You would think in a city of 4 million people, meeting someone would be as simple as walking out the door. Alas, LA is not a city for just bumping into people. If you want romance or even something light and casual, you have to work for it. These days, that usually involves hours researching the best dating apps and sites in Los Angeles.
People love to tell you to try this app or that site, but the reality is, most suck. A new dating app or site appears online every minute (more or less), and most aren’t worth a second glance. Thankfully, there really are some great ones on the market, and we’re here to tell you which ones they are. Whether you’re studying at UCLA or making waves in Hollywood, there’s an option here for you.
To reinvigorate your love life, check out this list of our favorite dating apps and sites in LA. If the pandemic has made you hesitant to date, you can talk to your matches for a bit first before planning a safe meetup. Southern California is too full of gorgeous singles to be on your own.
#1 - Kippo (Android; iOS) is the perfect app for gamers in LA
As Los Angeles is an entertainment hub, you’re sure to find plenty of people with similar interests. So if you enjoy gaming, Kippo may be the app for you. It’s made specifically for gamers to meet one another as users can include details about their favorite games in their profiles.
You can even play games with your matches on Kippo as the app has a virtual world where users can interact. This makes dating way more exciting and helps you find someone who shares your interests. It’s a niche app, so that means the user base is smaller, but you can focus on quality matches rather than quantity.
Why Kippo is one of the best dating apps in Los Angeles
- You’ll have something in common with all users
- Users are very active
- Socialize with potential matches in Kippo’s virtual world
What we don’t like about it
- Limited free features
- The userbase is small as it’s a niche app
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) can't be beaten for long-term relationships
eHarmony is extremely popular here and has an amazing track record of helping Los Angeles locals find long-term partners by using matching algorithms. This app does the best job of matching you up with compatible potential mates that we've seen.
You don't have to scroll for hours. The app does all of the tough work for you. Of course, you might not make a perfect connection outside of the algorithms. Usually, it works like magic. The toughest part is answering all of the questions. It's important because this is how they match you with other single people. You can build chemistry before you even meet.
If you're serious about finding long-term partners this is the site for you.
Why eHarmony is one of the best dating sites in Los Angeles
- The best success rate out there for long-term relationships
- 70% of users find their future spouse within a year
- Makes it pretty easy to form connections
What we don’t like about it
- It definitely takes more time than most to get started
- Not super popular with those 18-22
#3 - Kinkoo (Android, iOS) is the best dating app in Los Angeles for the shamelessly kinky
It seems like everyone in LA has a unique, erotic peccadillo that gets them going. This certainly makes dating in this city interesting. But it can also be complicated, especially if you’re shy about broaching the subject. Kinkoo is the dating app for the modern Angeleno. In this day and age, we don’t kink shame, and we don’t settle for a sexual relationship that doesn’t fire on all cylinders.
With its emphasis on photos and openness about sexual kinks, this app wants you to be yourself. You can find the dominant to your submissive or learn something new. For anyone who’s been interested in exploring their kinky side but have been too afraid to try, Kinkoo is here. If you prefer your sex life to have something extra, this might be the best dating app in Los Angeles.
Why Kinkoo is worth downloading
- Provides a safe space to explore different facets of your sexuality
- When it comes to your kinks, there is no need to beat around the bush (unless that’s what you’re into)
- With an interface that highlights user photos, swiping can be an education
Why it could still be improved
- The app is pretty barebones in terms of other features
- They haven’t done a very good job of filtering out the spam accounts
#4 - AFF is the easiest way to find a fling
AFF should be your first choice when you're not looking for a relationship but still want some fun in the bedroom. We've tried a lot of different apps for this (most are awful) and only a couple have proven to work over and over. Tinder is great if you're under 25 but once you get beyond that AFF has shown the best results out of any dating site in Los Angeles we've tried, especially for guys.
One of the things we've really liked about this app is that they do a really good job of helping you find EXACTLY what you're looking for. Everyone on this site is looking for the same thing so you can save a LOT of time that you would waste on other sites. If you're 25+ and want to take someone home, this is your app.
Why you should try AFF
- They have a massive number of users on their app (over 50 million)
- We’ve seen guys have the best success using it, especially those who aren’t super good-looking and didn’t do well on Tinder
- It’s very straightforward and easy to use
What we don’t like about it
- Many users can only access it via the web app
- The app is a little dated and not as polished as some others
- Sometimes people are a little TOO upfront with what they want
#5 - Hinge (Android; iOS) could be one of the best dating apps in Los Angeles for guys
When it first appeared on the scene, Hinge was designed around matching people through their established Facebook connections. It was a way to ensure users were legitimate and not total creeps. Though this app has changed (you no longer need a Facebook account), the makers still have the same guiding principle. They want to initiate connections that go the distance.
