Sex, Dating & Relationships
Dating

The best dating sites for introverts, wallflowers, and anyone hesitant to try online dating

Connect with like-minded people who just *get* you.
By Rudie Obias  on 
Editors and writers independently select products unless marked Sponsored or Promoted. Sponsored content is a paid ad, while content marked Promoted is chosen by Ziff Davis leadership. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Promoted cards do not include input from individual authors.

Our Top 13 Picks

Match (opens in a new tab)

Best for anonymous browsing

Want to browse without leaving a trace? Incognito Mode allows you to view profiles and stay anonymous without the other person ever knowing.

The Good

  • Free to sign up and get started
  • Available on mobile and desktop
  • Large user base, which means more potential matches (available in 60 countries)
  • A diverse group of users with a wide range of backgrounds and interests
  • Advanced search filters (e.g., age, location, interests, and more)

The Bad

  • Sued by the FTC in 2019 for sending members fake messages
  • Lengthy and time-consuming questionnaire
  • Limited functionality for free users (e.g., must have a paid subscription

The Bottom Line

Match is the gold standard for online dating and meeting new people. There are no gimmicks, just quality matches.
Pros & Cons

Hinge (opens in a new tab)

Best for conversation starters

Gone are the days of having to pick the perfect opening line out of thin air thanks to Hinge's prompts.

The Good

  • Free to sign up and get started
  • Focuses on meaningful connections
  • Features robust profiles
  • Offers video dating
  • Multiple ways to interact with other users

The Bad

  • Doesn't have a desktop version
  • Limited functionality for free users (e.g., limited likes)
  • Reports of member inactivity and dead profiles

The Bottom Line

Hinge is great for introverts who struggle with initiating conversations and coming up with topics to discuss with potential matches.
Pros & Cons

AdultFriendFinder (opens in a new tab)

For those looking for sex

This sex-focused site with a massive global user base is absolutely NSFW and often includes problematic language.
Pros & Cons

Bumble (opens in a new tab)

Best for mixing up messaging norms

Bumble is a dating app where women make the first move.

The Good

  • Women only get messages from men they want to talk to
  • Large user base
  • Eliminates "dead" matches that go nowhere
  • If you don't talk to your matches, they go away

The Bad

  • The expiration period could be longer
  • A lot of the same people as Tinder

The Bottom Line

If you're a guy who wants to receive messages first for a change, a woman who would like to minimize the amount of weird openers you receive, or a person who actually wants to have a conversation with the people you match with, Bumble is a good pick.
Pros & Cons

OkCupid (opens in a new tab)

Best free dating site

OkCupid is a popular dating app that uses a detailed questionnaire and algorithm to match users based on compatibility.

The Good

  • Free to get started
  • Inclusive identification options, including gender-fluid, non-binary, and two-spirit
  • Offers multiple "desired relationship type" options, including short-term dating, non-monogamist relationships, hookups, and even friendships
  • Great and intuitive design

The Bad

  • There are a lot of fake accounts
  • Free version includes ads
  • Incognito mode costs extra
  • Doesn't offer video chatting

The Bottom Line

A super popular dating site that has a great free option, inclusive vibes, and a large database of users.
Pros & Cons

SilverSingles (opens in a new tab)

Best for the 50+ club

Dating over 50 doesn't have to be a hassle. SilverSingles will give you thoughtful, quality matches that are most likely to turn into long-term partnerships.

The Good

  • Free to sign up and get started
  • Potential matches are sent to users daily
  • User-friendly interface
  • Age-specific community
  • Personality test to find compatible matches
  • Available on desktop and mobile
  • Security and profile verification are taken seriously

The Bad

  • Not for everyone over 40
  • Limited functionality with the free membership (e.g., users' photos are blurred out until you pay for a premium account)
  • Lengthy sign-up process
  • Premium memberships are pricey
  • Only three to seven matches per day
  • No search function
  • Not ideal for bisexual users

The Bottom Line

For older singles who don't want to search the world for matches around their age, SilverSingles offers thoughtful matchmaking.
Pros & Cons

EliteSingles (opens in a new tab)

Best for busy people

By taking an in-depth personality test, busy professionals can choose from a more refined selection of potential partners who are likely to be a good match for them.

