Although there are plenty of eligible singles in Washington, DC, finding the one for you can be tough. Online dating, however, has made things easier! This is why you should be aware of the best dating apps and sites in Washington DC. Our team of experts has tested over 150 dating apps so you don’t have to. Whether you live near the president in Capitol Hill or in Kalorama near Jeff Bezos, we know which ones you should try!
COVID-19 has made online dating easier than ever, too. Never before has the opportunity been presented where so many incredible people can be found in one place - online! Because of the dangers attributed to meeting in person, dating sites and apps are now the go-to place to find your soulmate (or your next fling). Don’t miss out - find the one you want today!
If you know of an app or site that you think should be on our list, let us know in the comments below!
#1 - Hily makes dating fun (Android; iOS)
All you need is a good laugh with the right person to know they’re the one. Without a relaxed, lighthearted interaction - without having fun - that just isn’t possible. With Hily, you can have those conversations; you can have the conversations that give you butterflies - the ones that make you laugh until you cry. The ones that make you fall in love.
Find someone who makes you happy with Hily.
Why Hily is a great dating app
- Hily is meant for people who want a fun dating experience
- There are options to match with people internationally
- Video chat with amazing people through the app
What we don’t like about it
- With some phones, the app doesn’t perform well
- Plenty of features are trapped behind paywalls
#2 - eHarmony (Android; iOS) is one of the best dating sites in Washington DC for long-term relationships
eHarmony is extremely popular here and has an amazing track record of helping Washington DC 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 Washington DC
- 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 - TanTan makes conversations genuine (Android; iOS)
TanTan: a brilliant dating app that helps you (a brilliant person) with other equally brilliant people. Their goal is to connect genuine people in a genuine way.
So, if you’re tired of conversations that lack substance - conversations that make you want to pull your hair out of your head - then join TanTan today. Find someone genuine, rekindle lively conversations, and feel what it means to be connected once again.
Here’s why you’ll love TanTan
- TanTan focuses on connecting you with genuine people who value honest and profound conversations
- You can match with people from all around the world
- You don’t need to spend money to have a good experience
What we don’t like about it
- The app can be quite finicky
- There are more users in Asia than in the United States
#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 Washington DC 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 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 is great for getting to know someone (Android; iOS)
Hinge is the perfect dating app for people who want to get to know their matches. Hinge seamlessly integrates pictures and conversation prompts, so users can learn more about their matches beyond just their looks.
Users must upload six pictures and answer some conversation prompts. To match with someone, you must like or comment on a specific aspect of someone’s profile. This is a great way of ensuring people are actually looking at others’ profiles and not just blindly matching with anyone.
Why Hinge is one of our favorite apps
- Hinge is free to use and users can pay for additional features
- You receive a daily match recommendation
- Profiles include both pictures and fun conversation prompts
What we don’t like about it
- You may not be compatible with your daily match because Hinge doesn’t have personality tests
- There is a limit of ten likes per day with the free version
#6 - Plenty of Fish is one of the most successful dating apps (Android; iOS)
Plenty of Fish was inspired by the saying “there’s plenty of fish in the sea” when referring to dating. Plenty of Fish is thus a dating app to help you find the perfect fish. When you sign up, you must answer a detailed personality test. You will then receive match recommendations based on your answers, so you are more likely to actually have something in common. You can also search for matches yourself if you prefer.
Why Plenty of Fish is consistently one of the best Washington DC dating apps
- There are over 4 million active users on Plenty of Fish daily
- You will receive daily match recommendations you should be compatible with
- Users don’t need to match to message one another
What we don’t like about it
- There are many fake or outdated profiles on Plenty of Fish
- Finding your own matches can be time-consuming as there are limited search criteria
#7 - The Inner Circle offers a selective dating experience (Android; iOS)
The Inner Circle is one of the best dating apps in Washington DC for people who prefer quality over quantity. Many dating apps emphasize a huge dating pool so you can get tons of matches. The Inner Circle only allows young professionals so people can actually make an authentic connection.
To sign up, you must have an active Linkedin or Facebook account and The Inner Circle will decide whether you make the cut or not. This helps keep the dating pool exclusive so users can make quality connections. Once you’re approved, you can search for matches with detailed search criteria to find the perfect person.
Why The Inner Circle is such a great dating app
- Detailed search criteria help users find the perfect match
- There is an extensive vetting process to sign up so everyone is a good fit
- One of the best Washington DC dating apps if you want to attend exclusive events for members
What we don’t like about it
- You can’t send or receive messages with the free version
- Location is based on the nearest city, making it harder for people in the suburbs to meet people
#8 - Bumble is one of the best Washington DC dating apps for women who like to be in control (Android; iOS)
Bumble is one of the best dating apps for women who want control over their dating life. Most dating apps have more men than women, so women can be overwhelmed by constant messages. On Bumble, this won’t happen as the woman has to make the first move. Once both users like each other, the woman has to message first or the match will disappear within 24 hours. This gives them a say on who can message them so they won’t be bombarded by unwanted advances. It’s a great way to keep women on the app!
