The best dating sites to find a connection by this weekend

Zoosk is for people who want something serious, but are open to anyone in the world.
What initially began as a Facebook app developed in 2007 has grown into a company with 35 million users in more than 80 countries. Rather than asking its users for dating questions, Zoosk picks dates for its users based on a user's on-site activity. If you shoot a message to Jake Doe, for example, Zoosk says it'll use that action to determine which types of profiles to show you going forward."Zoosk is fun and flirty," Spira says. "It does cater to a younger crowd – more of a millennial crowd."
Zoosk is free to sign up, but you'll need a paid subscription to interact with other users. The company also uses its own form of currency called Zoosk coins that are available for purchase. Daters can use these for features like adding a "boost" to their own profiles in search or sending another user a "virtual gift." Users can browse the site on both desktop and mobile.

Match is great for literally everyone.
Before there were apps on which one could swipe right and left on a dizzying number of potential connections, there was Match. Yes, Match is the mother of all dating sites. Launched back in 1995, its decades in the business help it bring a ton of insight to the table for singles looking for all kinds of connections. And with its more recent push into mobile come a few new features that have helped make the ancient site more relevant, including its very own version of Stories, popularized by Snapchat and, uh ... adopted by everyone else. Match users can shoot little videos of their day or add voiceovers to photos and post them to their profiles for other users to check out. "Match is the family brand," Spira says. "It's the one where someone could see their grandmother on, and someone could see their grandson on. It has the largest critical mass, and they have done a fabulous job of keeping up with the technology."
It's technically free to build a profile and browse for matches, but users who want to engage in direct messaging with their matches will have to upgrade to a paid membership, which costs on average about $20 per month. There's also a free trial option.
Match users can browse on desktop and on mobile through its app. The site also recently added Missed Connections which, like the app Happn, tells users who they've crossed paths with recently. More than 25,000 new users join each day, apparently, and Spira says it "spans a lot of different relationship types," from casual to serious.

AdultFriendFinder is our pick for the best hookup site, and that's because it's literally impossible to walk away unsatisfied. It's like a Pornhub that you can actually interact with. Regardless of whether you're looking for an in-person hookup or to blow off some steam via sexting or raunchy videos, AFF has everything that your dirty mind can think of and more. Almost nothing is blurred out (no, really, there are lots of unsolicited dick pics), v=but if you don't mind that the entire thing looks like a sketchy "There are hot singles in your area" ad, you'll be in heaven. (Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder here.)
With over 25 million monthly users (that's more than eharmony) as well as live video options, chat rooms, groups for ultra specific kinks, and more, you can probably assume how wild this site can get. But there's such a large and diverse group of potential matches, you're very likely to find someone who's on the same page as you. The part that you wouldn't expect is the fact that they do offer tons of compatibility questions and matchmaking services, because they're that intent on finding you a good lay.
Another bonus is that AdultFriendFinder is like the dating site version of New York City (AKA it never sleeps). You'll find people who work the regular 9-5, people who work the night shift, and people in other time zones, so it's nearly impossible to log on and not have people to talk to. AdultFriendFinder is like the booty call that's always awake when you text them. 
You can read our full review on AdultFriendFinder here and sign up here.

