Best dating sites and apps for over-50s to find love in 2026

If you’re in your fifties or above, dating can seem like a daunting experience, especially if you’re re-entering the dating pool after a while. But it’s never been more popular, and this year is one of the best times for over-50s to start dating.

The number of people dating over 50 is rising in the UK, and research from the UK’s ONS showed that the proportion of adults who have never married or been in a civil partnership has increased every decade from 26.3% in 1991 to 37.9% in 2021.

This is an increase from 2002, when it was only six % of the British population. In addition, the ONS also reported that the proportion of adults who are divorced is similar in 2021 (9.1%) and 2011 (9.0%); however, while the proportion of younger adults who are divorced has decreased, the proportion of older adults has increased.

In 2022, a study conducted by the Ourtime dating site found that 59 % of 1,000 people over 50 said they’d never give up on finding the right person to spend their life with. This supports the stats showing that dating is becoming increasingly common later in life, and if you’re on the lookout for love, you’re definitely not the only one.

Sunlife’s 2024 research found that over 50s are very particular about a new partner’s physical appearance, personality traits, and lifestyle choices, so dating sites where these can be specified may be preferred for some seeking love.

With the popularity of dating later in life rising, looking for love online is definitely a great option for singles, and there are now a growing number of sites that cater specifically to the over-50 demographic, but general dating sites are also still an option. As more and more people are going online to meet people, it’s reassuring to know that there is a large pool of people in the same position and dating services are helping to bring singles together. If you’re finding it overwhelming to navigate the online dating world, Express.co.uk has put together a guide with the information you need to help you date when you’re above 50, and the best sites to use.

There are plenty of dating sites for over-50s in the UK. You can use some general dating sites like eHarmony and match.com, which have a huge number of users. eHarmony is one of the most popular dating sites with almost five million users in the UK and 60 million worldwide. While it’s suitable for ages 18 and up, six % of its users are above 55 and 18 % are aged between 45 – 54. Other popular dating sites for over 50s include Ourtime, which is specifically designed for over 50s, and has a high percentage of finding connections that are older. Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid and also very popular in the UK.

The best dating site for you completely depends on your priorities. Each dating site offers something different, for example, if you’re looking to attend organised events, OurTime might be the best option, or if finding a highly educated partner is important to you, you may want to opt for Elite Singles. Otherwise, if you want an easy-to-use and free option, DatingOver50s offers a simple way to find singles in your area.

Ourtime is available with a free sign-up and you can connect with other matches for free, while DatingOver50s offers free memberships and can be set up in just three steps. There are also several free dating apps, including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. eHarmony is also available with a free membership, and while it isn’t specifically targeted to over-50s, it’s got high activity and plenty of users. 

Although some dating sites do charge a membership fee or subscription, this can rule out singles who are not looking for serious relationships, as those seeking commitment are likely more willing to invest in the opportunity for long-term love.

Some sites and apps also have additional charges to unlock exclusive features.

Of course, there’s no way to know how long you’re going to need your membership for, but most of the dating sites offer free trials, followed by varying membership lengths, so it’s not essential to lock into a long-term plan.

Who is it for?

eHarmony is best for singles looking for serious, monogamous, long-term relationships or for getting back into the dating pool, as it’s one of the most popular dating sites.  While it isn’t specific to 50+, a 2020 article showed that the 55 to 64 age demographic is increasing on the site, and it has an even split of male and female users.

How does it work?

Based on a 2020 survey of UK, US, and Australian residents, eharmony was the most trusted dating site, which in a world where dating apps and sites are constantly derided for encouraging a casual dating culture, this level of trust is saying something. Using a tailored algorithm and 50 questions, the site creates “highly compatible relationships based on key dimensions of personality that predict the most successful, meaningful relationships”.

What devices does it work with?

You can use eHarmony on desktop and mobile through its app, which is compatible with both Android and iOS. You can also use eHarmony on your iPad, but you need to change the search options from iPad-only to iPhone.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, eHarmony offers a free trial with no end date or limitations on demographics. Plus, free-trial members also get special deep discounts of 40-60% off premium memberships.

Who is it for?

If you’re looking for serious, committed relationships or want to find people with similar hobbies, Ourtime is ideal for you and is a dating service that prioritises compatibility. Most users are based in the UK, US or Canada.

How does it work?

The site helps to match singles over 50 with similar interests, so you can be sure you’ll have things in common, and they even host local events so you can meet like-minded singles in person while having a fun day out. It’s very easy to use, all you need to do to make an account is sign up with your name, postcode, and email address, and then you can find local singles in minutes. There’s also a fun ‘flirt’ button you can use to let someone know you’re interested.

What devices is it compatible with?

OurTime is available to use online with its desktop site, and can be downloaded with its mobile app, which is compatible with iOS and Android users.