The Good

  • Comprehensive profiles
  • Users are working professionals
  • Low chance of getting catfished
  • Verification and privacy are taken seriously

The Bad

  • Limited free trial; free users cannot see photos of potential matches until they upgrade
  • Distance filter starts at 50 miles
  • No support for nonbinary users
  • You need a premium account to get anything out of the dating site
  • Too pricey for spotty results

The Bottom Line

EliteSingles may sound high-end, but it is actually just one of the few dating websites that specifically targets singles who have earned degrees and have busy professional lives.
Pros & Cons

eharmony (opens in a new tab)

Best for a lifelong commitment

RelyID is a feature that verifies important information about other members, such as their name, location, and age, which can help you avoid getting tricked by fake profiles when searching for a serious relationship.

The Good

  • Free to sign up and get started
  • High success rate speaks for itself
  • Very user-friendly
  • Users make their intentions clear from the get-go
  • Detailed compatibility quiz
  • Offers video chatting

The Bad

  • Prices fluctuate often
  • Limited free trial and limited functionality with the free version (e.g., you may have to pay to message other members)
  • Lengthy sign-up process
  • Historically not super friendly to LGBTQ+
  • No support for nonbinary users

The Bottom Line

It has a great success rate with pairing singles together to become long-term and committed couples — not to mention thousands of marriages.
Pros & Cons

Lex (opens in a new tab)

Best queer dating app

Lex is akin to a flirtatious and engaging section of classified ads in a newspaper.

The Good

  • Free
  • Safe space for LGBTQ dating
  • Social media feel
  • Broad age and location ranges
  • Great for finding community outside of romance too

The Bad

  • The app is relatively new and could use some UX work and updates
  • Smaller user base
  • Limited posts
  • Lacks advanced filters

The Bottom Line

Lex is genuinely entertaining and can help you find people you connect with on an intellectual level instead of just physical.
Pros & Cons

Coffee Meets Bagel (opens in a new tab)

Best for planning dates Irl

Skip the endless browsing altogether: Coffee Meets Bagel sends curated matches and encourages meeting up.

The Good

  • Quality matches over quantity
  • No endlessly swiping
  • Emphasis on spending time with matches outside of the app
  • Only receive messages from profiles you've liked
  • Earn in-app currency through activities

The Bad

  • Limited number of potential matches per day
  • Small user base
  • You might see the same profiles again and again
  • Uneven gender split

The Bottom Line

CMB aims to help you connect with others and have face-to-face interactions, rather than solely relying on online communication.
Pros & Cons

Happn (opens in a new tab)

Best for people who believe in love at first sight

Too scared to approach cuties you see in passing? Happn makes it easier by introducing strangers who are within walking distance.

The Good

  • Free to sign up and easy to use
  • Alternative to approaching randoms in public
  • Features invisible mode
  • Doesn't require a Facebook login
  • A la carte features available for purchase

The Bad

  • Not many filters
  • Can't send messages unless you both "like" each other
  • Would be nice if more privacy features were available on free version
  • No desktop version

The Bottom Line

If you hate introducing yourself to strangers, Happn uses your current location to match you with people nearby.
Pros & Cons

heybaby (opens in a new tab)

Best for family oriented introverts

Heybaby is a dating app designed for parents and soon-to-be parents that lets you avoid uncomfortable discussions about parenthood and focus on finding connections.

The Good

  • A place just for family-minded individuals
  • Simple and clean app layout
  • Verification process more thorough than most apps

The Bad

  • Smaller user base since it is a niche newer app
  • No Android version is available (yet)

The Bottom Line

If you're a single parent that dreads the kid conversation, heybaby lets you skip it altogether.
Pros & Cons

Zoosk (opens in a new tab)

Best as a last resort option

Panicked about sending messages? Let Zoosk's Super Send feature send messages for you, but beware of inactive accounts.