The dating site eharmony is best suited for straight people who *really* want to get married.
Founded in 2000 by Dr. Neil Clark Warren, eharmony is the site for serious daters. A spokesperson for the site says it's been used by 54 million people, and is apparently responsible for 4 percent of U.S. marriages. (Read our full review of eharmony here.)
Users answer a lengthy questionnaire that helps eharmony determine what it calls a "a select group of compatible matches with whom you can build a quality relationship." Spira says she always seen eharmony as a "matrimonial dating site."
SEE ALSO: Read our full review of eharmony
"That doesn’t mean you’re going to walk down the aisle, but it certainly means that you’re looking for a very serious relationship that may or may not lead to marriage. It may lead to living together or at least being in an exclusive, committed relationship."
Profiles also look really nice, like a fancy résumé designed by a graphic designer. You even have the option to put your favorite TV shows, music, sports, and more on your profile, and I really appreciated that they allow your personality to be the main focus.
While it's free to make an account, answer questions, and see your matches, you'll need to select a paid membership to make contact. Prices start at $22.95 per month and eharmony is available on both desktop and through its app.
It's not recommended for users looking to date casually or for daters looking for same-sex relationships. Offering men seeking men or women seeking women options should be a no-brainer — but eharmony's founders are pretty conservative. Neil Warren, the octogenarian cofounder and CEO, insists that the whole ordeal wasn't an anti-gay thing at all. "We didn't want to pretend to be experts on gay and lesbian couples," said Warren in a 2016 CNN article. "We're not anti-gay at all ...It's a different match." 
But come on dude — you guys have been studying and perfecting the matchmaking process for nearly 20 years, but you don't understand same sex or queer relationship dynamics? 
To settle a 2005 discrimination lawsuit brought against eharmony by same-sex couples, the site launched a gay and lesbian-specific site called Compatible Partners in 2009. 

The site is literally called iHookup and it's used for exactly what it sounds like — need we say anything else? It's slightly less risqué than its main competitor AdultFriendFinder, but still clearly used for the same thing. 
One of the main differences between iHookup and the numerous other sites used for hookups is that your feed won't make you feel like you've been violated. Members actually post pictures of their faces (instead of their nether regions) and put effort into their profiles. It's a really nice change of pace for people who are in the mood, but not so in the mood that they need porn shoved in their face. (It's still X-rated though, don't you worry — you'll realize that when you're bombarded by gross ads.)
On the downside, the website is more of a Facebook for horny people than an all-encompassing hookup site. There aren't nearly as many ways to get involved with other horny members, and that might just be because the user base simply isn't as big. (However, give it a year or two and we wouldn't be surprised if it competed with the ranks of eharmony.) iHookup also offers many "What are you like?" and "What are you looking for?" questions that can be displayed on your profile, and they even give you a "between the sheets" sex compatibility ranking for each user you come across. (Read our full review of iHookup here.)
To see everything the site has to offer, you will have to fork over some coin: A year-long gold membership  is only $9.99/month, but one month is $34.99. It seems kind of pricey for a site that hasn't yet made it's mark on the world, but they guarantee that if you don't get a hookup in your first three months, they'll give you three months for free. 
Because the member base isn't as robust and is more spread out geographically, you might want to be a little more lenient with your mile radius when it comes to the matches they suggest. You'll probably be able to find a nearby hookup, but iHookup is a way better place for someone looking for a cute sexting partner from another country. Which is totally fine — sometimes you just don't feel like leaving the house. Check out our full review of iHookup here and sign up here.

EliteSingles is best for picky people looking for something super specific in a partner. And guys, this is not the place for the younger millennials: EliteSingles loves to brag that 82% of their members are college grads, and with most of its members being 33-50 years old, we can pretty surely say that the main target is mature, working professionals rather than the the Tinder generation. Sorry college kids.
Rather than being thrown into an endless pool of profiles, EliteSingles lets you pick out exactly what you're looking for. You'll be given a limited number of matches curated for you using 29 extremely detailed, professional-level algorithms based on the popular Five Factor Personality Test. They'll even show you your own results in comparison to those of potential matches to see how you stack up. (Read our full review of EliteSingles here.)
Like eharmony, the stuff you need to fill out is pretty lengthy — but that's what you want if you're looking for a lasting relationship, and this helps ensure that you aren't swiping through tons of people that aren't your type. Slow and steady wins the race, right?
There are separate pools based on location, religion, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation. You can even break it down by profession. For example, if you are or were a teacher, you might only want to date someone who was also a teacher. 
Another nice thing? All profiles are verified manually with an upscale Fraud Detection System.
As you could have expected from the fancy-sounding name, EliteSingles is the most expensive of the bunch (but we say worth it). Sign up here.