One of the ways Hinge does that is by helping you break the ice. Guys tell us all the time, that the hardest part of online dating is finding the right thing to say. Hinge’s mix of icebreaker questions and amusing photo prompts help users start more natural conversations with online strangers. Of all the best Los Angeles dating apps, this is the one we recommend for men the most.
Why Hinge is a great LA dating app
- Comment directly on a photo to start a conversation more naturally
- The “Standouts” Feed uses an algorithm to recommend the profiles that best suit you
- The “Preferences” section lets you get very specific with what you like and don’t like
What we didn’t like
- All the best features are behind the paywall
- If you do go with the free option, you’ll only be able to “like” 10 photos a day
#6 - Facebook Dating (Android; iOS) puts your digital profile to good use
A lot of older Millennials who have been on Facebook since the beginning are considering quitting the site. They weigh the pros and cons, but it’s not always an easy decision. Well, let us make the decision a bit harder by recommending Facebook Dating. It’s the one and only official dating app from the website you love to hate or hate to love.
One of the perks of Facebook Dating is that assuming you already have an FB profile, set up is easy. Users can transfer info from their main profile, ensuring a more robust scrolling experience than other apps. Don’t worry, no one will know you are on the app unless they’re on it too. And, like the other websites under the Facebook banner, Facebook Dating is completely free.
Why Facebook Dating is among the best dating apps in Los Angeles
- Easily one of the most feature-rich free dating apps out there
- Profiles offer lots of details and photos so you can really get to know your matches
- It’s got pretty much, an unlimited pool of potential users
What we don’t like about it
- Weirdly, Facebook Dating is only an app; there is no browser version
- It’s a Facebook app; for a lot of our readers, that’s enough of a dealbreaker right there
#7 - Zoosk helps you find the right match (Android; iOS)
Zoosk is one of the most popular dating apps on the market right now, especially among the younger crowd. It’s a no-frills dating app that helps younger people form genuine connections, making it a great alternative to hookup apps like Tinder.
The app is super easy to use as you can look through profiles and swipe right if you like the look of them or left if you’re ready to move on. Profiles are fairly detailed as you can write a bio that’s up to 1500 characters, so you can really get to know your matches. With over 40 million users on Zoosk worldwide, you shouldn’t struggle to land a date.
Why Zoosk is one of the best dating apps in Los Angeles
- Good balance between men and women on the app
- Access Zoosk via app or desktop
- Large dating pool of over 35 million users
What we don’t like about it
- You need a membership to send messages
- No algorithm for matching users based on compatibility
#8 – Elite Singles (Android, iOS) connects educated adults with high standards
Dating in this city can be brutal, let’s face it. It’s often an exercise in hearing some stranger ramble on endlessly about what they’re going to do “someday.” It can be draining. But while everyone in LA thinks they’re elite in some fashion, on Elite Singles, the users actually are.
By “elite,” we mean well-educated and focused on their careers. Elite Singles is an exclusive app where people who have ambition and the means to achieve those ambitions can meet. In a city of movers and shakers, this is one of the top apps for dating and networking. The app’s key demographic is people between the ages of 30 and 50 who have their lives together. Sound refreshing?
Elite Singles is a bit pricey, we’ll admit. If you’re a picky partner, though, it’ll be among the best dating sites in Los Angeles.
The best reasons to choose Elite Singles
- The clientele on the app tend to be the crème de la crème of LA
- Well-educated people generally want to date other people with good education
- The gender ratio is almost perfectly split between men and women
What some users will not like
- The membership plans are high priced
- Some of the users can be a bit, shall we say, pretentious
#9 - Heybaby (iOS) is among the best dating sites in Los Angeles for single parents
To be single with a kid in LA is to find yourself on a very lonely island. It can sometimes feel like everyone in this city is a 20-year-old aspiring model/actor/writer with no responsibilities. Heybaby wants you to know that, in fact, you aren’t alone. There are plenty of single parents in this city, and they’re looking for substantial, meaningful relationships.
Heybaby is for both single parents and people who know they want to have children sooner than later. If that describes you, you’ll love the freedom and peace of mind dating this site gives you. You can be honest about your situation and desires as you fill out your profile. That way, all of your matches know what you’re all about, and you know it about them too.