The Good

  • Easy sign-up process
  • Behavioral match-making learns as you use the app
  • Large user base
  • Available in 80+ countries

The Bad

  • You need a subscription to do anything on the site
  • Facebook account required
  • Too many dead and fake accounts
  • Geared toward cis people
  • Can only choose one gender to seek out
  • Outdated and busy design
  • Facebook verification feels outdated

The Bottom Line

While Zoosk has millions of users on its platform, few are active or in use. The dating site is easy to use, but matching and meeting someone special might be challenging.
Pros & Cons

Not shy? Find yourself here by mistake? Perhaps you'd like our roundup of the best hookup sites instead.


Online dating is kind of the best thing that's ever happened to introverts.

Now, you can scan for a potential mate without ever leaving the comfort zone that is your couch. Of course, even with virtual dating, you'll eventually need to get up and go on a date. But hey, it's better than trying to find a single cutie in the dive bar crowd or approaching a random person in a coffee shop looking like the "two fingers touching" meme guy(opens in a new tab).

As most introverts know, getting your energy from alone time doesn't necessarily mean that you're shy. But whether or not you're on the more reserved side of the social spectrum, dating apps can be a great way to make a first move without feeling like you're putting yourself out there too much, too fast.

Do dating sites for introverts even exist?

If making conversation in large groups or going up to strangers is your personal idea of hell, there are dating sites out there that can cater to your specific needs. However, not all dating apps or sites are made equally introvert-friendly, so knowing what each can offer goes a long way. Tinder(opens in a new tab), for instance, seems to be the go-to for anyone dabbling with online dating, but it's not automatically an easy place to socialize just because it's behind a screen. It's crowded, full of users with unspecified intentions, and has more going on than most introverts will probably feel like dealing with, at least initially. If dating apps were places, Tinder would be the crowded bar full of bros.

Don't be fooled though — endless swiping and next to no filters are not the end of the road, and they certainly don't indicate you're too much of an introvert for online dating — maybe all you need is a dating site that gives you more control and the ability to take things at your own pace.

Have a hard time coming up with the perfect first line? There's an app for that. Prefer to make meaningful connections without revealing what you look like? We found a few websites with features that let you do that too. 

What are the best dating sites for introverts?

To help you heighten your odds of finding the person to match your awesomeness, we rounded up 13 of the best dating sites for introverts just like you. There are even a couple specifically for hooking up. (Hey, just because you're introverted doesn't mean you don't like to get it on. We see you.)

Best for anonymous browsing
Credit: Match
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • One month of Standard: $45.99
  • Three months of Standard : $95.97 ($31.99 per month)
  • Six months of Standard: $137.94 ($22.99 per month)
  • 12 months of Standard : $227.88 ($18.99 per month)
  • One month of Premium : $50.71
  • Three months of Premium: $104.97 ($34.99 per month)
  • Six months of Premium : $149.94 ($24.99 per month)
  • 12 months of Premium : $239.88 ($19.99 per month)

Who it's for:

This site is probably filled with your neighbors, old coworkers, new coworkers, and more. Match(opens in a new tab) is pretty popular with members with diverse backgrounds who share a few common goals: to meet other singles, find dates, form romantic relationships, and meet life partners. 

Why we picked this:

Match(opens in a new tab) is pretty much an open dating service. There's absolutely no limit to who you connect with or how often. After you set your dating criteria, the site will display possible matches. You can tweak or fine-tune the results as you wish. 

With plenty of filtering options, you can search for matches based on shared interests and hobbies, so you'll have something to chat about right away. And if you enjoy browsing anonymously, there's a feature called Incognito Mode that allows you to view profiles without the other person knowing.

You can join for free, but you'll need a premium membership to use most features. Prices fluctuate some but start around $45 for a month-to-month plan. As with pretty much all dating sites, the longer time commitment you make up front, the better month-to-month prices you'll get, though it is worth noting Match no longer offers their six-month free guarantee.

Read our full review of Match.