Are you broke and single? Plenty of Fish is for you.
Plenty of Fish, sometime styled as POF, boasts 4 million daily active users, with 65,000 new users each day, apparently, and claims users send 1 billion messages per month. After registering for POF, hopeful daters take a personality test that then helps POF determine what they call, "Your Relationship Needs." Basically, it's a way to make sure users know what they want from their love lives, and to ensure that it serves users other profiles that meet that criteria. One unusual quirk: The site recently launched a feature that allows users to message others through Google Home. Says Spira: "They have a large user base, are a free site, and are very popular."
POF is pretty much entirely free, but does offer upgrades. Like Zoosk, POF offers "tokens" that let users "highlight" their profiles so that they stand out to other users, send a message that goes straight to the top of their inboxes, or send a "Super Yes" to users they're particularly interested in. It has both a desktop site and an app.

Who's online: Coffee Meets Bagel is designed for busy singles who are looking to build real connections with little to no effort. 
How it works: CMB uses an algorithm that takes into consideration basic info like your location, age, ethnicity, height, and religion, plus more nuanced criteria like your social network and interests to pair you with potential matches. You'll need a Facebook account to join. 
Features for introverts: Instead of swiping, browsing, poking, and messaging your way into someone's inbox only to never hear back, this app will send you a potential match every day at noon. Men receive curated matches based on the algorithm and women will only be presented with potential matches (called Bagels) that have already expressed interest. 
Once there's a connection, the app sends you to a private chat room with icebreaker questions to get things started. CMB also follows up to encourage your first date. LGBTQ members are sent preselected potential matches everyday also.
What it'll cost you: For a 1-month membership, you'll pay $34.99. For 3-month renewals the cost is $24.99/month and for 6-month renewals you'll pay $19.99/month. If you want to just go ahead and sign up for the whole year, you'll be charged $14.99 per month.  
Try it here: coffeemeetsbagel.com.

Couples spicing things up with the help of another couple is way more common than people think, despite what Tinder may lead you to believe. When you advertise as a swinger on such a mainstream app, most of the bites you'll get are people looking for a threesome or people who don't quite understand the "partner swapping" concept. 
If you're tired of explaining the setup you want, it's time to make the switch to a site devoted to swinging. Opt for 99 Flavors, where everyone knows what's up and isn't afraid to make the first move.
Signing up as a couple has its benefits: The other users instantly know who's involved and if it's something they're interested in, both of you can search for partners, and both of you can participate in video chats and sexting. 99 Flavor's thing is that it's always couples talking to couples — so there don't have to be any "Oh yeah, my girlfriend is also here," type conversations that are almost inevitable on singles' apps.
Sign-up is quick, with simple questions like sexual orientation. But be warned: Once you confirm your email address and choose a subscription plan, you will see genitals everywhere. It's your average ad-ridden splatter of nether region close-ups and X-rated self-timer photos — but hey, some people want that. Let's just hope you like it enough to pay $20 a month for it.
Member profiles can be extremely detailed and there are about 93 million active profiles, so finding a match that's down for whatever won't take long — no matter what time it is. You can use the instant message function, exchange photos and videos, video chat, or save the dirty stuff for a meet-up IRL.

Take what you know about cams sites and erase it from memory — Cams.com is the only one you'll ever need again. From teledildonics to customization tools to nearly limitless HD video chat, this is the site to visit if you're thinking about switching from porn to live streams.
Cam sites get a pretty bad rep around these parts. Thanks to the myriad of obnoxious clips on Pornhub and sites that steal your credit card info for shitty ripoff videos, the search for a reliable cams site may seem bleak. Cams.com is looking to change what it means to be a cam girl or cam guy — AskMen's review even says that it's becoming the gold standard of cams sites. Instead of paying for a monthly membership, you have to buy tokens to do much of anything. It seems like much more of a hassle than paying for a monthly membership, but the token currency allows you to tip models, buy sex toys directly from the site, and pay for private shows.
Despite the fact that there's (obviously) a screen between you and the other person, Cams.com goes above and beyond to ensure that things still get hot and heavy. With 14,000 female, male, and trans models (with new ones added every day), spicing things up from your usual type is a go — plus, there will always be someone online and ready to rumble.
The assortment of HD live streams isn't even the best part here, and that's saying something. Cams.com cranks the tension up a notch with teledildonics: A fancy word for Bluetooth sex toys that make physical pleasure over distance possible. Order a toy through LoveSense or OhMiBod, download the app, and let the model control the vibrations almost as if you were there. It's basically a one-night stand without even leaving the house.

