile activity.
If you want to meet other divorcees, using a niche app can help. Here are some of our favorite dating sites for married but separated people and divorced singles.
For those looking for short-term hookups and casual encounters, Adult FriendFinder stands out as one of the top divorced dating apps. Unlike platforms focused on long-term relationships, Adult FriendFinder caters to individuals seeking more immediate and casual connections. Its vast user base and open-minded community make it an excellent choice for those ready to explore new experiences after a divorce.
One of the unique aspects of Adult FriendFinder is its inclusivity and acceptance of various relationship dynamics, including those who are technically still married. For individuals interested in exploring kinks, threesomes, or polyamory, this site provides a welcoming environment. Whether you’re a web site for married people looking to add excitement to your marriage or seeking intimacy while navigating a separation, Adult FriendFinder offers a platform where these preferences are normalized and embraced.
Adult FriendFinder also excels in providing a plethora of features that enhance the user experience. From live chat rooms and video introductions to detailed personal ads and the ability to view user-generated content, the site ensures that users can find exactly what they’re looking for. Its strong community and interactive features make it easier to connect with like-minded individuals seeking similar arrangements, ensuring that your post-divorce dating life can be as adventurous and fulfilling as you desire.
To give you a more detailed look at how AFF works and how it performs for regular guys, you can also have a look at our Adult FriendFinder review.
u/Changeusername5 – Reddit
I think it partially comes down to the area you live in. I live within 30 minutes of a large city and have had decent success with the website. Yes, there are bots but they’re pretty easy to spot. Assume that any girl who has model looks or professional photos is likely fake. I find it humorous that a guy who is, say a 5 on a scale of 1 through 10, falls for messages from a gal who’s clearly way out of his league. When I message women on there I typically focus on those that are 7 or 8’s, as most bots use very attractive photos of themselves to reel in suckers.
Louis S. – SiteJabber
AFF has been around for a long time and it is an established community with mostly real users. I have used it in the past and what can I say: I had a blast. Messaged a countless number of chicks but actually hooked up with two of them. My advise. Just send out messages that really work, nothing like hey Hun, What’s up?!… just be creative and don’t forget to stay active.
Ashley Madison is renowned as one of the best married dating sites for those seeking discreet relationships outside their marriage. While its primary user base includes individuals looking for extramarital affairs, it also caters to those seeking casual hookups and short-term connections. The site’s tagline, “Life is short. Have an affair,” clearly underscores its purpose, making it a popular choice for those looking to add excitement and secrecy to their dating life.
As a premier dating web site for married people, Ashley Madison provides a secure and discreet platform for individuals to explore infidelity and other intimate encounters. The site’s robust privacy features, including anonymous browsing and discreet billing, ensure that users can explore their desires without fear of exposure. Whether you’re looking for a brief fling or a more extended secret relationship, Ashley Madison offers the tools and community to connect with like-minded individuals who understand the complexities and thrills of maintaining discretion.
For more details on how the site works, check out our detailed Ashley Madison review.
Kat – Trust Pilot
As a normal female, this site is heaven.
Dated 4 quality men within a short span of time. Has definitely fulfilled expectations.
Of course, women don’t have to pay -which is a big plus.
Customer service is nonexistent, however.
Diane Smith – Trust Pilot
After being in a sexless and loveless marriage for 15 yrs. I tried Ashjey Madison. I met some nice gentlemen whom I talked and texted with before deciding on one man whose profile was just what attracted me to him. He treated me like a Princess in our NSA connection. He returned home to Spain and I connected with another super guy on AM. We decided to end it once I became single. After changing my status on AM to single, I met this great single guy and we were instantly compatible. It has been six months and we realized we love each other.
I would not have found this educated, caring, sensual, sexy, fun and handsome man without AM. He is very good to me. We are even talking next steps beyond living apart.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “What’s the best dating app?” as everyone has different needs and preferences. When choosing the best one for you, here are five factors you should consider:
Niche dating apps, like those specifically for divorcees or dating apps for married people undergoing a divorce, often have smaller user bases. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed but might also limit your chances of finding an ideal match. As Judith Sills, PhD, notes, “The advantage is you have a pool of people who are looking, like you are.” If you’re willing to put in a bit more effort, you can find someone on general dating apps who is open to dating a divorcee.
Since you’ve already been married, you likely know what you want in a potential partner. There’s no point in wasting any more time, so narrowing down your searches can help you find the perfect match. In most cases, web sites for married people tend to have more filters so you can find people in the same boat as you. Ariane Resnick, CNC, emphasizes the importance of being upfront: “Be upfront about what you’re looking for so that you match only with people also seeking a similar type of arrangement.” Some dating apps allow you to search for specific criteria, such as age, location, and interests, which can save time and increase your chances of finding a compatible partner.
Your recent divorce may be tying up a lot of your cash, so you may want to consider what kind of budget you have for your online dating experience. There are plenty of free dating apps and sites, but they won’t have as many features. If it’s within your budget, paying for a membership can help improve your chances of finding success. Remember, investing in a paid app might offer better security features and a more refined matching process.