Best for conversation starters
Credit: Hinge
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • One month of Hinge+: $29.99
  • Three months of Hinge+: $59.99 ($19 per month)
  • Six months of Hinge+: $89.99 ($14 per month)
  • One month of HingeX: $49.99
  • Three months of HingeX: $99.99 ($33 per month)
  • Six months of HingeX: $149.99 ($24 per month)

Who it's for:

Hinge(opens in a new tab) is Tinder and Bumble's slightly more serious sibling, without being quite as serious as Match. It's consistently been the go-to for people open to something long-term but willing to see where a match may take them. The app also has additional gender options and a batch of LGBTQ-specific prompts(opens in a new tab), so it's not just catered to straight, binary/cisgender people.

A Hinge profile is made up of six photos/videos and three prompts, plus basic personal information like age, height, location, education, career, drinking habits, etc.

On your Discover page, you'll see one potential match at a time, and you're able to like or respond to any of their prompts or photos — tap on the heart in the lower corner, and you'll be given the option to type something in or just leave it at a like. In your "likes you" section, you'll see everyone who has liked or responded to something on your profile, and you have the option to respond, let them start the conversation, or pass on them.

The free version of Hinge only lets you see one like at a time, and you have to decide on them to see the next one. Preferred members can see all their matches at once and choose which ones they want to respond to first. Free users get eight likes per day, while preferred members can send out as many likes as they please.

Why we picked this:

Because the app is so prompt-focused, introverts will have a jumping-off point for starting a conversation. The prompts also allow you to show off some of your personality that might not come across naturally if you're more reserved. The audio prompts are an especially fun way to put your personality out without feeling like you're putting yourself out there. Since you see who likes you one profile at a time and are limited (in the free version) to only so many likes daily, there's no pressure to engage in every introvert's nightmare and keep up conversations with 10 different people at once.

If you're not keen on meeting in person right away but still want to go on dates, Hinge also has integrated video dating.

The basic version is completely free and is pretty extensive. You can totally use the app long-term without paying a cent — you'll have to sift through matches one by one. If you like the freedom to browse, you might want to upgrade. Preferred members also get their profiles seen more, so it could be worth it if you're really looking for a relationship.

For those looking for sex
PROMOTED
Credit: AdultFriendFinder
Specs
  • One month of Gold: $27.95
  • Three months of Gold: $59.85 ($19.95 per month)
  • 12 months of Gold: $179.40 ($14.95 per month)
Best for mixing up messaging norms
Credit: Bumble
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • One month of Premium : $29.99
  • Three months of Premium : $59.99 ($19.99 per month)
  • Six months of Premium : $99.99 ($16.66 per month)
  • Lifetime of Premium : $149.99

Who it's for:

Bumble pushes women to make the first move, so they'll never have to deal with the spam messages or dead matches they'd find on Tinder.

Meet the dating app version of the Sadie Hawkins dance, created by ex-Tinder employees. To correct one of the common complaints of dating apps — that women get spammed with tons of creepy messages — women must first message with Bumble. It pushes some women out of their comfort zone, but like Tinder, you'll at least know that someone also swiped right on you before making a move. It also takes the pressure off of dudes who need to start the conversation every time. (For same-sex matches, either party can start things off.) 

You'll see pictures and short bios of potential matches in your area and can swipe depending on your interest. It's a pretty close mock of Tinder, except that Bumble relieves the anxiety of accidentally swiping left on a hottie by letting you backtrack. Bumble also offers a BFF feature to find strictly platonic friends and a LinkedIn-ish networking feature called Bizz to remind everyone that it's not just a hookup app.

Why we picked this:

Matches expire after 24 hours, so you can't agonize over that opening line for too long, and your match list won't be filled with people you forgot you matched with 57 weeks ago. It's a win-win setup for introverted people who don't want to be bombarded with messages from people who have no intention of following through and for those who need a little pressure to get the conversation going. 

Bumble has two paid tiers, Boost and Premium(opens in a new tab). Both include backtracking, extending your time, and unlimited swipes. With Premium, you'll also get access to advanced filters, Beeline, and Incognito mode.  

Read our full review of Bumble.

Best free dating site
Credit: OkCupid
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • One month of OkCupid Basic: $34.99
  • Three months of OkCupid Basic: $23.33 per month
  • Six months of OkCupid Basic: $17.49 per month
  • One month of OkCupid Premium: $44.99
  • Three months of OkCupid Premium: $29.99 per month
  • Six months of OkCupid Premium: $22.49 per month

Who it's for:

OkCupid(opens in a new tab) is designed for individuals interested in finding meaningful connections and relationships and willing to invest time and effort into creating a detailed and informative profile to increase their chances of finding compatible matches. Most of its users are between 25 and 34.