Aren't you glad to not see Grindr listed as the go-to for gay guys? Grindr's massive user base and focus on finding local hookups make it almost untouchable, but the lack of profile details and impersonal conversations get old fast. Just because you're looking for a hookup does not mean that you want to be greeted with a dick pic. Gay Friend Finder is a slightly outdated but much slower-paced alternative for gay men who want to hook up, but still like to see a profile with some personality.
In business since 1996, Gay Friend Finder is one of the OGs in connecting local gay men — whether that be singles, couples, or groups. Unlike Grindr, which has at least five matches for you at any given time of the day, Gay Friend Finder's user base is a bit of a desert. With an active user base of under 50,000 men, don't get your hopes up about an immediate hookup. However, the small circle of men who do have profiles are mature (the majority are 30 or older), and may be more likely to want an ongoing friends-with-benefits thing than a mindless booty call. It's a good thing there aren't many users to fish through, because filtering options are almost non-existent.
For a site that's lacking in numbers, community is huge on Gay Friend Finder. Relatively in-depth user profiles, a collection of original blogs, and ways to interact other than private messaging give users a chance to bond with other gay men in a way that strictly hookup-oriented sites don't bother with. But don't worry — there's still plenty of heart rate-raising material here.

At some point, even iHookups and AdultFriendFinder can start to feel bland. Sure, there may be thousands of hot singles in your area — but no one ever said they'd be interested in anything more than five minutes in the missionary position. If Rihanna iconic line about chains and whips speaks to you, then you may consider taking a ride on ALT.
A self-proclaimed "BDSM, fetish, and kink site," ALT is one of the rare sites that's dedicated to bondage, erotic role play, and a whole lotta leather. Quick sign-up questions about gender, sexual orientation, and whether you're dominant or submissive come first, but the actual questionnaire is pretty lengthy for a site that's only fostering quick connections. However, those with very specific predilections will appreciate this attention to detail. 
What's so nice about ALT is that it gives you the chance to find a quick hookup or just meet new people who are into the same stuff you are — without having to worry that you'll be judged. With the ability to interact in private chat networks or create your own blog (aside from the expected live video broadcasts and fetish videos), you're guaranteed to at least come away with some advice or a list of new handcuffs to try.
It's true that most people care more about the hookups they get out of a site than the site's aesthetic itself — but it turns into a problem when the site's design is so messy that it becomes difficult to navigate. ALT is a landfill of profiles, blogs, videos, and the occasional animated porn ad. It really is an impressive wealth of content, but the user-friendliness could be a turnoff for some. 

OkCupid is ideally suited for, without a doubt, woke liberals.
On OkCupid, users can offer a ton of information about themselves through the site's Match Questions. Examples include: "Would you date someone who keeps a gun in the house?" or "Should the government require children be vaccinated for preventable diseases?" The answers to these questions help OkCupid determine which members might be a good match for one another. Of note: Per OkCupid's own stats, liberal women in particular have luck on the site. And in 2017, the site offered users the chance to answer 50 "current events" questions that illuminate a user's politics. (Read our full review here.)
"OkCupid has been a favorite of mine for years," Spira says. "I always liked OkCupid because they have a great critical mass and they have the thought-provoking questions that really allow you to think about how you feel about some of these issues, whether it’s politics or gun control, and how do you feel about your date’s answers. People spend a lot of time on site just perusing the questions that other people answer, and I like that."
While OkCupid is free for the most part, it does offer some paid upgrades for features like increased search abilities, a "free automatic boost per day during prime time," or even the option to browse privately in "Incognito Mode."