Why Heybaby is one of the best dating sites in LA
- Single parents don’t have to second guess talking about their children
- It’s excellent if you’re on the market for a relationship that can lead to something lasting
- The questions you answer at sign-up are a fun but thorough way to fill out a profile
Why you should not sign up
- This isn’t a site for casual fun, so if that’s all you’re after, save everyone the time
- If you have an Android phone, it’s not even an option
#10 - Tinder (Android; iOS) is a showcase for all the 10s in LA
In a city that prides itself on having the hottest people in the country, Tinder is a sight to behold. The app known for being filled with sexy people achieves another level in LA. We don’t know what the talent looks like in other parts of California, but here, Tinder is overflowing with smoke shows. We’re all but certain some models use it just to try out their newest photosets.
We admit, that it can all be quite intimidating if you’re an average-looking guy or gal. You can feel depressingly invisible when you’re swiping through pages of perfect 10s. But you’d be surprised how well a clever bio can cut through the fog of six-pack abs and fake boobs. And, hey, even if you don’t wind up with a lot of dates, you’ll surely enjoy the experience.
What’s so enjoyable about Tinder
- You won’t find a more gorgeous line-up of potential matches on any other app
- This remains the app in LA for casual flings and one-night stands
- After all these years, it’s still one of the best free dating apps out there
What we don’t like
- Finding true love on this app is about as likely as winning the lottery (it could happen)
- No matter how funny and charming your bio is, lots of people never get past the photos
The Best Dating Sites in Los Angeles for Long-Term Relationships
If you want to find the best dating app for you, it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a partner. Most dating apps are targeted at a specific audience, so you can find better results on ones targeted to what you’re looking for. If you’re ready to settle down, here are two of our favorite apps to use:
eHarmony is the best place to find something serious
Even if you’re new to online dating, you’ve likely heard of eHarmony before. eHarmony is one of the oldest dating sites on the market as it has been around since 2000. Since it was created, it’s helped over 600,000 couples find love and get married, so if that’s what you want, this is the site for you. eHarmony may be so successful because of its in-depth questionnaire that all users complete upon signing up.
The questionnaire asks you about your lifestyle, interests, and preferences in a partner. Then, uses your answers to match you with someone based on compatibility. This can help you easily find your perfect match without the monotony of endless swiping. As there are over 37 million people on the site, we can almost guarantee that you’ll find a match on eHarmony.
Plenty of Fish helps you find the right fish in the sea
You may have heard of the saying, “There’s plenty of fish in the sea,” before, which is where this app got its name. Plenty of Fish has been on the market for almost as long as eHarmony as it was released in 2003, so it’s a great free alternative for people on a budget. Profiles are quite detailed and you can even use search filters, like sorting profiles by how recently they used the site, to help you find the perfect match.
The Best Hookup Sites in Los Angeles
If you’re not ready to settle down just yet, don’t worry, there are plenty of other apps you can try. Here are two of the best Los Angeles hookup sites to consider instead:
AFF is one of the best Los Angeles hookup sites
AFF is one of the best casual dating sites in Los Angeles and worldwide. It’s clearly advertised as a hookup site, so there won’t be any awkward conversations or confusion about anyone’s intentions. Instead, you can just focus on having a little fun.
AFF is a paid dating site, but we think the purchase is worth it. Membership gives you access to hot matches in your area and fun features like live webcam shows, adult chatrooms, or erotic stories. If you’re not ready to commit to a membership yet, take advantage of AFF’s free trial to test the waters.
Tinder is the best free hookup site in Los Angeles
If you’re on a budget, Tinder may be a better option for you. Although it’s not marketed as a hookup site, it’s what most people use it for because the app heavily focuses on appearance. Signing up is easy and free, just upload your hottest pictures, write a short bio, and start swiping. You swipe right on profiles you like and left to move on. If you both swipe right, you match and can start chatting.
The Best Free Dating Sites in Los Angeles
Another factor to consider when choosing the best dating app for you is how much you’re willing to pay for a membership if anything at all. Though there are plenty of fun and free dating apps available, they don’t offer the same results as paid dating apps.
Paid dating apps have better features and high-quality matches, improving your chances of finding your perfect match. The saying, “You get what you pay for,” definitely applies here as we always have better success online when we invest in a membership.
If you’re not ready to pay for a membership just yet, take advantage of a free app or free trial instead. This can help you test the waters and learn more about what features you like and dislike. Just don’t expect too much from the experience.
Here are three of the best free dating sites in Los Angeles:
- Bumble
- Hinge
- OkCupid
You can use all three of these dating apps for free, or pay for additional features when you’re ready to improve your online dating experience.