Algorithms, formulas, heuristics — the site uses a lot of crazy math stuff to help people find their matches faster. Besides the numbers, the mix of straightforward questions, like "Do you think it’s important to have an emotional connection before a physical one" and more lightly revealing ones, like "Do you clap when the plane lands?" With each question, you also note what answers you'll accept and how important each question is to you. You'll see a percentage rating on each profile you encounter, letting you know the odds of success. 

Why we picked this:

You can really be yourself on OkCupid(opens in a new tab). Whether you're looking for the relationship of your dreams, a one-night stand, or a sham marriage (seriously, we’re not judging), OkCupid doesn't care unless you're being a jerk about it. On OkCupid, you’re more than just a photo, and you can share stories, your passions, and pretty much anything else you want and feel totally at home. 

A basic account is always free. But you can enjoy some paid extras if you want a more premium experience. If you pay for the Basic membership, you can cut out the ads, send unlimited likes, filter out your dealbreakers, and see everyone who's messaged you at once. 

If you spring for Premium, you'll get access to an incognito mode that lets you be invisible to everyone on the site unless you like or message them. Basic memberships start at $34.99 per month, and Premium starts at $44.99 per month. 

Read our full review of OkCupid.

Best for the 50+ club
Credit: SilverSingles
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • Three months of Premium Intro: $57.80 per month
  • Six months of Enjoy the Love Plan: $23.62 per month
  • 12 months of Long-Term Value Plan: $18.70 per month

Who it's for:

SilverSingles(opens in a new tab) is geared toward people who are 50 and older and looking to jump into the dating pool or back into the dating pool after a hiatus. The site boasts "mature, older, and senior singles" who mainly seek long-lasting connections instead of quick flings. With over 20% of users older than 50, dating doesn't have to mean fishing for people your age on sites like eHarmony and Match.

After answering basic questions about yourself and your desired partner, you can rank how important qualities like age and education level are to a potential match. Then, you can take SilverSingles' in-depth personality questionnaire, which uses the same five-factor model that EliteSingles uses to explore your personality and relationship desires, from how you handle conflict to what you're looking for in a partner.

Why we picked this:

Since there's no swiping involved, you won't come across many matches daily with the pressure to message each person you see. SilverSingles does the hard work for you, using its thorough compatibility model to send you between three to five ideal matches daily.

Each profile is rich with information, too, so you can find out much about the person you matched with before you chat with them.

Best for busy people
Credit: EliteSingles
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • Premium Classic: $59.95
  • Three months of Premium Light: $173.85 ($57.95 per month)
  • Six months of Premium Comfort: $269.70 ($44.95 per month)

Who it's for:

EliteSingles(opens in a new tab) says its users are mainly educated, relatively affluent adults between the ages of 30 and 55 who are in search of long-term commitment. The site breakdown by gender is 56 percent women and 44 percent men, with more than 170,000 users. 

To find like-minded matches, EliteSingles has you take an in-depth personality test. The test will evaluate your level of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Based on the results, smart profiling can send you three to seven compatible matches every day. 

Why we picked this:

Since the personality test can identify the traits that really make you who you are, the dating service can match you with exactly the type of personality you'd be most compatible with. 

The extensive personality testing leads to interesting conversation starters, and it's easier to find people you'll have things in common with. You can even identify yourself as an introvert.

It's free to sign up, but if you want to enjoy any of the most important features like daily matches, it'll cost you. While it's not the most expensive site, it sits on the pricier end, especially considering its smaller user base.

Read our comparison of eharmony vs. EliteSingles.