Why Bumble has made our list
- It’s one of the best dating apps in Washington DC for singles in their 20s and 30s
- Women can choose who can message them
- Bumble is very user friendly
What we don’t like about it
- Some women get cold feet and unmatch before sending a message
- Not many women are used to having to make the first move
#9 - Our Time is perfect for seniors (Android; iOS)
Our Time is one of the best dating apps in Washington DC for singles over 50 to find their match. Using popular dating apps like Tinder and Bumble when you’re older can be tough. The dating pool is mostly younger people looking for flings. On Our Time, you won’t have that issue as everyone will be over 50.
Using Our Time is super easy even if you aren’t tech-savvy as you will receive ten-match recommendations every day. If you prefer, you can also look for matches on your own. On your profile, you can include whether you’re looking for a casual relationship, marriage, or even penpals to attract people looking for the same thing.
Why Our Time is our favorite dating app for the older crowd
- Everyone on the app will be around your age
- You receive ten curated matches daily
- Members can send emails, chats, texts, gifts, flirts, or even talk on the phone through Our Time
What we don’t like about it
- Having so many features may overwhelm some users
- You need a paid membership to send messages
#10 - Chorus is great for matchmaking (Android; iOS)
Chorus is a dating app where the work is taken out of your hands and put into your friends’ hands. Instead of endlessly swiping through profiles, your friends will do it for you! You will sign up for Chorus and set up your profile like you would on any app. Then, your friends can sign up as matchmakers and take control of your profile.
Your friends tend to know you and your preferences better than you do, so they are sure to find the perfect matches. Users can even have a blind date where they will be paired with a random person for a five-minute video chat. This is a great way of getting to know someone!
Why Chorus is one of the best dating apps in Washington DC
- Your friends can have fun on the app and you reap the benefits
- You receive a notification every time your friend finds a match
- Five-minute video chats are a great way to quickly get to know someone
What we don’t like about it
- You can’t swipe on your own, so you have no control over your matches
- Blind date video chats are only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
The Best Dating Sites in DC for Long-Term Relationships
Are you looking for something long-term? For someone to be by your side forever? Do you want to snuggle up next to your dream guy/girl for the rest of your life? Maybe you’re just tired of partners entering your life, then leaving the next minute. Well, if any of those rings true, then this is the section for you.
Here are our top-2 picks for the best long-term dating apps in DC.
eHarmony is the go-to app for relationships
eHarmony is a dating site bound to find you, love. These guys have been in the business for 20 years already, and have made countless people’s lives better (people just like you). They make finding the love of your life, not a journey rife with pain and struggle, but instead something relaxing, enjoyable, and certain.
So, if you’re looking for a long-term dating site that’s reliable, then this is the option for you. Find who you were meant to be with… find your soulmate. Make your dreams come true with eHarmony today. Live the life you’ve always wanted to.
Hinge has lots of singles looking for love
Hinge, whether you believe it or not, actually works great for finding long-term love. No, it doesn't work quite as well as eHarmony under most circumstances, but it still can work great. You might have to do some more searching, some more “dating around” if you will, but if you can make it through that, you’ll be certain to find the one meant for you.
The Best Hookup Sites in DC
Looking to get freaky in the sheets tonight? Want someone to make your night - just tonight - filled with ecstasy and bliss? We’ve been there - we get you. Sometimes you don’t want something serious… sometimes you just want to have fun. Sometimes you don’t want to worry about what comes next, you just want to focus on what is happening right here, right now.
Here are our top picks for the best DC hookup sites.
AFF is one of the best dating sites for casual flings
If you want a fling, and you want one fast, then AFF is where you’ll find it. For years now AFF has been finding hookups for people just like you at unprecedented rates. This dating site was literally created to bring people together that want to have some fun and nothing more. It has worked for hundreds of thousands of individuals, and it’ll work for you too.
The first thing that’s going to come to mind when you go to their website is how hideous the design of it looks. But, remember: looks aren’t everything (at least when it comes to websites). Their service still works better than any other option out there. So, that’s why we’ve picked it as the best free hookup site in DC… because that’s exactly what you’re going to get - a hookup.
If you’re hot, Tinder works wonders
What makes Tinder great is its versatility. What we mean by that is the fact that you’ll be able to find someone to hook up with, date casually, have a long-term relationship with, and everything in between - it just matters what you’re looking for. With that, though, comes the issue of finding the right person for you; with such a large pool of singles, it’ll take some searching before you find a hookup because not everyone wants what you do. For that reason, we think Tinder is one of the best casual dating sites in DC.
The Best Free Dating Sites in DC
Free is AWESOME! These three apps will help you get a date, find a long-term partner, or hook up without you having to drop a single dollar. But, don’t forget: free options are free for a reason. They’ll work eventually, but that’s just it - you might have to do some searching, waiting, and withstand a few disappointments before finding who you’re looking for.
Here are our picks for the best free dating sites in DC.
- Coffee Meets Bagel
- Bumble
- Hinge