Is there a free trial?

Ourtime offers free registration that lets users create a profile, browse matches, and use limited features. While a formal, full-access “free trial” period is not standard, the free tier allows users to test the service, with options for paid subscriptions for messaging and enhanced features.

Who is it for?

While Silver Singles offers users the chance to find a variety of relationships and casual dating, most users report finding serious partners, making it great for long-term commitment. 

How does it work?

The site uses an in-depth personality test and a detailed profile option that generates an algorithm that optimises the search for ideal matches. In addition, users who are actively online also get prioritised with matches, so you can always find someone. You’re shown between 3 and 7 profiles per day, so you aren’t bombarded with too many options. With the free version, users can take the quiz and see matches, but must pay to interact. 

What devices is it compatible with?

Silver Singles is available on its website and in its mobile app, and is compatible with iOS and Android users.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, Silver Singles offers a free basic membership, and you can upgrade to a premium service that provides unlimited access to all profiles.

Who is it for?

If you’re nervous about dating again, Match makes it super easy. Although it’s not specifically targeted towards over-50-year-olds, there’s a wide age range on there. It has an even split between men and women, and interestingly, 59% of users in 2023 were reported to be single parents, which makes it a great site for single mums and dads.

How does it work?

The website is designed more towards people with serious intentions of finding love. It has a long-form profile so members can share up to 4,000 characters about themselves and up to 25 pictures. That’s significantly more than the apps you simply swipe through.

The site comes with prompts to help you make the first conversational move, and you can like up to 50 profiles a day with the free version. Match.com also has in-person events.

What devices is it compatible with?

You can use Match.com online on desktop or on its mobile app, which is compatible with iOS and Android.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, Match offers a free trial with unlimited matching and profile browsing. 

Who is it for?

DatingOver50s is strictly for over 50’s to find both relationships and friendships in their local area who share similar hobbies and interests. The handy aspect about this dating site is that it doesn’t cater for other ages, so there may be a wider pool of people within your age group.

How does it work?

Unlike some of the more time-consuming dating sites, this one requires you to simply make an account, add a profile photo and a bio, and search for people in your area, and because the site only caters to a specific age group, there’s less filtering needed. The quick and easy set-up is great if you have limited time or are looking for an uncomplicated process.

What devices does it work with?

DatingOver50s only works on desktop.

Is there a free trial?

The basic membership is free full stop, so there’s no free trial. There is also a premium version, which you can upgrade to for enhanced search and messaging.

Navigating online dating can be tricky, with many situations that only happen online. 

If you’re looking for advice, Married at First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling has shared tips on how to respond to popular online dating dilemmas.

“With phones being so integral to our everyday lives, our mobile habits and language can be a clear indicator of someone’s real self and dating personality – whether that’s their response speed, use of emojis and gifs, or message length,” she said.

“Understanding what these habits might say about your potential date will put you in good stead, giving you more confidence when digital dating.”

If this is your style, then shoot away and tango together. However, if you’re the type of person who gets grates on you, address it head-on. It might be that they’re simply not used to this messaging style with others, but are open to change.

Hopefully, by showing that you consistently group your own messages, they’ll get the hint. If you’re someone who is more concise with their responses and less frequent, maybe you can come to a compromise as you get to know them better.

If it’s a first-time outreach and you don’t get a response, they may feel you’re not a good match. After waiting a few days, it might be best to move on from that person. As there are large numbers of people using dating sites, it may take a few conversations and some patience before finding someone who is well-suited to you.

If someone you’ve been speaking to for a while has suddenly stopped replying to your messages, whilst it might seem daunting, ask them about it (unless you’re equally as relaxed about messaging). Knowing where you stand is always a great place to be and helps to manage your expectations, plus sometimes there could be a good explanation, so it’s still worth giving them a chance to explain.

If they hardly ever respond (and time length is a matter of personal opinion), then ditch. Don’t waste your time on someone who isn’t showing interest.

If you’re not a voice note person yourself, don’t feel overwhelmed. You don’t need to replicate this! With many of us hating the sound of our own voice recorded, feel at ease that they’re confident and happy to share this with you.

It might even encourage you to get involved and build your own confidence, as hearing someone’s voice could help you get to know them better and build a connection beyond messaging.

The short answer is yes, and with more and more adults turning to online dating, there are many success stories as the internet-based form of dating becomes common.

The success of your online dating experience doesn’t rely solely on the website you use – although the algorithm, sign-up process and matching system are important, it also comes down to the effort you put in.

While some dating sites have rigorous questions and do a detailed analysis of each user before they can officially start using them, once you start speaking to someone you’re interested in, it’s key to keep the communication clear and be clear about what you’re looking for.