Best for a lifelong commitment
Credit: eharmony
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • Six months of Premium Light: $69.90 per month
  • 12 months of Premium Plus: $49.90 per month
  • 24 months of Premium: $39.90 per month

Who it's for:

eharmony(opens in a new tab) is best for individuals seeking a serious, long-term relationship. It's also a good option for those who value a more guided, structured approach to online dating.

eharmony uses a compatibility matching system that pairs relationship hopefuls based on 32 different dimensions of compatibility(opens in a new tab). To get started, fill out the relationship questionnaire, and once you're confirmed as legit, the website will send you your compatible matches.

Why we picked this:

eharmony has a feature called RelyID that helps verify the information provided by other members, like their name, city, and age. You know what that means? No catfishing. Also, your profile is only visible to the people who are a good match for you, so the experience can help narrow your potential matches down to only those who are a good fit. 

Results from your personality quiz, prompts you answer, and photos you upload help steer the conversation, so you'll have plenty of jumping-off points. But there's also Guided Communication, a four-step communication program with your matches if you need extra help. If that doesn't work, the site also offers free dating advice(opens in a new tab).

eharmony's pricing heavily fluctuates depending on where and when you sign up. Tentatively, one month of the service will cost you $69.90. Regardless of the current price, eharmony is one of the most expensive mainstream dating sites.

Read our full review of eharmony or our comparison of eharmony vs. EliteSingles.

Best queer dating app
Specs
  • Free version: Yes

Who it's for:

Lex(opens in a new tab)'s FAQ says "If you identify as part of the LGBT+ community, you are welcome to find queer friendship and community on Lex."(opens in a new tab)

Inspired by newspaper ads, Lex is a text-based app where you can write personal "ads" and notes about yourself or the type of partner you're looking for. There's no swiping or selfies, though you can connect your Instagram if you like.

Why we picked this:

Because there are no photos, you can really hide behind a screen and your words. Lex is more like a queer social media platform than a traditional dating app. You can post, edit, and delete your ads 24/7 and chat with other users via in-app messaging.

Lex is low-key and low-pressure with a community vibe. There are search and filter functions that allow you to find exactly what you're looking for. It's an especially great app if you're recently out and nervous about diving into the queer dating pool.

The best part? It's totally free.

Best for planning dates Irl
Credit: Coffee Meets Bagel
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • One month of Premium: $35
  • Three months of Premium: $75 ($25 per month)
  • Six months of Premium: $120 ($20 per month)

Who it's for:

Coffee Meets Bagel(opens in a new tab) is designed for busy singles looking to build real connections with little to no effort. Users are genuinely looking for something serious, so combining those factors means you'll find a lot of the young professional crowd in their late 20s and 30s on this app. 

CMB(opens in a new tab) uses an algorithm that considers basic info like your location, age, ethnicity, height, religion, and more nuanced criteria like your social network and interests to pair you with potential matches. While you used to need a Facebook account to log in, you can now use the social media site or your phone number.

Why we picked this:

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. LGBTQ members are sent preselected potential matches every day.

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. Chatting expires after seven days to encourage people to actually start a conversation. It's all the convenience of connecting online, minus the seemingly endless and overwhelming options. 

Best for people who believe in love at first sight
Credit: Happn
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • One month of Premium: $24.99
  • Six months of Premium: $89.99 ($15 per month)
  • 12 months of Premium: $119.99 ($10 per month)

Who it's for:

Happn is a dating app for anyone who wants to connect with people they've crossed paths with in real life.

Since its debut in 2014, Happn has been challenging Tinder directly(opens in a new tab) and has the same young swiping app crowd you'd expect. Happn has around 70 million users, with 1.5 million new users monthly. While it doesn't have as many users as the big mainstream dating apps, it has a pretty decent user pool for what it's trying to do.

Believing in love at first sight is kind of hard when you're too nervous to introduce yourself at first sight. Happn uses your current location to alert you of other users nearby, so if you're too scared to talk to a random cutie on the train or in a coffee shop, Happn can help you match with them and tip you off to other singles who are nearby. It's like having a wingman (minus the bad jokes).

Why we picked this:

While Tinder (and most other dating apps) use your location to some extent, most still require some effort to actually see the person IRL. 

Perhaps there's someone you pass on your walk every morning who has caught your eye, but you've accepted that you'll never meet them — because there's no way in hell you'll start a conversation. If your unidentified crush also has Happn, they'd receive a notification that you exist. If they're interested too, Happn will match you, and the conversation can start from there. There's also an interactive map that shows everyone you've crossed paths with in the last seven days.