Keep in mind that dating sites for married people value privacy above all else. That’s because many of these dating apps for married people attract folks who are looking to cheat. However, if you’re divorced or going through a divorce, you may still want to keep your privacy intact by investing in a paid dating site that won’t leak your information to those who may use it against you.
So many of the married dating sites we reviewed are terrible at matching. In fact, Searching for matches on your own can be super time-consuming, especially if you have kids or are still trying to settle the divorce. Consider apps that offer match recommendations based on compatibility, like eHarmony and Match, so you don’t have to go out of your way to find them. As Edward M. Tauber, PhD, points out, “You can’t heal unless you’re on your own. You need to find single friends to have a social life with.” Using apps that curate matches for you can free up valuable time and emotional energy.
The eHarmony algorithm was designed by a team of psychologists led by the company’s founder, Dr. Neil Clark Warren. The development was guided by research conducted with 5,000 married couples, aiming to apply insights from successful marriages to help singles make better mating decisions. The goal was to reduce the divorce rate by fostering long-term relationship satisfaction among users. The original algorithm used a regression-based approach to match users on variables believed to predict long-term relationship success.
In studies evaluating eHarmony’s matchmaking approach, couples who met through the site reported higher quality marriages compared to those who met through traditional means. This suggests that the algorithm’s focus on compatibility can lead to more satisfying and stable relationships. By utilizing such research-driven techniques, eHarmony aims to save you time and effort by curating potential matches that align with your relationship goals
Post-divorce, you may just be looking to have a little fun or you may be ready to settle down again. Whatever it is you want, it’s important that the people you’re talking to want the same thing. Resnick advises, “To date successfully, you should have a solid idea about what you are looking for.” If you’re looking for a hookup app, try ones like AFF or Tinder. But if you want something serious, our earlier recommendations of Match and eHarmony may be your best bet.
Incorporating these considerations can help you choose the best dating app for your needs and increase your chances of having a positive dating experience post-divorce.
To improve your chances of finding the perfect match, consider the following tips:
You likely have a ton of pictures with your ex, but it’s best not to include any in your dating profile (yes, even if it is cropped, we can tell). Even if you’re on one of those apps for married people, it’s still awkward to have your spouse (or soon-to-be-ex) right there in your photos.
Choose a mix of different types of pictures, such as portraits where you can clearly see your face, action pictures of you doing something you love, and full-body pictures. Avoid group pictures as potential matches may struggle to pick you out of the crowd.
Dealing with a divorce can be stressful, so it’s best not to date while you’re still in the midst of it. Everyone’s divorce case is different, but they typically last an average of 13 months. This may seem like a long time, but it’ll give you the chance to heal and fully move on so you’re ready to find something new. Judith Sills, PhD, explains, “Everyone ends a relationship by grieving the emotional investment. For some people, that happens before they move out. Others are still emotionally married after the divorce is final.”
While being divorced isn’t a big deal, it’s important to be honest about your situation with your dates. It may be a dealbreaker for some, so it’s best to be upfront with this information so you don’t waste your time. If you’re on a dating site meant for divorced people, however, you can avoid having this chat. Resnick suggests, “Set dates up at public meeting places only without disclosing where you live. Consider withholding your phone number in advance of the date.”
Free dating sites and apps are fun, but they don’t offer the same results as paid ones do. If you’re looking for something serious again, don’t waste time with these apps; invest in a paid membership instead. It gives you access to better features and high-quality matches, improving your chances of finding your perfect match. On dating while still carrying baggage from an ex, Tauber, notes, “Some people date and even marry to try to prove something to an ex. You wouldn’t date somebody who’s still tangled up with an ex emotionally. Why offer that to somebody else?”
After spending years of your life with someone, dating someone new can seem intimidating. Try to keep an open mind when talking to and meeting with people to improve your chances of having a positive experience. As Resnick advises, “Whether your marriage was a whirlwind romance or a slow boil that took years of dating before engagement, it’s a good idea to take things slowly when dating after divorce.”
When dating as a single parent, it’s important to consider the impact on your children. Sills recommends, “Do a very slow introduction of a new partner. It should be a serious person with the potential of a long-term relationship who comes to dinner or the zoo as mom or dad’s friend.” Additionally, Resnick highlights, “It’s good to let your children know that you’re looking to meet someone new. That said, it can be confusing for them to meet new people you are dating. Before introducing a new partner to your child, it’s best to make sure they are someone you’ll be seeing long-term.”
When exploring the best divorced dating apps or dating apps for married people, it’s crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your home address, workplace, or financial information with someone you’ve just met online. Utilize the app’s messaging system until you feel comfortable enough to exchange phone numbers or other personal contact information.
Be cautious and take time to verify the authenticity of profiles. Look for inconsistencies in the information provided and consider having a video call before meeting in person. This can help ensure that the person you are talking to is genuine.
For the first few dates, always meet in a public place and inform a friend or family member about your plans. This precaution ensures you have a safe environment and a support system in case anything goes awry.
If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. It’s better to be safe and take your time than to rush into potentially dangerous situations.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a more secure and positive experience while using dating apps to find new connections and relationships.
If you’re not ready for another serious relationship just yet, check out our list of the best hookup apps and websites instead. Or if you’re looking for more great recommendations beyond the five we talked about, see our list of the best dating apps out there.