If you're really nervous, you can "secret like" someone, and they won't know that you've liked them unless they also like you. This app has plenty of features for people nervous about traditional online dating.

The "Are you single?" conversation is easily one of the most awkward parts of going up to a hottie in a crowd, but Happn helps to detect who's looking and who's not (if they have the app, of course). AskMen's review(opens in a new tab) said it best: "Happn formulates a happy medium between algorithmic online dating and chance encounters."

Most features are free, but you can upgrade to a premium account to see everyone who's liked you, use invisible mode to avoid matching with people at a certain location, hide information on your profile, and more.

Best for family oriented introverts
Credit: heybaby
Specs
  • Free version: Yes

Who it's for:

Heybaby is for people who want or have kids. This app for parents or parents-to-be fills an empty gap in the online dating marketplace, but since it went live in 2020, a relatively recent time in dating app years, it doesn't have the most extensive user base yet. 

Being parents can help form a connection, but having similar approaches to parenting is what can make that connection last. That's why heybaby has its users answer a few questions up top, so once you start swiping, you can see your compatibility score with other users based on how many answers you have in common. On some profiles, you'll notice you can improve your score, which means you can answer the questions a potential has, but you haven't — since the app only starts you out with three questions, this step is pretty crucial. 

Why we picked this:

If you're a parent or want kids in the future, knowing when to bring that up with a potential partner can be a little anxiety-inducing. Knowing that you're on the same page with someone from the get-go can save you a lot of energy in the long run, so heybaby's pool of other parents and future parents alike helps add some ease into the search for your someone. 

heybaby also has a more involved process to make sure users are real. To become verified, you have to snap a pic of yourself copying a pose, basically functioning as the dating app version of a Reddit AMA picture. You won't get verified right away — the app emails you some hours later, letting you know whether or not they accepted the picture as legit. 

Best as a last resort option
Credit: Zoosk
Specs
  • Free version: Yes
  • One month of Premium: $29.95
  • Three months of Premium: $59.95 ($19.98 per month)
  • Six months of Premium: $74.99 ($12.50 per month)
  • 12 months of Premium: $149.95 ($12.50 per month)

Who it's for:

Zoosk(opens in a new tab) is for anyone who wants to explore online dating, particularly those open to a range of relationship types and looking for a platform with a large and diverse user base.

Like a good wingman (or wing woman), Zoosk(opens in a new tab) starts to understand you more and more as time goes on to help introduce you to the person you can spend the night or the rest of your life with. The site's unique algorithm recognizes your preferences through the actions you take. The more you interact with the site, the better it can match you with your ideal human. The only problem is, there doesn't seem to be a bunch of humans actually using the website. Once you log on, you'll realize that if Zoosk was once a great place to meet people, it's now a shadow of its former self. 

Why we picked this:

The SmartPick can be your best friend, serving as the best icebreaker. If both you and someone you're interested in vote "yes" on each other's profiles, the SmartPick feature will let you know the good news by email and shoot you a message in your Zoosk inbox. Another good option is the Super Send feature, which could help eliminate the scary feeling of being the one to make the first move. Choose a message to break the ice, then allow Zoosk to blast it out to other members for you using Super Send. One huge downside is that you have to pay to use either of these features; again, you shouldn't expect you'll even run into many active accounts. If you feel that every other dating site and app has let you down, Zoosk is technically an option. 

Read our full review of Zoosk.

More in Dating, Sex

How we tested

We spent countless hours researching and testing various dating sites for introverts to bring you this roundup.

Our testing process involved creating complete and minimal profiles to understand how each site's matching algorithms and features worked. We also considered user-friendliness, privacy features, reported success rates, and overall vibe to ensure each site would be extra appealing to introverted daters.

We reviewed expert opinions and analyzed user feedback to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the sites we selected. And, of course, many of the sites on our list have been hands-on tested and reviewed by Mashable staff writers or freelance writers with experience in researching and writing about Sex, Dating & Relationships.


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